Yamaha MG12/4 volume problems

[SnaveDogg]

I JUST bought one of these. I connected a cd player and let it play while I connected the cd output to various inputs so I could play with all the faders and busses to get familiar with signal flow etc. One thing that continued to puzzle me was the Group 1-2 bus. It was always A LOT lower in volume than the ST bus. Plugged into the 2tr in and got nothing to the Group 1-2 bus. THen I plugged into Chan 11/12 so I could use the tone controls, fader, and other routing options and always the Group 1-2 bus was a lot less output than the ST bus. Is this normal?
I also must say for detail that I used the XLR ST (L) out for one set of speakers and the Group 1-2 (L) 1/4" out for the other speaker. I am intending on using this mixer for live stuff. I was trying to simulate the hookup necessary for a FOH mix (ST out) and a Monitor (Group 1-2 out). Since the Group 1-2 outs are only available as 1/4" outs, I put it thru a passive direct box, then on to the amp using XLR.
Does this (direct box) sound like the root of the problem to you all?

 

[peopleperson]

In a word, yes. There's absolutely no reason for a direct box. The 1/4 outputs for your groups are a line level signal. This is typically what the inputs of amplifiers are looking for. By running it through a direct box, you are pulling that signal way down to a mic level. This is probably why you can barely hear it. Direct boxes are used on stages so line level outputs (keyboards, bass direct outs, samplers, etc) can be mic level signals by the time they get to the board.

 

[SnaveDogg]

I played with it over the weekend

and you are exactly right. I found that I could get the result I wanted by using the Stereo outs to the amp (w/ no DI box) and to get the "monitor mix I was looking for, just use the pan controls on each channel to decrease the mix going to the monitor cab.
The only other quirk I found over the weekend is, the headphone out control. Apparently the pan/balance controls are not routed to the headphones. This sucks.
Also, the level meters do not pan back and forth between the two meters when adjusting the pan/bal controls. These are the weirdest level meters I've ever seen on a mixer. They give you no real information.