I hate to say it but I think you should take the mixer back at least. A dedicated interface will serve you better. The mixer is a bit misleading as you will only ever be able to record 2 tracks at a time with it. Sorry but that's just the way it is. It's a $40 mixer and you get what you pay for. For another $60 you can get yourself a dedicated interface with probably a decent software package.

chrizgarrido wrote: I'm a beginner at home studio stuff. I recently bought a Behringer Xenyx502 Mixer with a C-1 Behringer Condenser Mic, along with an audio interface to connect it to my computer.

An audio interface? Or a cable? If you have an "audio interface", you don't need the lousy-quality Behringer mixer in the way. If it's a cable to go from the outs of the mixer to an onboard computer soundcard, then you'll be pumping possibly good source material (you) through a lousy mixer, then through a lousy soundcard. Sure, it'll record, but you said you want some decent-sounding recordings. I doubt you'll get that.

Hueseph is correct. For just a few dollars more, you can have a better, cleaner way to get things into and out of a computer that possibly even includes a decent "lite" version of a good DAW program to start and learn on.

If trading it back in, or buying something better is not an option, and you need to use what you have, then there's no reason to think you can afford a good DAW program, so you may as well just download something free, like Audacity, to start learning on.

Kapt.Krunch

I have the Behringer U Control UCA202 USB Audio Interface to connect the mixer to the computer, what is the best thing you would suggest I should get? Preferably not the most expensive thing.

I have the Behringer U Control UCA202 USB Audio Interface to connect the mixer to the computer, what is the best thing you would suggest I should get?

Are you asking what you should get to work in tandem with, or instead of, that piece?

well what would u suggest?

I suggest you try out what you already have and see what you think.

Let us know what it sounds like, post a few tracks, we'll take a listen.

I'm not sure that there's another answer for you at the moment, outside of coming full circle around to the original purchase and what you should have bought instead of the Beh^%$ger stuff...

Is that what you want to know?

Sony Vegas is a great PC recording program, I love it, so do many other members of this board.

well, lets say I got rid of the 502 mixer, and the audio interace, what would u suggest for me to buy?

And with my set up already, how would u make it sound full? or the best it can be?

and I've tried, some sony programs, Sony Acid and Sony Sound Forge always have a problem with latency for me, and I never tried Sony Vegas since I figured it was mainly for video editing.

What software do you have right now?

chrizgarrido wrote: well, lets say I got rid of the 502 mixer, and the audio interace, what would u suggest for me to buy?

And with my set up already, how would u make it sound full? or the best it can be?

and I've tried, some sony programs, Sony Acid and Sony Sound Forge always have a problem with latency for me, and I never tried Sony Vegas since I figured it was mainly for video editing.

Latency is usually a driver issue. It's always best to ensure that you are using the driver intended for the interface and not the default windows drivers. If that fails, asio4all is a reasonable bandaid.

If you can afford to return the imixer and spend a few more dollars there are plenty of low cost options. The deciding factor is what you plan to record and how much you can afford.

okay, what is the correct driver for my audio interface?

and um, sure I'm willing to pay more for something better. I intend to record live acoustic performances and songs into different tracks (vocals, electric guitar, etc.).

the software i use right now is audacity -_-

If you want to record more than two simultaneous tracks, you'll need to spend more than $100. I can't imagine finding somehing for less than $150-$200. Look at the Presonus firebox. That comes with Cubase AI 4, which is considerably better than Audacity.

okay, which Presonus firebox would you suggest? and if I do purchase this, does the use of my Behringer U Control UCA202 USB Audio Interface serve no purpose and should return that as well?

There is only the Firebox. This is a Firewire interface so you can return the u-ctrl as well. You may need to buy a FireWire card if your computer doesn't already have a FireWire port.

How about the Presonus Inspire?
and does the Firebox support XLR cables, because the picture on amazon seems weird.

and is the TRENDnet 3-Port FireWire PCI Adapter card fine?

