Keyboard Mixer with multi-channel USB or FW returns

Anyone know of a 8-12 channel small inexpensive mixer like this: http://www.mackie.com/products/onyx1220i/ but with multi-channel RETURNS via firewire. The Mackie and Alesis all seem to have just 1 stereo return from the computer via Firewire or USB, I need something with at least 4 channels of FW or USB returns.

Trying to consolidate the computer soundcard and mixer into one for fly-ins.

Thanks!
 
Keyboard Mixer with multi-channel USB or FW returns

Sorry for the cross-post, in a bit of a hurry and need to see if anyone can help.

Does anyone know of a 8-12 channel small inexpensive mixer like this: http://www.mackie.com/products/onyx1220i/ but with multi-channel RETURNS via firewire. The Mackie and Alesis all seem to have just 1 stereo return from the computer via Firewire or USB, I need something with at least 4 channels of FW or USB returns.

Trying to consolidate the computer soundcard and mixer into one for fly-ins.

Thanks!
 
What do you call inexpensive?
The Allen & Heath ZED-R16 has 18 Firewire inputs and outputs.
http://www.allen-heath.com/uk/Produ...px?CatId=ZEDSeries&SubCatID=&ProductId=ZEDR16
On the low side they go for about $1700.

Sorry, looking for something under a grand, and preferably under $500.
The units that have multiple channels SENDING to the computer but only 2 channels returning are only a few hundred. Don't need onboard fx, or even eq. Just 12 channels, 2 auxes or groups, 4 USB or FW returns and a headphone amp.
 
Re: Keyboard Mixer with multi-channel USB or FW returns

[rant]
Blech. Sucks that all these manufacturers just copy each other instead of having different features. Further sucks that one tiny change requires buying something that's 5+ times the price. Nothing new there, of course.
[/rant]
 
Re: Keyboard Mixer with multi-channel USB or FW returns

The only other way I can think of doing this is to use one of the multi in/out interfaces connected to a Behringer fader pack and control it through whatever software your using if the interface hasn't got some sort of control software with it. Reaper is good for this as it can mix live audio and midi tracks as well as route stuff all over the place, it also has hooks for Reason etc if there is a software synth involved G
 
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Re: Keyboard Mixer with multi-channel USB or FW returns

Thanks, guys. Interesting interfaces, but not really a standard mixer control surface. I'll just have to forgo the "all-in-one" idea and keep going with a separate interface and separate mixer.
Still pretty disappointed that of all the dozens of brands of inexpensive small format mixers out there with USB or FW interfaces, not one returns more than 2 channels to the desk, but I'll get over it! :)
 
Re: Keyboard Mixer with multi-channel USB or FW returns

Hey Andy,

Does the 16ch Midas Venice F work for you? Perhaps more expensive than what you were looking for, but seems to have the functionality that you need. Rack Mountable with 8 Mono Channels and 4 Stereo Channels. There is a button at the top of the input strip that allows you to select Firewire as the input. You can bring in channels on the FW buss and then route them out the corresponding analog Direct Outs as a built in splitter of sorts or use the console to compile the inputs into a stem mix which could be sent to the audio snake.
 
Re: Keyboard Mixer with multi-channel USB or FW returns

Thanks, Dave, but no.

As I said earlier...
Price < $500
Channels: 12 - 16
USB/FW Returns: 4+
Analog looking, just like the dozens of products from Mackie, Alesis, Yamaha, Behringer, Peavey, Roland, and many others.
Companies USED to make such products - M-Audio had a product called the NRV-10 which probably would have fit the bill. Now people are selling them used for more than they are worth.