If you have more than two microphones and will be recording to a 2-channel recorder, then you’ll need a mixer to mix the source audio to 2 channels. For recording a class, there is no need for a mixer. However, when directly micing instruments for bhajans one will have more than 2 mics.
I usually have my bhajans setup with 1 mono vocal mic, 1 harmonium mic, 2 drum mics and perhaps a backup vocal mic. I also use a stereo room microphone. All but the room mic are then mixed down to two channels and recorded to my digital recorder. The stereo room mic is recorded on my camcorder.
So, what mixer to use? Mackie makes some of the best mixers — if a bit pricey. I like the Mackie VLZ3 series of mixers. Pick the one that has the right number of XLR connectors for your expected count of microphones. A good size model in that series is the 1402-VLZ3. This has 6 XLR connectors for future growth, very good quality pre-amps, and nice controls. If you are always recording bhajans in the temple room, this would also make a great mixer for the temple PA system.
There are smaller mixers in the VLZ3 series which might be better suited to your budget.
If you looked at my equipment list, you’ll notice that I don’t use this mixer for my own recordings. Since I record at many different locations (home programs, indoors, outdoors, etc) I cannot always rely on power being available so I needed a mixer that could be battery powered. Other than the Behringer that I ended up purchasing, I could only find very expensive field mixers in the $2500+ range (eg: Sound Devices 442).
The mixer I use is a Behringer Eurorack UBB1002 portable mixer ($99). Behringer doesn’t generally get very good reviews for the quality of their pre-amps. Behringer claims that (at least) for the first 2 channels on the mixer the quality is very good. My experience is that for recording bhajans it has been good enough. If someone can show me an alternative to this I’d appreciate it.
The unit itself works as expected. It is powered either an AC adaptor or by 2 9-volt batteries that last about 4hours. The phantom power is provided by a third 9-volt battery. I use rechargeable batteries so I don’t keep throwing away batteries. The battery compartment is a pain to deal with. It is a metal plate that is screwed on. The opening for the 9v batteries is cramped. It works, but could be better designed. It has 5 XLR connectors which is just right for my normal setup.
Like any decent mixer, you adjust the initial volume using the gain knobs at the top. You can then do fine tuning adjustments using the faders. You can also adjust the pan (left/right mix) of each channel. There is a 3 channel EQ as well. There are 4 outputs — each using standard 1/4″ jacks. A stereo out which I feed into my digital recorder. There is a mono monitor jack which I feed to my powered PA speaker if we’re at a home program and using amplification. A mono FX jack — I don’t use it. And a stereo headphone jack which can be used to monitor your mix. I generally monitor at the recorder not the mixer so… that is not used either.
Each channel has a clip light so you can see if any particular instrument’s gain is too high. And there is a overall level meter for the final output mix.
I’ve been pleased with this mixer. Nothing fancy and gets the job done.
Next week? I’ll start covering video equipment starting with camcorders…
