Behringer X32 Digital Mixer

Mixer Operational Overview

Welcome to the X32 digital mixing console Quick Start Guide! This document provides an overview of the mixer's basic operations, enabling quick setup and use. Experiment with the console's screens and controls, as the user interface is designed for easy navigation and learning. An English user manual is also available as a PDF download from behringer.com.

General User Interface Operation

The X32 user interface is divided into five major sections:

• Channel Strip
• Input Channels
• Display and Monitoring
• Group/Bus/Main Channels
• Scenes/Assign/Mute Groups

View Buttons

Small buttons labeled 'View' are located on the top panel. Pressing these buttons immediately switches the large color display (Main Display) to show information related to the selected section. For example, pressing a View button in the EQ section displays EQ frequency response or parameter values. Pressing the View button next to 'Talk' shows talkback routing details. This approach minimizes menu navigation, directly accessing relevant screens.

Tip: The Setup/Global tab on the main display allows adjustment of View and Select button behavior.

Customizing the X32 via Utilities Page

Press the 'Utility' button (right of the main display) to access context-sensitive functions. For instance:

• When adjusting a channel's equalizer, the Utility button offers options for copying, pasting, loading, or saving EQ settings.
• Holding a channel select button while pressing Utility brings up a naming screen to customize channel appearance on both the main and small displays.
• On Routing pages, Utility offers loading or saving routing presets.
• In the Scenes menu, Utility provides options for copying, loading, saving, or naming console scenes.

Some individual pages may have more adjustable parameters than can be controlled by the 6 rotary push encoders. In such cases, a page number indication (e.g., "1/2") appears; use the Layer Up/Down buttons to switch between layers.

Section 1: Channel Strip

The X32's channel strip provides dedicated controls for key processing parameters of the selected channel. Press the 'Select' button on the desired input or output channel to adjust its controls.

Certain sections (low cut filter, noise gate, EQ, compressor) have buttons to switch effects on/off. Illuminated buttons indicate active effects.

Rotary control knobs are surrounded by an amber LED collar indicating the parameter value. When the collar is off, the control/parameter is unavailable for the selected channel type (e.g., gain knob is off for output buses).

The channel strip comprises the following sub-sections:

• Config/Preamp
• Gate, Dynamics
• Equalizer
• Bus Sends, Main Bus

Each sub-section corresponds to processing steps, with its own View button to display related parameters on the Main Display.

Section 2: Input Channel Banks

A 'Select' button on each channel directs the user interface focus to that channel, including all channel-related parameters. Only one channel is selected at a time (Input Ch 1-32, Aux 1-8, FX Returns 1L-4R, Mix Bus 1-16, Main LR/C, or Matrix 1-6). DCA Groups cannot be selected as they control multiple channels.

The Input Channels section (left side) offers 16 separate input channel strips, organized into three layers:

• Input Channels 1-16
• Input Channels 17-32
• Auxiliary Inputs 1-6/USB playback/FX Returns 1L-4R

Use the corresponding layer buttons on the left to switch banks. The active layer button illuminates.

A fourth layer, Bus Masters, allows adjustment of the 16 Mix Bus Masters, useful for DCA Group assignments.

Each fader strip includes a motorized 100 mm fader, Mute/Solo buttons, Gate indicator, input level meter, Compressor indicator, and channel select button.

Each of the 16 input channels has a customizable color LCD screen displaying channel number, nickname, and an optional graphical icon. If the input source differs from the default, the LCD also shows the actual input source name.

Example: Channel 01, nicknamed 'Soundcard', is fed from Aux input 5.

Section 3: Main Display Area

The main color display shows information about various console sections. It can be switched using the 'View' buttons or the 8 buttons on the right side of the display.

The top section permanently displays status information: top-left shows selected channel number, nickname, and icon; the next block shows current scene number/name and next scene; the center displays playback file name, elapsed/remaining time, and recorder status. The right block shows AES50 ports A/B status, Card slot, and audio clock sync/sample rate. Small green indicators show connectivity. The rightmost block shows console time (set under Setup/Config).

Use the 'Page' keys to switch between screen pages. Editing parameters is done using the 6 push-encoders along the bottom edge of the display.

