Looking for USB Mixer/Audio interface

[Evil Paroxysm]

I am looking for an audio mixer to tweak the levels of 2-3 inputs going to a single output. I am looking for something pretty specific and will start by explaining my setup and what inputs/outputs I need.

Current setup:

2x JBL LSR 305 (Input: XLR)
1x JBL LSR 310s (Input: 1/4" TRS Output: XLR)
Denon DP300F (Output: L+R RCA)
PC (Output: USB)
PS4 (Output: Toslink)

Focusrite Scarlet 6i6

So what I would like to be able to do is be using either the PC or PS4 while using the turntable and manually dictate how much of each is being output through the studio monitors. IE: 30% turntable, 70% PS4.

So what I need on a device is at least L/R 1/4" TRS inputs OR RCA L/R inputs, a USB input, and either a toslink, mini toslink, or s/pdif input. On top of that it will need the ability to either individually control volume per channel or control the split mix of each. If you know of anything that can do this or if there is a better way to go about this using my 6i6 please give me any insight you can, I am very new to the high end audio scene.

Thank you

 

[highfigh]

I am looking for an audio mixer to tweak the levels of 2-3 inputs going to a single output. I am looking for something pretty specific and will start by explaining my setup and what inputs/outputs I need.

Current setup:

2x JBL LSR 305 (Input: XLR)
1x JBL LSR 310s (Input: 1/4" TRS Output: XLR)
Denon DP300F (Output: L+R RCA)
PC (Output: USB)
PS4 (Output: Toslink)

Focusrite Scarlet 6i6

So what I would like to be able to do is be using either the PC or PS4 while using the turntable and manually dictate how much of each is being output through the studio monitors. IE: 30% turntable, 70% PS4.

So what I need on a device is at least L/R 1/4" TRS inputs OR RCA L/R inputs, a USB input, and either a toslink, mini toslink, or s/pdif input. On top of that it will need the ability to either individually control volume per channel or control the split mix of each. If you know of anything that can do this or if there is a better way to go about this using my 6i6 please give me any insight you can, I am very new to the high end audio scene.

Thank you

Best to explain your setup now and make it easier to find what you need. I would recommend looking at the equipment keyboard players use in home studios.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

Best to explain your setup now and make it easier to find what you need. I would recommend looking at the equipment keyboard players use in home studios.

I did explain the setup, or are you looking for more detail and not just the components?

Currently I am running the USB from the PC, RCA from turntable (adapted from RCA to TRS), and toslink converted to s/pdif coaxial all into the Focusrite 6i6. From there the only output is 2x TRS 1/4" into the JBL LSR 310S subwoofer, and then I used the XLR outputs from the subwoofer to the 2x LSR 305 monitors.

I would be willing to dump the Focusrite 6i6 if there is a better option that fits my input/out needs.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Why not use a standard mixer and use the internal, or get an external, DAC for the computer to feed the mixer? Pretty much any mixer with enough channels can do this. You get very little benefit from digital if you are working in a stereo domain and have decent cables/gear in the lineup. Especially when you throw in a standard mixer.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

Why not use a standard mixer and use the internal, or get an external, DAC for the computer to feed the mixer? Pretty much any mixer with enough channels can do this. You get very little benefit from digital if you are working in a stereo domain and have decent cables/gear in the lineup. Especially when you throw in a standard mixer.

You have any model suggestions? And should I get rid of the 6i6 then?

I'd need a DAC for both the PC and the PS4 going this route most likely so do you know of any that would have multiple ports?

 

[TLS Guy]

You have any model suggestions? And should I get rid of the 6i6 then?

I'd need a DAC for both the PC and the PS4 going this route most likely so do you know of any that would have multiple ports?

I always use RME products for these tasks. They are the best in the business. Your problem is getting that selection of digital inputs.

This unit will do what you want, if you combine it with a USB to Toslink converter.

Give Sweetwater a call. Their staff are expert and helpful.

