(OT) Mixer and Mic

All,
recently I wanted to buy a Behringer mixer (UB 1402 Pro).

I'm interested on the UB 1402 model, because it does also subgroup; that is, you can router some channels to the main output, and others to an aux output, and let only the aux output recorded, while the main output still play in background, without being recorded - hope you get what I mean.

I was told by a salesman that, in his shop:
- 30% of the Behringer mixers were defect items returned by the customers
- that's why they don't sell Behringer anymore, instead they now sell a similar mixer, with the same components, named 'Phonic' MU 1202. It costs 119 Euros, and can't soubgroup, unless I get another model more expensive. The Berhinger one costs 115 Euros, but they don't have it.

I did a search on a music catalog, the Behringer models are still there and sold, but I can't find any 'Phonic' product.

So the question: can I trust on Behringer mixer ? Or should I search for other models, like the Phonic, for example ?

Second question.

I wanted to buy a mic, the Shure SM 58. The same salesman told me, that I should better buy, for example, an AKG D880 - that they offer for 89 euros - which - he says - is better than the Shure one. The SM 58 was indeed a good mic, but right now there are other which are superior in technic - so he said.

I would really know your opinion about it.

You know, I'm quite new in the mixer and mic department, and I don't need - at least, not right now - a 'super high professional' equipment; but I do want achieve a good voice and music recording. Ah, and my soundcard is a SB Live.

Thanks in advance,
Sergio.

Professional engineers I talk with now and then all puke on Behringer.. The only Behringer thing I saw in use in a pro.studio was some eq that showed a spectral curve of the incoming sound, to show the engineer how the curve develops over time. If the engineer was getting tired/lazy, the curve would show it and it would be a signal to get a break for a while.

But, to quote him: 'this EQ is actually good, but that's because it doesn't create sound for me'

To quote another engineer: "Don't take Behringer, it's noisy"

Phonic was kinda low-class for the past period.. but recently they moved themself to higher quality.

About mics: don't really know much about them (it's not really something I need).. but sonically you depend on the weakest link. It's no use getting an expensive mic if your pre-amp sucks, or when the soundcardsucks, etc.

Just try the mic in the shop, or let them advice you ..

I got a Mackie CR-1604vlz with Midi Automation, for the money I don't reckon there is a better one out there.

http://www.mackie.com/products/cr1604vlz/

Behringer aren't exactly known for their high quality products (quite the opposite in fact), but just because they're snubbed by professionals doesn't mean they won't be good enough for small time use...

Have a look at the Yamaha MG series (i have the MG12/4 and it's rock solid), also the Soundcraft Spirit E series...

As for the mic, it depends entirely on what you're going to be recording, the SM58 is a great all-rounder dynamic mic, but if you're going to be recording voice you'll probably want a condensor mic (and thus a mixer that supports phantom power - most do but check anyway).

Often overlooked is some good monitoring equipment, there's not that much chance of you making good recordings if you can't listen to them clearly and accurately. May i suggest some good quality closed headphones to start you off...

Yes please, since monitoring will be - soon or later - in the music budget. Right now the monitoring is done with a mini-compact stereo, which is not practical, expecially in the night... 8)

Sergio.

I've got a Behringer mixer, and I'm very happy with it..
(can't remember the model though.. it's a small 4 input gadget, but it's got that dual output thingy like you mentioned).

Let me stress that I'm not a professional musician, but I feel it's very good for it's price.. which is just what I need.

[edit] oh.. and I've got a (Behringer) V-AMP2 as well.. it works great too.. :) [/edit]

Well, Behringer is certainly cheap .. it all depends on the budget .. even if you long for a Mackie or Soundcraft: if the budget can't stretch it, there's simply less choice.

Quality comes at a price..

when you're working with lot's of Computers, Monitors and stuff, you maybe should make sure the microphone and its cable won't pick up too much of the electrosmog. You can test this easily by holding the microphone close to a monitor or TFT display.

There are lots of cheap good microphones today. I have a phillips sbc MD 695 that is pretty good.