Continuous controls or list entries are edited by turning the corresponding knob, indicated by circular icons. Switches or toggle functions are indicated by a rectangular button; pressing the encoder changes the on/off state. Dark grey indicates off/inactive; amber indicates on/active.

Monitoring and Talkback

This section has two level controls: one for headphone outputs (sides of the console) and one for monitor outputs (rear panel).

Press the section's View button to edit monitoring preferences, including input source for the phones bus and monitor outputs.

Independent Talkback buttons (A and B) are also included. Press the View button to edit Talkback preferences for paths A and B. This screen also contains settings for the optional goose-neck lamp and the internal test-tone generator.

Section 4: Group/Bus Channel Banks

This section offers eight channel strips, divided into layers:

• Eight DCA (Digitally Controlled Amplifier) groups
• Mix Bus masters 1-8
• Mix Bus masters 9-16
• Matrix Outputs 1-6, and the main center bus

This section also includes a main LR output fader, independent and always available, regardless of the active channel bank or layer.

When using the DCA Groups layer, DCA Groups can be soloed and muted but not selected. To edit DCA group names, icons, and colors, navigate to Setup/DCA Groups on the main display.

When using output bus layers, bottom LEDs on meters illuminate when the bus is fed from pre-fader sources of the selected channel.

Section 5: Various Assignments (DCA groups, mute groups, custom assignable controls)

Assigning DCA Groups

Assigning channels or buses to a virtual DCA Group is straightforward. Hold the respective DCA Group Select button (right side) while pressing the select buttons for the desired input channels. You can also press the DCA Group Select button to check assigned channels; their Select buttons will light up.

Assigning Mute Groups

Mute group assignment is similar but includes a precaution against accidental muting. To assign channels to one of the six mute groups (controlled by buttons right of the Main LR fader), first activate the 'Mute Grp' button next to the main display. While holding the desired Mute Group button, select the input/output channels to assign. Turn off 'Mute Grp' on the display when done; the 6 Mute Group buttons will then function as intended.

Custom Assignable Controls

The Assign section offers three banks (A, B, C), each with 4 rotary controls and 8 switches/buttons, allowing customizable access to 36 X32 functions. To create an assignment:

• Press the View button in the Assign section.
• Select the controls set (A, B, or C).
• Select the control (1-12) to assign.
• Select the parameter to control and assign the function.

This is typically used for controlling specific channel parameters, like a lead vocalist's reverb send level. The 'Jump-to-Page' control is a special function that navigates to a specified display page without altering audio parameters. Previously used Jump-to-Page buttons can be reassigned by holding the set button (A, B, or C) while pressing the assignable button, which is more convenient than reassigning via the Assign menu.

The "Sends on Faders" Function

The X32 console has a useful function accessed by pressing the dedicated 'Sends on Faders' button, located between the two fader sections. This function aids in setting levels for channels sent to any of the 16 Mix Buses. It applies only to channels assigned to Mix Buses 1-16 and does not work for DCA groups, main, or matrix buses.

The Sends on Faders function operates in two convenient ways:

Preparing a Monitor Mix for a Specific Musician

• Select the monitor bus (1-8, 9-16) feeding the talent's stage monitor.
• Press the 'Sends on Faders' button; it will illuminate.
• Select one of the three input channel layers (CH 1-16, CH 17-32, Line-Aux/FX Ret).
• While 'Sends on Faders' is active, all faders in the input channel section (left side) correspond to the send levels for the selected monitor mix bus.

Checking/Editing Signal Routing

• Select the input channel in the left section.
• Press the 'Sends on Faders' button; it will illuminate.
• Select either bus channel layer 1-8 or 9-16.
• The bus faders (right side) now represent the send levels from the selected input channel (left side).

Holding the 'Sends on Faders' button for over 1 second engages the function, keeping the button constantly lit instead of blinking.

Routing I/O

The X32 console features 32 analog rear-panel XLR inputs with microphone preamps, 16 rear-panel XLR outputs, and 6 TRS Aux Sends and Returns. It also has two AES50 ports (48 input/output channels each) and a card slot for 32 channels of input/output via USB 2.0 to a connected computer.

