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Audio mixers for Macbook Pro?
Hello. I am in need of some audio advice. I have been doing simple mixes with my audio in FCP and STP using the sliders on the computer screen, but feel I need more of a hands on approach. I am interested in getting a low-end audio mixer such as the Mackie 802-VLZ3, Behringer XENYX 1204, or an equivalent. Plus some studio type reference monitors. I haven’t decided on what products to get just yet. My question has to do with interface. I do my editing on a 17inch Macbook Pro and I am wondering on how to connect an audio mixer to my laptop. I have seen the AJA and Matrox I/O products. Are those the type of things I need to plug external mixers to a Macbook Pro? Or are there other products available I am not aware of? In addition it would be nice it the mixers would control the sliders in the software as well. I am not sure if this is an option or if I need to get a more expensive audio device than what I’m looking at. I am looking for someone with a similar setup that might have some advice on how I should be setting up my edit system for a laptop. Thank you.
-Adam
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5 Replies
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[Adam White] “Mackie 802-VLZ3, Behringer XENYX 1204”
These are analogue mixers that will only adjust your reference speaker volume and/or analogue source input. (I use the Mackie 1202-VLZ3 and love it) Unless you are using an AJA IOHD or Matrox MXO2 to capture all your media, I doubt you hwill have much use for analogue input capability. The Behringer Xenyx 1204 has a USB connection, but this I believe is just for audio I/O, I don’t think you will have control of the sliders in Soundtrack Pro or FCP with this. (double check this, as I have not used this particular mixer)
If you want to mix in Soundtrack and/or FCP you need a control surface. I use the Mackie Control Universal Pro for this, but there are many options. ( STP button support limited to sliders and shuttle control, it is fully functional with Pro Tools)
You might just find a combo control surface/mixer unit if you search around, but I don’t think the two options you have listed will do what I think you want them to do.
Colin McQuillan
Vancouver, B.C. -
I would suggest a small 4-8 channel analogue mixer for monitoring (the Mackie 802 would be great!) Connect this to your macbook via the headphone jack. You will need a mini-plug to two 1/4″ TRS cable (as this source is unbalaced you could also go 1/4″ TS), you could also go on the cheap with mini to RCA, but 1/4″ is better. (with the 1202 the RCA input passes right through to the control room/main output with no level control)
and on the real cheap for STP and FCP in software slider control shop around for something like:
https://www.samedaymusic.com/product–EVOUC33EBe sure to read up on the product and make sure it
1) has USB (some just have MIDI coming out,, and then you would need to buy a midi-usb converter…
and 2) the manufacturer’s product site lists FCP/STP compatibility.Colin McQuillan
Vancouver, B.C. -
Control surfaces:
Colin McQuillan
Vancouver, B.C. -
Hey thanks Colin! I appreciate the info.
-Adam White
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As far as I’m concerned, you have two options:
1) a mixer such as the Behringer you mention, and an amplifier to go between that and your laptop. You can get one with motorised faders which will be more expensive, or if you are doing a bit of editing, try the Alphatrack (https://www.frontierdesign.com/Products/AlphaTrack) or if you’ve got cash to flash, try the Euphonix systems (https://www.euphonix.com/artist/products/mc_control/).
If you need an all-in-one, try the TASCAM systems, such as the FW1082 (https://www.tascam.com/products/fw-1082.html) which has got your motorized faders etc, AND a mixer, all in one.
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