Behringer Xenyx302USB (mixer) vs Behringer U-Phoria UM2 (audio interface)

[pedrorolo]

I am a bass player who is considering purchasing one of these. At a first sight, the Xenyx is just like a better UM2, with more channels a controls. Is there any reason why it would be better to get the UM2 instead?

options:
- Xenyx 302USB Mixer
- U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface

pre-existing material:

- two passive bass guitars
- a Laney RBW200 amp, with a D.I. XLR out and an effects loop, but no headphones out.
- a VOX AC1 Rhythmbox Bass mini amp, with a noisy output an with a very low volume headphones-out.
- my cellphone, from which I use to play backing tracks and rhythm loops

I plan to use the new acquisition for the following use cases:

- the new acquisition as stand-alone headphone amp with backing track, with bass directly plugged in into one input and backing track into the other;
- the same as before, but with my bass-amp (which has a XLR D.I. out) in between the bass and the new acquisition through an XLR cable.
- recording the result of the last setup with few noise a good enough tone, without requiring pro quality tone

- foreseeable future setups involving effects-pedals, with or without the amp (which has an effects loop)

I know that the UM2 will limit my backing tracks to a mono input. The main thing I want to know is what do I get in exchange for abiding the stereo of the backing track; the physical EQ knobs and the additional inputs, namely:

- Will I get less noise with the UM2?
- Will I get a louder headphone out with the UM2?

 

[seamonkey]

Having a little mixer is sure handy. You'll have some EQ controls for quick tweaking. You can always use it as a plane old mixers without the USB.

A typical passive "Bass" guitar is between a Mic level and a Line level so you made need a pre-amp when you go straight into the mixer. If you have an active bass you'll be OK.