I am having fairly good results running my software piano sounds through my mixer (see below), EQing it, and then out and through my DP (ES7) speakers. It makes me wonder if I had a better quality mixer if I might get even better results.
Any suggestions for a very high quality mixer that might improve my results ?

Can you eliminate the mixer? If so, does it sound better without it?

Mackie are highly regarded mixers. I doubt you could get much better than that. Unless you're hoping for more options to shape the sound, as opposed to sound quality per se.

I see yours has a very limited EQ. You could get a mixer that has more options for mids etc. Mac is right though, why even use a mixer? They are usually used when you want to connect more than one thing and record simultanously. If you want to just have an EQ, you could buy some multiband EQ. Or use a DAW and do EQ with software (and much more) if you're already using a software piano. There's no need for outboard gear.

First, off ... it does not sound better without going through the mixer. That is what prompted me to start using the mixer again.

I had been using a mixer to mix software sounds with my CA-63 internal sounds with "mixed" results.

Now, after using my ES7 for awhile I am finding a need to shape that sound also. I have found that knocking out highs mellows the sound more to my taste. The mixer I have is able to do that.

I then started experimenting with my software sounds through the mixer again and then back through my ES7 speakers and found that to work reasonably well.

Anyway ... The EQ on the mixer works. I thought maybe something with a little more EQ capability would be good. It really does not have to be a mixer because I think I am finished mixing. I just would like to be able to shape the sound I do get just a tad more.

How about using the ES7's built-in EQ controls?

James
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I have used them. They make a difference but not enough difference. The EQ on my mixer has more of the effect I am looking for. I just want more control.


If I were to go with just a hardware equalizer, there are dozens of options. Any suggestions ?

I don't think it matters much. Any reasonable quality multi-band equalizer should do. Avoid Behringer, that's for sure.

You could possibly even get a pedal type thing like guitarists do: http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=144

Or, again, just get a DAW and put a software equalizer after the piano VST.

The point of my original post was: If removing the mixer does not change the sound, then the mixer is doing no harm. So there's no point in seeking a "better" mixer.So I think you're doing the right thing by continuing to use it.

I use a mixer for this very same purpose:I've had good results. I used to have a homemade mixer. More recently I moved to a Shure mixer. Both work well.

As for EQ ... Graphic equalizers are very abundant on ebay. Mixers mostly tend to have only the basic bass/treble controls. A proper graphic equalizer gives much better control. And they're VERY inexpensive.

Look at any of the Allen & Heath mixers they are top quality and start at Around $300 & go into the stratosphere--

They are known for their quality EQ's and preamps--

Jack

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Is this what you are referring to ?


http://www.sweetwater.com/c957--Radial--...CFQSg4AodnjYAxg

this one
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JDIDuplex/

Ok, thanks. I will look into it.

Going back to the original question regarding the output of a software piano then am I correct in thinking this will only be as good as the D/A conversion, by the focusrite in your case.

In my set up I'm using an RME Babyface for the audio conversion, I have this mainly because I wanted to utilise my speakers for both my Nord EX and to playback my cd collection which is stored as FLAC files on an external NAS. The Babyface is superb. On my MAC it installed with no problem. It can be expanded via ADAT and comes with an excellent Software mixer: Totalmix, you could use this to control the level of your Software piano.

I use a Radial PROD2 to convert my Nord EX output to a balanced one and this works fine with the RME Babyface.

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