Need help recording from mixer
 

Hi,

I have a Behringer MXB-1002 mixer:

BEHRINGER: MXB1002

And a Tascam DP-008 recorder:

Product: DP-008 | TASCAM

Both the L and R Tape and Main Outs on the mixer have a rating of +22dBu unbalanced.

The Tascam recorder has balanced XLR inputs with a rating of -8 dBu to +8 dBu and unbalanced 1/4 inch inputs with a rating of -10 dBV to + 6 dBV ( which is the same -8 dBU to + 8 dBu).

Seems like quite a mismatch.

What would you recommend?

Thanks for the help.

John

Re: Need help recording from mixer
 

+22dBu is actually a fairly common maximum output level from audio mixers - and is around 9V, but the output faders on these devices frequently have an extended scale, with the usual working level at the kinds of levels other line level kit expects. On lots of these mixers there are quite a few LED segments left that are red, and the gain structure of the entire system when used as a PA is set up so that excursions into the red don't cause any real issue. As it's a logarithmic scale, a few extra mm on the fader produce quite a lot of extra level, in terms of voltage. All you need to do is control the output so it matches whatever you are connecting it to!

Re: Need help recording from mixer
 

Simply take the RCA or 1/4" unbalanced L-R output from the Behringer into the 1/4" input on your Tascam, set to Line. DO NOT use the XLR inputs... according to the manual they are mic level only.
Without looking at any metering options the Behringer may or may not have and w/o the use of a test tone oscillator. Set the channel and master faders to Unity gain, play your program audio (vocal or whatever) and adjust the channel 'Preamp Gain/Trim' so the audio meter reads around 0, with occasional peaks reaching the +8 LED. Then whilst still playing the program audio, adjust the Tascam's input level so the record level meters hit close to but never exceed 0dB.
Depending on the meter accuracy and ballistics of the Behringer and Tascam you may have to experiment for optimal settings.

Re: Need help recording from mixer
 

Thanks to both of you.

That helped me out a lot.

Regards,

John