- Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Pro
- Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad
- Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Mini
- Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Cover
Problem 1: Garageband introduces yet another source of latency on top of Zoom's, so your audio may not match your video from the other participants' POV. Problem 2: Zoom's audio device is finicky, at least on a Mac - you can't load it manually, you have to hope it shows up as a sound option when you set Zoom to use the computer audio.
- GarageBand lets you know when new sound packs are available to download. Explore the Sound Library To browse the GarageBand User Guide for iPad, click Table of Contents at the top of the page.
- Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms.
Make music with Touch Instruments
Use Touch Instruments to play keyboards, drums, guitars, strings, and more. Record your own vocals or plug in your guitar or bass, and play through a great selection of amps and stompbox effects.
Build your song
Choose from hundreds of Apple Loops to add to your song, add a drummer that plays along to the music you recorded, and mix your song with effect plug-ins.
Create music like a DJ
Use Live Loops to create electronic music by simply tapping cells and columns in the grid to trigger musical loops. You can build your own arrangements, then improvise and record a Live Loops performance.
Download free loops and instruments
Use the Sound Library to download and manage sound packs containing hundreds of loops, sounds, Touch Instruments, drum kits, and more. GarageBand lets you know when new sound packs are available to download.
To browse the GarageBand User Guide for iPad, click Table of Contents at the top of the page.
Last Updated on February 22, 2021.
A very common yet reasonable question to ask yourself is whether you should buy an Audio Interface or a Mixer for your home studio, but you could certainly do both, so why not just buy a Mixer with an integrated Audio Interface?
In this post I will go over 8 Mixers that have an integrated Audio Interface which will allow you, not only to use them for live performances, but also to do multitrack recordings in your home studio. Some of them can even record on to an SD card.
This combination of equipment isn’t that cheap, so when I say affordable, I’m talking about $250 and up, but you are getting two for one for a still very reasonable price.
Read also: Best Home Studio Mixers; Analog & Digital.
Let’s get right into the first one on this list…
1. Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 and 22 Series
The Signature MTK 12 and 22 series from Soundcraft are analog mixers which also come with onboard effects and USB multi-track recording and playback. They both allow for 12 or 22 multi-track recording respectively.
It is important to make the distinction between the MTK series and the regular ones;
Both can be connected to the PC via USB but the regular ones only offer two channels for stereo recording and supports 24-bit/192kHz resolution, while the MTK ones offer 12 or 22 Multi-track recording but at a reduced 24-bit/48kHz sample rate.
The MTK series are fantastic for anyone who is building a home studio and wants a good Mixer with loads of inputs and options.
They have the Ghost preamps, which are the ones featured on their Ghost Consoles which are the top of the line. They are of extremely good quality giving you a lot of headroom, wide dynamic range and good signal to noise ratio.
These preamps also come with a Sapphyre Asymmetric EQ, which has two separate mid-bands, allowing you to EQ everything thoroughly.
This Mixer’s interface will also allow you to use the plugins on your DAW for actual live performances in real time as well as for studio monitoring without any latency at all.
They come loaded with studio-quality effects from Lexicon like Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Modulation and other effects and dbx limiters on the input channels.
One would think that these effects are not that good and just here to add something to this mixing desk, but not only do they sound great…
Even better than some commercial plugins, but they are also extremely easy to set with just a pair of parameter knobs.
The consoles have XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs that enable guitars, basses and other instruments to be directly connected.
The quality of the faders is extremely good, they are really smooth, responsive and accurate.
You get a 48v Phantom Power control, which is global, and also a High-Pass filter (for all mono inputs).
The channel strips have a total of 16 mono and 4 stereo channels, 2 effect busses, 4 group busses and a master fader.
USB Interface Compatibility
- PC: Supports Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
- Mac: Supports Mac OS 10.7.x Lion through 10.11.x El Capitan
Included Software
- Free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 9 Lite.
The Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 and 22 Series are simple and easy to use, the recording quality is extremely good and they will serve you well either for live performances or for your home studio.
Find out more about the Soundcraft Signature MTK Series here:
- Soundcraft Signature MTK 12:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- Soundcraft Signature MTK 22:Amazon, Sweetwater.
If you find that buying a mixing board like this one is either too expensive or simply too much for what you actually need, you can always read this article I wrote on the best Audio Interfaces under $300 which offer great recording quality at an affordable price!
2. Zoom LiveTrak L-12
The Zoom LiveTrak L-12 will allow you to record up to fourteen individual tracks to your DAW or to an SD card.
