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| Behringer X32 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Behringer X32 |
| Type | Digital mixing console |
| Manufacturer | Behringer |
| Introduced | 2012 |
| Channels | 32 |
| Outputs | 16 XLR, AES50, USB |
| Preamps | MIDAS-designed |
| Sample rate | 44.1/48/96 kHz |
| Weight | 13.4 kg |
Behringer X32 The Behringer X32 is a 32-channel digital mixing console introduced in 2012, used widely in live sound, studio recording, and broadcast applications. It combines motorized faders, digital signal processing, and networked audio connectivity to serve touring production, houses of worship, and recording studios. The console influenced competitive offerings from rivals and helped drive adoption of networked stagebox solutions across the industry.
The X32 arrived amid a transition toward digital consoles embraced by manufacturers such as Yamaha, Avid, Allen & Heath, Digico, and Soundcraft. Its competitive pricing and feature set placed it alongside established models like the Yamaha M7CL, the Avid VENUE, the Allen & Heath GLD, the Soundcraft Si-Series, and the Digico SD-Series. Professionals from Pink Floyd touring crews to regional church music teams evaluated the X32 in contexts ranging from arena tours to festival stages such as Glastonbury Festival and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Industry publications including Mix Magazine, Sound on Sound, and MusicTech reviewed the unit alongside manufacturers like Midas and Klark Teknik.
The X32's chassis integrates 32 programmable channels, 16 mix buses, 8 DCA groups, and 6 matrix mixes, reflecting architectures used by consoles from Midas, Solid State Logic, Neve, and API. Its front panel includes a 7-inch color display and motorized 100 mm faders similar to systems from Yamaha desks and Avid consoles. The preamplifier design involved collaboration with Midas, a strategy notable among peers like SPL partnerships. The unit offers internal effects derived from algorithms by firms such as TC Electronic and Lexicon-style reverbs used in broadcast racks at organizations like BBC and NPR. Connectivity options include AES50 networking compatible with stageboxes produced by Midas, Behringer, and third-party manufacturers used on tours by companies like Front of House (FOH), monitor engineers for acts like U2, and rental houses including PRG.
Core specifications mirror industry standards found in consoles by Yamaha, Avid, and Digico: 32 mic/line inputs, 16 XLR outputs, and 6 AUX/monitor sends with sample rates of 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz comparable to broadcast consoles used at NBC studios. The X32 uses MIDAS-designed preamps offering gain staging reminiscent of Midas Heritage units and employs 24-bit A/D conversion similar to products by RME and Lynx Studio Technology. Network audio via AES50 mirrors implementations in Midas DL16 and Aviom networks. Built-in effects algorithms include compressor, gate, de-esser, parametric EQ, and multi-band dynamics akin to signal chains found in studios using Neve 1073 modules, API consoles, and SSL E/G Series consoles. Physical I/O and expansion follow conventions used by Hosa Technology and Switchcraft connectors in professional touring.
Workflow for live engineers parallels practices in venues such as Madison Square Garden, Sydney Opera House, and Royal Albert Hall where operators manage channel routing, cueing, and scene recall with consoles from Avid and Yamaha. The X32 supports scene management, channel stacking, and snapshot recall comparable to Allen & Heath iLive workflows. Monitor engineers for acts like The Rolling Stones and Coldplay have used digital consoles with similar matrices and IEM (in-ear monitor) routing approaches pioneered with systems by Shure and Sennheiser. The desk’s layout facilitates quick access to dynamics and EQ sections, mirroring ergonomics emphasized by designers at Solid State Logic and Neve.
Remote control capabilities connect to tablets and laptops running apps for iPad (Apple), Android, and computers using protocols familiar to audio networking companies such as Avid and Rode Microphones integrations. Integration with digital audio workstations like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Reaper is achieved via USB interfaces akin to devices from Focusrite and M-Audio. Networked stagebox operation and remote preamp control echo deployment strategies used by rental providers like Turbosound and Sennheiser for large-scale touring. Firmware updates and third-party software utilities follow patterns seen in products by MOTU, RME, and Waves Audio.
Upon release, trade outlets such as Mix Magazine, Sound on Sound, and Pro Sound News compared the X32 favorably to consoles from Yamaha, Avid, and Allen & Heath for value and feature density. Its pricing strategy influenced market movements among manufacturers including Midas, Soundcraft, and Allen & Heath, prompting product revisions and new mid-market offerings by companies like Behringer, Yamaha, and Avid. The console's adoption in houses of worship, educational institutions such as Berklee College of Music, and regional theatres mirrored earlier transitions driven by digital consoles used at Lincoln Center and Royal Opera House. Professional users debated comparisons with high-end desks from SSL, Neve, and DigiCo in forums run by organizations like ProSoundWeb.
Related models and stageboxes appear across brands: Behringer’s own smaller and larger desks parallel models by Yamaha (e.g., Yamaha CL Series), Allen & Heath (e.g., Allen & Heath dLive), and Avid (e.g., Avid VENUE. Stagebox variants resemble the Midas DL16, Behringer S16, and third-party AES50 nodes used by touring companies like PSAV and Live Nation. Specialist accessories and rackmount solutions follow ecosystems established by Rane Corporation and Symetrix.
Category:Digital mixing consoles