Tutorial: How to use the Beheringer Xenyx Q1204USB to connect multiple microphones to OBS

Sure, here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to use the Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB mixer to connect multiple microphones to OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). This mixer is a versatile choice for podcasting, live streaming, or recording multiple audio sources. Here’s how to set it up:

Materials you’ll need:

1. Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB mixer
2. Microphones (XLR or 1/4″ cable)
3. Headphones or speakers
4. Computer with OBS installed
5. USB cable (included with the mixer)
6. XLR cables or 1/4″ instrument cables (one for each microphone)

Step 1: Hardware Setup

1. Plug in the Mixer: Connect the power cable to the mixer and plug it into a power outlet.
2. Connect the Microphones: Depending on your microphones, use XLR or 1/4″ cables to connect each microphone to one of the mixer’s input channels. Make sure you connect them to the appropriate inputs, like Mic/Line or Line.
3. Headphones/Speakers: Connect your headphones or speakers to the headphone or control room outputs on the mixer. This allows you to monitor the audio.
4. USB Connection: Connect the USB cable from the USB port on the mixer to a USB port on your computer. This is how the mixer will communicate with OBS.
5. Mixer Settings: On the mixer, set the input gain for each channel to an appropriate level. You can do this by adjusting the GAIN knobs for each channel.
6. Main Mix Levels: Adjust the MAIN MIX fader to control the overall output level from the mixer.
7. Phantom Power (if needed): If you’re using condenser microphones, make sure to enable the +48V phantom power for the corresponding channels. Not all microphones require this, so check your microphone’s documentation.

Step 2: Configure OBS

1. Open OBS: Launch OBS on your computer.
2. Audio Settings: Go to “File” > “Settings” > “Audio.”
3. Audio Devices: In the “Audio” settings, set the following options:
   • Desktop Audio: Choose your computer’s sound card or default playback device.
   • Microphone/Auxiliary Audio: Choose the Behringer mixer as your microphone input.
4. Audio Mixer: In the main OBS window, you’ll see the audio mixer. Here, you can adjust the audio levels for each microphone channel.

Step 3: Test and Adjust

1. Test Your Setup: Speak into each microphone to make sure the audio is coming through OBS.
2. Adjust Audio Levels: Use the audio mixer in OBS to balance the audio levels of each microphone. You can adjust the faders to make sure everyone’s voice is at the right volume.
3. Monitor Audio: Use the headphones/speakers connected to the mixer to monitor the audio as you stream or record. Make sure the sound quality is satisfactory.
4. Recording/Streaming: Start recording or streaming with OBS as you normally would.

With this setup, you can connect multiple microphones to OBS using the Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB mixer. You’ll have control over individual microphone audio levels, making it perfect for interviews, podcasts, or other situations where multiple microphones are needed.