Behringer X32 Digital Mixer

Key Features & Capabilities

• 32-Channel Total Recall Digital Mixer: Equipped with fully programmable, high-end mic preamps and 16 mix buses, configurable as subgroups.
• Extensive Processing: Main LCR and all 16 mix buses feature inserts, 6-band parametric EQ, and dynamics processing.
• Comprehensive I/O: Includes 16 analog XLR outputs, 6 additional line in/outputs, 2 phone connectors, and a talkback section.
• Digital Snake Ready: 48-channel digital snake capability via AES50 ports with KLARK TEKNIK SuperMAC networking for low jitter and latency.
• Expansion Port: Supports Firewire/USB/ADAT cards for standalone 16-channel recording or other networking.
• Virtual FX Rack: Features 8 true-stereo FX slots with high-end simulations (e.g., KLARK TEKNIK DN780, EMT250).
• Advanced DSP: Utilizes 32-bit floating-point DSP for unlimited dynamic range, no internal overload, and near-zero latency.
• Control & Workflow: 6 mute groups, 8 DCA groups, 8 dedicated 100 mm motorized faders, and an intuitive channel strip with direct access controls.
• High-Resolution Display: 7" color TFT display with individual RGB backlit graphic LCDs for each channel.
• Faders & Controls: 25 motorized 100 mm faders and a dedicated user-definable control section.
• USB Connectivity: USB flash connector for file storage, show presets, and system updates.
• Monitoring & MIDI: Supports BEHRINGER's P-16 Personal Monitoring System, AES/EBU stereo digital output, and MIDI.
• Matrix Mixes: 6 independent matrix mix buses with inserts, 6-band parametric EQ, and dynamics processing.
• Line Delays: Adjustable line delays available on all physical inputs and outputs.
• Remote Control: Networked remote control and show setups via included editor software (USB/Ethernet).
• Scene Management: Powerful system for handling complex productions.
• Build Quality: High-quality components and rugged construction.
• Design: Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany.

User Interface and Operation

The X32 prioritizes an intuitive user experience, allowing focus on the event rather than complex menu navigation. A netbook-resolution, 800x480 high-contrast color TFT display provides clear information, accessible via dedicated rotary/push encoders for parameter setting and I/O assignment.

Signals can be assigned to eight DCA groups for simultaneous level control via motorized faders. A talkback section allows communication with performers using an onboard or external microphone. Scene management enables saving and recalling production mixes, with the option to save to a USB stick. A custom control section offers user-definable knobs and buttons for quick access to frequently used functions.

Processing Power and Effects

The console features 40 processing channels and 25 mix buses, all equipped with comprehensive signal processing, including dynamics and EQ. The Virtual FX Rack offers eight true-stereo, multi-effects processors, capable of running popular simulations like the KLARK TEKNIK DN780 and EMT250. It can simultaneously host four production-quality true-stereo reverbs along with eight channels of 31-band graphic equalization.

Connectivity and Expansion Options

The X32 provides extensive I/O, including 32 high-grade programmable mic preamps, 6 Aux Inputs (1/4" TRS), and 16 balanced XLR Outs. Balanced Control Room outputs are available on both XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors. The AES50 ports, utilizing KLARK TEKNIK's SuperMAC technology, enable digital snake functionality, transmitting up to 48 channels of audio input and bus outputs over a single CAT5 cable. This system also supports 16 individual monitor feeds for the BEHRINGER P16 personal monitoring system.

System expansion is facilitated by an integrated card slot, allowing for up to 32 channels of digital audio I/O via Firewire, ADAT TOSLINK, or USB. It also supports standalone 16-channel uncompressed multi-track recording to an attached USB drive without a computer.

Technological Collaboration

The development of the X32 involved sister companies MIDAS and KLARK TEKNIK, renowned for their digital consoles and audio processing. The X32's mic preamps are based on a genuine MIDAS design, ensuring superior common mode rejection and low harmonic distortion. The graphical user interface (GUI) was a collaborative effort focused on ease of use and productivity. FPGA coding ensures rock-solid, ultra-low latency digital channel patching, enabling the X32 to handle up to 168 sources on 168 destinations.

