Firewire/USB Mixers

[the_only_singer]

Is this the way to go when doing computer recording? I was planning on buying the M-Audio 1010 because I heard the A/D converter was great. But if firewire/usb is better then I have a couple questions.

When using in conjunction with Cubase will each track import seperately?
What mixer (with atleast 8 Mic inputs) should I choose for $800 or less?

[the_only_singer]

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, an additional question. If I were to go with the Firewire Mixer would I also need an A/D converter and if so what brand?

[Moseph]

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, an additional question. If I were to go with the Firewire Mixer would I also need an A/D converter and if so what brand?

Maybe.

For instance, the Mackie Onyx series requires you to purchase a seperate converter.

However, I believe the Alesis and Phonic firewire mixers come with firewire converter installed. You'll notice however, that the Mackie has much better sounding preamps and probably a better converter (in addition to being built out of more robust materials).

It's all about paying for quality. Though sometimes you might want to know what you're paying for as certain features you don't need could drive up the cost of gear (eg, the Pullman EQs on the Mackies).

[Aus_rock_god]

Gotta love how Mackie know they have the best, so they'll charge you more by splitting their gear up.

It's like how you have to buy a pro-tools converter or mixer and the software and drivers to run it seperately.

[shane_sow]

I found the Phonic better than the Mackie Onyx. Cheaper too :)

[Ephemeral]

Peavy make some decent ones with USB output.

[shane_sow]

If you're going to go go firewire or USB go firewire :)

[fuzzyhair]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-MultiMix-8USB-Mixer-with-USB-and-DSP?sku=630166
I have that. There isn't any latency that I can hear, so it should be great. It does not send each input to a seperate track though, which kinda sucks, but it works really good.

[EinzingerIsGod]

I would say get a PreSonus Firepod and do your mixing on the computer. The Firepod's are amazing.