If you have been searching for a small mixer for a DAWless setup, you have probably come across the Soundcraft Notepad 12FX. This 12 channel mixer with built in FX as implied by the name packs a lot into a small footprint, but has the inevitable compromises that come with its diminished size.
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Pros and Cons
Lets start with the positive:
- very compact size
- easy to use
- FX are useable if left alone. (Lexicon DSP (Reverb, Delay, Chorus) with Tap Tempo.)
- can blend external and internal FX
- Flexible 4 channel USB (4-in/4-out allows recording 4 separate tracks to your DAW)
- 100Hz filters on the mono inputs
- feels robust
And the not so good:
- requires bulky female XLR cables for the main outputs
- external brick PSU. (but at least it has a plastic lug to protect it the input)
- no dedicated on/off switch
- theres a gap in the sound when switching between FX
- no EQ on the stereo inputs
- only one aux send
- no separate return, uses the 11/12 channel
- rotary controllers no faders. (very typical for small footprint mixers)
Who is it for?
I dont expect that this mixer was never created for DAWless uses in mind. It is meant to be a small footprint mixer to support a variety of situations, with dedicated inputs that suit guitars, microphones alongs side the line in and flexible USB, its good for small gig setups, podcasters, that sort of thing. Its a hybrid, budget mixer. However for pure DAWless setup made of small synths and drum machines, there are better options available.
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