Mackie ProFX12 V3 - 'to phones' button monitors pre-fader signal from board

[Ledgwins]

Hello. I have recently started using a Boss Super Chorus pedal which outputs two channels and which I've plugged into channels 1 and 2 on the board and hard panned. The stereo output sounds great until I want to record.

In order to hear my DAW I need to have the 'To Phones/Control Rm' button pressed. When I do this I lose the panning from channels 1 and 2 and my stereo signal presumably because I am now hearing the signal pre-fader.

I am wondering if I am missing an easy workaround for this or whether that is a limitation of this board.

I would really like to hear the balance in stereo as I'm recording.

Thanks.

[Wonks]

Hi.

It’s a limit of the mixing board. When the ‘To Phones’ button is pressed, as you say, the input signals are then taken pre fader and mixed to mono and fed equally to both headphone channels.

It’s a fairly basic mixer to which a USB recording function has been added at minimal extra cost, in order to keep the price down.

It’s a simple fix by Mackie to stop the USB playback being re-recorded and signal feedback occurring.

So whilst that mixer is good for recording live performances, it’s not the best choice as a home recording interface. A dedicated audio interface will give better monitoring options.

[Wonks]

I’ve assumed you are using the Mackie as your recording interface via the USB connection. Is that correct?

[Ledgwins]

I’ve assumed you are using the Mackie as your recording interface via the USB connection. Is that correct?

That is correct. And I'm afraid you probably have the right answer. I suspected as much. Feedback would not be good. That crossed my mind with other re-routing options. Thanks.