I'm sorry if this hasalready been asked before, but I recently purchased a Behringer XYNEX 502 audio mixer from Amazon and line-in cables. I connect the 1/4 cables to their appropriate places in the "Line In" channel, connect the ground cable to the speaker (and as an experiment, microphone to little avail) - But... nothing. The computer doesn't recognize that there is anything being plugged in and I've tried to get it to work, but nothing works. I noticed at one point, the volume LCD's weren't lighting up when I plugged the guitar in. Through a process I don't recall, I did manage to get them to light up, but I still couldn't get audio into my computer. I've seen a couple videos of people using a UCA-222 audio interface, but I've also seen a video of someone using (with a non-Behringer mixer, but the idea was pretty much the same) just line-ins like I said. What am I doing wrong and will I need the extra interface for my mixer to work? Also, I'm a little stupid when it comes to mixers so please feel free to speak to me like a five-year-old.

the UCA222 is a poor soundcard, but it should work for you.  My best recommendation is to get a better soundcard when you can afford it.  you can still use the mixer without the UCA222.

I'm not following what you mean by connecting the 1/4 cables to LINE IN channel nor am I understanding what you mean by connecting the "ground cable" to the speaker. 

first you need to get the UCA222 working with your computer before connecting anything to the mixer.  have you downloaded and installed the ASIO drivers for the UCA222?  if not, do that first.  you can find them on the behringer website.

then you need to set up sonar to use the UCA222 ASIO drivers.  you didn't mention which version you have, I'll assume X1 or above.  other versions will have different ways of setting up the soundcard.

in X1, press the "P" on your keyboard.  that will bring up the preferences window.  now click on PLAYBACK AND RECORDING then for DRIVER MODE, choose ASIO.  Click APPLY

now click on DRIVER SETTINGS and verify that the UCA222 is listed in both the PLAYBACK and RECORDING DEVICE(s)

if this part isn't working, don't worry about setting up the mixer yet, come back and report on what is happening.  and also include which version of sonar, which operating system, what kind of speakers you're using and anything else you are working with.

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after you've gotten the UCA222 soundcard set up correctly, you can set up your mixer for inputs and outputs. Thanks to RobertB, I have a tutorial on setting up a behringer 802 on my website. the 802 is similar enough to the 502, just with fewer inputs.


http://homerecording.beaglesound.com/cake/cake_tips5.html

Okay, I made a mistake. The video I watched with just the line-in cables was... well, it wasn't just with line in cables and basically did just like your guide shows. Even dumber of me, I have not actually yet purchased a UCA-222, but will be soon if the finances work out. I'll let you know when I do. Also, I'm curious. You said the UCA-222 is a poor soundcard, so I was wondering... well, two things. 1) How "poor" is it? I'm not looking for $500 Hollywood studio-type quality, but I certainly don't want anything that sounds absolutely dreadful. 2) Is there any other you would recommend? (EDIT - Just noticed your site has a link to the latter question, so nevermind!)

if you haven't purchased a UCA222 yet, then I suggest you don't.

yes, go to my website and look at the soundcard recommendations.

Well, the only thing is that all those sound cards are all a little out of my price range. Is there no other sound card for less than $100 that you could recommend? Preferably in the $30-somethingish price range? (EDIT - Actually, if I'm lucky, I might be able to shell out enough for an Audophile 2496 on Amazon, but I'll have absolutely no idea how to install it; EDIT 2 Actually, wait. I can't use the Audophile because I'm using a laptop. It wouldn't be accessible.) Do you know of anything that connects via USB that isn't over $500 that is better than the Behringer?

there are a lot of soundcards under $500 that connects by USB, but nothing under $100 that I would recommend except for one.

did you see the entire list on my site? 

the lexicon Alpha is about $60 - that's the cheapest one I recommend for recording.

you still haven't mentioned which version of sonar you're using.  unless it's MC then all of sonar's products are >$100.  would you really want to spend $100 on software and not on a good soundcard to go with it?

I'm still curious as to what you mean by "ground cable".
Also,are you referring to the icons next to the jacks on your laptop when you say "speaker" and "microphone"?
Again, which version of Sonar, if any, are you using?
What is the operating system of the laptop(ie. XP,Vista,Windows 7)?

To answer a few questions: The "ground" cable is the 1/8 inch cable on the opposite side of the left/right 1/4 inch cable that connects to either the speaker or microphone jack. My apologies for not specifying, but yes I meant the computer jack when referring to speaker and microphone. I thought I had said that, but I looked back at my post and sure enough I hadn't. I am using Sonar LE version 4, hoping to upgrade soon, and my laptop runs on Windows 8.

First, As Beagle said, You really need to spend a little more or it's wasted money you'll end up spending  it  anyways later after pulling your hair out. All those cheap interfaces have driver issues. The behringer interface has NO drivers and will not work with Sonar( I know I had one once) 

If you really want to get into computer recording you'll just have to save some money or shop for used stuff which is a great idea. 

The mixer has a good manual. Read it. That is basic audio 101 and you do need to bone up on using the mixer. 
Before you plug it into a computer, Use a set of headphones and explore the set up listening with those. 

You can use the mini jack connection just to mess around.  It will work but might be a hum and a little distorted.   

You will need a cable that is 1/8" stereo ( TRS) you plug into the computers line in ( or mike )  Jack and then it Y's to a pair of RCA jacks which you plug into the Tape output jack on the mixer. This cable could also have 2x 1/4" jacks that go to the mixer Main outs, same thing. 
 
For now use MME mode in Sonar. You will need to set your computers soundcard to the Line in jack and adjust the level in the computers audio mixer. ( have no clue where this is in W8)  Open Sonar and arm a audio track, point it at the soundcards input and set your levels. Some people get better results using ASIO4all when using the on board sound card. Its a free download. 
Might not work in W8

Also download and run the DPCLAT meter and make sure your laptop is set to run audio without spikes. Turning off the wireless card usually brings things in line.