Sound from XR18 via usb very low

C

CBCGrayGA

Member
Hello,

Does anyone have much experience with the Behringer Xair18 system and getting good sound via the usb? (I have windows 11 computer). I have the system connected to the computer via usb with a long cord (>50 ft) and I am using a usb extender with ethernet cable. (I tried just the usb cable without the extender first, but it did the same thing described below and I read because it was a long cord I needed the extender to help drive the sound as a fix, but it did not work).

OSB recognizes the Xair18 system, and I have it set to the Mic/Aux, and the sound bar moves some (barely gets past -40), but the sound is very low.

I have updated the drivers for the Behringer xair18 and I have looked at several setups on different forums and cannot figure it out.

When I go into the settings on my computer under "sound" and specifically "input" the Behringer Xair 18 shows up but when I check the input setting and "test the microphone" it only shows 1% to 6% of total volume.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
use a comressor ! and dont use so long usb extender it make only problems ! you work out of specification !

obs log ????
 
CBCGrayGA said:
.... Behringer Xair18 system and getting good sound via the usb? (I have windows 11 computer). I have the system connected to the computer via usb with a long cord (>50 ft) and I am using a usb extender with ethernet cable. (I tried just the usb cable without the extender first, but it did the same thing described below and I read because it was a long cord I needed the extender to help drive the sound as a fix, but it did not work).
Click to expand...
I don't have direct experience with this, but folks I trust have talked about using high-quality long USB cables for USB webcams and it working fine (obviously, plenty of reasons/systems where it won't work, but... possible in the right circumstances). So, audio should be MUCH less of an issue, with the right connection. Yes, out of spec, as noted, but under right circumstances, careful setup and quality parts, it sometimes works (is that enough caveats for you?)

First, did you test by moving PC close to Xair18 using a in spec 6ft or less quality USB cable? does that work as you'd expect in terms of levels?
The odd part is that USB is digital, so signal getting there or not, volume level shouldn't be impacted. So... make sure this is working before getting into long non-standard cable. With another mixer, I read (but don't recall the details), regarding USB connected audio signal of needing OS, DAW, and other settings adjusted to get audio level where needed/expected. So unless you have confirmed working with normal/short cable, don't assume cable length is the issue (it might be, but first things first)
- Then, on an annoyed with MS every other OS release excrement show, just due to the incomplete/BETA nature of WIn11, I'd test with a quality (possibly business class, not consumer), or other known quality USB interface, using WIn10 system [just to eliminate potential issue.. probably not OS version, but...]
- Then, once connection, settings, and computer all confirmed, then go for long cable. Is that a high-quality (not cheapest available western pacific ocean no QA cable) make sure you are using a high-quality USB cable, probably active/powered. Was your 50ft cable active/powered? For audio only, I'd think USB2 would be plenty, but depends on details of your setup as to that or USB3. Due to limited use of USB2, and backward compatibility, I'd probably recommend spending the little extra and getting a USB3 vs USB2 cable (due to higher specs, so forced better build quality/tighter tolerances). I spent $76 a year ago for a Tripp-lite U330-15M which worked for my setup.
***
Or do what I did and leave OBS PC beside mixer. and use in-spec USB cable. Then run a 50ft fiber video cable (I used DisplayPort MST to drive 2 monitors via a single long cable 9monitor 2 daisy-chained off 1st monitor... love DP MST), and the 50ft active USB cable for keyboard and mouse (way cheaper setup than a KVM extender type setup). Now, PC in locked sound system closet, and KVM setup in a convenient location.. done and avoids all the caveats mentioned above
 
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