Need help finding a mixer for a wicked Ableton Live performance rig
OK! So, I’m in the process of setting up a very cool Ableton Live performance rig. It’s closely related to the ill.Gates templates if any of you are familiar! I’m running into some issues.
Basically, I am looking for a 4 CHANNEL mixer with MIDI and a sound card. Very importantly I need the SLIDERS to have midi capabilities. Not just some MIDI buttons here and there
I’m trying to route 4 Ableton channel through the 4 channels of a mixer, BUT, I don’t have the money to afford a ginormous interface to handle cabling each port into the mixer. So, I need a mixer with a soundcard, 4 channels, and MIDI capability so that I can control the 4 Ableton channels via MIDI.
And before you say anything, no, I don’t want an APC40. I am totally willing to just get a nice 4 channel MIDI controller and an external soundcard, but I would MUCH rather prefer having it all in one in a nice mixer.
Some more info: I’m launching clips and manipulating effects from a TriggerFinger and mixing them via this external mixer that I’m looking for.
tl;dr: Looking for a great 4 CHANNEL MIXER with MIDI capabilities. Or a great 4 channel midi mixer that is cheap enough to pair with a soundcard.
I know, I know - not strictly a mixer, but certainly feels more mixer than controller and you have that gorgeous 20ch A&H sound card if you need more S/R. They can also be picked up for around $500 at this stage.
It doesn’t have a four channel sound card, but you could mix internally in Ableton, using the K2’s faders and use the K2 sound card to the clubs sound system/mixer.
You’re missing the point regarding mixing in Ableton
By doing so (via MIDI faders) you negate the need for a multi-channel soundcard as it’s all done internally and you only need a stereo output into the clubs mixer
I’d actually recommend a Steinberg CMC-FD to get around the faders being in the wrong positions as you dial down into the mix coupled with a NI Audio 2 as your soundcard
Lightweight. Takes up next to no room. Good sound quality
He’s hardly missing the Point, in fact you might be missing the point that in using Ableton you have multiple variations on routings, racks and individuality - there is no right or wrong way to use it, only wrong opinions by people stating they are using it incorrectly!
By mixing externally you can negate the need to setup individual channel and gains using racks and combine outboard effects systems better. However in this instance the OP sounds like he will be mixing internally anyhow.
He only needs 4 channels
There really is no substitute for physical knobs and faders unless you plan on screen/controller watching all night.]
There is no knobs or faders or sound card
Possibly the best suggestion so far and sounds like it would do everything the OP requires.
If you’re mixing internally you can set up a MIDI controller to allow control of individual channels and sub groups of them as well as the master.
Whilst he might only want four channels now he may find that limiting in the future.
Any controller can be set up to allow you dial down into the mix but you’re left with the faders being in the wrong position requiring a ‘soft take up’ in the mapping.
The K2 doesn’t have metering on each channel either which forces you to look at your laptop screen. The CMC-FD does however.
Whilst I agree there’s no substitute for being able to grab a knob or fader on balance I think the CMC-FD and an NI Audio 2 is the better option.
Only if you require more channels that you have faders - its unlikely in the case of Ableton DJ’ing that it’s going to be an issue.
I mix on an APC - I never need to look at my channel metering due to me having faders that are in the correct position all the time and dropping all my clips to -3db and push the output gain on the master - I have gain controls on my channels for trimming and use my ears. Same would apply with a K2 - you should not need to watch your controller or screen to hear that things are sounding bad.
… and heres a simple solution, when the time comes, another k2
The FD does not have knobs requiring you to switch scenes to change something as simple as bass eq, or you’d need to buy other modules from the range like the QC and even that would be quite limited.
I think you are crazy wrong, the guy wants a mixer, not just 4 “virtual” faders - but each to their own
Lastly the CMC controllers are designed natively for Cubase and Nuendo, and while they will “work” with other DAW’s they are not native and certain functions will probably not work e.g. metering correctly with Ableton Live (which is picky at the best of times)
If the touch route is the way you wanted to go a Stanton SCS3m (which can be had for pittance) would even be a better bet with more simultaneous control of things - however still a far cry from knobs and faders for DJ’ing with.
