Mic Problems

Bonavox

I assume this is the right place to post this, sorry if it's not!

I have a Behringer Xenyx 502 mixer (don't we all) and I'm trying to run audio through it to stream my PS3. I have the audio RCA cables running through Line In 2/3 using RCA to 1/4 inch jacks, and a headset through the mic line in. The problem is the mixer is picking up the sound from the RCA cables (ie the PS3's sound) but not the mic. I've checked all the sound levels but nothing.

I've just about decided it's the mics fault, because any other normal dynamic mic will work perfectly going straight into the same line in. It is sort of essential that I use a headset hence the reason why it's bugging me that on dynamics will work.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

kfoltman

Bono Vox wrote: »

I have a Behringer Xenyx 502 mixer (don't we all)

That's absolutely untrue...

... I have a MX1604A ;-)

and I'm trying to run audio through it to stream my PS3. I have the audio RCA cables running through Line In 2/3 using RCA to 1/4 inch jacks, and a headset through the mic line in. The problem is the mixer is picking up the sound from the RCA cables (ie the PS3's sound) but not the mic. I've checked all the sound levels but nothing.

You did all the obvious stuff like setting mic input gain (the TRIM knob) properly? The headset is plugged into the MIC (XLR) input, not LINE (1/4 inch jack)? The LINE jack probably doesn't go through the mic preamp, so you don't get enough gain to "hear" the microphone signal.

I've just about decided it's the mics fault, because any other normal dynamic mic will work perfectly going straight into the same line in. It is sort of essential that I use a headset hence the reason why it's bugging me that on dynamics will work.

What sort of headset is that?

Any dynamic mike should work. Condensers won't work with 502, as it doesn't have phantom power - but I don't know of any condenser headset!

So, obvious mistakes aside, it's either a problem with microphone or microphone lead. Or fried mic preamp in the mixer, but then other dynamics wouldn't work.

Bonavox

Sorry yeah, I refer to the big mics you hold as dynamic mics haha. Yeah, the headset is a dynamic mic, and is going into a 1/4 inch jack. Not sure what the exact model of the headset (don't have it with me) but it cost €40 so I assumed it would be good enough.

Yeah, the trim thingy isn't the solution (just checked there), so I'm absolutely lost! Thanks for the reply and any other advice would be great.

kfoltman

Bono Vox wrote: »

Sorry yeah, I refer to the big mics you hold as dynamic mics haha. Yeah, the headset is a dynamic mic, and is going into a 1/4 inch jack.

There's your problem, I think.

Get some sort of jack(F)-XLR(M) lead/adapter and then try again.

Quiggers

can you test the mic on another mixer or pre-amp, sounds like its the culprit, dont be shy of using the warranty and getting a replacement.

madtheory

The jack and XLR sockets feed the mic preamp simultaneously. Anyway you won't easily find a lead that will convert a jack plug output to a male XLR. So it looks like the mic is broken. As Quiggers said, test the mic on some other device with a mic input.

kfoltman

madtheory wrote: »

The jack and XLR sockets feed the mic preamp simultaneously.

Ooops... true!

Still, there's a 20dB pad on line input. So, instead of 60dB gain he'll get 40dB. But even that should be enough for a "normal" dynamic mike - I've just tried using 40dB gain setting with the crappiest dynamic microphone I have, and it was still good enough. Didn't even have to boost the other faders (channel and main).

In other words - Bono Vox, you may safely start arranging a funeral for your headset!

madtheory

kfoltman wrote: »

Still, there's a 20dB pad on line input. !

Highly unlikely. On the majority of budget desks, mic an line go through the same preamp, and you simply adjust the gain control according to the input level, there's no pad as such. Saves manufacturing costs not to put resistors in there, instead, they just parallel the two sockets. Not so good for noise/ headroom, but not too bad either.

kfoltman

madtheory wrote: »

Highly unlikely. On the majority of budget desks, mic an line go through the same preamp, and you simply adjust the gain control according to the input level, there's no pad as such. Saves manufacturing costs not to put resistors in there, instead, they just parallel the two sockets. Not so good for noise/ headroom, but not too bad either.

I've looked at MX802 schematic, not Xenyx - and there are definitely 10K resistors on the "hot" and "cold" wires of the line in sockets.

Also, the Xenyx manual confirms the -10..+40 (line in) vs +10..+60 (mic) difference in gain. Yes, I was bored and actually downloaded it and read the specs section

madtheory

Interesting! Thanks for that.

Actually it's kind of a stupid design, isn't it? It would be better if the "line" switch, putting the resistors in the path, doubled as the "pad" switch, for when the mic level is too hot. Allen & Heath tend to do it that way.