Audio mixers (I need your help)

CuriousGuy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 05:37 AM

Hi All,

I got interested in videotaping and editing recently. It is becoming something I do for fun but there is so much to know! My quest for knowledge is what brings me to this forum. I will be taping a small skit this weekend. I've been thinking about renting audio mixers. Problem is....I really have no idea how they work. I need a small portable one. 4 people will be doing the skit at one time. I've been thinking if I get 4 wireless microphones and a mixer, I can succeed in getting a good soud. Am I in the right track? Can you please help me and advice me what sorts of mixers are out there or an amateur like me?

I am very thankful for any suggestion you may give me.

The Guru · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 11:53 AM

A difficult question. It's a bit like asking "what sort of car should I buy?".

In in ideal world you would be able to record all four radio mics individually and then sort it out in post. Renting a hard-drive or CF recorder might be an option, your local rental house will be able to help.
Failing that, if cost is an issue and you have access to mains electricity, it may be better to buy a small studio mixer like this:

http://www.gear4music.com/Audio_Mixe...02_Mixer2.html

It's a lot easier to use than a "field mixer" (the electric handbag you see slung from the necks of location soundies) and a lot cheaper. A field mixer which has four inputs will start at around two thousand quid.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/...O442N/REG/4962

CuriousGuy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 01:55 PM

Guru,

Thanks for the reply! I really appreciate it.

I think I'm going to go with the small studio mixer.

CG

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Guru

A difficult question. It's a bit like asking "what sort of car should I buy?".

In in ideal world you would be able to record all four radio mics individually and then sort it out in post. Renting a hard-drive or CF recorder might be an option, your local rental house will be able to help.
Failing that, if cost is an issue and you have access to mains electricity, it may be better to buy a small studio mixer like this:

http://www.gear4music.com/Audio_Mixe...02_Mixer2.html

It's a lot easier to use than a "field mixer" (the electric handbag you see slung from the necks of location soundies) and a lot cheaper. A field mixer which has four inputs will start at around two thousand quid.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/...O442N/REG/4962

The Guru · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 07:46 AM

I think I might have found something a bit better for what you want...

http://www.gear4music.com/Audio_Mixe...04_Mixer3.html

This has sliding faders, rather than turning knobs. This would be a lot easier to use in the situation you describe, controlling four inputs is a lot easier with sliders.

freda · #5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2007, 04:49 AM

If you want to find a software which can be used to mix audio, i can recommend a tool named Easy MP3 Audio Mixer which can mix mp3, ogg, wav audio files, and record your mixed audio to mp3 directly. Downloadsite: http://www.qweas.com/download/audio_...udio_mixer.htm