How to Connect a Behringer Mixer to Cubase

By Ryan Cockerham

Updated September 22, 2017

Items you will need

  • Audio interface

  • 2 XLR cables

  • Firewire cable

Digital audio workstations (DAWs) have enabled aspiring musicians and producers to record and master their musical productions without purchasing expensive hardware. Devices such as mixing boards and microphones can now be used in conjunction with these software programs by connecting them to the computer workstation. Cubase is one of several digital audio recording programs that offers a variety of audio tools. By following a few simple steps, you can quickly connect your Behringer mixer to Cubase.

Connect the audio interface to your computer using the firewire cable. Audio interface devices like the PreSonus FireStudio act as an intermediary between external audio devices such as mixers and microphones and computer software workstations. If you do not own an audio interface, you can purchase one of these devices from popular audio equipment stores such as Guitar Center. Ensure that the audio interface you purchase has multiple XLR inputs.

Connect the Behringer mixer to the interface using the two XLR cables. Plug the cables into the two XLR "main outputs" on the back of the mixer and two XLR inputs on the audio interface. Power on the mixer and audio interface.

Launch Cubase and create two new "audio" tracks. Open the "settings" menu within Cubase and select the audio interface as the primary audio input device. Configure each track to receive audio from one of the XLR inputs on the interface. As each input on the interface is numbered, select the appropriate number within the "input" settings menu on the audio track.

Press "record" within Cubase to begin transferring audio received by the mixer into Cubase. Any audio from instruments or microphones you have connected to the mixing board will now be transferred directly into Cubase.

Tips

Ensure that each of the volume control knobs on your devices is set to a low level before attempting to perform or record through instrument or microphones connected to the mixer. As Cubase, the audio interface and the mixing board each have independent volume controls, adjust the overall volume ceiling of your project within Cubase and then refine individual signal strengths using the interface and mixer.

Warnings

Damaged or overused cables can significantly reduce the audio quality of your production. Replace your XLR cables on a regular basis to ensure optimal results from your equipment and software.

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