I’m not sure what I’m trying to do is even possible but I’ll try to explain.
I’m trying to record in stereo using Audacity (v3.5.0) from a couple audio sources (Spotify & eDrums) into a Behringer 802 mixer through a Behringer 202 audio interface back into my older HP laptop. If I connect from the mixer’s “Main Out” (or phones) to the laptop’s “Mic In” all works fine with Audacity settings:
However, if possible, I would like to record directly via USB without having to connect to the Laptop’s Mic port (as not many machines have dedicated Mic inputs anymore).
As such, if I disconnect the Laptop’s Mic input; then connect Mixer’s “Main Out” to AI’s “Input” and select Recording Device in Audacity as Microphone (USB Audio CODEC), it only records the left channel – across both the L&R (i.e. both L&R channels are recording the same thing – no separation).
Because I did not know where to search for an answer I have posted on both Audacity and Behringer sites.
Make sure the USB devices is configured as stereo in Windows (assuming you’re running Windows) and of course Audacity should also be configured as stereo.
If you’re still only getting one channel, swap the left & right inputs and try one at a time. That should tell you if the problem is before or after the Behringer.
FYI - A mic input is “wrong” for a line level signal. A line level signal is about 100 times stronger than a microphone signal.
Thanks for your suggestions Doug. I looked at the settings in both Audacity and Windows. All looks good. I would have suspected if some setting(s) were wrong it would not have recorded in stereo even when receiving input from the microphone port. I will try more and see what happens. Maybe this is a Behringer issue. If so, I will look at purchasing a Focusrite AI.
Thank you Trebor for getting back to me with the Windows issue.
I looked at my Windows 8.2 sound settings as noted in the video. However, I do not see and option for 1 or 2 channels. However, when I look at the Levels > Balance settings there are two options (L&R) so I assume it means it is outputting in stereo. Also, when I go to the Advanced tab and click the Test button I hear sound coming out independently in each left and right ear piece so again, I assume it is outputting in stereo.
As I noted above, maybe this has something to do with this very low budget Behringer AI. I have access to a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 audio interface. I know less about that unit as it’s not mine but maybe that would work better.
What are your thoughts on this?
Again, thanks for your concern and suggestion – much appreciated,
Steve K.
Steve,
Unless you are incredibly unlucky, I doubt both Behringer devices are faulty. I use a Behringer 302USB mixer and a UMC404HD audio interface and I am happy with the way they both perform. Did you install a device driver for the 202? Is it up-to-date?
You could try another program to rule out Audacity issues. I find Ocenaudio a good ‘Plan B’.
Best regards,
Mark B
Thanks Mark for your suggestion. I thought the UCA202 did not need a dedicated driver as Windows system drivers supposedly work fine. I went to their website and do not see a specific driver for the 202 but they do have one for the UCA222 which I believe is a very similar device. However, the driver is not specific to that AI either but rather uses ASIO4ALL which I do have installed on the laptop. I will look at this option closer.
I looked at Ocenaudio but apparently it does not run on Win8.1. I could upgrade to Win10 but this machine is dedicated to running my music stuff (electronic drums, EZDrummer, Spotify, etc.) which for the most part is working fine. I’m kind of a “If it works don’t fix it” type guy.
Just wondering here – is what I am hoping for even possible? That is, being able to record into Audacity in stereo directly from a USB connection not via my microphone in port?
I have a sneaky feeling I’ve read somewhere on the forum that Audacity does NOT support ASIO. Maybe one of the moderators can say with more certainty.
Version 2.0 does, you can find the link here: Ocenaudio 2.0. In fact, version 3.13.8 runs fine on my Windows 7 laptop. I have the installer for that and I could send it to you, if you like.
I can record via USB using my Behringer 302 USB mixer without a separate audio interface because it is its own audio interface. Is your 802 a USB mixer?
I do feel we are edging nearer to an answer now.
Mark B
Yup, I also read Audacity does not support ASIO4ALL
Thanks, I downloaded Ocenaudio v2.0. I’ll see how that goes.
My 802 is not a USB unit - analog mixer only. I had an 802USB unit but I could not get it to work either but I was probably doing something wrong so I sold it and kept my 802 non-USB unit. Probably the wrong decision.
I’ll keep working on this. Any other suggestion I’m all ears (no pun intended).
Thanks again. . .
