SOUNDCRAFT NOTEPAD 12FX (setup and sound test)

Had a chance to pick up a Soundcraft Notepad and figured I'd post what I find. So far I'm liking it.
SOUNDCRAFT NOTEPAD 12FX amzn.to/2UGiNS7
You can find equipment I use and recommend here;
deberney.com/t...
#DebErney
#soundcraft
#notepad

[@TheTomKnightShow]

The part about which knobs control fx at 4:27 was very helpful. Not intuitive that channel 11/12 needed to be turned up for it to work.

[@churchofdeliverance4802]

we connect our acoustic guitar in channel 1 and connect the mixer to computer through USB, the signal comes into the computer is MONO not stereo. what to do?

[@DebErney]

To record in stereo u must choose stereo track IF YOUR DEVICE RECORDS IN STEREO. if not just duplicate the mono track and pan one to left side and one to right side. Mix down to stereo

[@poalotesta7743]

Do you have a video tut for the USB and software setup? I've heard there are problems with compatibility with Windows 10?

[@dimonwait9079]

it is funny you ask because I have problems to make it work, no sound outputs if I plug it via USB to my computer..

[@weisthefiz]

@@dimonwait9079 having this problem too!

[@DebErney]

Sorry I’m not a Windows person.

[@dimonwait9079]

There is a 3/4 usb return button below the outputs, just press it to output sound coming from computer. Of course remember to output your computer sound on 3/4.

[@addgoldy]

I m using it on Windows 10 as well as Ubuntu 20.04 And it's working fine no problem

[@BurninSven1]

It is a lot more complecated to use as a multitracking device than you would think. Also you need to turn up channel 11-12 to get the effects sounding at all. The aux/extra headphone output is not working on mine at all. It´s a balanced unit so your gear need to be balanced. The routing (you have to get) is a bit different to hook it up in a recording environment. But I love mine too

[@DebErney]

I’m not a fan of the effects on this unit.

[@XeloPerez]

Gracias por tu increíble vídeo. Quiero comprarme esta misma en Santiago de Chile. Tu trabajo ha sido un gran aporte, porque cada día el producto de Soundcraft me gusta más. Sólo unas dudas si es que puedes ayudarme, por favor. 1.- Puedo ingresar audio por todos los canales XLR y TRSS a la consola vía USB, hasta 4. ¿Pero cuántas salidas me deja sacar el UBS? ¿2 salidas ó 4 salidas? 2.- Ya que tú tienes el mixer. ¿Por dónde sale el audio? He leído que lo saca por los puertos RCA, ¿es cierto? De ser así, perdería esa entrada RCA para conectar un teléfono móvil. 3.- ¿No tiene mute? Espero puedas ayudarme con estas dudas. Gracias amiga Deb.

[@sumankjhon6892]

ഇത് എന്താണ് നോയ്സ് പ്രോബ്ലം വരുന്നത് . എങ്ങനെയാണ് അത് ഒഴിവാക്കേണ്ടത്

[@miguedrummer]

Thanks for this review. It helped me a lot. I'm new into these stuff, so there are certain things I still don't know. I'll try to make myself understand as English is not my mother language. Since the AUX/FX Knob affects both parameters, considering there are various tracks in use at the same time, how do you manage to increase monitor level through the AUX output without modifying the FX return that goes out through the master output of the same track? Thanks

[@DebErney]

My understanding is you can use one or the Other. Your choice. Manual offers a bit more on this.

[@mamsongmai]

Hi Deb, could you show me how to connect an active subwoofer to this mixer. Thank you in advance.

[@DebErney]

Same as you would connect speaker though this mixer is not designed for sub woofer don’t think it will work as expected.

[@MartinLucassen]

Nice pep talk :-) If they don't have a positive pump now, then unfortunately they will lose. Then I would rather see them go now than continue to complain and negatively influence others. Always zoom out. A day without laughter is a day wasted 🙂

[@DebErney]

Say what???

