problem recording from new mixer [SOLVED]

Audacity Help Forum Windows
1

I am using win 10, and have Audactity 2.1.2.

I bought a Behringer X1204USB mixer. I have connected using USB and I was seeing on the monitor that the sound was coming through, but when I try to record I get a flat line.

I have selected USB audio codec as the recording device, and have the record volume set to the max.

2

Strange… Normally, if Windows sees your device and you select it you can record from it… Try a different [u]Audio Host[/u].

I have connected using USB and I was seeing on the monitor that the sound was coming through,

What does that mean? Are you seeing the Windows meter or Audacity meter move? Are you hearing the sound through your computer speakers?

Are the LED meters on the mixer showing anything? Have you tried headphones (or something analog) plugged into the mixer to make sure you’re getting sound?

3

I have tried all 3 audio hosts.

My connection form mixer to laptop is through a USB cable. It was the Audacity meter that was showing the sound coming through, although now that has also disappeared. I think I may have changed a setting like overdub and software playthrough and now I am not getting the audacity meter to move.

The mixer LED shows the mic is working but it only is registering abut -20 even though the slider is all the way up.

4

I should add that I also have tried 2 different mics, and 2 cables.

I have a logitech headset, and can record from that with no problem if I select that as the recording device.

I tried plugging the mixer into a different USB jack on the laptop, and now I have audacity registering the levels again, but when I record the wave for is tiny but there is something there. Everything is set to max volume.

5

I have a logitech headset, and can record from that with no problem if I select that as the recording device.

is that a USB headset? A couple of times I’ve had driver problems when switching between USB audio devices.

I tried plugging the mixer into a different USB jack on the laptop, and now I have audacity registering the levels again

Good to hear!

…but when I record the wave for is tiny but there is something there. Everything is set to max volume.

…The mixer LED shows the mic is working but it only is registering abut -20 even though the slider is all the way up.

What microphones are you using?

How loud is the sound and how close to mic?

I assume both the the mic slider and the master sliders are maximum?

If you are using a studio condenser mic be sure to turn-on phantom power (on the mixer).

6

Yes it is a USB headset so I guess it could be a driver issue although weird that I am seeing good levels in audacity.

All sliders are set to max.

Phantom power is on.

Sound is just me speaking test test fairly loudly.

7

I’m thinking it’s something on the analog side.

All sliders are set to max.

I’m looking at the user manual online. There’s also a rotary gain control for each input. Is that cranked-up?

That mixer also has some built-in effects and maybe there’s something going on with the effect processing.

Or, maybe it’s something with the mic. What’s the make & model number of your mic?

8

I cranked the gain up and that did raise the levels on the meter on the mixer, but still didn’t help the recording in Audacity.

I tried 2 different mics and cables in 2 different inputs. One is a Shure AXS1 and the other is a ABS Lute Pro Edition.

By the way, I just want to add that I really appreciate the help you are giving.

9

I tried 2 different mics and cables in 2 different inputs. One is a Shure AXS1 and the other is a ABS Lute Pro Edition.

OK, I don’t see anything “tricky” about using those mics and they are both low impedance balanced with XLR connectors which is correct for a mixer (but wrong for direct connection to a laptop or soundcard) .

So… I’m out of ideas… Since the LED meters on the mixer are showing low levels it’s something related to the mics or mixer (not the computer).

FYI - You don’t need phantom power with dynamic* mics but it doesn’t hurt as long as you’re using the right cables/connections. I’d recommend you turn it off since you’re not using it.

  • Just some information NOT RELATED TO YOUR PROBLEM… Dynamic mics are like a speaker “in reverse” with a coil around a magnet that makes a little generator. There are no active electronics inside and they don’t need power.

Condenser mics work on a different principle and there is a little amplifier inside (like a pre-preamplifier) that needs a power source. Studio condensers ([u]like this[/u]) use 48V phantom power supplied by the mixer, preamp, or interface. Electret condenser computer mics run form 5V supplied by the soundcard, something like phantom power. Some stage-condensers have a battery inside and some run from “regular” phantom power supplied by the mixer.

There is a 3rd kind of studio mic called a ribbon mic. (It’s not used that much, but most pro studios have them.) They tend to put-out a weak signal so sometimes they are “active” with phantom-powered electronics, of if they are passive and they may just crank-up the gain or sometimes they use a special high-gain preamp.

10

Once I boosted the gain on the mixer the meters on the board go all the way to the top, and the meter in audacity is also showing almost max volume.

11

I googled the name of the mixer plus USB driver, and found others had my same problem. I found the correct driver and that solved the problem.