Best Mixer/Interface for Solo Artist

raphaeld

I’m using StageTraxx3 to play backing tracks for solo shows. I’m thinking I need a smaller mixer to help me with audio routing for my shows. I need to send to the front of the house three different audio feeds: 1/my mono backing tracks from ST3, 2/my vocals and 3/my guitar. To an in-ear monitor I’ll want to send a mix of the backing track, my click track and my cue track (comments like here comes the chorus 2, 3, 4). BTW, in ST3 I have the backing track hard panned right and the cue/click track hard panned left.

I’d be interested in learning what approaches other users of ST3 have used. I’m very experienced with audio (I’m an engineer) so I know about mixers, interfaces, DI boxes, etc but there’s so many ways to approach this I’d be interested in what everyone else is doing. I want something quick and simple I can set up and start playing in 5 minutes.

Thank you!

zeroni

raphaeld My setup:
Scarlet 6i6
Ipad --> StageTraxx (backing tracks) + Garage Band: input channel 1: MIC + EFX (eq, comp, reverb, delay, noise gate | input channel 2: Acoustic guitar (eq, reverb)

NachoChez

Hello raphaeld,
I perform with a duo using ST3. we have a Behringer UMC404HD for our mics in and that is connected to an iPad. On the iPad, we run ST3. Everything goes through AUM on the iPad where we can route/mix anything we want for UMC404HD outs (House and Monitors). I also use a Behringer x-Touch mini to control AUM and ST3. Works well because it has endless encoders with indicators.

I hope this helps.

peter

I use and like the Behringer Flow 8 for these type of gigs. It can even act as a 4 channel audio interface for Stage Traxx.

raphaeld

peter Peter, thank you for your reply. I’ve been through all your recent ST3 videos. I think doing one showing your rig would be a great addition. I saw the Flow 8 last night and I’m considering it. Do you A)take the output of your iPad as analog and plug them into the channel inputs or do you B)use USB out of the iPad and plug it straight into the Flow 8?

I’ve been doing approach A into a mixer and I hear ST3 fine (on the right channel as you suggest) but when I plug in my acoustic guitar it is such a stronger single the backing tracks get smothered. I was thinking if I take the iPad output and put it thru an audio interface, like the Flow 8, it will give me a stronger signal.

That’s my thinking. I’d like to know what you think and what you suggest. ST3 is AWSOME!

peter

I usually run analog to the mixer. But I use the USB connection a lot when testing multitrack outputs.

I don't understand the gain problem with your guitar. You should be able to setup the gain in the mixer as you need it.

raphaeld

peter I think the issue I’m having is that the signal coming out of the iPad just isn’t that strong. I like your setup (I use multitracks). I think I’m going to pickup a Flow 8. Based on what I’ve see on YouTube you can have a lot of flexibility to send different mixes to your headphones vs. the front of the house. It looks like what I need to use ST3 for my live gigs. Thank you again.

davedroug

GET YOURSELF ONE OF THESE QSC TOUCHMIX 8 absolutely brilliant full STUDIO in a package not much bigger than an i pad pro. it dose the lot no need to carry anything else on a gig been using one for the last 4 years on gigs or us it for 8 track multi recording look it up
TouchMix® is quite simply the most powerful, compact mixer ever created. It offers the features, capabilities and sound quality of the world's most esteemed large format consoles in a highly compact and portable package that’s small enough to be carry-on luggage. Perfect for solo and duo musicians, small bands and AV production professionals, the TouchMix-8 goes "Beyond Mixing" by offering Wizards, Presets and other beneficial tools that help both seasoned audio professionals and novices alike get great results quickly and easily.

Its 14 mixing channels (8 Mic/Line, 4 Line, Stereo USB) and 6 outputs offer ample signal management ﬂexibility while advanced features such as class-A microphone preamps, Anti-Feedback and Room Tuning Wizards, real-time analyzer (RTA) and 14-channel direct-to-external-drive recording make it equally competent as both a professional live sound or recording tool.

The touch-and-turn interface of TouchMix allows for tactile control over fader and mixer parameters while also providing a hardware connection to the mixer. Mixer functions and displays are duplicated via iOS® or Android devices over Wi-Fi, providing both portable, wireless connectivity as well as additional control of mixer functionality.