I downloaded Ocenaudio v2.0 and 3.3. Only v2 ran on my Win8.1 machine (missing d3d12.dll). I tried installing the dll but apparently my machine may be too old so I stayed with Ocenaudio v2 which ran fine.
Ocenaudio setup was very simple. However, when I tried to record something I had the same results as Audacity – only left channel across both right and left channels. It was like it was recording in mono only but all was set as stereo.
Attached is a schematic of my setup. It is quite involved/complicated. The only part I believe we would be interested in is highlighted in red (Laptop, UCA202 AI, & Mixer #2). I understand if this is confusing as I am not an audio engineer or anything even close (just a retired guy with not much else going on).
Thanks Steve,
I really appreciate the diagram. The more I think about it, the more I think this is the Windows 8 equivalent of the common Windows 10 ‘mono’ issue described by Trebor in post #3. That’s because it is recording but not in stereo, if I understand right.
We have that in common then. I will sleep on it and see what tomorrow brings. If you figure it out in the meantime, do let us know, eh?
Whereabouts are you, by the way?
Mark B
Did you try the experiment of unplugging left & right one at a time from the Behringer and swapping the connections?
You could also try testing something “simpler” into the Behringer, like a CD or DVD player, or your TV or phone, etc.
There can be different Windows settings for different inputs/devices.
I’d be surprised if the problem was with the Behringer and I’d hate to see you buy a more expensive interface only to have the same problem. But, “you never know what the problem is until it’s solved.”
…Unless you want the Focusrite anyway. Or you might want to “upgrade” to a USB mixer which would give you a simpler setup even if it doesn’t solve the immediate problem.
Hey Doug,
I did try swapping the R&L cables. It then recorded only the right channel. Regarding a “simpler” option, I’m not sure how to proceed with that. I do have a Focusrite AI I can use and see if it makes a difference. The reason I hesitated is I’ll have to disconnect some things to see what happens. I’ll test that out and keep you posted.
I just found out from a kind member on the Behringer forum that tested a setup similar to what I have. He had the same result. SO, apparently this has something to do with the Behringer UCA202. I will try the Focusrite tomorrow to confirm but I think I found my answer. Not what I wanted to hear but it is what it is. Again, I’ll keep you posted.
Unless someone has some other suggestions (which I’m still hoping for), I’m going to sign off on this for now. Thank you all for your support, comments, recommendations, etc. – much appreciated.
Some further thoughts. On your last schematic with the 1002 mixer and the 202, I don’t get why you fed the output from the 202 back to the 1002. Surely your audio sources all go into the mixer, the mixer out goes to the interface’s input and the USB from the interface goes into your PC.
Harking back to the ‘simpler’ suggestion referred to before; if you have a hi-fi system with RCA Aux ouputs you could connect the 202 input to those and then the USB to your PC. Try digitising a cassette or LP and see if you get proper stereo using only the 202. Removing the RCA plugs in turn should make the affected channel flatline. That should at least prove the 202 is doing its job.
Mark B
Some further thoughts. On your last schematic with the 1002 mixer and the 202, I don’t get why you fed the output from the 202 back to the 1002. Surely your audio sources all go into the mixer, the mixer out goes to the interface’s input and the USB from the interface goes into your PC.
The reason I’m sending the 202 OUT (or phones out) back to the 1002 is so I can monitor what’s happening. If I unplug the 202 OUT, I get nothing from the 1002 phones.
Harking back to the ‘simpler’ suggestion referred to before; if you have a hi-fi system with RCA Aux ouputs you could connect the 202 input to those and then the USB to your PC. Try digitising a cassette or LP and see if you get proper stereo using only the 202. Removing the RCA plugs in turn should make the affected channel flatline. That should at least prove the 202 is doing its job.
**The only thing I had to try the “simpler” suggestion was an old radio (BoomBox). I had to go from the external speakers OUT to the 202 IN > 202 connected to laptop via USB. I tried recording in Audacity but again both channels recorded only one channel. I unplugged the RCA from the radio - first left channel with right only plugged in all went dead, then removed right w/left in and Audacity recorded both channels but only left signal. **
So it’s doing the same thing as before. Now maybe as you said this is a faulty Behringer 202. However, a while ago I purchased a second 202 because I thought exactly that (i.e., the 202 was faulty). BUT, the new 202 did the same thing so I assumed there was nothing wrong with the original 202 and sent the new 202 back.
I’m going to try this with my Focusrite 4i4 but again, I’m not really sure how to connect/configure this. I’ll get back to you with this.
