[LAU] USB Mixers

[Fons Adriaensen]

On Sat, Jan 28, 2012 at 05:06:01PM -0700, Bob van der Poel wrote:
> I'm looking for a new mixer and wondering if I should bother with one
> of the USB units. From what I read they will send a signal back to the
> computer for recording. Cool. Not something I'd use everyday, but
> might be handy when I think I'm doing something good enough to
> record/share :)
> 
> Now, I also see that they seem to use USB 2. Is that a linux problem?

If it's not class-compliant you need a specific driver. The specs
should tell you.
 
> Would a moderately new desktop keep up to a multitrack usb stream?

No problem.
 
> I'm assuming that these units send multi tracks to the computer
> unmixed? Or is it just a copy of the 2 channel out?

Assuming is one thing, reading the specs is another. If there are any. 
 
> Here's one example:
> 
> http://www.music123.com/Pro-Audio/Mixers/Unpowered-Mixers/XENYX-X1622USB-USB-Mixer-with-Effects.site7sku485372000000000.sku
> 
> Not sold on Behringer or this model, just looking around today.

$240. If a mixer is sold for that price, and everybody in the chain
has to make a profit on it, then it was built for $40 or less. That's
the price of one decent fader. It may last a year or so. After that
it will be scrap, to be exported to Africa where child labour slaves
will burn away all the plastic to recover a few grams of copper.

Ciao,

-- 
FA

Vor uns liegt ein weites Tal, die Sonne scheint - ein Glitzerstrahl.