Panel Layout Descriptions

Input Channel Preamp, Dynamics & EQ Panel: Features controls for Phase Invert, 48V Phantom Power, Input Gain, Input Level Meter, Low Cut Filter (frequency, adjust, on/off), Equalizer (mode, Q, band select, gain adjust, frequency adjust, view button), Dynamics (Gate threshold, on/off, threshold adjust, LED meter, compressor on/off), Bus Send (rotary encoders, assign buttons), USB Recorder socket, and Main Bus Level control. View buttons provide detailed parameter display on the main screen.

Main Display, Monitor & Talkback Panel: Includes a large color display with level meters, navigation controls (rotary encoders with push capability, view buttons), Mono Bus/Solo LR Bus Level Selection controls, Monitor and Phones Level controls, a Lamp connector, and a Talkback section with an external mic input, talkback level control, and Talkback A/B buttons. A Dim button allows lowering monitor output levels.

Main Out, Scenes & Custom Control Panel: Features a master fader with an LCD display, scene navigation buttons, custom control sections with user-definable rotary encoders and buttons, custom control LCD displays, and a smart phone dock. Buttons include SELECT, COMP, CLEAR SOLO, MUTE, SOLO, PREV, NEXT, UNDO, GO, ASSIGN, and MUTE GROUPS.

Input Channel Strip: Each strip includes a SELECT button, REMOTE button (for DAW control), COMP (compressor status LED), CH layer select buttons (CH1-16, CH17-32), Line Input/USB select, Bus Master button (for output level control), SOLO button, MUTE button, Channel LCD display with compressor/gate LEDs, channel fader, and a SELECT button for parameter adjustment.

Output Channel Strip: Similar to the input strip, it includes SELECT, REMOTE, COMP, and layer select buttons (DCA Groups, Bus 1-8, Bus 9-16). It features a Sends to Fader button, SOLO button, MUTE button, Channel LCD display, and an output fader.

Rear Panel Input Patchbay: This panel details the extensive rear connectivity. It includes 32 Channel Input connectors (XLR), MIDI I/O, AES/EBU Ultranet Output, AES50 A/B Outputs, Cooling fan, Auxiliary Input and Output connectors (1/4" & RCA), Monitor/Control Room Outputs (XLR and 1/4"), and Assignable Output connectors (XLR). It also features an IEC Power socket with switch, an Option card slot, a USB connector, and an Ethernet connector.

Setup Configurations

The document illustrates two key setup configurations:

X32 Live Performance Setup with S16 and P16 Monitor System: This setup demonstrates the X32 console connected via a single CAT5 (AES50) cable to two S16 Stage Boxes. The S16s receive analog inputs from various sources (e.g., Bass Player, Guitarist, Drummer, Vocals, Keyboardist, Percussionist) and send them to the console. The X32's outputs are routed to FOH amplifiers and loudspeakers. Additionally, the console feeds signals to POWERPLAY P16-I Audio interfaces, which supply POWERPLAY P16-M Digital Personal Mixers for individual monitor mixes for each performer (e.g., Vocal 1, Keyboardist, Floor wedges, IEMs).

X32 Recording Studio Setup (Option Card* Installed): This setup shows the X32 connected to a computer running DAW software via a Firewire cable from an optional expansion card. Studio monitors (B3031A) are connected to the X32's Monitor/Control Room Out. The setup also includes connections to POWERPLAY P16-I Audio interfaces for personal monitoring, integrating the console into a studio workflow.

Brand Information and Support

The BEHRINGER X32 is a product of MUSIC Group. Contact information for service and support is provided for various regions including Europe, USA/Canada, Singapore, Australia, and Japan, directing users to respective MUSIC Group Services offices.

The document includes a disclaimer regarding FCC authorization for the device in the US and notes that technical specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. It also states that BEHRINGER is part of MUSIC Group and that all trademarks belong to their respective owners.

For more information, visit behringer.com.