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Hi everyone.

This may sound like a stupid question, but seeing as though I'm still a "newbie", here goes.

Can someone please explain what the function of the subgroups on a mixer is and how they work? I own a Behringer Xenyx 2442fx pro.

Thanks :D

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BobRogers Mon, 04/06/2009 - 07:00

There are a number of ways to use them. The most common is to group similar inputs. Say I had eight drum mics to group 1 and five background vocal mics to group 2. Once I have set the individual faders to get the right relative volume, I can control the overall volume of drums or vocals using one fader for each. This is obviously a much more important deal in a larger board than your, but you might still find it useful.

jg49 Mon, 04/06/2009 - 10:20

It is most often used in live sound, it can be used in recording chains when you have more gozoutas than gozintas (more mics or sources than input channels.) The problem with summing channels during recording is the mix you make is what your stuck with. It is more ideal to record every source seperately.

Though using group channels (subgroups) is common in post production mixing, the drums as a group being the first thing that comes to mind. Typically this is handled by software, or the recording devices routing.

Link555 Mon, 04/06/2009 - 14:49

You can also use them to send to your 'tapedeck'. That way its doesn't matter what input your mic is on you can bus it the right track input.

However the more stages your add between your Mic pre and tap input the more chance for noise and colouration. Sometimes on good desks that colour is a good thing.

anonymous Mon, 04/06/2009 - 23:35

8-)

Thanks guys! This forum is great. It's not always that the manuals of "pro,noisy" equipment are thourough in their explainations-especially for a newb! :lol: Thanks for making things a bit more understandable.

It would be great to have an amazing PRO, QUIET studio setup,however, being a newb thats just starting out here,I reckon I've got to make do with what I've got and try and learn the ropes as I go along :) I'm just fortunate to have some gear to get going with.
I'm sure most of you were in the same position once? :wink:

Thanks again guys!!!

anonymous Tue, 04/07/2009 - 03:36

jg49

Interesting.
What gear are you using now? What have you tried out and found that works for you? The Behringer mixer I have, I bought a while ago mainly for live band rehearsals. I put powered mixers in my rooms instead and didnt have a choice but to keep the Xenyx(also not much resale value over here unfortunately :lol:
I've always wanted to get into recording and thought it would be a good place to start by using what I've got to get going. I would have liked to have gone with something along the lines of Mackies mixers but the stuff is so damn expensive over here. Better start saving i guess!

8-)

jg49 Tue, 04/07/2009 - 03:59

For recording I am using using two Presonus Studio Projects (total 16 in) and no mixer, everything in the box (computer.) For stage equipment we are Mackie for small venue and hire sound for larger stuff these days. I am getting too old to lug gear around, and we don't do large venue stuff much anymore due to the fossilized dinosaur music styles we enjoy.