Alternatives to Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK USB Mixer?

[james090]

I have just discovered the Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK and am reading up the reviews and online videos, as this looks exactly what i have been wating for. An analog console but with FX, and USB Mulit-track (both ways) to mix OTB and send the resulting mix and individual tracks on a desk, back to your DAW!

I come from hardware desk mixing (Soundcraft Ghost) so have always liked this way of mixing.

I have read some reviews including SOS, but just wonder before I go any further, whether there was any other competition, doing the full multi-track over USB desks that i could check out in comparison?

This is the first desk with this functionality from Soundcraft, as i didn't think it was possible. But any other desks I should check out that do the same since the Soundcraft Signature MTK was launched?
Many thanks!

[Sam Spoons]

Allen & Heath Zed-R16R but it's firewire not USB?

[james090]

Allen & Heath Zed-R16R but it's firewire not USB?

Thanks, but Firewire maybe a problem for my PC, so USB may be best (if it exists on other mixers)

[Mike Stranks]

Bearing in mind your spec: 16 pres and analogue; the only other one that springs to mind is the Presonus AR22-USB:

https://www.presonus.com/products/StudioLive-AR22-USB

If you want/need less preamps or are willing to go digital or semi-digital then there's a whole raft of stuff available.

What's the budget?

[Bob Bickerton]

Tascam model 24 has a similar feature set https://www.tascam.eu/en/model24.html but has the advantage of being able to multitrack independent of a computer to SD card.

Bob

[Sam Spoons]

TBH, I have a Berry X32 Compact which does all of that and, while not entirely analogue like in it's operating paradigm it does have faders and knobs which are quickly accessible. There is a direct to SD card recording (with 32x32 I/O) and, out of the box, it has similar via the standard USB card.

All the X32 range offer the same and have lots of bells and whistles for the money. As an analogue desk user for 40+ years I found it not too hard to get to grips with too so recommended.

However, if you like the Ghost then that Soundcraft is probably a good choice, especially as the price of around £700 makes it look a real bargain.

[DGL.]

Behringer, of course, also has the UFX1604, with USB multitrack recording both to USB and computer.

[Mike Stranks]

Behringer, of course, also has the UFX1604, with USB multitrack recording both to USB and computer.

True; and that was my first thought. But only 8 pres... the OP seems to want more than that. If he can live with, say, 12 pres or less then there are several more candidates to be considered.

[Jumpeyspyder]

Was also seriously looking at Signature 22 MTK & Presonus AR22-USB a few months ago

Had to re-think as the physical size was too big for my space

Not analog, but worth mentioning: Zoom livetrack L-20

[james090]

I suppose after using a Soundcraft Ghost in the 90's, I was looking at a digital/analog way of doing this today, as a way of mixing in the old style.

I used an 8 out soundcard with physical cables to the desk, with some outboard FX so that I can use the audio through the desk, with desk EQ, FX, etc.

My software, I am sure could see the 22 outs (but i'd have to check with a desk) and basically mix the outputs to a physical desk but with outboard or (the desk's) EQ and FX as my software doesn't really do plug ins well..

This would look the same as I was originally doing, but with the flexibility of 22 ins? and a single USB connection from computer to desk (i'm hoping)

So the audio looping, arranging, and cutting all done digitally but mixing on faders, EQ, and FX on the desk with separate outputs. Then just record a simple 2 -track mixed master from the desk back into a computer.. thats all i'd need really..

[Mike Stranks]

Each to their own and if you're happy with the approach you describe then carry on.

But it seems as though one of your issues is with inadequate mixing/DAW software. It doesn't have to be like that and even Audacity can handle plug-ins.

What software are you using? Maybe a 1:1 tutorial with one of the several very experienced and knowledgeable people here who offer such services would be useful. (Hope that doesn't come across as patronising - not meant to be.)

[james090]

Each to their own and if you're happy with the approach you describe then carry on.

But it seems as though one of your issues is with inadequate mixing/DAW software. It doesn't have to be like that and even Audacity can handle plug-ins.

What software are you using? Maybe a 1:1 tutorial with one of the several very experienced and knowledgeable people here who offer such services would be useful. (Hope that doesn't come across as patronising - not meant to be.)

It's a great idea Mike.. I am using Acid Pro (old version) as its so stable, and does what it says.
I know all the other DAW's can do looping, but i found them so convoluted that the inspiration seemed to leave me!

I do use Ableton and Reaper sometimes, so not totally antiquated (yet)! lol

I have always thought that Reaper is just the same but better, as Acid Pro, Vegas etc but it is so deep that everytime i try and customize it to fit with my workflow, I get totally lost and can't get out of the rabbit hole. I see many others say the same with Reaper as its a 'programmers daw'.

Reaper could do everything I need, and have thought about spending a day with someone who was a power user, and just telling them what i need, with regards theme, actions, macros etc as well as them showing me quicker and better ways to do what i am doing now.

[Mike Stranks]

Yup! I sympathise James.

We get familiar with what we know and learn how to move around the functions quickly and efficiently. Then when we look at new software, new screen layouts and new ways of doing things we get totally bemused. I'm by no means mainstream with the software I use, but it does everything I need and more so I'm happy to stick with what I know. Other software has been recommended to me as more 'mainstream', but I've looked at it, played around with it a bit, got confused and gone back to the tried and trusted!

I'll PM you...

[Sam Spoons]

The DAW you know is always the most 'intuitive'.

I went for Reaper after several years 'outside the box' 'cos Cubase had changed so much that sticking with it would have been the same as learning a new DAW anyway.

[james090]

Just revisiting my post as an alternatives to a Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK USB Mixer, would the new Tascam Model 24 be similar?

I see its reviewed in the new SOS (not read it yet) but looks like a traditional desk with USB etc and a built in recorder?

Aside from this, does it carry 24 tracks in and out over a single USB cable to/from a DAW?

[Bob Bickerton]

The Tascam 24 appears to have a maximum 22 inputs by using channels 1 to 12 as mono mic or line, channels 13 to 16 as balanced stereo, plus there’s an unbalanced stereo too.

Review in the latest copy of SOS.

Bob