Original Message 1/29                 Date: 07-Nov-00  @  01:45 PM   -   Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

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I'm a little confused by one of my friends buying a mixer with 32 inputs, so basically 16 stereo channels. He writes music with lots of swirly, panning sounds, from leads to basic blips and abstract sounds, and probably uses quite a few stereo channels. I realise that you don't need stereo for certain sounds, like maybe bass lines, or a kick drum, but I'd imagine using stereo channels for the majority of other sounds, such as general fx and other percussion sounds.

My question is, would it be worthwhile to buy a mixer with more channels than you think you'd need so that you have the option of using all stereo channels? Are there any disadvantages to having all stereo channels?

Ta much,

Si.

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Message 2/29                 Date: 07-Nov-00  @  04:36 PM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

Defector Z

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Defintely buy more than you need because it will surprise you how quickly you use them all up. When I bought my mixer, I was a little disappointed that it didn't have more stereo channels. However, now that I am trying to produce a good sounding cd, I have found that I only use 1 stereo on the board. I have found that there is just too much going on when you have more than a couple of stereo sounds. Makes the mix muddy. VERY muddy.

If you buy a big mixer with lots of mono channels (which I would advise), you can plug the L out from your gear into Channel 1 on the mixer. Plug the R out from your gear into Channel 2 on your mixer. Pan channel 1 ALL the way to the left, and channel 2 ALL the way to the right, and vio-la, you have stereo. I have a couple of pieces doing that and it works great.

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Message 3/29                 Date: 07-Nov-00  @  04:46 PM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

teemu

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Of course, if you can afford it. You can never have too many channels. I only need 16 at the moment but if I buy any more gear I would need to get a patchbay that would complicate things quite a bit. And I am planning to buy more gear. 16 channels is not enough, get at least 24 =)

Disadvantages of stereo channels? The stereo-only channels that the Behringers have are no good, having 2 mono channels with the option of linking the controls to one channel strip is much better and more versatile.

Oh and remember: If you need x amount of channels now doesn't mean that x amount of channels is enough for you in the future so always buy a bigger mixer than you need. =)

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Message 4/29                 Date: 07-Nov-00  @  06:41 PM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

99devils

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Using a patchbay doesn't confuse things all that much. And it's a lot cheaper than a bigger mixer  

The number of channels you need in a mixer is really a function of how much stuff you have going on in any given track, not necessarily how much crap you could theoretically plug into it  

-Craig

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Message 5/29                 Date: 07-Nov-00  @  07:23 PM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

damballah

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If you've got the cash and studio real-estate to spare, 32-channel console would be cool, but unless you're recording bands I really can't figure out why you'd need that many. Shit, I've managed to record an 8-piece band with a full drum kit using a 16-channel board (and a couple outboard preamps). If you're mostly routing keys and modules into a soundcard, there's probably better places to invest.

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Message 6/29                 Date: 07-Nov-00  @  07:43 PM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

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Why are the stereo channels on the Behringers crap?

What about this mixer........

http://www.behringer.de/eng/products/eurorack/mx3242x.htm

I presume on this that it has 32 mono channels, which can be set up for 16 stereo, or am I wrong? When you say 32 channel console, do you mean 32 seperate channels, each with their own faders and EQ?

Thanks for the help guys,

Si.

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Message 7/29                 Date: 07-Nov-00  @  07:50 PM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

teemu

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Well, if you got the gear then why not? With a big mixer you could put all the drums through different channels (which could easily take like 10 channels), have lots of FX returned to channels (and back to FX to do dub delays and stuff).

24 or 32 is good. 16 is not enough, imho (well, not enough for me anyway and my music isn't THAT complicated).

And if you can't afford a Spirit Ghost you can always buy a Behringer Eurodesk MX3282, it's damn cheap (and not THAT bad although the EQ is kinda limited but that's why you have the external parametric equalizers for =)

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Message 8/29                 Date: 08-Nov-00  @  10:00 PM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

99devils

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Yes, yes... But look at the price difference between 16 and 32 channel mixers! It's $1000 between a 16-channel Mackie 8-bus and a 32 channel Mackie 8-bus... You could get a patchbay, required cabling, an FX box, and a second-hand synth for that much dosh... I mean, really, have any of you ever used that many channels? I can see where you might want to spend a little extra cash for a 24-channel board but anything bigger is a waste IMHO unless you intend to set up a pro studio and start recording swing bands.

-Craig

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Message 9/29                 Date: 09-Nov-00  @  06:44 AM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

damballah

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Amen, Craig. God, I hate those Behringers. Get your hands on quality British console with the master section in the middle for a couple of hours and you'll know why. Control and musicallity. Oh, whatever, get one of those 'Eurodesks' and be like all the other sheep.

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Message 10/29                 Date: 09-Nov-00  @  10:02 AM   -   RE: Any point in having 16 stereo channels??

teemu

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I know that Behringers aren't that great, but they are about half the price of the Mackies and such. Price is an important issue to most people in here, we can't all afford Spirit Ghosts...

I would sure like one though =)

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