Yes the FireBox has xlr inputs and yes the Inspire would do just fine.

The Trendnet firewire card looks like it has a VIA chipset. Some interfaces don't play well with it but you might get lucky. Just looking over the compatibility list, it looks like [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.presonus…"]VIA[/]="http://www.presonus…"]VIA[/] is supported.

eh, that card seems risky to you, what card do u suggest?

I use a Tascam us-1641. 14 direct inputs, comes with Cubase LE4 (easy to use once you understand mixing software) Great interface - can record all 14 channels at once - no hiccups - never EVER had a drop out...

I WILL Say this. If you are doing recordings that need monitored or going to go back and do overlays - you really still need a board.

I know I'm a newbie here and this is my first post but - I use 2 behringer xenyx2442s b/c they have 8 direct outs. Mic pres are SUPER Quiet. I know people don't like them but I couldn't ask for a better product. I will put up some recordings I've done for further comment...

With the board you will be able to montior from the aux sends - and be able to control monitor levels and panning w/o affecting your recording send signals. Also you will be able to monitor in real time, with absolutely no latency (since it's comming from the board) and at any volume you wish.

Also when doing overlays you simply run the Tascam outputs back to a stereo channel on the board hit record and play to what you hear. The overdub lines up perfectly - hard to explain why simply, but I assure you it works.

So long story short - Get a board with enough channels and DIRECT OUTS - (a 16 channel board with no direct outs will still only send a two-channel mix to the interface) PLUS a Digital interface like the firepod or Tascam 1641.

Also consider this - always buy more than you need b/c you'll want it later. That is assuming it fits your current budget.

That's my $.02

Matt in GA

I disagree with the need for any mixing board in a beginning set up. Nearly all the software packages that come with these interfaces come with some sort of monitor mixing software which allows you to tailor the mix with out affecting recording volume levels of tracking. In fact the only control you have over gain settings during recording in most software is the preamp gain on the interface. Changing the sliders in Cubase will not alter the recording levels. Most intefaces offer so called zero latency monitoring, so I don't think that is something you need to worry about.
If OCD's setup works well for him then that's great but it is far more equipment than needed to get started. I also think that Behr*&^%$ equipment leaves me very cold and few of the pros are likely to endorse its use in any recording chain.

For a single track or just you and a guitar - jg49 is correct. It would be easier and simple with just the interface. This is important starting out too - jg49 is right - the easier the better.

I am just a person that tends to go off the deep end from the get go...

The purpose of the board is to have more control over monitoring when recording multi-track. Esp. when doing acoustic drums and the rest of the band at once, plus a scratch track vocal. All tracks are sent from the direct outs individually to the tascam. Once the levels are set, sliders on the board or input gains on the tascam are never moved - only aux sends. When doing several songs at one sitting with a band - it adds uniformity in levels, etc, across all songs.

Theoretically, with 4 aux sends you could have 2 stereo monitor mixes or 4 mono mixes. like if your drummer wants more kick but the vocalist or rhym guitar player wants more lead. also stereo helps seperate the guitars from one another so they can all hear themselves.

Say what people will, I love my behringer stuff. And it's quiet as a mouse, with tracks to prove it. It even amazed me b/c I know the behringer reputation. When some pro, with a pro sized wallet decides he wants to buy me that A&H board I want, he's free to do so. I'll give him the delivery address!! LOL!!

You can set the levels at the input stage of the Tascam and leave it at that. The mixer is just an extra gain stage. The mic pres are mediocre at best. I doubt they are better or even as good as the ones in the Tascam alone.

The monitor mixes is another story. Yes you can set up a better scenario for monitor mixes for each player but that is a luxury and really, if you need that kind of functionality, money would be better spent on a better interface and a proper headphone amp.

I'm glad what you have works for you. I'm sure it will work for most home users but eventually, you will grow beyond it. Eventually you will hear the deficiencies. A critical ear takes time to develop.