Best way to record drums in Ableton

[DieselDeal]

So I just bought a set of CAD drum mics for both studio and live use. I'm just starting out with Ableton and have only recently become comfortable in the program.

Basically, what I'd like to know is the best mixer to use that is compatible with the program. I'd like to keep the price to a minimum; I don't really want to spend over $100 on anything because I'm pretty new to it. So if there are any good, cheap mixers (Behringer, perhaps?) that will work without a doubt, I'd really appreciate some help.

Thanks!!

[Laurens48711]

With that budget? Sorry but the only thing you can do is search the second hand shops and websites in search for an old, beaten and heavily used desk from a good brand. I recently found a Philips desk for €50,- wich is great, but other then that you will have to compromise quality; but then again with the mics you got buying a real studio desk is unnecessary. But I'dd still try to find a second hand one from say Allen & Heath, Soundcraft and name them all.

[DieselDeal]

That's really all I wanted to do. I've been looking at used stuff on eBay and Amazon. I definitely don't want to buy something new. But can really any mixer be used with the program? Are some brands better than others? I've had issues with a MIDI controller that I have where it isn't one hundred percent compatible with the program so there are hiccups in its performance.

Also, I forgot to mention, I'd need something with at least 8 channels because that's how many mics I currently have.

[Piplodocus]

A mixer is an analogue device, so it can't be incompatible with live! It just mixes together all the mics, so you can record a single stereo input in live.

This is unless you want to multitrack the drums, in which case you need a multi-input soundcard/audio interface, and a mixer with direct outs so you can just use it for mic preamps?

[DieselDeal]

Hah you'll have to forgive my ignorance. It looks like no matter what I get will work. I don't need to multitrack anything at this point but I'm sure one day soon I will need to get a bit more professional.

[The Leveller]

Multi tracking is fun, as you can sub mix the drums afterwards to taste. If you're not going that route then one stereo mic and an interface is fine too, just fiddle with the placement of the mic until you're happy with the capture and boof, off you go.

Since you biught a full set of drum mics though, it's a shame not to be able to record each on into Live separetly for which you will need an interface with enough inputs...would be the nice way to do it, otherwise you've got a load of mics when one would have done.

[DieselDeal]

Well they'll get used one way or another. What sort of interface do you mean? I have used mutliple drum mics before with a Firebox and they showed up as separate audio tracks in Live. But I don't have a Firbox or Firestudio or anything like that.

[Laurens48711]

So then: if I understand it correctly you want to use the mixer to turn all the mic channels into a stereo output that goes into your soundcard?

Try to get your hands on a Spirit Folio F1, I know, it's not a studio device, but I used it a lot for demo work and especially on drums it sounds pretty good and the noise floor is also pretty low.

[The Leveller]

Yep, thats the way, a little mixer works fine. but like i say it's a shame not to have the ability to sub mix inside Live and for that yes, you'll need something like the Firebox.

[swishniak]

hey - before spending any money on mixers consider getting an interface (especially if you dont have one already). something like the PreSonus FireStudio Mobile will give you to XLR ins and the ability to expand with some cheaper preamps. this way you can start off multitracking (and wont have a big old mixer taking up studio space). just my 2 cents.