[@tfadd12]

I'm trying the same thing and the driver download didn't seem to work as it was telling me it didn't work with my operating system..12fx, Samson QH4 HP amp, audacity and usb connection. I'm getting sound from my speaker system but its horrible. I can't seem to figure out how to get the mixer to work..Thanks.

[@DebErney]

First thing I’d check are cables. Then I’d try to update the drivers. If that didn’t work I’d try uninstall and re-install fresh. If your working with PC it is pretty much trial and error. I’ve even had to uninstall all drivers, programs, and regedit to delete all references then re-install before it worked properly. Thats why I use Apple.

[@juneaftn]

I have 12fx, too. Unfortunately, mine has some issue with channel 11. If you plug any sound source into channel 11 only(channel 12 being empty), it is supposed to work as a mono input, hence copying the same signal to the left and the right. However, my 12fx sends the channel 11 to the left channel only. What about yours? Could you check that please?

[@DebErney]

You need to read your manual. Channel 11/12 is effects send channel. If only using the left it is a mono channel. FX Return (Notepad 12FX only) The FX return channel takes its input from the output of the internal Lexicon FX processor. • It is a stereo input channel but without input trim control or EQ. • Two jack inputs are provided which, when a jack is plugged in replace the internal effects routing to the FX return channel. Refer to Sections 4.3 and 5.1.3 for more detail.

[@juneaftn]

@@DebErney Yeah. I already read that. Contrary to what the manual says, channel 11/12 acts differently from other stereo channels. Have you actually tried it? If you connect a single source to channel 11, you'll hear it from the left only. I have two 12fxs and they are the same.

[@grecosax9833]

Hi there, i tried connecting the mixer with my pc by using a usb. While i was recording on Audacity Lexicon effects didnt work and it was sounding very low. Can you please tell me what am i doing wrong.

[@DebErney]

There could be a number of settings that could be preventing this from recording to USB. I have a video that points out the most obvious problems you can fix. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKfXYp1td7KNgsU I have a very hard time configuring PC with analog USB equipment where as Mac is much more likely to work. Good luck and watch the video as it goes over USB setup for both Mac and PC on an analog mixer.

[@tfadd12]

I'm trying the same thing and the driver download didn't seem to work as it was telling me it didn't work with my operating system..12fx, Samson QH4 HP amp, audacity and usb connection. I'm getting sound from my speaker system but its horrible. I can't seem to figure out how to get the mixer to work..Thanks..

[@adityapd999]

Hi Deb - Another excellent video. I have a small doubt. I am using the Notepad 12FX with 2 mics plugged into inputs 1 & 2 and an iphone plugged into inputs 9/10 (karaoke setup) . However, when i use the USB port to interface the output to garage band on my ipad for recording, i am only able to record the 2 mics but not the input coming in from the iphone. I have set the channel input to 1+2 and using the voice recorder setting. Can you please advise what I may be missing ?

[@DebErney]

I would try 2 of the combo jack inputs.

[@adityapd999]

Deb Erney How can I use the 2 mic inputs in 1 and 2 alongwith the combo jack inputs in 5/6 or 7/8 for recording using GarageBand? What input channel do I need to select ?

[@prakashchhetriofficial]

Hey Deb, how can i connect this with jbl eon one and jbl lsr305 studio monitor speaker? where does the monitor speaker goes on?

[@DebErney]

You can use any of the output on the notepad; headphone output, XLR output to any speaker inputs. You may need adapters www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/20USFX4JXUAUM?ref_=wl_share

[@guille_toledo76]

Hi... excellent videos ! Please how can I connect the mixer to 2 speakers? It's necessary to have 2 actives speakers or just one active and a passive? Hope you can do a video about this issue

[@DebErney]

You need 2 active speakers as this mixer has no power to speakers. Not a good idea to mix active and passive speakers.

[@guille_toledo76]

@@DebErney thank u so much ! Greetings from Chile.

