Problem with my mixer! I need some assist from a guru!

[hellfire45]

So I run a podcast and we just upgraded our recording equipment. We have a Behringer Xenyx X1204 mixer and 2 Sansom CL2 pencil condensor mics.
Here is the setup we have running.

We have 1 mic running into channel 1 on the mixer.
Another mic running into channel 2 on the mixer.
Then on channel 7/8, "Line in" we have plugs running into the 35mm headphone jack on my laptop to use for music/ sound effects.
Then so that I can hear the recording/ audio when I'm doing it (so I can adjust the audio properly) I have a pair of headphones running into the "phones" 1/4 jack on the mixer. We are using Adobe Audition for the recording on Windows 7.

Here is the problem:

I can't get any feedback into my headphones from the mixer. Simple as that. When I record something, I can see the recording wavelengths on Adobe Audition and I can play what I record back through my computer speakers. Also, when I click record, to record the music and/or voices from the mics I hear a buzzing noise in my headphones but that is all.

Can anybody help me out with this? I am very new to mixers, and I'm supposed to record something tomorrow night.

[jagabo]

Could be a blown headphone amp in the unit.

[hellfire45]

Well I'd really like it if that wasnt the case since this thing is brand new, never been used. Any other solutions? *Crosses fingers*

[edDV]

My Mackie 1202VLZ was the original this mixer was based on. Do you have a link to the manual for your Xenyx X1204?

The headphone concept is a control room monitor (sound isolated from the talent). The headphone is switchable in the case of the 1201 to the main mix (mixer output), the tape input (so tapes can be cued isolated from the main mix) and some of the aux inputs. Normal selection is the Main Mix.

The Berhinger 1204 is similar where the control headset is selected in the "Source" block next to the peak LED stack. There is a headphone pot there too.



yours

[hellfire45]

Here is a link where you can get the manual: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/1204USB.aspx

I really appreciate your help Ed, can you explain that again in very lamens terms? All I want to do is be able to wear the headset so I can here all the voices going into the mixer AND the music/effects, etc... at the same time so that I can properly adjust sound levels to where they need to be.

[jagabo]

The headphones can monitor the final mix, or some of the inputs before the mix. Use the buttons in the last of edDV's images to determine what you're monitoring: 2-TR/USB, Alt 3/4, Main Mix. See page 9 of the manual for details.

If you still can't hear anything the headphone amp is blown.

[edDV]

Here is a link where you can get the manual: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/1204USB.aspx

I really appreciate your help Ed, can you explain that again in very lamens terms? All I want to do is be able to wear the headset so I can here all the voices going into the mixer AND the music/effects, etc... at the same time so that I can properly adjust sound levels to where they need to be.

Mixer setup is a bit complex. That is why I suggested you trade a case of beer for basic instruction from a local radio tech.

First issue is are you able to record on the PC from the main mix output? If so, on my mixer selecting "main mix" in the Source Block with all other buttons up in that block should send the main mix to the headphones.

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the mixer has failed. That would need a systematic test of all modes. A radio or garage band tech has been down this path many times. The garage band tech* will be clueless about remote caller mix-minus sends for radio conversation but he will know how to monitor with headphones..

It is all "easy" once you figure it out.


* Actually "mix-minus" is very similar to a rock band monitor speaker feed but he/she will probably not get the analogy. Their enemy is feedback.

Here is you manual.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/downloads/pdf/1204USB_X1204USB_P0794_M_EN_REV2.pdf

[edDV]

This is what the Behringer manual has to say. I agree you need some experience to interpret this. Ask again.

[Ditka1985]

First things first...

1) Unplug the line input (for now)

2) Leave both microphones plugged in. Make sure that they are on, the level sliders for each mic are up, the MAIN MIX sliders are up, and talk into them. You should see the main mix LED level meter light up when you talk into the microphones.

3) Make sure that the SOURCE button (next to the headphone volume control) is set to MAIN MIX.

4) Make sure that none of the channels are Muted, and make sure the SOLO buttons are not pressed, either.

5) You should hear your microphones through the headphones.

If this basic stuff isn't working, then the more advanced connection with the additional channels won't, either. This will also check to see if the headphone amp is working properly. Once you get this part working, then you can re-connect the line inputs and try again.

The headphone source selection switch allows you to determine what the headphones are playing. By pressing the MAIN MIX button, your phones will be set to listen to the summed mix on the main bus (i.e. the main mix).



Now...

Here's the concern that I have about this setup... You *do* have the risk of creating a feedback loop depending on how the card in your computer is set up. If you have the sound card's output as one of the mixer's sources, you could end up with problems. Some cards do not (or can be set to not) route the input source to the output during recording. This can actually get more tricky than setting up the mixer. In other words, proceed with caution (bring up the line level slowly and carefully) until you know how this card behaves.