mixers - newbie question

[metatom]

hi

i have a couple of questions regarding mixers.

1. i'm looking for example at behringer ub2442fx and i'm seeing 10 XLR plugs and/or 10*2 other inputs for mics (although the add's saying only 16?!). why are these connectors doubled (not XLR plugs, the other two below)?

http://www.behringer.com/UB2442FX/index.cfm?lang=ENG

2. can these doubled (mono) inputs be used for two mics per channel? if i would need (hypotheticaly speaking) 20 mic inputs, can these be then devided or is there room only for 10 mics?

3. why are there stereo inputs? these are probably reserved for some other stereo input, for example the mix from your band members?

4. should i choose powermixer instead of just a mixer?

5. is there some sort of faq to clear up things with mixers and stuff

yes, i am confused but thanks!

[apl]

Hi, metatom.

The XLR at the top is for a mic. This goes through a mic preamp, which brings the signal up to line level. The 1/4" below that is a line in. The third is an insert which allows a compressor or other effect to be patched in to that channel. In general you cannot use both the mic and line in on a given mixer channel.

The stereo ins are Line Ins 9~16. Note that each pair (9 & 10, 11 &12, etc.) is assigned to one channel strip. Those 8 channels (9~16) are on 4 channel strips. There are many sources that may be in stereo including keys and guitar processors.

A powered mixer contains a power amp to run PA speakers. If you need a PA, you can choose between a powered mixer, or a mixer plus a seperate power amp.

Hope this helps!

[distortedrumble]

1. the xlrs also have 1/4 inch inputs below them....just in case you arent using the xlr. when wanting to plug something up...choose either the xlr or the 1/4 input.......the other 1/4 inch input is called an I/O=insert/output

2. yes but not advised.

3.most keyboards and effects pedalboards have stereo outputs....this is a way of connecting that. its fun when you hear things like a guitar phaser or flanger or chorus that bounces left to right.

4.that depends on what you want to do....if your just doing things with a PA, then you might want to get the behringer powered mixer. however if your looking at recording...you can use the mixer by itself.

5. you can do a search for mixer questions and read up on it that way....or just ast the question in a post

[Chill]

And if you get it, be sure to crank the effects sends as loud as you can w/o clipping so you can have the effects returns as low as you can to avoid the hiss.

[metatom]

thanks guys, things are much clearer now!

another one:

i've counted 15 possible microphones, that i'd need (drums: bass, 2 snares, 6 toms, 2 hi-hats, 2 timbales, 2 overheads). how can i plug these mics into let's say behringer ub2442fx? i can't, can i?

http://www.behringer.com/UB2442FX/index.cfm?lang=ENG

which mixer would be suitable for this?

[apl]

Is this for recording? It sounds a little overkill. I've heard people say that they get a very good recording with just overheads. They may also add mic the snare and kick so they can tweak those a little in the mix.

Also, if you take all these mics, mix them down in the Behringer, and just record the stereo out, you won't be able to adjust anything in the mixdown, so you loose the advantage you might have from all those mics.

It may be better for you to spend $$$ on a couple of really good overheads, a kick mic, and a snare mic than 15 cheaper ones.

I am sure there are some really good threads on drum recording techniques.