Behringer Ultragraph Pro FBQ6200 graphic equalizer

I have been to two places already that use this equalizer in their sound system. A lot of people slag Behringer for the bad sound they produce but to be honest, this EQ is pretty good for the price. In fact, almost any equalizer will be good for your system, especially if it is in a club. Specs-wise for this equalizer:

• Audiophile 31-band stereo graphic equalizer for live and studio applications

• Revolutionary FBQ Feedback Detection system instantly reveals critical frequencies and can also be used as audio analyzer

• Dedicated Limiters with gain reduction meters for each channel protect your sound system from overload and distortion

• Pink noise generator provides test signals to adapt your sound system to any room acoustics

• Mono subwoofer output with dedicated level control and adjustable crossover frequency

• Additional sweepable high and low-cut filters for each channel remove unwanted frequencies e.g. floor rumble, hiss etc.

• Highly accurate 8-segment LED input/output metering and input gain controls for easy level setting

• Ultra-low noise audio operational amplifiers for highest signal integrityRelay-controlled hard bypass with an auto-bypass function during power failure (failsafe relay)

• Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with 1/4″ TRS and gold-plated XLR connectors

• Shielded toroidal power transformer for ultra-low noise performanceHigh-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

So as you can see, a pretty good spec for the price. In actual fact, I have tested these EQs and found them to be pretty clean-sounding. But the only issue is the size. It looks at least 4U in size. I will have to look for something smaller to put in my rack.

Behringer EURODESK SX2442FX

Frankly, I am amazed at this Behringer Mixer. This has been the main mixer in the club where I DJ at and this is used by the live band. An excellent clean-sounding, value-for-money mixer that survived all expectations and has been doing so for the past seven years it has been at the pub. And I can attest to that. Specifications of the mixer are:

• 16 XENYX Mic Preamps
• Two stereo input channels with 4-band EQ plus 2 additional stereo input channels with Level and pre-fader Aux controls
• Neo-classic British 3-band EQs with semi-parametric mid band
• Two independent 24-bit stereo FX processors with 100 presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects
• High-precision 9-band stereo graphic EQ for monitor or main mixes
• FBQ Feedback Detection system
• Peak LEDs, Mute, Main mix and subgroup routing switches, Solo and PFL functions on all channels
• Inserts on each mono channel and main mix for flexible connections to outboard processors
• 4 Subgroup outputs and additional Mono output with sweepable Low Pass filter for subwoofer application
• 4 Aux sends per channel: 2 pre/post fader switchable for monitoring/FX applications, 2 post fader (for internal FX or as external send)
• Balanced Main mix outputs with 1/4 inch jacks and gold-plated XLR connectors, separate Control room, Headphone and stereo Tape outputs
• Solo-In-Place and Pre-Fader-Listen functions plus full-featured Talkback section
• Standby switch mutes all channels during breaks while background music is provided via CD/Tape inputs
• Long-wearing 60 mm logarithmic-taper faders and sealed rotary controls
• Internal auto-ranging power supply (100 – 240 V)

I want to see if Behringer makes smaller mixers. I might need one. Looks like their Eurodesk series needs some serious contemplating by me…

Wharfedale Pro PMX 700 system

It seems that all-in-one systems are the rage these days. many manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon to provide such systems and Wharfedale Pro are no exception. This PMX 700 system is their offering. It looks pretty powerful too. Basically, the PMX 700 System package comprises of a PMX 700 powered mixer, a pair of PTX-12 2-way loudspeakers, a DM1.0 dynamic microphone and the necessary cables to connect the system. This is unique because none of the other offerings from Yamaha and Behringer throw in a microphone. Besides, there is a whole plethora of effects in the effects bank to satisfy almost all vocalists, if need be. The speakers even have pole-mount adapters so you can mount them on stands. This system is able to pump out about 250 watts continuous and 500 watts program.  More details are available on the website here

Behringer XENYX 502 small-format mixer

I think I have covered just about all the companies that make small-format mixers. I have had my eye on this one by Behringer but the only problem is that there are no dealers in Singapore bringing them in. Its a shame really because this one looks pretty good, judging from all the positive reviews I have been reading about them. Its the same as the Alto ZMX52 and the Wharfedale Pro Connect 502 I covered recently. The surprising thing about all of them is that they all name their mixers the 502. makes me wonder if they are produced in the same factory in China! The specs are, according to the website:

State-of-the-art, phantom powered XENYX Mic Preamp comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps

Neo-classic “British” 2-band EQ for warm and musical sound

Main mix, stereo CD/tape plus separate headphone outputs

CD/tape inputs assignable to headphone output or main mix outputs

High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

The only thing this mixer does not have that the Wharfedale Pro and Alto ZMX52 has is Phantom Power. Aha! Got you there Behringer! But all in all, a great unit and I like it.

