Behringer X32 RACK Digital Mixer Quick Start Guide

Important Safety Instructions

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN!

Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with 1/4" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the rear section). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Caution: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

Caution: These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualified service personnel.

Follow these safety guidelines:

• Read all instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with 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.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
• Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Connect to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
• Ensure the MAINS plug or appliance coupler remains readily operable if used as a disconnect device.
• Dispose of this product correctly according to WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and national law.
• Do not install in a confined space.
• Do not place naked flame sources on the apparatus.
• Consider environmental aspects of battery disposal.
• Use this apparatus in tropical and/or moderate climates.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Music Tribe accepts no liability for loss suffered by reliance on this document. Technical specifications and information are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

LIMITED WARRANTY: For warranty terms and conditions, visit musictribe.com/warranty.

Hook-up Diagrams

The document includes several hook-up diagrams illustrating various connection scenarios:

Basic Connections: Shows a typical setup with microphones, speakers, a DI box, and an MP3 player connected to the X32 RACK.

Live Performance Setup: Illustrates a live performance configuration using the X32 RACK with S16 digital snakes and P16 personal monitor systems. It details connections for front-of-house (FOH) amplification, stage monitoring (personal monitors), and individual musician setups (e.g., IEMs for Bass Player, Guitarist, Vocalist, Drummer, Keyboardist).

Recording Studio Setup: Depicts a studio recording setup connecting the X32 RACK to a computer via USB for DAW integration, studio monitors, outboard effects, and an S16 digital snake for input expansion. It also shows a P16 personal monitoring system.

Cabling Note: For all AES50 connections between X32 and S16 stageboxes, use shielded CAT-5e or CAT6 cables with Ethercon terminated ends. Maximum cable length is 100 meters (330 feet).

Controls Overview

The X32 RACK features a comprehensive set of controls for managing audio signals:

• USB Button: Opens the Recorder View on the MAIN DISPLAY. LED indicates data access.
• DATA/AUDIO USB Input: For USB flash drives (firmware updates, scene/show files, WAV playback/recording).
• CHANNEL SELECT: Cycles through channels by turning; press to jump to different channel types.
• CHANNEL TYPE LEDs: Indicate the selected channel type.
• CHANNEL NUMBER Display: Shows the currently selected channel.
• INPUT METER: Displays pre-fader input level of the selected channel.
• SOLO Button: Routes the selected channel to monitoring paths.
• CHANNEL LEVEL: Adjusts the output level of the selected channel.
• MUTE Button: Mutes the selected channel.
• MAIN MENU Buttons: Access specific menus on the MAIN DISPLAY.
• MAIN DISPLAY: Shows mixer configuration and menu information.
• DISPLAY ENCODER Knobs: Adjust and select menu items shown at the bottom of the MAIN DISPLAY.
• MAIN METER: Indicates Main Mono/SOLO level (left) and Main Stereo level (right).
• PAGE SELECT Buttons: Navigate horizontally through the MAIN DISPLAY.
• LAYER SELECT Buttons: Access different parameter layers for editing.
• TALK Button: Engages the Talkback microphone.
• TALK LEVEL Knob: Sets Talkback microphone gain.
• CLEAR SOLO Button: Deactivates all active solo functions.
• MAIN LR LEVEL Knob: Adjusts the main stereo output bus level.
• ON/OFF Button: Powers the unit on and off.
• MONITOR LEVEL Knob: Adjusts headphone and monitor output volume.
• TALKBACK Input: Connects a talkback microphone via XLR.
• MONITOR Outputs: Send audio to monitor speakers via 1/4" balanced cables.
• AUX IN and OUT Jacks: Send and receive signals via 1/4" and RCA connectors.
• XLR OUT Jacks: Send audio via XLR cable; output signals configured on Routing/Aux Out page.
• X-USB Card: Provides 32 channels of input/output via USB to a computer's DAW application.
• ETHERNET Connector: Allows OSC-based remote control.
• MIDI IN/OUT: Send and receive MIDI commands.
• ULTRANET Connector: Sends 16 channels of audio to a P16 monitoring system.
• AES50 A and B Connectors: Allow 96 channels of bidirectional audio for connection to S16 digital snakes or other X32 family products.
• XLR IN Jacks: Receive inputs via XLR cable, featuring 16 Midas-designed mic/line preamps with 48V phantom power indication.

Getting Started

The guide outlines initial setup and configuration steps:

Connecting Devices: Follow the hook-up diagrams for basic and advanced connections, including microphones, speakers, computers, and stage boxes.

Main Display Area: Understand the status information displayed, including channel details, scene information, file playback status, AES50 port status, and clock synchronization source.

Editing Parameters: Use the push-encoders and display buttons to navigate and adjust settings across various screens.

Customizing via Utilities: The Utility button provides context-sensitive options for copying, pasting, loading, or saving settings for EQs, routing scenarios, and scenes.

Startup and Shutdown: It is recommended to power on the X32 RACK first and power it off last in a sound system to prevent unexpected noises. The 'Safe Main Levels' function can mute main outputs during boot.

Synchronization and Sample Rate: Settings can be adjusted on the Setup/Config page; sample rate changes require a reboot. Verify synchronization settings if a red indicator appears.

Firmware Updates: Updates can be performed via a USB thumb drive. Download firmware, place it on the drive, and hold the USB button while powering on the console.

Locking the Console: Activate 'Lock Console' from Setup/Global to prevent unintended changes. Press and hold HOME for 5 seconds to unlock.

Specifications

Key technical specifications include:

• Processing: 32 input channels, 8 aux channels, 8 FX return channels, 16 aux buses, 6 matrices, main LRC. 8 stereo/16 mono internal effects engines. 100 total recall scenes. 40-bit floating point signal processing.
• Conversion: 24-bit @ 44.1/48 kHz, 114 dB dynamic range (Cirrus Logic A/D CS5368, D/A CS4385).
• Latency: 0.8 ms (local I/O), 1.1 ms (network I/O).
• Connectors: 16 XLR inputs (Midas preamps), 1 Talkback mic input (XLR), 2 RCA I/O, 8 XLR outputs, 2 monitor outputs (1/4" TRS), 6 Aux I/O (1/4" TRS), 1 stereo Phones output (1/4" TRS), 2 AES50 ports, 1 Expansion card slot, 1 P-16 connector (Ultranet), 1 MIDI I/O, 1 Ethernet, 1 USB Type A.
• Mic Input Characteristics: Midas preamp design, low THD+noise, high input impedance, +23 dBu max input, 48V phantom power, low equivalent input noise.
• Output Characteristics: 10 Hz - 22 kHz frequency range, 106-109 dB dynamic range, high crosstalk rejection, various output levels and impedances.
• Display: 5" TFT color display, 18-segment main meter.
• Power: 100-240 V, 60 W power consumption.
• Physical: 5°C-40°C operating temperature, 132 x 483 x 287 mm dimensions, 6.5 kg weight.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance

The Behringer X32 RACK DIGITAL MIXER complies with FCC Rules Part 15 as a Class B digital device. It is designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to try correcting it by reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer/technician.

Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received.

Important Information: Unauthorized modifications can void the user's authority to operate the equipment.