Why is my mixer not producing Sound?
Check the Power
One of the most basic troubleshooting steps is to make sure the mixer is actually receiving power. First, confirm the mixer is plugged into a working outlet and that any power switches are turned to the ON position. Try using a different power cable or connecting to another outlet to rule out a bad cable or inactive outlet. Some mixers may have a fuse or breaker that could have tripped, so check and reset those if applicable.
As described in this helpful troubleshooting guide, simply forgetting to turn on the power is one of the most common “got-ya” mistakes when dealing with audio equipment issues: https://www.behindthemixer.com/5-common-got-ya-audio-problems-and-solutions/
Check All Connections
One of the most common reasons for a mixer not producing sound is a loose cable connection somewhere in the signal flow. Make sure all cables going into and out of the mixer are securely plugged in. Check both ends of each cable. Sometimes a cable can appear firmly inserted when it is actually slightly loose.
Cables can become loose over time from repeated plugging/unplugging or accidentally getting pulled on. The constant vibration from live music performances can also loosen connections. Check for any cables that wiggle or jiggle when touched – these likely need to be reseated firmly or replaced.
According to an expert post on Gearspace.com, it’s a good idea to try different cables if possible to isolate the issue [1]. For example, swap out XLR mic cables one at a time to see if the problem persists. This can confirm whether you have a bad cable or another underlying issue.
Finally, inspect cables for any damage that could cause an improper connection. Fraying, bent or broken connectors, shorted/exposed wires, and missing pins can all cause connection problems. Refer to guides like [2] and [3] for tips on inspecting and repairing damaged cables.
Check the Gain/Volume
One of the most common reasons for no sound coming from a mixer is that the gain or volume controls are set too low. Make sure all the gain knobs, also known as trim or input gain, are turned up sufficiently on each channel being used. The gain controls the level of the signal coming into each channel. If the gain is set too low, the signal will be too quiet and won’t be heard. According to this article, proper gain staging, or setting the gain correctly, is crucial for optimal audio quality and avoiding noise.
Also check that the main volume fader for the master output is raised. The main fader controls the overall level of the mix being sent to the outputs. If the main fader is down or at zero, there will be silence even if the channel gains are set correctly. Slowly raise the main fader while sending audio through the mixer to find an appropriate overall volume level.
Check Input Settings
One common issue that can prevent a mixer from producing sound is if the incorrect input channels are activated for the sources connected. Double check that the channels being used match up with the sources plugged into the mixer inputs. For example, if your microphone is plugged into channel 1 on the mixer, make sure channel 1 is activated and not muted. According to this guide, it’s important to “make sure the channel you’re plugging the mic into is activated, typically by pressing the Select button.”
Additionally, check that the mono/stereo settings on the input channels match the sources connected. If you have a stereo keyboard connected to a stereo channel but the channel is set to mono, you will lose one side of the audio signal. As explained in this WikiHow article, “Set the channel to mono if you’re plugging in a mono instrument or microphone. Choose stereo if you’re plugging in a stereo keyboard or other instrument with 2 outputs.” Taking the time to correctly match the input settings to your sources will ensure all elements are coming through the mixer properly.
Check Routing/Assignments
One of the most common causes of no sound from a mixer is incorrect channel routing or assignments. Make sure each channel is routed to the main outputs as expected. Typically channels 1-2 will be routed to the main mix bus by default, but other channels may need to be manually assigned. Double check the mixer’s routing matrix or assignment settings to verify channels are going where you want.
Additionally, check the levels for any aux or subgroup mixes (according to Mastering.com). If you have sends going to monitors or effects, make sure those aux send levels are turned up for the channels you want. The channel could be routed correctly but with the send level at zero, preventing signal from reaching the aux bus.
Getting the routing right ensures the channel signals reach the main and subgroup/aux buses as intended. This critical step often gets overlooked when troubleshooting “no sound” issues.
