USB-equipped analogue mixer vs audio interface

Riaan-Combrink

Hi guys,

I've been intending to buy a proper audio interface (mainly to record vocals, one guitar and backtracks - either wav or midi).

In an article in Sound on Sound mag (http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep08/articles/audiointerfaces.htm) I read about analogue mixers that come equipped with an USB/audio interface (and mic preamps). A basic one - like my needs ? - is retailling for approx R2k - approx the range I was looking at spending fr the standalone interface.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/1204.aspx
http://www.soundz.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=BEXENYX1204

Now, as a technophobe and total recording newb, wouldn't this mixer serve my purpose just as well as buying the interface? I don't need 8 I/Os, etc. Software one can apparently download from the manufacturers site.

I already have a bigger mixer I use for gigs (ehringer UB 1832FX PRO)
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Eurorack-UB1832FXPRO-Mixer?sku=631232

Would I be better served in buying the smaller USB-one for recording, or by using my existing gig mixer simply lined into a standalone audio-interface. Or am I missing something really basic here?

Would be very grateful for any advice, guys.

Thanks!

Gearhead

Owning a Behringer already, you might have noticed that their 'invisible' mic preamps are not too good sounding. I assume this will be no different for the USB thingie. All I'm saying: you talk about a 'proper' audio interface, maybe this is not it.
Apart from sound quality -what you definately need to check is latency. If you ever record one track while the other is playing, any latency over half to a whole dozen milliseconds is going to sound off. Those USB interfaces need to send all the data through, process it etc so they might be slower than PCI cards. Might, dunno. Go and try.
My advice would be to use the mixer you have as Alan described in another thread yesterday or the day before, and get yourself a second hand M-Audio Audiophile 24/96. Similar price or cheaper, best on the market, say, three years ago.

AlanRatcliffe

I have to agree there. USB devices are handy, but for low latency, nothing beats a PCI card interface. You already have a mixer, so no need to duplicate it, rather spend your budget on getting the best interface you can afford.

Keeping things component instead of all-in-one also means that when you get to the point where you start upgrading, you only have to upgrade one thing at a time.

Riaan-Combrink

Thanks, guys!