MP3 Backing Tracks

Skip Ellis · Post by **Skip Ellis** » 26 Jul 2013 8:16 am

I run my steel through Behringer DR400 Reverb/Delay, then into a G&K MB200 then to a cabinet with a 12" 4 ohm SICA speaker. What type of mixer would you all suggest I use to insert an MP3 player into the chain for playing rhythm tracks from either an IPod type player or the 'music player' in my Nook. Don't need anything elaborate, just something for home use so I can control the volumes.
Thanks!!

Steve Pawlak · Post by **Steve Pawlak** » 26 Jul 2013 8:40 am

You might want to check out the Mackie 402-VLZ3 4 channel mixer. Pretty good little unit for around a hundred bucks new. I use one to mix the steel with MP3, CDs and lesson recordings thru headphones

George Macdonald · Post by **George Macdonald** » 26 Jul 2013 2:59 pm

Skip, I have benn using a Behringer "Xenyx"802 for years. It was about $60.00, but I'm not sure if they still make that model. Mackie has a reputation for good quality, but I havn't had any problems with my Behringer and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 27 Jul 2013 2:46 am

Skip, my MB200 has an "Aux" input on the rear. Its for an MP3 player or whatever. I've run my iPhone5 audio into it and works good. Just control the volume in the input device (in my case my iPhone5).

Matthew Beall · Post by **Matthew Beall** » 27 Jul 2013 2:54 am

I also use a Behringer Xenyx 802. You can get one for roughly 65 bucks and they're quite versatile.

Ken Metcalf · Post by **Ken Metcalf** » 27 Jul 2013 5:58 am

This is a nice little all in one unit. Plug in the steel the MP3 and a mic... and a monitor mix.. Can be used live and send to the board.
Really nice for practicing!
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=249555

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 27 Jul 2013 1:36 pm

Hey Ken:

I have an old Hot Spot powered monitor and although it does not have an Mp3 input I could rig up a jack. I'll give it a try...

Steve English · Post by **Steve English** » 27 Jul 2013 1:52 pm

Skip,

As Jack noted, the aux input (stereo) on the back is perfect for a mixer input. That input goes straight to the pwr amp. No controls the front will affect it.

You can plug any size mixer into that input. I have used the small Rolls devices, and up to a 16 channel Mackie with excellent results. I'm currently using a Behringer 8 input mixer that I run a laptop w/ BiaB in stereo, vocal mic, and a stereo ipod. From the mixer out, I have a stereo 1/8" cable that splits the stereo signal out to the appropriate connections for my two MB amps (one is tip, the other is sleeve)for a true stereo system.

Very easy.....

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