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As with live mixing consoles, digital technology has also caused a revolution in studio environments, greatly simplifying recording processes while significantly reducing costs. This overview highlights which studio mixers are best suited for different purposes.
Even though it is theoretically possible to record without an analogue mixer using only a USB interface, some legendary consoles have shaped the sound of the past decades: brands such as Neve, SSL, API, and old Siemens consoles (often taken from former broadcast trucks) have made studio history. These “state-of-the-art consoles” are prized for their distinctive tonal coloration, not only from their preamps but also from how their equalizers affect specific frequency bands. The software market is flooded with emulations of these vintage classics—many of which sound surprisingly authentic.
If you prefer working with analogue equipment, want to record multiple signal sources simultaneously, or wish to use built-in tone shaping during recording, an analogue mixing console is the right choice.
AD Converters
Using an analogue mixer doesn’t mean you have to record on tape. The mixer’s output can be connected to an AD converter, which transforms the analogue signal into a digital format for computer processing. The quality of the Analog-Digital converter is crucial to maintain the integrity of the original signal. Think of it as a bottleneck: the better the converter, the better the result. Fortunately, modern converters are generally of excellent quality.
Modern digital mixers from live sound setups can also be used in studio environments. They come fully equipped with effects and offer great flexibility. No wonder live recordings with these consoles can easily reach studio quality. The key feature is multitrack recording.
Multitrack Recording
Mixers with a “multitrack recording” mode allow each input signal to be recorded on a separate track. These can be sent via USB to a computer using software such as Logic, Pro Tools, or Cubase, or saved internally or on external media (USB stick, SD card, hard drive, etc.). This allows each instrument to be edited individually after recording. Some mixers, however, only provide a stereo mix file (e.g., WAV, MP3, AIF), which does not allow for later track editing.
Despite their extensive built-in effects, digital mixers also allow external effect devices to be integrated via dedicated inserts—just like analogue mixers. They usually include a routing matrix, letting you freely assign inputs and outputs. This saves storage and avoids cable swapping when signals need to be routed differently.
With the growing popularity of podcasts, manufacturers have developed mixers optimized for voice recording. These target users who want quick and easy setup without diving into complex sound parameters. Such mixers streamline workflow by automatically adjusting microphone levels to prevent clipping and distortion.
A summing mixer is essentially a simplified mixing console without mic preamps, EQs, or effects. Typically, only volume and panning per stereo channel can be adjusted, and in some cases, only the master level. Summing mixers act as sound processors designed to combine multitrack recordings into a stereo mix while imparting their unique sonic character. Models from AMS Neve, for instance, add musical glue depending on input level, while SPL or Dangerous Music units offer transparent and linear sound. Tube-based models like those from Thermionic Culture recreate the warm, spatial character of classic valve consoles in modern studios.