The first 8 tracks have XLR inputs, one and two having a Hi-Z instrument level input while the remaining six have pads, which allow you to reduce the incoming level by 26dB.
The final two channels are stereo inputs which can be on ¼” TRS jacks or RCA connectors.
There are fourteen tracks being recorded because you get the 12 inputs as well as the master output, which is stereo.
The L-12 can also be used to overdub additional parts either in your DAW or internally. The maximum recording quality of this mixer is 24-bit/96kHz.
This one is different from the other ones on this list because it provides 5 headphone outputs and you can create different mixes for each one of them. Each of these outputs has individual volume control also.
Each of the mono inputs (channels 1-8) include a one knob compressor and a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids. You can choose from a variety of effects to add to the tracks while also being able to add a Low-cut. Every channel also has a pan control.
Each channel strip can operate in three different modes; In Audio Interface mode the L-12 transforms into a 14-in/4-out USB interface for your device with flexible routing options.
In USB mode, you can transfer projects and files to a connected drive.
Card Reader mode allows you to transfer files to and from your computer.
The L-12 has the auto record function, which will basically start recording as soon as it detects a certain dB level.
There’s also a bigger version which supports up to 20 channels. Here’s the Link to the Zoom LiveTrak L-20.
It does everything you need it to do, be it recording a live band, rehearsals, or even just for doing some solo home recording, this mixer will do everything while still being very easy to use and intuitive.
Find out more about the Zoom LiveTrak L12 & L-20 here:
- Zoom LiveTrak L-12:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- Zoom LiveTrak L-20:Amazon, Sweetwater.
Another option would be to go for one of these two Audio Interfaces which are affordable and have a decent amount of inputs.
3. Presonus Studiolive ARc
The StudioLive ARc series by Presonus offer a wide selection of mixing desks ranging from 8 tracks all the way up to 18, and all of them are capable of Multi-track recording, sending every Input to your DAW plus the Main mix channels.
These mixers have a nice feature that they call the “super channel”, which basically gives you all the inputs on one channel that you could possibly need; RCA (for CD and DVD players), a 1/8” mini jack (for plugging in your phone, tablet, etc.) and even Bluetooth to pair the mixer with your phone, tablet, laptop, etc.
One other benefit of the Presonus StudioLive ARc Mixers is that they can record directly to an SD card (the stereo mix only), negating the need for a computer when recording live.
Channels 1 and 2 have high-impedance inputs for instruments, such as electric guitars and basses.
The Presonus Studiolive ARc mixers provide you with 16 high-quality effects, which include reverb (room, hall and plate), chorus, delay, and more.
All of these Mixers can record up to 24-bit/96kHz and you also get a 48v Phantom Power control switch which enables it globally.
Included Software
- Studio One artist Edition (Presonus DAW) and Studio Magic Plug-in Suite for Mac and Windows, which includes seven Plugins in VST, AU and AAX formats.
The StudioLive AR mixers are definitely a great investment for a Home Studio, especially if you need to record a vast number of simultaneous inputs, or if you need a board that can be used both live and in the Studio.
Find out more about the PreSonus StudioLive ARc series here:
- StudioLive AR8c:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- StudioLive AR12c: Amazon, Sweetwater.
- StudioLive AR16c: Amazon, Sweetwater.
Related: I’ve put together a list of some amazing Wireless Mixers which you should definitely check out!
4. Zoom R16
This Mixer is a standalone multi-track recorder and a 2.0 USB computer audio interface as well as a battery powered field recorder.
The first thing that stands out is its size, it’s very compact, thin and light.
You can record a full live band and overdub up to 16 tracks, without ever touching a computer.
Or, you could record ambient sound and use it for a slide show if you’re a photographer, or it can even be really useful for film-making since you can record voice overs.
It features built-in condenser microphones as well as inputs for 8 external microphones and it can record up to 24-bit/96kHz audio quality!
The quality of the preamps is really high and they are actually very quiet.
This isn’t your traditional mixing board from what you can see, it packs a lot of extra features like 135 Built-in effects such as guitar amp modeling to even mastering effects.
These effects can only be used in standalone mode, or when recording on-to the PC.
The reverb, delay, chorus and flange are amazing. The EQ, while being very basic, still does its job and the amp modeling is really fun and sounds pretty good also.
The Zoom R16 also provides a chromatic tuner and metronome.
One cool benefit it has is that it can be used to control the DAW, instead of using your mouse to increase or lower the volumes of the tracks, you can simply use the faders on the R16 and this will adjust it in your PC.
