Mixer help req.

[elko]

I got a Behringer UD502 mixer today. Very cheap, but I needed a little mixer with a preamp. Anyway, I have a technical question-

If I turn the Gain up when there's no input, surely there shouldn't be huge amounts of hissing?

I'm using a M-Audio sound card with breakout cables, I don't think the problem is with my computer- I was getting a much better sound using my 4-track (a ZOOM MRS4), surely this can't be right?

Sorry if this is a bit vague, I'll be happy to give any more details.

[Creamyapples1]

If there is no input, why would it matter?

[elko]

The problem is that when I do stick a mic in, it retains all this hiss that is adding nothing to the incoming sound.

[mshilarious]

Originally Posted by elko

The problem is that when I do stick a mic in, it retains all this hiss that is adding nothing to the incoming sound.

Inexpensive mixers usually sound bad if the gain is set past about 3:00. Also, make sure unused channels are muted, off, faders down, gain down, etc.

[elko]

Oh, okay. I'm slightly dissapointed that any mixer would sound this bad though- I'm sure there's something not quite right with it.

Any recommendations for budget mixers that are reasonably quiet? Don't need anymore than 4track really, but ideally with phantom power...

[mixsit]

All this presumes that the level of hiss is too high relative to your signal.
Or, 'If you push something hard enough, it will fall over.' *
?
Wayne


*FireSign Theater

[elko]

Yes, you are right to presume this. It's so high as to render it not quite useless, but damned irritating.

[gullfo]

take it/send it back. it's probably defective (behringer jokes to follow...) but i have several mixers - TAPCO, Behringer, Mackie, etc... and they're all very quiet/silent except when I have the gains (trim, channel, bus, master) all the way and even then, with no input the noise is slight. other thought - if you need to put your trim up beyond 12 o'clock to get any level, you mic may be a problem also... for me, the trim is rarely beyond 10 o'clock to get a solid level and if i'm using an outboard pre, its all the way down.