Conference napalm::commusic_v1

>>>    What's the difference between a line mixer and any other kind of
>>>    mixer?  I guess what I'm looking for is what exactly is a line
>>>    mixer?  
    
    My understanding is that a "line mixer" only has the equivalent
    of line inputs (line level signals).  "Normal" studio mixers have
    a low impedance, unbalanced line, XLR jack input for use with
    microphones in addition to the line level inputs.
    
    Busses, submixes, and all the other stuff that determine one's mixer
    needs vary from model to model.  I don't know of any rash
    generalizations that would separate the line mixers from the "normal"
    mixers.
    
>>>    Is the Roland M-160 a line-mixer?
    
    I think so but will defer to others who actually own them.
    
>>>    Would a line mixer be appropriate for an 8-track recorder?
    
    It could be.  If you don't use microphones, a line mixer may be
    all you need.  You'll need some way of deciding how you're going
    to connect whatever outputs of the mixer to the 8 inputs of the
    deck, however.

    - John -

	.1 is pretty much correct.

	A "line mixer" differs from a "mixing console" in the following
	manners:

	1) Line mixer doesn't have balanced inputs (xlr or otherwise)

	2) Line mixer is usually high impedance (>1Kohm)

	3) Line mixers in general range from 4 to 16 channels.

	4) Line mixers generally lack EQ or channel patching.

	>> Is the M-160 a line mixer?

	Yes. It does have two channels which can do "mic level" but it doesn't
	do balanced mics.


	>> is this adequate for 8-track recording?


	Depends. It doesn't cut it for me, but it's an excellent keyboard
	mixer, and it has balanced outputs so that I can run it as a submixer
	to the console.

	The major limitation is the lack of multiple outputs to record more
	than two tracks at a time. If you need that capability, get a true
	recording console (allows  each track to be separately assigned to
	an output, and you have the ability to group channels to a particular
	track).

	Good luck.

	/pjh 

    
    Just one nit. A line mixer can definitely have balanced inputs and
    outputs. Balanced doesn't always mean mic level. Balanced means
    balanced. A line mixer has no extra preamplification for signals less
    than 'line level', which is somewhere around 1 volt depending on whose
    definition you go by.
    
    CdH
    

	Re: .-1

	I stand corrected. Got any examples of balanced line mixers that
	are studio quality? I left them out because all the balanced line
	mixers I ever saw were Altecs and such, dating from the '60s and
	made for Muzak and PA applications.

	/pjh

    
    Sure. I believe Rane's little 6 channel line mixer (SM26?..I'll check)
    is balanced. The Urei 1620 is a 6 channel *stereo* board that can
    handle balanced lines with plug-ins. And almost all broadcast boards
    are balanced in and out. Granted, you'll probably only find the Rane at
    places like Daddy's, the others are for 'special' applications. But
    they do exist.
    
    CdH
    
    

    Note also that many mixers with balanced low impedance "mic level"
    inputs have a switched "pad" that can reduce the gain on the "mic"
    input by 30 db or so.  This is often enough to make the "mic" input
    usable as a balanced low-Z line input.  In addition, you can use
    the "trim" or "gain" control on the mic input to reduce gain to
    the point where line level inputs can be handled.
    
    Of course, you usually only see balanced low-Z line level signals
    in professional (as opposed to "semi-pro") gear.
    
    len.
    

Pardon my digression, but what do y'all think about Rane equipment ?

< Note 1896.7 by GIBSON::DICKENS "What are you pretending not to know ?" >


>Pardon my digression, but what do y'all think about Rane equipment ?

I have a Rane 6 channel rackmount headphone mixer/amp. It's great.

dave

    Re-.7
    	I use the Rane AC22 crossover and the RA27 1/3 octave EQ
    	with built in real time analyzer. IMO, the Rane stuff is
    	great.
    
    	Neal
    

    
    I swear by it, but never at it. Customer service is the best of any
    I've ever dealt with. If you don't need or can't afford the pricey
    high end stuff, Rane is the next best thing.
    
    CdH
    

	I have two (!) Rane 12 in 6 out monitor mixers. Stackable, relatively
	compact, relatively indestructable, sounds great, haven't ever busted.

	Wonderful stuff.

	/pjh