One issue though, which is quite a big deal actually, is that only channels five and six can provide phantom power for condenser microphones.
Channel one has a hi-Z instrument-level switch, which allows you to directly connect a guitar or bass.
Included Software
- Cubase LE
The Zoom R16 is really versatile and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone in need of something portable that can be battery powered as well, should you need to record on the road, in a bar, etc.
A huge plus about the Zoom R16 is that it can work as a control surface for your DAW, which offers a more “hands-on” approach to mixing.
Find out more about the Zoom R16 here:
- Zoom R16:Amazon, Sweetwater.
5. Behringer XR18
The Behringer XR18 is a digital mixer which features a 18-in/18-out USB audio interface.
It’s a completely different mixer than the other ones on this list for the simple fact that it doesn’t provide any channel strips or analog controls.
The way it works is via Wi-Fi by connecting it to a device like an iPad, Android Tablet, Laptop, etc. through the X-Air App.
This app works almost like a DAW and comes included withloads of effects.
It even has an Auto-Mix feature which can manage fullyautomated mixes with up to 16 live microphones…
This feature is not really intended for mixing live music, but rather conferences.
16 of the inputs are XLR/TRS combo Jacks which feature their famous MIDAS preamps, and an additional two line inputs, as well as MIDI I/O.
The quality of these preamps is actually pretty good, providingyou with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio and good headroom.
It also comes with 6 aux outputs which can be used to createheadphone mixes, or for live monitoring, as well as a headphone output.
Lastly, it comes with the “Ultranet” port which connects to theBehringer’s P16 monitor distribution system and allows every musician to createtheir own headphone mix or their own monitor mix on stage.
When it comes to cost-efficiency, the Behringer XR18 is oneof the best ones…
It super affordable and it can be used from a distance, which is excellent for live performances since you won’t have to deal with loads of cables.
Find out more about the Behringer X-Air XR18 here:
- Behringer X-Air XR18:Amazon, Sweetwater.
6. Behringer X32
The Behringer X32 is a 40-input compact mixer that features a 32X32 Audio Interface, meaning that you can record 32 separate tracks on/to your DAW.
This mixer comes with the MIDAS preamps, which are Behringer’saward-winning preamps that sound pretty damn good.
One cool little pro about this mixer is that it features analready built-in talk-back mic. You can, however, use an external one for this.
With the number of ins and outs that this mixer has, youshouldn’t run into any troubles, but if you need more then you can simply usethe expansion slot for an additional 32×32.
As far as effects go, it comes with eight true-stereo (16mono) multi-effects processors including delay, reverb, and all the traditionalones, as well as a 31-band graphic EQ.
Additionally, it has the Auto Mix function which enablesautomatic gain sharing, providing increased gain to your main speakers whileducking open mics.
It’s also possible to control the volume, panning, EQ andeffects via Ethernet or Wi-Fi by using a dedicated app, making this mixer verydesirable for live settings since you don’t need to always be right beside it;you can simply walk around the venue and tune everything from a distance with yourtablet or iPad.
Now, this one is a bit more expensive than all the mixers I’velisted so far, but it has loads of ins and outs, and you can control itwirelessly, which is a clear pro.
Included Software
- Tracktion 4
If you absolutely need a super versatile console, then the Behringer X32 might be the right one; However, in most cases I would recommend one of the first 3 I listed on this post.
Learn more about the Behringer X32 here:
- Behringer X32 Producer:Amazon, Sweetwater.
7. Tascam Model Series Mixers
The Tascam Model 12, 16 and 24 are true hybrid mixers that have all the controls an analog console has to offer, as well as some extra digital features.
They can record 8, 12, and 22 simultaneous tracks directly to your DAW or to an SD card at a maximum quality of 24-bit/48kHz.
On the first two channels you get an Instrument/Line-in jack with the ability to switch between them with the press of a button. Also, those two channels have an extra insert on the front.
They all can record either to your DAW or to an SD card, and also offer immediate playback of the tracks you recorded to the SD card.
Just like the Presonus StudioLive AR series, the Tascam Model Series come with RCA, minijack and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming Audio, and they even provide 16 built-in effects such as Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Flanger, etc.
The Phantom Power can be supplied globally, sadly not individually, but this shouldn’t be that much of an issue.
One distinctive feature is the Routing Mode selector, which is common to all channels;
It allows you to assign the input of your choice, like the live incoming signal, the return from a DAW channel or the return from the internal multitrack recorder to each channel for EQ, processing, etc.
This enables you to overdub in the studio or to play backing tracks, etc.
