Behringer Xenyx 1002FX: can't seem to use it as a preamp without FX. Anyone familiar with this?

I've had a Behringer Xenyx 1002FX for a few years, but never really got into using it. Now I want to use it as a preamp for a condenser mike. However, whatever is selected on the fx knob seems to either have intense effects or has an unusable amount of reverb, and low sound quality (eg. 0 selected with the selector knob). It has always been like this, and I bought it new, but I even wonder whether it is faulty. Anyone know about this, before I chuck it out or take a hammer to it?
 
Thanks for your reply - what is happening is that when I turn down those FX knobs, it turns down the whole signal, as if the whole thing was an FX. The same thing happens if I turn of the FX to control switch at the bottom right - then I can't hear anything..
 
You're weIcome - I use it for my dynamic mic, and the FX knob only controls the FX effect, I don't know if it is has anything to do with your condenser mic. Have you turn on the 48V phantom power? If your mic is ok, It seems there is something wrong with your 1002fx.