So, I purchased a Yamaha MG32 mixer a couple weeks ago, and it works fine and sounds pretty damn good with the multitrack recorder and mics and pres I have... However, I am putting on a mixed show in a couple weeks (half acoustic performance, half dance-music). I ran the stereo output of both my iPod and my powerBook (one after the other to test) into two XLR connections on the board, and then tried the same running the stereo to two 1/4" inputs on two channels of the board. In both cases, the Left channel was much softer than the Right. To try and see if it was my output to the board, I swapped the inputs, and it still had the same imbalance (L lower than R). So, it isn't the specific inputs on the board that is the problem, nor is it the sound source, since it balances out completely if I throw the two channels into pre-fader listen mode. so, it must be something going on with the internal processing of these two channels of audio. I can't seem to find any place that is causing the imbalance settings-wise. I have tried multiple songs, made sure the balance coming out of the player is correct, and that the inputs on the board matched in settings. Hell, I even tried running the stereo source into the 2-channel input, and after adjusting the gain, it still had the L/R imbalance, and there are no settings other than output volume on the 2-track input! Just curious if anyone has ever had this odd, random problem with any mixer before... Thanks!
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Yeah, my default setup is running the L and R channels of the li
Yeah, my default setup is running the L and R channels of the line level device into the line-ins on two channels of the board. I guess I panic'd just a little when I thought my board had blown something. As it turns out, you are right about the EQ, however, it was a devious arrangement...
One of the people I work with here at the apartment in the studio had hooked up a dual 15-band graphic equalizer to the insert jacks on the main outs, and then last night I was working with the system and didn't even pay attentiont to these two little wires running out the back of the Yamaha mixer to a random rack of processors... turns out one of the gain settings was much higher on the right than the left. But because this device was put into the inserts instead of just plugged into the chain after the mixer, the main stereo meter on the board was showing the imbalance I mentioned. Just goes to show I should check every single connection before getting overly concerned...
What is alerting you to the loudness discrepancy? What I mean is
What is alerting you to the loudness discrepancy? What I mean is, do you SEE this imbalance in the output meters? Are you hearing it in the headphones? Is it possible that the issue isn't actually at the mixer, but "downstream" from it (i.e., in the house system, say after a graphic EQ)? Once again, we need more info to clear this up.
BTW, just curious. You mentioned that you were plugging the iPod and the laptop into the XLR inputs on the board, and no interface device (transformer DI) was mentioned. NO!!! Those inputs are mic level and do not like "line level" sources hitting them. This isn't the source of your complaint, but you better learn what to plug into what on that board or you can fry something if the phantom power is on and the source isn't designed to take it. I have seen plenty of wireless mic receivers, home entertainment components, etc., get zapped by this method.