Introduction
The Behringer Xenyx 802 is a premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer designed for a wide range of audio applications. It features two state-of-the-art Xenyx mic preamps, comparable to standalone boutique preamps, and neo-classic "British" 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Xenyx 802 mixer.
Important Safety Instructions
- Read these instructions thoroughly before operating the unit.
- Keep these instructions for future reference.
- Heed all warnings on the product and in this manual.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- Warning: Never use unbalanced XLR connectors (PIN 1 and 3 connected) on the MIC input connectors when using the phantom power supply. This can cause damage to the microphone or mixer.
Setup Guide
1. Power Connection
Connect the supplied power adapter to the mixer's power input. Note that the Xenyx 802 does not feature a dedicated on/off switch. To power off the unit, disconnect the power adapter from the mixer or the wall outlet. It is recommended to unplug from the power strip or wall outlet rather than repeatedly disconnecting from the mixer's rear port to prevent wear.
2. Connecting Inputs
- Microphone Inputs (Channels 1 & 2): Use balanced XLR cables for microphones. These channels feature Xenyx mic preamps and can provide +48V phantom power for condenser microphones (activated via the PHANTOM switch in the Main Section). Alternatively, 1/4" TRS or TS cables can be used for line-level instruments or devices.
- Stereo Line Inputs (Channels 3/4 & 5/6): Use 1/4" TRS or TS cables for stereo line-level sources such as keyboards, drum machines, or audio players. For mono signals, connect to the 'L' (left) input.
- 2-Track Input (RCA): Connect CD players, tape decks, or other stereo playback devices to the 2-Track Input. This input can be routed to the Main Mix or Control Room/Phones output.
3. Connecting Outputs
- Main Out (1/4" TRS): Connect these outputs to your main PA system, powered speakers, or recording interface.
- Ctrl Room Out (1/4" TRS): Connect these outputs to your studio monitors or control room speakers for monitoring.
- Phones (1/4" TRS): Connect your headphones here for personal monitoring.
- FX Send (1/4" TS): Connect this output to the input of an external effects processor.
- Stereo Aux Return (1/4" TRS): Connect the output of your external effects processor back to this input.
- 2-Track Output (RCA): Connect this output to a recording device (e.g., tape recorder, audio interface) to capture the main mix.
Controls and Functions Overview

Figure 1: Front panel layout of the Behringer Xenyx 802 mixer, showing all inputs, outputs, and control knobs.
Channel Strips (Channels 1-6)
- MIC Input (Channels 1 & 2): XLR input for microphones.
- LINE IN Input (Channels 1 & 2): 1/4" TRS/TS input for line-level signals.
- GAIN (Channels 1 & 2): Adjusts the input sensitivity for microphones and line-level signals. Use this to achieve optimal signal levels without clipping.
- LINE IN 3/4 & 5/6 (Stereo Channels): 1/4" TRS/TS inputs for stereo line-level sources.
- EQ (High, Mid, Low): Three-band equalizer for shaping the tone of each channel.
- HIGH (12 kHz): Adjusts the treble frequencies.
- MID (2.5 kHz): Adjusts the mid-range frequencies.
- LOW (80 Hz): Adjusts the bass frequencies.
- FX (Send): Controls the amount of signal sent from the channel to the FX Send output, typically for external effects processing.
- PAN (Channels 1 & 2) / BAL (Channels 3/4 & 5/6):
- PAN: Positions the mono signal within the stereo sound field (left to right).
- BAL: Adjusts the balance between the left and right signals of a stereo channel.
- CLIP LED: Illuminates when the channel's signal is too high and clipping, indicating potential distortion. Reduce the GAIN or LEVEL if this LED lights up.
- LEVEL: Adjusts the overall output level of the channel to the main mix.
Main Section
- 2-TRACK INPUT (RCA): Stereo RCA inputs for connecting external playback devices.
- 2-TRACK OUTPUT (RCA): Stereo RCA outputs for connecting to a recording device.
- PHANTOM (+48V) Switch: Activates phantom power for condenser microphones connected to the MIC inputs. Ensure microphones are connected before activating.
- POWER LED: Indicates the unit is powered on.
- CLIP LEDs (-6, 0, +6, +20): Multi-segment LED meters indicating the overall output level of the main mix. Aim for levels around 0 dB during normal operation to avoid clipping.
- 2-TR TO CTRL ROOM Button: Routes the 2-Track Input signal to the Control Room and Phones outputs for monitoring without sending it to the Main Mix.
- 2-TR TO MIX Button: Routes the 2-Track Input signal to the Main Mix output.
- AUX RETURN: Controls the level of the signal returning from the Stereo Aux Return inputs.
- MAX PHONES/CTRL ROOM: Adjusts the output level for the Control Room and Phones outputs.
- MAIN MIX: Controls the overall output level of the main stereo mix.
Operating Instructions
Basic Mixing Procedure
- Initial Setup: Before powering on, ensure all LEVEL and MAIN MIX knobs are turned down to their minimum position. Connect all inputs and outputs as described in the Setup Guide.
- Power On: Connect the power adapter to power on the mixer. The POWER LED will illuminate.
- Set Input Gain: For each active input channel, speak into the microphone or play the instrument at its loudest expected level. Slowly increase the GAIN knob until the CLIP LED briefly flashes. Then, back off the GAIN slightly until the CLIP LED no longer flashes. This sets the optimal input level.
- Adjust Channel Levels: Slowly raise the LEVEL knob for each active channel to a desired listening level.
- Adjust Main Mix: Gradually increase the MAIN MIX knob to set the overall output volume. Monitor the CLIP LEDs in the Main Section; if they consistently light up, reduce the MAIN MIX level or individual channel levels to prevent distortion.
- Use EQ: Adjust the HIGH, MID, and LOW EQ knobs on each channel to shape the tone of the sound. Experiment to find the desired sound.
- Apply Effects (Optional): If using an external effects processor, send signal to it using the channel FX knobs and return the processed signal via the Stereo Aux Return. Adjust the AUX RETURN knob to blend the effect into the mix.
- Monitor: Use the PHONES/CTRL ROOM knob to adjust the volume for your headphones or control room monitors. Use the 2-TR TO CTRL ROOM button to monitor the 2-Track Input separately if needed.
Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Behringer Xenyx 802 mixer, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the mixer. Do not use liquid cleaners, aerosols, or solvents, as these can damage the finish or internal components.
- Ventilation: Ensure that the mixer's ventilation openings are not blocked. Adequate airflow is crucial to prevent overheating.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the mixer in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Protect it from dust and moisture.
- Cable Management: Avoid tightly coiling cables or placing heavy objects on them, which can cause damage over time.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound output |
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| Distorted sound / CLIP LED constantly on |
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| Humming or buzzing noise |
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| No sound from headphones/control room |
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|
Specifications
- Item Weight: 3.55 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 8.66 x 7.44 x 1.85 inches
- Model Number: 802
- Date First Available: October 2, 2001
- Body Material: Composite
- Color Name: Black
- Connector Type: 3-pin XLR, 1/4" TRS Phone
- Mixer Channel Quantity: 8
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 2.3E+2 Volts (AC)
- Wattage: 13 watts
- Number of Channels: 8
- Connectivity Technology: Auxiliary
Warranty and Support
Behringer products are designed for reliability and performance. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Behringer website. For technical support, FAQs, and additional resources, please visit the Behringer Store on Amazon or the official Behringer support page.
You can also find the official user guides in PDF format here:
Legal Disclaimer: No Returns on any music products.







