Behringer Xenyx 302USB Mixer with USB

This was the least expensive mixer that had really good reviews. I am using it for webcasting/screencasting and find it fairly easy to use.Pros:o) No drivers to install. Windows 7 immediately saw the device and installed.o) Shows up as input and output audio devices. This lets you hear audio from the computer such as in VOIP calls.o) Behringer website has extra downloads for the audio tweakersI didn't see in the pictures where the mixer got power. And since my microphone (a CAD M179) requires phantom power I was concerned it wouldn't be able to provide enough. What I found is that since this is an analog mixer the USB connection covers the power requirements for the mixer and the mic. Analog mixing means the audio is mixed through the dials and switches. Only at the point of output does the sound get digitized and redirected back to the computer. I don't know if analog in a mixer is considered better or not. I am not an audiophile. But I can tell you I am very happy with the results.The mixer provides a means to monitor your voice which has been very helpful in tweaking sound levels. Since everything is controlled on the mixer you don't have to configure monitoring through software. This greatly simplifies my setup.The ability to cut low or high pitch helps cut background noise from the various computers running in my office. I can definitely tell the difference. Nice and quiet.Besides webcasting/screencasting, I am also using the mixer for VOIP phone calls. I am able to completely tweak the volume the caller hears and what I hear from the caller in this one device... and separate from my computer. Having the controls external of the computer means I don't have to hunt through menus in the VOIP software while talking with customers.In summary, I am very happy with the purchase. Sound is good. Features are above what I expected. This was a great purchase.Edit: I installed Behringer's drivers and suddenly my mic dropped down to almost silent. I had to turn the mic, gain and main mix WAY up for anyone to hear me. It took editing the registry to completely get rid of the driver. Lesson learned. Don't install the Behringer's driver! Also, one more note... their tech support hadn't responded to me after two days. So don't expect much from them for support.------------Update: After a year of use I am still very happy with this product. I have taken it on the road and recorded hundreds of hours of audio.Key features I like: 1) No external power supply. 2) No more mixing through software. 3) Sturdy and portable.

*Update*I have now had this thing (with the GLS ES 57 mic) for 9 years, and I still use it for work. Still works like the day I got it. If it ain't broke, no need to fix or change it. The combo works great.Easily one of the best purchases I ever made.**End update**This is my first mixer. I'd been looking for a cheap way to upgrade from USB-powered mics like the Blue Snowball to something a little more professional and, of course, that requires a mixer with these kinds of hookups.Thus, I am an amateur and you'll probably get more accurate ratings out of a professional.Anyway, my pros and consPros1. This thing is way smaller than I expected. I can hold it in one hand without any difficulty and that means it doesn't take up a lot of desk space. It fits well where I put it.2. It works as intended. I use this with a GLS ES-57 mic and this mixer is powerful enough to power it and make it sound good. I have my windows volume set at 54 and the gain is up at about 60%. I have no hissing and no problems. I did a podcast with this set up today and my podcast co-host (we do it over Skype) said I sounded very clear and my voice sounded strong and good. This is a stark improvement over the Blue Snowball.3. It's plug and play. I plugged it in, it installed the drivers, and it automatically set itself as the default microphone. Easy peasy.4. I use Reaper as my audio software and Reaper recognized it immediately.5. The dials and everything was easy to understand.Cons1. You can't plug this into a USB hub (or even an AC-powered USB hub) otherwise you'll get a hiss. This needs to be plugged directly into a computer.2. This high-jacks your audio defaults in Windows. To fix it, open your Control Panel, open the Sound, and set your Playback device to your speakers to fix the problem. Your sound will come out through your speakers as intended. Since I use this as my main mic, I left it as default in the Sound settings.Overall, for the price, this is an amazing little mixer for beginners and amateurs. I know there are better options but they are also more expensive and I'm on a budget. It's a great way to get into the world of sound without spending a lot more money. If you're like me and a single person doing YouTube video voice overs or podcasts, this is perfect for a home studio set up where you only need one person. Worth every penny as long as it lasts. I'll update when/if it breaks down but until then, I do not regret this purchase.**Update 10-11-2015**I'm still using this thing every day and it still runs perfectly fine. I have graduated to ASIO4ALL drivers (which require some configuring) to make it sound a little more clear and work a little better. I can't imagine myself upgrading to anything else unless I start building a studio where I'm not the only person in it.Works great, easy to use, still runs after all this time with nary a problem. Nothing to complain about yet!