Most keyboards will have at least stereo outputs, or two channels. Many have multiple outputs that you might wish to take advantage of, sometimes four, six, eight or even more per keyboard/module.

Most audio interfaces are limited to just a few inputs. For example, the Digidesign 003 can handle just eight inputs. You can add an expander that gives you an additional eight channels for a total of 16. But even with 16 inputs, that would only be eight keyboards or modules, not to mention microphones, guitars or anything else that also needs to be plugged in.

One solution to this problem is to use a line level sub mixer. This allows you to mix down several inputs to just one or two. For example, an eight-channel sub mixer could mix down eight mono channels or four stereo channels to just one or two master outputs.

However, with just a few keyboards and modules the input requirements climb very quickly. Even eight mono or eight stereo may not be enough. True, you may not need all those keyboards in one song, but you certainly wouldn’t want to have to constantly plug and unplug different keyboards to discover which one you want to use.

That brings me to today’s recommendation… the Mackie LM3204 32-channel Pro Tour line mixer.

The Mackie LM 3204 32 Channel Pro Tour Line Mixer

This mixer wasn’t as widely publicized or as well known as the standard Mackie mixers, like the 1604. Although the LM3204 shared a lot of the same features it has some very specific benefits that are of interest to us as studio owners with lots of outboard equipment.

The main benefit? Well, this speaks for itself… 16 stereo channels! Yes, with this unit you can easily sub mix 32 channels of audio. It’s powerful and convenient. With this mixer I can have all of my outboard equipment always hooked up and ready to go. And all the while I’m sub mixing to stereo, so it only takes up two inputs on the audio interface to my computer.

I recently saw one of these units sell on eBay for just a little over $300. At that price it’s a real steal. You don’t see these come up very often. But if this would solve your input problems like it’s solved mine, grab it when you see it.

(By the way, these have the capability of being chained together. So if you can find two of them, that would be 32 stereo channels you would have!)

Dealing With Input “Spaghetti” is a post from: The Dirt Floor Recording Blog

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But where’s the best place make great finds and find great deals? Here are my three favorite sources.

1. Local Classified Ads

This is a great source, though a little time consuming. Locate your local newspapers, including small independent publications like Penny Saver, Nickel Nik, etc.

Some larger cities have publications dedicated to buying and selling used musical gear and they can be a gold mine.

When it comes to your local newspaper, you will statistically find the most listings in the Wednesday and Sunday editions. Consequently, if you’re trying to sell gear those are the two best days to place a listing.

The main advantage here is that the gear will be local, so you can get your hands on it and personally test it before you make the purchase. Also, there obviously won’t be any shipping costs, unless of course you’re going to try and grab yourself a Hammond B3.

2. Craigslist

This is another of my favorite hunting grounds. While this till typically be a local purchase for you, there is also the opportunity to search for gear in other cities. If you find a real gem it might be worth an afternoon’s drive or a little shipping through UPS or FedEx.

The great advantage you have here over local newspapers is that you can actively search for exactly what you’re looking for. In just a few minutes you can tell if there’s anything worth looking at on a daily basis. Once you find something all the positives of local classified ads applies.

3. ebay

I love hunting for used gear gold on ebay. I’ve bought and sold a lot of gear this way. In fact, I would estimate that at least 90% of the used gear in my studio was bought off of ebay. It can be a little addicting.

It can also be a little overwhelming though. You just have to take it one step at a time. The absolute best feature is the ebay saved searches. You simply save a keyword or search phrase and the minute something matching that description is listed you’re notified via e-mail. It’s like having your own personal gear scout!

Once you find something you like, it’s time to bid. But before you click that button and lock in your bid there are a few things to consider to insure a smooth transaction if you’re the winner of the auction.

First, how long has the listing seller been selling on ebay. Did they just get started last month? If so be wary. Alone, it’s not reason enough to shy away from bidding, but keep this in mind.

Next, how many transactions have they completed since being on ebay? Less than 10? Again, not the sole reason to make a decision, but something to consider in context.

The grandaddy of factors is their feedback. How pleased are the people that have dealt with this person in the past. You can’t please everyone all the time, but you should see a majority of positive feedback or something isn’t right. There are a lot of good sellers on ebay who’ve been doing it for some time and have 100% positive feedback. That’s a pretty good bet when you see that.

Using these simple guidelines I have never had a bad experience in ten years of shopping on ebay.

So there you are, my three favorite used gear resources and how to use them.

Happy gear hunting!

My Three Favorite Ways Of Acquiring Good Used Recording Gear is a post from: The Dirt Floor Recording Blog

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