In the "home studio" all the advanced stuff happens after the sound is recorded. So the function of the mixer is simply to interface between the audio source (i.e. the instrument) and the PC, to carry a neutral, balanced, and clean signal to the soundcard for recording.

We recommend Mackie mixers, they are neutral, clear, and do not add their own sonic character to the audio signal. Furthermore, they are very sturdy.

Think about the maximum number of inputs you are realistically going to need. To get the most out of your PC you want to record one track at a time. Remember the mixer will send a stereo signal to your PC - so with 100% split left and right; that's a maximum of two mono tracks at a time regardless of how many inputs the mixer has. But once recorded you can manipulate as many tracks as you like. The effect of this is that the budget home recording setup is suited more to well planned one track at a time recording, rather than multiple track live recordings.

The Tapco Mix series (Blend 6, Mix 50, Mix 60, Mix 100, Mix 120) are one of the few products where price and performance seemingly have little relation (their high performance belies their price). It's worth doing a little internet research before purchasing a mixer (however, if you're contemplating a Behringer, choose a Mackie). Have a look at the Tapco mixers, and then see what the competition can offer.

Note: read the manual before you blow up your mixer, especially the bit that reads: "never plug amplifier speaker level outputs into anything except speakers".

Jump to the Soundcard section.