[@amyharris8745]

mine doesn't get reverb. I think i need a wire. I'm gonna try more tonight😊

[@unboxed1145]

My Soundcraft notepad has intermittent problems with the effects not working.

[@WiKiTWoNKa]

please plug it in to your computer and show how it works in your DAW I'm looking for a budget mixer that has independent digital inputs and outputs so I can record each track independently but simultaneously (unlike the BEHRINGER XENYX USB series mixers like I already have) so the vocals are separate from the instruments if that makes sense... btw in US dollars how much did you pay for it?

[@DebErney]

I'm working on a video to post. I have used it with a MacBook Pro, iMac, iPhone and iPad Pro. Seems to work well just with hookup and configuration. I'll let you know how the recording end goes.

[@WiKiTWoNKa]

@@DebErney I appreciate the reply, I hope to see the video soon, when it's uploaded I hope you send me a link to the video so I won't miss it. your videos are good btw. cheers 👌🏾

[@WiKiTWoNKa]

@Solar Eclipse I've thought of that because it's cheaper but if so I'd like it to be FireWire or usb 2.0 but preferably the BEHRINGER X32 with all the built in peripherals n stuff. plus less for my project is better, I am working on converting my motorhome in to a mobile recording studio so the smaller the footprint the better (I think that made sense 😊)

[@darylfields43]

? How to connect DJ controller to sound craft mixing board?

[@DebErney]

No idea

[@antonionunes9508]

Hi, do you think that the sound from the SOUNDCRAFT NOTEPAD 12FX is better than the sound from the Allen & Heath ZED 10 ?

[@DebErney]

THE ALLEN AND HEATH WAS THE BEST I'VE USED. BUT it only had 2 channels at USB 1 out. Though that wasn't a problem for me. The Notepad 12FX has 4 in/out USB which is where it shines. Sound is OK. Effects I'm not thrilled with.

[@romain2879]

@@DebErney Hello, what about the Allen & Heath Zedi 10 there are 4 input USB ?

[@ufky1]

Good mixer but for using with ipad and iphone has an issue!Doesnt work with ipad via usb cable connection even i use apple camera 3 adapter :( " on the screen of ipad or iphone appears always like something " soundcraft uses too much energy!"

[@DebErney]

You may need to unplug and plug in a few times b4 they sync. You can also try using a small USB hub to supply power. Mine setup right away.

[@DebErney]

You may also want to have the mixer turned on b4 plugging in.

[@ufky1]

@@DebErney thank you but i’ve tried all these tips and I also asked the technical team of soundcraft they said that the mixer doesn’t support the iPhone IPad , yeah it sounds strange! :((( But if u ll try it and do it please share with us:)) Greetings from Hungary

[@DebErney]

@@ufky1 I thought I had a video with the IOS but didn't. Great video idea. I'll get it out and post it Next week for you?

[@ufky1]

@@DebErney Great:) Thanks a lot

[@runchunesound6546]

Was planning on getting this today just for the size and the fx for the mic, but after reading the comments i rather keep my soundcraft epm8 (the beast mixer)

[@animations4all]

This is good for someone just starting DAW recording. My effects come and go on it.

[@dhrubajyotimukherjee9699]

How would you compare the usb recording of Beringer qx1204usb and soundcraft notepad fx12 regarding amplitude and quality keeping aside the difference of 2 channel and 4channel capacities respectively.

[@DebErney]

The advantage of the notepad12fx is the 4 channel in/out. The Behringer Q mixers seemed to have a “tinny” sound. At least to me. If you need 4 channels in/out at a very low price the Notepad 12fx is a good buy. I personally prefer spending a little more for the Allen & Heath mixers. Very high quality in and out.

[@dhrubajyotimukherjee9699]

@@DebErney does the allen & Heath record two channels separate or a single stereo.

