Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB

There is no operating manual in the box to tell you how to use the device.You will need to go on line and download a manual, there are not the easiest to read and understand but read it several times and you will get it working properly.It's definitely worth the money, very light but strong and well made, has very good effect and definitely sounds good, the manual doesn't cover my exact requirements but I have enough experience to figure out how to use it.

SummaryGreat little mixer. Packs lots of features into a very small package including XLR and phantom power. I have been very impressed with the hardware quality and the interaction with the downloaded free recording software (included for free at the time of purchase and claimed through the Behringer website) called Waveform 11 - OEM version). See further information below.Long StoryI flopped about for several weeks to find a decent small sound mixer, asking buddies and surfing the 'interweb' until I stumbled upon this gem of a mini-mixer. It connects to your PC through a USB cable (provided) and the port configuration (with Waveform 11) is achieved through a sub-software package called "Asio4all" which automatically starts when Waveform 11 starts up. Note that I didnt know of the free recording software until I stumbled across it while sniffing around looking for free recording software (e.g. freeware).Material Quality - 5 stars!The ports and buttons / switches all feel sturdy and secure. The adjustment of the buttons is silent and there is absolutely no noise contribution from the mixer - despite it connecting through a USB cable.Aux in and out optionsIt has Aux in and out connections available but I tend to prefer using the 6.35mm jacks or the XLR input, where you have a compatible device. I found the 'aux in' a little noisy in comparison, but then this may just be a factor of cable or aux device quality.Headphone MonitoringThere are two push-button switches that allow you to route the audio back though your headphones and / or the main output (6.35mm jacks or back into the USB out to your PC). Be aware that backing tracks will appear on your main output if you have selected 'Main' inadvertently so make sure you only select output to headphones.Phantom PowerThis function works well, but don't expect huge gain with this function as I have found it offers only a little boost to the mic signal of around a couple of dBs or so.Variety of Equipment connectedI have tried a good quality (Shure) XLR mic, cheapish Yam keyboard and a couple of different guitar and bass amps (the latter with XLR). All of the above sounded excellent with very little background noise seen at the PC software level. I have also connected cheaper mics too and still the little Behringer performed immaculately.

I've had this mixer for a few months now and I'm quite happy with it. It's small and light so it's easy to pack with the other gear for gigs, and it does everything I need for guitar and vocals in pubs and clubs. It works well, sounds good and is quite easy to use. All without breaking the bank.The only thing that lets it down is the power supply, and that's why I've only given four stars. Firstly there are two long leads on the power pack that get tangled in transit, a single one would be much more user friendly. The other let down is the power connector on the unit, it is quite a flimsy fit and I would expect it to start dropping out at some point. For now I've taped it permanently in but I'll do some modification when the warranty has expired. Aside from this though I'm really happy with it.

Was looking for a smaller format mixer that would be easier to transport but still had enough capacity to run 4 mics and a couple of stereo inputs with FX for the mics. There is not much that fits the bill, and many of those that do are double the price of this or are of very questionable quality. (Think cheap nasty Chinese knock offs made with sub par parts that are sold with 2-3month delivery times, from that websites that sounds like something granted by a genie from a lamp like in Aladin.)This came out with me to a karaoke gig this past weekend for testing. I'm thoroughly impressed, great sound quality, good range of FX, simple to use and setup.My only niggle is that the FX are pretty fiddly to adjust and get set just right, but that's just because it's different to what I'm used to. Once I worked out what I needed to though I was more than happy with the results. (I guess I'm just getting old now)Behringer mixers seem to always manage to pull the impossible put of the bag, decent sound, well built and priced very competitively. I've used several different behringer mixers and have never been let down. OK they aren't as good as my Yamaha mixers, but then they don't cost anywhere near as much.All in all, very happy with the purchase and happy that I have a mixer I can simply plug in and use with minimal effort! (I'm even tempted to pick-up some of the behringer usb wireless mics to make use of that feature!)