Input signals can be connected to the console's internal audio engine in blocks of 8 from any of the mentioned input sources. All signal blocks patched to the audio processing will automatically connect to corresponding input channels. Signals can be reassigned via the 'Configuration/Channel Source' parameter; the new source will be indicated on the small channel LCD.

AES50 connections between X32 and S16 stageboxes require shielded CAT-5e cables with Ethercon terminated ends, with a maximum cable length of 100 meters (330 feet).

Output Signal Assignment

Output signals can be freely assigned from any internal signal to any of the following outputs:

• 16 analog XLR outputs (with adjustable digital delay for speaker time-alignment).
• 6 auxiliary sends on 1/4" TRS outputs + 2 AES/EBU outputs.
• 16 personal monitoring connections via the console's P-16 Bus output connector.

These signals can also be mirrored in blocks of 8 on AES50 port A (48 channels), AES50 port B (48 channels), or the USB interface card (32 channels).

Channel Processing Details

Input Channels 1-32 are pre-configured but can be patched to use any available audio engine signal, including mix bus/sub group outputs. Channel Source changes are made on the Preamp Config page.

Aux Return Channels 1-8 are pre-configured for Aux inputs and USB playback outputs but can be patched to use any other console signal. FX Return Channels 1L-4R control the 4 stereo output signals of Side-Chain FX 1-4.

Mix Bus Channels 1-16 configuration can be pre-set or individually configured. Bus processing includes: Insert point (swappable post/pre-EQ), 6-band fully parametric EQ, Compressor/expander (swappable post/pre-EQ), Bus sends to 6 matrices, Main LR panning, and Mono/Center level.

Main Bus Channels LR/C are always available and independent. Their processing includes: Insert point (swappable post/pre-EQ), 6-band fully parametric EQ, Compressor/expander (swappable post/pre-EQ), and Bus sends to 6 matrices.

Matrix Channels 1-6 are fed exclusively by MAIN LRC and Mix Bus 1-16 signals. Their processing includes: Insert point (swappable post/pre-EQ), 6-band fully parametric EQ, and Compressor/expander (swappable post/pre-EQ).

Effects Processing 1-8

The X32 console features eight true-stereo internal effects engines. FX 1-4 can be configured as side chain or insert effects; FX 5-8 are for insert points only. FX 1-4 side chain returns are managed via the third bank (layer) of input channels (Aux/USB/FX Returns), with separate faders for left and right returns. The FX Home screen allows selection of FX 1-4 input sources and effect types/algorithms for the 8 FX slots. FX 1-FX 8 tabs allow editing of chosen effects processor parameters.

iPad App for X32

Many X32 functions can be remotely controlled via a dedicated iPad app. Details on downloading, setup, and operation are in a separate user manual available from the X32 product page. The app's user interface is optimized for iPad touchscreens, offering remote control for adjusting monitor mixes from stage or front-of-house mixes from the audience.

Windows/OS X/Linux Applications

A separate remote editor application for host computers allows complete editing control of the X32 via Ethernet. Details are in a separate user manual available from the X32 product page. X32 communication uses the OSC protocol, which Behringer shares on its website for developers to create custom control software.

Startup and Shutdown, and Update

It is recommended to power on the X32 mixer first and power it off last when connected to any sound system to prevent unexpected noises during startup/shutdown.

The Setup screen's 'Safe Main Levels' function automatically mutes main LRC levels during boot and prevents scene loading from affecting main levels.

Synchronization and Sample Rate settings are adjusted on the Setup/Config page. Sample rate changes require a console reboot. A red square indicator on the main display signifies a need to verify synchronization settings.

To reset the X32 to default settings:

• During boot, while the "X32" logo appears, press and hold the 'Scenes/Undo' button until the console is fully operational and the Home screen displays. This restores factory settings. Alternatively, press 'Scenes/Undo' immediately after boot to revert to the last saved state.
• The console can also be reset anytime after booting by pressing Setup/Config, then Initialize.

NOTE: Initializing the console does not erase current show data or stored scenes. Use 'Initialize All Show Data' on Setup/Config to clear all scenes.

To prevent errors during storage operations due to power loss, use the "Safe Shutdown" function from the Setup/Global page.