[@dhrubajyotimukherjee9699]

Also I want to ask about the 1.0 usb of the allen and Heath z10fx . Does it compromise with latency or sound quality while recording.

[@ronmanning7987]

Hi Deb, I've enjoyed your videos on the Soundcraft Notepad 12FX. I am hoping to switch to a USB mixer from a firewire interface that I have now. My new computer does not have firewire, so... I have a question that I hope you can answer. I would like to be able to record 2 or 3 tracks at the same time using separate channels. (Mic and guitar recorded at the same time) I see this mixer listed as 4x4, but I've been unable to find a good explanation of that. Is it possible for me to run 2 or 3 channels on the mixer into 2 or 3 separate tracks simultaneously? Thanks again for your videos!

[@DebErney]

The manufacturers are very tricky with the descriptions. Yes, the Notepad 12fx has 4 individual, separate tracks. You can record them all 4 at once or in any combination.

[@MOHAMMADAHMADRAZA_QADRI]

Hi! Love your reviews! I just want to know if you can connect this mixer to your phone via USB for Facebook livestreams? Thanks!

[@DebErney]

I have tried with no success though it does seem like it should work.

[@MOHAMMADAHMADRAZA_QADRI]

@@DebErney I see. alryti thanks alot! 😊

[@DebErney]

I have been looking at this and found this kzbin.info/www/bejne/epzUk6h4rNWZhrs

[@muxaiic]

hey I just got this one and I am having pops and clicks in the headphones and even via usb through Mac , any fix?

[@DebErney]

Here is a good article explaining causes. My guess is your going to have to play with the hardware buffer size. www.creativelive.com/blog/prevent-clicks-pops-digital-distortion-ruining-recordings/

[@DebErney]

I haven’t really started the USB recording with this yet BUT see my prior reply. If you have problems I’d take it back before the return period is over. Could be defective

[@carlosperazalive9162]

Gran sumbido

[@tomblaze2]

Bam!

[@sashiksapfirchik1319]

Tell me please in AUX ,can I connecting telephone or no?

[@DebErney]

You can connect the audio output.

[@giannisaxlive4389]

Hi Deb, thank you very much for your very punctual review. I have the problem of knowing how to manage a monitor, in addition to headphones and master outputs: I use channel 1 for the microphone and channel 7/8 for the PC. To give volume to the AUX I have to act on the blue AUX / FX buttons, but in doing so you can hear the FX of channel 7/8 also in the master outputs. What am I doing wrong?? thank you very much if you can answer me

[@DebErney]

I don't think there is a way to separate the FX/Aux volume. Here is what the manual has to say; The Aux Bus sum is sent to the Aux Master output level control. This sum is made up of the aux send pre-fade contributions from each channel. That is, the sends are taken before the input channel fader and are not affected by the input channel fader levels. The Aux Master Channel can also be used to feed monitors, such as headphones or a stage monitor. Notepad-8FX The Aux bus is additionally sent to the built-in Lexicon effects processing after the bus master control. Notepad 12FX The Aux bus is additionally sent to the built-in Lexicon effects processing before the bus master control. See section 6 for more details.

[@giannisaxlive4389]

@@DebErney Thanks for your answer, in reality the "Ouptut Type" key should be used to divide the two functions, but it does not. Do you have any other notions? the manual you mention is unclear on my content. The problem is that nobody complains about this on the internet, so either mine doesn't work or is done in another way. What do you say?

[@DebErney]

That’s all I got. Sorry

[@dwarikasangeetstudio2193]

इस मिक्सर से मल्टीट्रेक रिकॉर्डिंग कर सकते हैं क्या

[@leonbanks719]

Is there a monitoring feature to use in ear monitors?

[@DebErney]

You’d have to check the manual.

[@leonbanks719]

@@DebErney thank you

[@toddcourtney644]

Hi Deb. I'm a newby and bought the Soundcraft Notepad 8FX. So far so good. But, my purpose is to use for a podcast and want to make out going calls. I bought the iRig HD 2, but I can't seem to get it to work and record calls. Any suggestions?