This is my rig.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

I always use RME products for these tasks. They are the best in the business. Your problem is getting that selection of digital inputs.

This unit will do what you want, if you combine it with a USB to Toslink converter.

Give Sweetwater a call. Their staff are expert and helpful.

This is my rig.

I'm not trying to get into anything insane (yet, lol). Whatever I choose I should make sure is passive right? I could go with something like the Behringer 302 USB audio mixer and interface and then a DAC for the PS4 audio?

At that point I don't think I'd need my focusrite...

 

[TLS Guy]

I'm not trying to get into anything insane (yet, lol). Whatever I choose I should make sure is passive right? I could go with something like the Behringer 302 USB audio mixer and interface and then a DAC for the PS4 audio?

At that point I don't think I'd need my focusrite...

Passive mixers are a total waste of space. Impedance goes all over the place for one thing and you won't get TRS just unbalanced phone.

You have set yourself a more complex task than you think.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

Passive mixers are a total waste of space. Impedance goes all over the place for one thing and you won't get TRS just unbalanced phone.

You have set yourself a more complex task than you think.

As I said, I am new to the high end audio scene but have followed some guidelines others have used for their setups. I was just hoping to be able to tweak it to my very specific (and apparently near impossible) needs.

Would running an active DAC/Mixer/Audio Interface combo have a negative impact on the internally amplified powered monitors then?

Also I just ordered a Schiit Modi 2 Uber to run the PS4, and potentially the PC audio through to push it into the Focusrite 6i6. That'll set me up better for if I decide to go to an analog only mixer as I will have a nice DAC available.

 

[TLS Guy]

As I said, I am new to the high end audio scene but have followed some guidelines others have used for their setups. I was just hoping to be able to tweak it to my very specific (and apparently near impossible) needs.

Would running an active DAC/Mixer/Audio Interface combo have a negative impact on the internally amplified powered monitors then?

Also I just ordered a Schiit Modi 2 Uber to run the PS4, and potentially the PC audio through to push it into the Focusrite 6i6. That'll set me up better for if I decide to go to an analog only mixer as I will have a nice DAC available.

That really is the only way to do it. You need a mixer with the right inputs, which should be the sound card of your computer and interface with any recording software you have. The mixer analog outs would drive your active speakers directly. That is the standard studio practice and the only proper way to do what you want. It is very handy to use as you control the mixer, recording software, headphone and speaker volume from one screen.

If you try anything else you will get in a terrible tangle and almost certainly have compromised quality. Doing it as I have suggested will provide optimum quality. What I have gives state of the art sound quality.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Be aware, I believe you are losing all surround sound when you go this route. If that matters as a part of your PS4 setup, it will take a hit.

I think I would take an A/V receiver with 2 zones and just add a second set of speakers to zone 2 up front so I could set everything up and use a decent sound card in/outside the PC that is pushing audio.

 

[TLS Guy]

Be aware, I believe you are losing all surround sound when you go this route. If that matters as a part of your PS4 setup, it will take a hit.

I think I would take an A/V receiver with 2 zones and just add a second set of speakers to zone 2 up front so I could set everything up and use a decent sound card in/outside the PC that is pushing audio.

As I understand it, we are talking about a 2 channel system.

As I said the best solution is to disable the PC sound card or remove it and use the mixer DAC as the sound card. That is the way all pros do it as I do myself. In essence he needs to create a DAW.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

As I understand it, we are talking about a 2 channel system.

As I said the best solution is to disable the PC sound card or remove it and use the mixer DAC as the sound card. That is the way all pros do it as I do myself. In essence he needs to create a DAW.

I am aware I will lose the surround sound when using the PS4 on this setup, I have a home theater system in the living room for when I need that.

Also my PC does not have a sound card at all, its running USB out to the 6i6. (Would I have any reason or need to run the USB audio to the Schiit Modi 2 Uber DAC and then out into the 6i6 instead?) If I run it into the 6i6 it actually came with mixer software, but I want to be able to tweak manually on the fly without the PC on or switching windows.