The TouchMix-8 comes complete with USB Wi-Fi adapter and carrying case.
Resources

Documents

Application Guides

Translated Documents

Drawings

Image Gallery

Support

Preset Libraries

Videos

Accessories

Blog Articles

Buy Authorized

Register Your Product

Key features include:
*Stated features require Firmware Version 3.0 or greater

Capacitive touchscreen offers a wealth of on-screen information while also providing confident hands-on control
120 presets provide real-world live sound settings for commonly-used instruments and microphones (see Presets Listing under Resources / Support)
Simple and Advanced modes offer either basic or comprehensive controls 
Anti-Feedback and Room Tuning Wizards simplify complex equalization tasks
Real-time analyzer (RTA) provides instantaneous display of channel tonal balance and room response
4 Aux outputs provide ample monitor configuration options
14-channel direct-to-hard drive record/playback — capture and recall performances without the need for an external computer 
MP3 playback direct from USB
On-board multi-language user guide 
Download future upgrades directly from the Internet

Specifications
TouchMix®-30 Pro TouchMix®-16 TouchMix®-8
Display
Inputs
Outputs
Recording / Playback1
Groups
Cue
Effects
Real Time Analyzer (RTA)
Preset Memory
Digital Connections
External Control2
Wi-Fi3
Dimensions (H×W×D)
Weight
Power Requirements
Sampling Frequency
Internal Processing
THD
Frequency Response
Dynamic Range
Equivalent input Noise
Residual Output Noise
Crosstalk
S/N Ratio
Gain (Mic Inputs)
Maximum input Level
Maximum Output Level
Phantom Power
Included Accessories
Optional Accessories
Regulatory Approvals

Damir

davedroug yes it looks to be the best you can get for value for facilities it’s capable of, but if you need a very simple reliable and not updatable mixer that just works well, a simple Yamaha MG10XU is what I use in preference of my Xair18 it has professional inputs and outputs with just the basics for simple mixing, no brainpower needed to operate creating a very enjoyable gig experience to me and the audience.

davedroug

Damir couldn't be farther from the truth yes there is lots to it but most is for studio work or using a mixer man ,there's loads of professional preset you can use ,small learning curve,and once you've set it to suit you ,job done very rarely i need to touch the mixer once its set apart from kicking the main volume up just maybe the odd touch on treble and bass just the same as you'd do on an anolog system .but here's the good part if you do have to alter anything you can just save the scene. name it and use it again if you go back there , very very rare i need alter mine .and 15mins setup time max and thats mainly took up plugging the leads in oh and has for updating they got all the bugs out of it in the first 2 years never released an update on the voicelive 8 since 2018 🙂

Damir

davedroug I totally agree with you it looks to be the best out there, the Xair range of mixers was the best value for money a while back but the only problem with it was the software interface was seperate , QSC has incorporated everything in one neat package which is great specially if you are a solo artist where you actually want all your cables to be near you, Xair is great for bands where you can have the unit central on stage and plug everything in there yet have the screen control in a seperate convenient position.
With QSC you pay more for the mixer than a small Yamaha mixer but you get a lot of power to control things professionally now this is the thing that sets the two options apart, can you afford the QSC?
and do you really need all that power?,
it’s definitely great to have but can you justify paying 4 times more for something you might never use.If I knew about the QSC at the time I purchased my Yamaha I would have definitely bought it instead, but my Yamaha is doing its job very nicely with just enough facilities I need , so perhaps I did make the right choice, but if I was doing gigs and recording them like I sometimes do with my Xair18 then I do regret not having the QSC as I like the complete package it offers and it’s still not a ridiculous price.
So I suggest to others buy it if you can afford it and might need it otherwise go for a cheaper option that still does a very good simple job.
Cheers Damir

ColinW

I use a Tascam Model 12 for my solo show. I can record to SD card and the mic pres are great. Compression and effects are simple and sound good. That said when I fly, I take a Samson MixPad. It’s great for the price and fits in my carry on. In some venues I use separate DI boxes. I use a Yamaha MODX 88, iPad with StageTraxx. I’m an early adopter of StageTraxx and it’s the best app ever! Thank you Peter you read our minds. Brilliant! I often add the TC Helicon VoiceTone Mic Mechanic pedal to my vocal chain for slap and doubling and blend the reverb from the mixer.
I’d be curious if anyone is using midi to control effects in songs using StageTraxx? To be honest I haven’t tried more technical options.

Sharonzaz

I personally like the stereo option, the tracks sound better/fuller and it’s easier to mix in your guitar and vocals into a stereo track.

The flow 8 shows quite a bit of potential for a rather small amount, and you’ll have an ability to get route audio via USB into the mixer. It packs more that other similar size and cost mixers. For a solo act i think nothing else would work better unless you’re willing to spend more and carry something bigger.

I run Stagetraxx into my guitar pedal, Line 6 Helix,
I use it as a hub, tracks via usb, guitar and vocals all plugged in and I made a preset that mixes all into the main outputs while my click/count in track plays only through my in ear setup.
(Video soon)

You can run analogue out via the headphones out but why? We have such a great tool here that supports digital audio and multi out it’s almost a waste to not use it.

You could also use a sound card with enough ins/outs (like the Evo 8) and use your iPad as the processor. AUM or something else like cubasis, etc. that’s if your iPad is recent enough and can handle the load.

Many options there, budget and needs dictate