****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
After extensive research I chose the SoundCraft Notepad for use with my keyboard rig. This mixer is (nearly) unique among small, low cost mixers in that it has a true monitor bus like those found on larger more expensive mixers. The mix into the monitor bus is independent of the main mix and has separate level controls for each input. I also discovered that the monitor bus is a stereo bus 'under the covers' and can generate a stereo signal with the addition of a simple 1/4" male stereo to 2X 1/4" female mono line splitter.This functionality provides just the right level of control needed for a single or multiple keyboard rig in that it allows for full and independent control over the feed to a main PA independently of local monitors. As a piano/keyboard player, hearing yourself makes all the difference. So often, the main PA speakers are in front of you or the existing monitor mix has keys turned down. When three guitars and a cluster of horns get going, I can turn up my personal monitors without having to alter the main PA mix. In other scenarios, I can turn down or turn off the main PA mix while adjusting keyboard settings or doing a personal sound check (or determining in what key someone is playing).With this mixer, it is possible to use stereo or mono main mix in any combination with a stereo or mono monitors. The Notepad 5 has enough inputs for a one stereo and one mono keyboard, plus an audio source, yet is small enough to sit on top of the keyboard or a speaker. The Notepad 8 and 12 can handle more keyboards or inputs for larger rigs, has balance/pan controls and effects. I find the Notepad 5 just right for my needs.The USB functionality seems to work just fine with Audacity on Windows 10, but I have not tested the full USB functionality with a variety of software.Two minor nits for these units: 1) The included documentation does not contain an electrical block diagram. Every other mixer that I've used or referenced has a block diagram which is really the only way to truly insure how each signal path combination works. 2) No on/off switch.Great functionality at a reasonable prices. I have one in my studio and another in my gig bag.The preamps on this are fantastic. They are very clean. Used very low output mics to see how hard I could push it and it does a nice job. Playback, however can be challenging. It has a longer latency, so you hit play and there is often a delay in editing programs. However, if you are monitoring something without editing, yes you will hear it clearly. Again, good D-A , A-D conversion. Especially great if you are doing voice over tracks and need a clean capture.It does not exceed 48K sample rate, however. Again, for voice over and many applications this isn't a big deal.I'm keeping mine as a back up or when I need a quick setup and don't want to drag my other gear along when I do laptop voice over additions.The drivers DID NOT work for much of 2019 on Win10, but the manufacturer updated in 2020 and it works now. But I suspect this device won't always be supported, so for a few more bucks MOTU makes a device that is more stable.I use this for videoconferencing piano lessons. The USB connection works flawlessly with a Chromebook, and gives bidirectional audio to/from the overall mix. The pre-fader monitor bus lets me effectively mix the headphones separately from the mix sent to the videoconference. I set up the main mix so that the keyboard and a mic go to the computer as input, and see up the monitor mix so that the computer's output (audio from the other person in the videoconference) and the keyboard go to my headphones. The result is fantastic clear audio on both ends, with no crosstalk or echo from the laptop speakers.I bought this mixer and it's a very nice little package and it had all the features I was looking for. It's small and portable, has nice sound quality, and can act as a USB interface to boot... but here is where lies the problem.I don't know what it's like for a Mac user, but in order for the USB interface to do more than simply receive audio from your computer and truly act as an interface, you have to download a Souncraft driver. That's not a big deal, until you realize Soundcraft's drivers bring forth a mess of issues related to digital driver signatures on Windows 10. You basically have to modify fundamental levels of your computer's security in order to allow the driver to install. Honestly, after messing around with it and fearing I'd screw up something that might affect the stability or security of my computer, I decided that's when I start looking for mixers elsewhere.More simply put... Come on Soundcraft? How could you possibly put out a required driver like this? I shouldn't have to run Command Prompt in order to get something as simple as an audio driver to work properly. Until they fix their drivers, DON'T buy this product. Once they do, this will be a nice package.Everything works properly, except the way the USB audio input works. I tried it connected to my MIDI keyboard, through a VST on my laptop. After about 2s of silence over USB the board would start hibernating and then the first few notes I played wouldn't come through while it woke back up again.I considered writing a tiny program to send inaudible noise over USB and trick the board into not turning off, but I ended up just using the 1/4" input instead.Easy to useOnly reason I have given a 3 star is because i was not sent a usb type-b cable. INSTEAD i was given a 6’ AC Power Cable which fundamentally useless with this product.I used this to hook up my laptop to show a movie through a bar's projector and speakers, and the sound is great! Definitely recommend to others!If U R Begginer Or Not Perform In Live Shows or Get To Start a New Music Studio Then Dont Buy This . Its Built Quality Is Good Bt Performance Is Very Bad.So Guys According To Me U All Buy Audio Interface Rather Than Mixer.Very bad item....please don't buy this and loss your precious time.2 times I bought this item but it's not working. So if you are a beginner Go for soundcraft Notepad 8fx.E il secondo mixer che compro della stessa marca, soliti rumori di sottofondo. Ormai da quando li fabbrica in cina la qualità e scesa di bruttoBuy this gem of a mixer... This is suitable for music composers, audio engineers. I tested recording vocals.. Impressed.. I would highly recommend soundcraft 5. Quality too good..Bought this device but not booting and I am not able to return the product also due to Diwali season waste of money and time