So would the 6i6, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, and Behringer USB 302 mixer be a good combo? It's been increasingly difficult to find a mixer with per channel controls and also a master volume knob, which I guess I don't need if I run it through the 6i6 also, but would that be redundant? I also don't want a mixer that is of significantly lower quality audio wise than the other components because wouldn't that deteriorate the audio quality?

Does running RCA to TRS adapters affect quality? It seems most of the mixers I would pick up are RCA only, if running adapters wouldn't affect sound quality that will open up my options drastically.

 

[TLS Guy]

I am aware I will lose the surround sound when using the PS4 on this setup, I have a home theater system in the living room for when I need that.

Also my PC does not have a sound card at all, its running USB out to the 6i6. (Would I have any reason or need to run the USB audio to the Schiit Modi 2 Uber DAC and then out into the 6i6 instead?) If I run it into the 6i6 it actually came with mixer software, but I want to be able to tweak manually on the fly without the PC on or switching windows.

So would the 6i6, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, and Behringer USB 302 mixer be a good combo? It's been increasingly difficult to find a mixer with per channel controls and also a master volume knob, which I guess I don't need if I run it through the 6i6 also, but would that be redundant? I also don't want a mixer that is of significantly lower quality audio wise than the other components because wouldn't that deteriorate the audio quality?

Does running RCA to TRS adapters affect quality? It seems most of the mixers I would pick up are RCA only, if running adapters wouldn't affect sound quality that will open up my options drastically.

It is hard to advise you as the purpose of what you are trying to do has not been stated. But you are cobbling together as system that is crude at best. It is clear to me you have not used mixers before.

Cheap mixers are a waste of space. They generally have poor head room and clip whatever you do. And you do need a master volume control and channel trims or you can't set the gain structure within the mixer properly. That is the first art to learn when starting to use a mixer and crucial.

Going from balanced to unbalanced may or may not affect quality, but usually does and it can be noisy. Optimally an active device or transformer should do the conversion. Results largely depend on gain structure and impedance matching issues.

Generally going from balanced to unbalanced is a problem usually because of the voltage. The output from balanced lines is greater then for unbalanced almost always. This is a particular concern with cheap mixers as trimming the input gain almost never increases the headroom, so that first stage clipping is a continual plague. Good mixers have a variable gain input circuit, so that as the input fader is turned down the headroom increases and signal to noise is not degraded and input clipping avoided from hotter inputs.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

I just want to be able to individually control volume levels of the inputed devices from a single device is the goal.

So if I am using the turntable and PC,PC and PS4, or any combo of them together its not all affected by one volume knob. I want to be able to dictate the volume levels of each individually.

If my turntable is stereo RCA out would there be any reason to convert that to TRS 1/4" or no?

 

[TLS Guy]

I just want to be able to individually control volume levels of the inputed devices from a single device is the goal.

So if I am using the turntable and PC,PC and PS4, or any combo of them together its not all affected by one volume knob. I want to be able to dictate the volume levels of each individually.

If my turntable is stereo RCA out would there be any reason to convert that to TRS 1/4" or no?

I have no idea what the end purpose of all this is. I have a feeling that you are setting this up in place of a preamp, which is a very bad idea indeed.

A mixer has few and limited purposes.

A mixer is to assign and blend multiple sources for live PA, or recording or both primarily. Sometimes both at the same time.

They are also used in past production for overdubs and such. That is what mixers are for as to their core function.

In addition there are selections for monitoring via headphones and speakers. I addition there are bells and whistles these days like remembering multiple mixes and settings.

In essence mixers are ONLY useful if there is some type of audio production involved, live recorded or both.

If you are thinking you are going to drive those Genelec speakers from a cheap mixer like the one you mentioned, then you will have massive quality loss.