Test Inputs with Known Good Source
An easy way to troubleshoot a mixer that is not producing sound is to plug in an audio source that you know is working correctly, such as a music player or other audio device, into the different input channels one at a time. This will help isolate if the issue is with a particular input channel or somewhere else in the signal flow.
Start by connecting your working audio source to the first input channel on the mixer. Listen on the mixer output or headphones to see if you can hear the audio coming through that channel. If you get signal, move the audio source to the next channel and repeat the test.
As you work through each input, take note of any channels that do not pass the audio signal when tested. This indicates there may be a faulty preamp or other issue with that particular input. If you find multiple inputs are not functioning, it points to a more systemic problem with the mixer.
Testing each input channel with a known good audio source is a quick way to pinpoint if the root cause lies with a specific input or elsewhere. As suggested in the Reddit thread, avoid using microphone level inputs for this test, stick to line level sources for best results.
Check Mixer Settings/Modes
One common issue is having the mixer inadvertently set to mute or enabling phantom power when it’s not required. According to Yamaha’s troubleshooting guide, it’s important to verify the mixer itself isn’t muted or has other incorrect settings enabled:
Double check the mixer settings and modes – make sure it is not in ‘mute’ or any other mode that would prevent audio passing through. Also, disable phantom power if condenser microphones are not being used, as this can sometimes cause issues.
Update Mixer Firmware
One potential issue is that you may need to update the firmware on your mixer. Manufacturers periodically release firmware updates that can fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features to a device. To update your mixer’s firmware:
1. Get the latest firmware from the manufacturer’s website. For example, Soundcraft offers firmware downloads for many of their mixers.
2. Carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to update the firmware. This usually involves downloading the firmware installer, connecting the mixer to your computer via USB, launching the installer, and following the on-screen prompts.
Updating to the latest firmware ensures your mixer has any bug fixes and is running the most optimized software. This can resolve problems with sound and general performance issues. Be sure to read through the release notes for the new firmware version so you know what changes or improvements to expect.
Isolate Section of Signal Flow
It can be helpful to narrow down if the issue is occurring on the input or output side of the mixer. Start by testing the mixer with different input sources, like connecting a microphone, instrument, or other audio device that you know is functioning properly. If you get signal with the alternate inputs, then you know the inputs on the mixer are working fine. Conversely, if using alternate inputs results in the same issue, then the problem likely lies with the mixer’s inputs or internal routing.
You can also try testing the mixer’s outputs by connecting headphones, monitors, an external recorder, or another destination you know is working. If the outputs exhibit the same problem when connected to alternate devices, then the issue is either within the mixer’s outputs, amplifiers, or internal signal flow. But if the mixer outputs work properly with the other destinations, then the problem is either with the intended output or the connection to it.
Methodically testing the mixer’s inputs and outputs with alternate sources and destinations helps isolate the faulty section of signal flow through the mixer. See the Sweetwater guide on troubleshooting for helpful tips on narrowing down issues in your signal path. Carefully and logically testing inputs and outputs is key to determining which component needs further inspection to resolve signal problems.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If you have gone through all the previous troubleshooting steps and your mixer is still not producing sound, it is time to contact the manufacturer support team directly. Most major professional audio mixer brands like Soundcraft [1], Allen & Heath, Midas, and Behringer have dedicated support teams that can provide more specialized assistance.
When you reach out to the manufacturer’s support team, be prepared to provide detailed information about your troubleshooting efforts so far. Let them know the specific mixer model you have, the issues you are experiencing, the input sources you have tested, and the steps you have tried based on the mixer troubleshooting guide. The more details you can provide upfront, the better equipped the support reps will be to resolve your issue.
Have your mixer readily available when contacting support so you can walk through tests and troubleshooting steps with them on the phone. Be ready to provide the serial number and firmware version as well. With the manufacturer’s expertise on your specific mixer model, their technical support team should hopefully be able to get your unit up and running again.