Additionally, they come with a 3-band EQ with Sweepable mids, plus a low-cut on those same channels. On the rest of them you only get a regular 3-band EQ plus the low-cut.
A stereo 7-band graphic EQ can be additionally applied to the main mix or monitors output, which lets you shape your mixes to your liking and prevent feedback.
Lastly, one feature unique to only the Tascam Model 12 is the DAW control Mode, which will transform the mixer into a control surface for all major DAWs.
The Tascam Model 12, 16 and 24 series are some of the best mixers you could get for your home studio, especially the Model 12 thanks to its built-in DAW control mode.
Learn more about the Tascam Model Series here:
- Tascam Model 12:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- Tascam Model 16:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- Tascam Model 24:Amazon, Sweetwater.
8. Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX
Another excellent addition to any Home Studio is the Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX.
This one I would recommend to anyone with a small Home Studio, or to anyone who doesn’t need an extreme number of ins and outs.
This mixer is also a lot more affordable than all the previous ones on this list which is a clear pro.
It is a 4×4 mixer, meaning that you can record the four mic inputs on to separate tracks in your DAW.
The sample rate and bit depth are 24-bit / 96kHz which is perfect for home recording applications.
ZEDi-10FX offers four mono mic/line channels (with phantom power), which are the ones that can be recorded separately on to the DAW, plus two stereo inputs as well as built- in FX.
The four mono channels feature balanced/unbalanced TRS and XLR inputs and use the GSPre preamps, which sound pretty damn nice and can even provide enough gain to drive microphones like the Shure SM7B or the Heil PR40.
Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Pro
The stereo Inputs come via TRS.
The first two channels also include a “guitar mode” which engage the high impedance DI inputs. This means that you won’t need to worry about purchasing a DI box.
The next two channels, 3 and 4, have a Line/Pad button which will drop the input level by 20dB.
All four channels have a Low cut button as well as the typical controls every mixer has; like Gain, balance, FX-Send, mix level, Aux send and a three band EQ.
When taking a look at the stereo channels you will notice that they aren’t as fully equipped as the mono ones:
The first stereo channel only supplies up to 15dB of gain as well as a two band EQ, while the second stereo channel only offers mix level control.
Luckily, the effects sound great, with 61 one presets in total split between the typical effects such as delay, reverb, chorus, doublers, flangers, and more.
This mixer also comes with a ¼” headphone output which should be able to drive most headphones out there.
Included Software
One huge perk about this mixer is that it comes with these free included software; Cubase LE and Cubasis LE.
Lastly, this mixer feels very solid. It’s clearly been made to last and to be road tough.
Features
Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad
- 4 in, 4 out USB Audio Interface (24-bit/96kHz)
- Cubase LE Software included
- Cubasis LE App included
- 2 Stereo Inputs with TRS jack sockets
- 2 Guitar DI high impedance inputs
- Internal FX
Note: You might also want to check out the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 which is the same mixer only cheaper, but it lacks the effects.
Find out more about the ZEDi-10FX and the ZEDi-10 here:
- ZEDi-10FX: Amazon, Sweetwater.
- ZEDi-10:Amazon, Sweetwater.
Depending on your needs you might want one or the other.
Conclusion
No matter which of these Mixers you choose, you will be able to do multi-track recording, however not everyone is going to need the same Mixer.
Depending on the amount of inputs you need, you’re going to want a different one. Also, you need to take budget into account.
My top picks would be the Soundcraft Signature MTK 22 and the Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX, depending on the amount of channels you need which you can both find in my recommended gear page.
The Zoom Live-Trak L-12 is also a mixer that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Mini
If you think that you are going to need an upgrade in the future, simply get a mixer with a higher channel count, you will be saving money in the long run.
Can a USB mixer record separate tracks?
This depends on the mixer itself; if it has a built-in audio interface that is capable of recording multiple tracks, then yes.
You can check this by looking at the “Computer Connectivity” specifications; If it says 16×16, for example, then this means that 16 tracks are coming in and 16 are going out, meaning that those can be recorded individually on your DAW.
Do I need a mixer for home studio?
In most cases NO. You can use one with a built-in audio interface, but unless you need all the tracks a mixer has to offer, then it makes much more sense to go with an Audio Interface.
Mixers that can do multitrack recording are also very expensive.
How do you record multiple tracks with a mixer?
Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Cover
You will need a mixer with a built-in audio interface that is capable of multitrack recording. These mixers are usually far more expensive than regular ones, and for a home studio you probably don’t need them anyway.