Does your turntable output direct from the cartridge (RIAA unequalized) or does it have a pnono preamp that sends an RIAA equalized line level signal?

You are very hard to help as you are very sparse on details and specifics, especially what the total design is for.

If there is no recording, live production or post production recording going on here then you are barking totally up the wrong tree.

If none of that is involved then you need a preamp with balanced out and the ability to handle digital and analog signals and I suspect also needs RIAA equalization for your turntable.

If you conclude that I have the feeling you are lost and adrift at sea you are correct.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

No recording involved, my table have a pre-amp built in. So would getting something like the Schiit SYS be my best bet?

Then my setup would be wired as follows:

Turntable directly into 6i6 as it has built in pre-amp.

PS4 into Schiit Modi 2 Uber DAC, and then into Schiit SYS pre-amp, and then into the 6i6

PC just direct USB into the 6i6?


Then I would have volume control for PS4 through the SYS, volume control for the PC using the keyboards audio scroll wheel, and then master volume (and the only audio control for the turntable) through the 6i6.

The SYS has selectable dual stereo RCA inputs so I could theoretically use the SYS as the turntables pre-amp and turn off the built in one. Then I could only have volume from PS4 or turntable at a time, not both.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

I was told at my local audio store that what I was describing could only be done by a mixer, so I apologize but I also did lots of digging before posting here for help so it makes sense that I wasn't able to find anything.

If none of that is involved then you need a preamp with balanced out and the ability to handle digital and analog signals and I suspect also needs RIAA equalization for your turntable.

With this in mind it sounds like you have the idea of exactly what I need. Do you have any suggestions that would make my setup more simplistic (and better) than what I mentioned above and in the sub $300-400 range? I'm not going for the best setup in the world, I want great quality with ease of use and the ability to tweak volume levels of individual devices without frying my monitors by overpowering them.

 

[TLS Guy]

I was told at my local audio store that what I was describing could only be done by a mixer, so I apologize but I also did lots of digging before posting here for help so it makes sense that I wasn't able to find anything.



With this in mind it sounds like you have the idea of exactly what I need. Do you have any suggestions that would make my setup more simplistic (and better) than what I mentioned above and in the sub $300-400 range? I'm not going for the best setup in the world, I want great quality with ease of use and the ability to tweak volume levels of individual devices without frying my monitors by overpowering them.

Well you will not do it new for that money. You are into pro gear with those speakers. So you need equipment that is at least pro gear compatible.

Well may be it is your lucky day. I have just changed out my Pre/pro. I just changed my Marantz 8003 for a Marantz AV 7701. The unit is 10 years old. It has had a lot of use. However it has always been in the rack and always powered from an APC UPS. The grounding in this AV room/studio is obsessional. So it has never been subjected to abuse if any kind. There is not a mark on it. It is in perfect working order with remote and instruction manual and set up microphone. The manual is also available on line.

I changed it as I really needed 6 not 4 HDMI inputs, and because I have another AV 7701 at our other residence, and I wanted both units to work the same for my wife.

The units does not have a USB input but you can convert USB to Toslink or coax SPDIF easily. The unit does not have an RIAA input but your turntable has a phono preamp.

This is a superb sounding unit, and I think is actually exactly what you need.

This is the unit in the rack.

If you want I can send you more pictures.

I think judging by eBay ended sales $425.00 would be a fair price. You would pay shipping. I expect with insurance that will be around $50.00. This is less than one sixth of the new purchase price I paid for it from Hi-Fi sound Minneapolis.

At the moment the unit is sitting on top of the drawer chest in our best spare bedroom. It is too good a unit for outside cold weather storage and I have been debating what to do with it. I admit to being something of an audio gear hoarder, but this is a unit that I think needs a good home. So if this seems the right deal for you, I will make it happen. It will be the perfect drive for your JBL speakers.

 

[Evil Paroxysm]

If I had something like that would I just completely disregard the focusrite 6i6?