New XENYX iPad mixers from Behringer

I had to do a double-take when I saw this on Engadget. Phew. Looks like Behringer is taking this iPad integration seriously. I do not have too much info on this right now but according to the press release on the Engadget website:

Behringer Introduces Revolutionary iPad Mixers XENYX iX3242USB, iX2442USB and iX1642USB

Three Premium Small Format Mixers with iPad® Docking Station Expand the Renowned XENYX Series

January 18, 2012 Bothell, WA – Just in time for the 2012 NAMM Show, BEHRINGER unveils three small format premium mixers that directly interface with the ever-popular iPad. Drawing on the power of the most ubiquitous mobile digital device, the XENYX iX Series mixers are designed to handle live performance and provide state-of-the-art tools to create professional recordings. Users can also sync performances to video by utilizing the iPad’s video out capability.

iX1642USB
The new XENYX iX Series, which include the XENYX iX3242USB, iX2442USB and iX1642USB, feature a built-in iPad docking station designed to send signal to and from the iPad with a wide range of routing options.

The innovative feature set included in the new XENYX iX Series USB mixers makes it possible to record and mix on a professional level thanks to the built-in, stereo USB audio interface. Connect these mixers directly to a PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable to record any signal source connected to the mixer.

All iX mixers include the new dual-engine KLARK-TEKNIK FX processor with 32 editable, studio-grade presets such as reverb, chorus, flange, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. In addition to literally thousands of apps, the iX mixers use the iPad to control the new KLARK-TEKNIK FX Processor App, enhancing the mix by allowing the user deep control of EQ’s, compressors and reverbs and a full spectrum analyzer.

iX2442USB
The iX series mixers also feature high performance XENYX mic pre amps, which represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology. Comparable to far more expensive, stand-alone mic preamps, XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to 200 kHz for transparent, crystal-clear performance.

XENYX mixers’ 3-band channel EQ is based on the same circuitry used in British consoles that allows users to create signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Additionally, “one-knob” compression is available on all mono channels. Dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity.

“The new XENYX iX mixers demonstrate the innovation that stems from our massive investment in Research and Development,” says Mark Wilder, VP of Marketing Communications. “These are the first of many more ground-breaking products to be announced at NAMM 2012.”

This is gonna get exciting!

Behringer iNuke iPod dock

I am totally speechless. I mean, compare the size of this thing with the iPod on top of it. Its bloody huge. According to cNet where this article was taken from

The iNuke Boom by Behringer–a German manufacturer of electronic instruments and studio equipment–measures 2.44m across and is 1.2m tall. It has a boxy shape and rounded edges that reminds us of Apple’s discontinued iPod Hi-Fi. Of course, you’d expect a set like this to pump out quite a bit of power so Behringer has rated it to produce 10,000 ear-splitting watts, which should be sufficient for a large outdoor concert. The iNuke will be showcased at CES 2012 and is priced at US$30,000

How about that guys? Mobile disco?

Behringer VMX1000

I have never been a fan of Behringer mixers. Yes, i have read all the horror stories and I have heard the same as well from friends who have actually used Behringer mixers. But I had no choice a couple of times when I had to use it at a club. Well, it held up pretty good, no surprises were thrown my way. For a rack-mount mixer on the cheap, I suppose one can recommend it. Specs-wise, this is what it has to offer, as taken from the Behringer website:

Professional 7-channel ultra-low noise DJ mixer with state-of-the-art phono preamps

Intelligent, dual BPM counter

Super-smooth, long-life ULTRAGLIDE faders (up to 500,000 cycles)

Awesome XPQ stereo surround effect

VCA-controlled Crossfader for utmost reliability and smooth audio performance

Adjustable Crossfader curve for all mixing styles

3-band kill EQ (-32 dB) with EQ on/off switch on stereo channels, Gain control and precise level meter per channel

Monitor function with PFL/main balance control and Split option

Automatic talkover function with separate Depth and Sensitivity control

Subwoofer output with adjustable x-over frequency and level control for separate bass amplification

Balanced Main and additional zone outputs

Gold-plated RCA connectors for highest signal integrity

High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

Behringer B1800D subwoofers

When people like me were just starting out in the sound business, which was a good26 years ago, it used to be that we always made a beeline for Peavey speakers and amplifiers. They were relatively inexpensive and provided lots of bang for buck, especially with their SP-2 series of speakers. Now, the cheap-and-good moniker has been given to Behringer, and this subwoofer is one of them.

I have heard many an event company, doing roadshows, using the Mackie SRM-450 speakers. What they need is more bass in their shows. These speakers could be the answer. It says on the Behringer website that this active sub has a built-in  crossover. That will be good because you do not need to buy an amp to power them. And they are relatively inexpensive. Forget about what others say that Behringer is trash. Use these to get the funds to upgrade, a stepping stone of sorts. I know for a fact that when I expand, I might get these.