Using a Behringer 1204USB mixer with GarageBand on an iMac to record radio shows as live

That looks correct, since the 1204 uses generic drivers on Mac. I *think* I might know the problem here! First, you are able to hear the iTunes playback on headphones or whatever you’re using to monitor the mixer, right?

If so...go to channel 7/8 and make sure the Mute/alt 3-4 switch is up and not pressed in. If it’s pressed in, it sends that channel to the monitor mix *only*. The USB output only outputs the *Main Mix*, so anything routed to the monitor group will not record to your computer. I think so anyways.

Let me know how it goes.

Yes, the input/output settings are in Preferences in GarageBand.

I think the computer might be trying to prevent a feedback loop, so that’s where changing the system settings should help.

The lower pair of jacks on your mixer are 7/8, not the aux sends, which are above and won’t work for this. I’ve made a diagram of what is what on the 1204USB. The writing is poor here, but I’m trying to write on the touch screen on the iPad, which is not easy. Mess around with the three sets of controls I’ve circled on the lower part of the mixer, if the audio/midi setup and GarageBand preferences don’t fix the issue. I’m not sure exactly what you have pressed on your mixer so I can’t tell for sure what might be going on. Those controls affect monitor mixes, headphone mixes, and some of the USB stuff. If you try all of this and the settings, and still don’t have any luck, try taking a picture of your mixer setup, audio/midi setup, GarageBand track view, and GarageBand Preferences settings and post them here.

Hi,

Disclaimer, I’m not particularly familiar with your mixer, nor am I using Catalina (I’m on Mojave). However I’ve done my share of recording on GarageBand and other programs with audio interfaces and a usb mixer (Yamaha MG10XU).

It sounds like you have the audio input setting okay in GarageBand since you can record successfully. Check under Audio Midi Setup and make sure your mixer isn’t set to being the system audio interface. That way you can use the volume controls to control your headphone output independently of the mixer. Just in case that’s causing an issue. Then double check your GarageBand in/out settings as they may change when you change the system audio assignment.

Does your mixer have USB Audio send/return to where you can have your audio come into the mixer from your computer over USB, and then be routed to loop back and be sent out over USB with the rest of your mix? That’s how I’ve used my usb mixer and it would greatly simplify the number of things that could be going wrong. In that case you would want the mixer to be set as the system audio assignment.

Okay, nevermind the comment about usb loopback. Looks like that function isn’t available on your mixer (it’s either USB playback or USB recording, but not both at the same time).

Other thoughts...

Are you connected to the Line Ins 7/8 or the Aux Sends? There’s a big difference in the routing and the sends are outputs, not inputs. There are aux returns but it’s better to use regular inputs when available.

Make sure your music is routed to the main outs and not a monitor or aux mix only. The USB output only records the main stereo mix, so whatever is going through your main outputs goes into the computer.

You’re welcome, glad to hear it’s working! Good luck with your recording, have fun, and stay healthy.

Max