[@DebErney]

The iRig is designed for guitar input. you can use the Soundcraft to plug into USB of your computer.

[@stevenhartwell]

Great video as always Deb!! There is a good example of how to setup to record incoming calls here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp7Xn5x-gJ12gs0

[@pedroluna7347]

You can only use 2 fx together at a time.

[@reezwasarkhan]

Hi sir,if i use the red white rca to 3.5mm jack to a mobile phone can it record anything playing from the mixer with all the fx turn on together with condensor mic, on the mobile phone? Tqsm sir & great sharing btw😊👏👏👍👍👍

[@DebErney]

I use a 1/8” to two 1/4” cable to record my iPhone. OUTPUT TO INPUT.

[@reezwasarkhan]

@@DebErney So same case with the rca jack cable to 3.5mm right?,it should work i hope. Tqsm ya😊👏👍

[@matrixmodulator]

Nice low freq hum you got there buddy ;)

[@DebErney]

;)

[@DebErney]

😉

[@arexpressionsphoto]

Is there no power button?

[@DebErney]

Weirdly, there is no power button. You have to plug in or unplug to turn off/on

[@ramanpreet2223]

Hi Deb, Thanks for the awesome review. Can I use it for my PA system? I'm a mobile DJ and I need something portable. Thanks

[@DebErney]

It has two XLR main outputs, 1 1/4" headphone out, 1 aux output. I use it with my P.A. system. I run the two XLR outputs into the XLR inputs of your speakers. THEY MUST BE ACTIVE SPEAKERS as the mixer does not provide any power to speakers.

[@ramanpreet2223]

@@DebErney Thanks!

[@seddyseddised9385]

I want to play music from my phone thru 12fx and have it recorded if that makes sense

[@DebErney]

With the proper adapters you can record anything. Run headphone (or lightening to 1/8” adapter) output of iphone into 1/4” (any input) of mixer or recorder.

[@familyfirstentertainment3304]

How do you turn it on?

[@DebErney]

Soundcraft doesn't use off/on switches. the units are turned off and on by plug in and unplug.

[@sidheshwarmalakar3171]

What is the sample rate of 12fx

[@DebErney]

The sample rates are 44 & 48. I usually record at 48 KHZ.

[@avcreations2494]

WARNING: If you want a small mixer that work wells in an analog environment then these are a nice option. If you want to be able to run this with your desktop or laptop buyer beware. Regardless of their latest drivers and instructions windows constantly loses track of this mixer when rebooting and the only way to temporarily get it back is follow their unsigned driver instructions but it does not permanently fix the problem. Absolute garbage driver support... they should be ashamed. Headed out today to buy another brand so I can get audio back on my PC.

[@andrewfisher2462]

Just for anyone reading this.. the new drivers released recently are brilliant. No issues at all.

[@generalawareness101]

A very bad ground loop issue I hear in this.

[@DebErney]

It was probably the a/c?

[@generalawareness101]

@@DebErney I don't think so as I have heard that back in my radio days and the engineer said it was a faulty ground loop due to a broken/faulty wire. 20 mins later it was gone. Not AC unless you have your rig sitting on top of the AC compressor, lol.

[@DebErney]

General Awareness unfortunately the a/c is right above where I work.

[@shanegreybeldia7039]

@@DebErney hi Deb. Have you tried using an external fx? I’ve tried by using external channels 11&12 to input & output of an external fx (valeton dapper ves-2 bass), respectively but doesn’t work. It only bypassed the unit’s internal effects but no signs of effect from an external one. Can you help please? Thanks!

[@robertnitschke89]

What is the USB for? This mixer is garbage. I gave mine away. Waste of money.

[@imoinanimo9746]

seems you have no idea how to use it.

[@aaronbarrett9894]

Why not figure out how to use it before you make a video instead of wasting everyones time?