Comparing MBP Mixer Interfaces for Live Duo

[Greg_Midi]

I created duo infrastructure and backing tracks for my wife and I about 10 years ago with MBP/MOTU DP & 828x interface. It all worked pretty well except I'd always wished for better hands on control, particularly for our in-ear monitors. It would be long winded and tedious to dive into all the details so I'll save some of that for if the discussion warrants. A quick rundown is that we both sing, I mainly play guitar but have a Korg Krome 61 primarily for MIDI rhythm backing tracks while my wife mostly plays keys (currently Roland RD88) but also occasionally flute and mandolin.

The duo thing has fallen to the side as we enlisted other players and became a live band in recent years but we've been thinking about getting the duo going again and taking it to the bigger city, in this case, Las Vegas.

I certainly want to update our setup if we're going to do that and above all else I'd really like to have a mixer that is a solid MBP multi-channel interface with at least two monitor channel outputs. I had been using a used late gen Intel MBP but now the battery will no longer charge and I don't trust it. We'll use my wife's last gen Intel MBP with the four thunderbolt 3 ports which should be capable enough.

So I've been casually looking and today on Amazon this Tascam Model 12 popped up. I thought it looked fairly appropriate and I've also had my eye on some new Yamaha MGX series mixer/interfaces with USB3.

I'm wondering who else might be doing similar gigs and what equipment you're using, options and techniques are nearly limitless so it's always an interesting discussion.

A few more details; I've been using Digital Performer for this type of thing going back over 20 years. Articles in Keyboard Magazine at the time guided me in that direction and I'd become fairly proficient with that DAW but I also dabble with Ableton Live and have considered moving in that direction. We've been using amplifiers but I'd like to move away from that and have all come out the main PA (EV Evolve30M stick unit and 12" Mackie Thump on a stand).

1. We both need mic input on the mixer, currently those go into 828x XLR front -> DP channels for some processing and back out on individual 828x XLR out channels but that may not be absolutely necessary. At mixer out: front and monitors.

2. Click (not an external input here) is essential of course and needs to be separate channels so only goes to monitors. Currently using PolySynth (low overhead included in DP) which runs out 828x ch 3/4. At mixer out: monitors only

3. DAW sends MIDI to my Korg Krome (USB hub) which needs mixer input (independent or line level stereo in). At mixer out: front and monitors.

4. Wife may still need small sub-mixer for instruments -> main mixer input (independent or line level stereo in). At mixer out: front and monitors.

5. Guitar needs an input channel(s). Currently goes into 828x ch5 -> DP channel for effects and leaves 828x ch5 to an amp. Would prefer to eliminate amp and process in computer or with Boss GX-10 floor unit. At mixer out: front and monitors.

This stuff can get complicated fast and the dizzying array of possibilities can become mind numbing so I've tried my best to explain my current setup and techniques as well as the direction I'd like to go. I'm not even sure if this is the right forum for such discussions but I'm throwing it out there for anyone who may have similar experiences or ideas and appreciate any feedback. Thanks for looking!