NOTE: The X32 can be locked against unintended use via 'Lock Console' from the Setup/Global page. The display will show "X". Keep 'HOME' depressed for about 5 seconds to unlock.

To update the X32 firmware:

• Download the new firmware from the X32 product page to the root level of a USB drive.
• Plug the USB drive into the top panel USB connector while the console is turned off.
• Hold the 'USB View' button while switching the console on. The X32 will perform an automatic firmware update (approx. 2-3 minutes longer than a regular boot).

If no update file is available or it's corrupted, the update mode will remain active, preventing a regular boot. Switch off and back on without holding 'USB View' to boot with existing firmware.

CAUTION: Do not block the fan opening on the bottom of the X32 cabinet. Ensure sufficient airflow, especially when mounting in a road case.

Safety Instructions

Terminals marked with a symbol carrying electrical current constitute a risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with pre-installed 1/4" TS or twist-locking plugs. All other installations/modifications must be done by qualified personnel.

A symbol indicating uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure alerts to the risk of shock.

A symbol indicating important operating and maintenance instructions means the manual should be read.

Caution: To reduce electric shock risk, do not remove the top or rear cover. No user-serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Caution: To reduce fire or electric shock risk, do not expose the appliance to rain, moisture, dripping, or splashing liquids. Do not place liquid-filled objects on the apparatus.

Caution: Service instructions are for qualified service personnel only. Do not perform servicing beyond operation instructions; repairs must be done by qualified personnel.

Follow these safety guidelines:

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block ventilation openings; install per manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near heat sources (radiators, heat registers, stoves, amplifiers).
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of polarized or grounding plugs. Consult an electrician for outlet replacement if the plug doesn't fit.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs and exit points.
11. Use only manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
12. Use only with the specified cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. Use caution when moving cart/apparatus combinations to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug during lightning storms or long periods of non-use.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus is damaged (power cord, plug), liquid has spilled, objects have fallen in, it's exposed to rain/moisture, it doesn't operate normally, or it has been dropped.
15. Connect to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
16. If the MAINS plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, it must remain readily operable.
17. Correct disposal: This symbol indicates the product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and national law. Take it to a licensed collection center for waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Mishandling can negatively impact the environment and human health. Proper disposal contributes to efficient resource use. Contact your local city office or household waste collection service for recycling information.

Legal Disclaimer

MUSIC Group accepts no liability for loss suffered by anyone relying wholly or partly on descriptions, photographs, or statements herein. Technical specifications, appearances, and other information are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MIDAS, KLARK TEKNIK, TURBOSOUND, BEHRINGER, BUGERA, and DDA are trademarks or registered trademarks of MUSIC Group IP Ltd. © MUSIC Group IP Ltd. 2015. All rights reserved.

Limited Warranty

For applicable warranty terms, conditions, and additional information regarding MUSIC Group's Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at music-group.com/warranty.

Specifications

Processing

• Number of input processing channels: 32 input channels, 8 aux channels, 8 fx return channels
• Internal effects engines, true-stereo / mono: 8/16
• Internal total recall scenes (incl. preamp and fader): 100
• Signal processing: 40-bit floating point
• A/D-D/A conversion: 24-bit @ 44.1 / 48 kHz, 114 dB dynamic range
• I/O latency (console input to output): 0.8 ms
• Network latency (stagebox in > console > stagebox out): 1.1 ms

Connectors

• XLR inputs, programmable mic preamp, designed by MIDAS: 32
• Talkback mic input, XLR: 1
• RCA inputs/outputs: 2/2
• XLR outputs: 16
• Monitoring outputs XLR / 1/4" TRS balanced: 2/2
• Aux inputs/outputs, 1/4" TRS balanced: 6/6
• Phones outputs, 1/4" TRS: 2 (stereo)
• Digital AES/EBU output, XLR: 1
• AES50 ports, SuperMAC, NEUTRIK etherCON: 2
• Expansion card: 32 channel audio input/output, various standards
• P-16 connector, Ultranet (no power supplied): 1
• MIDI inputs / outputs: 1/1
• USB Type A, top panel, for audio and data export/import: 1
• USB Type B, rear panel, for remote control: 1
• Ethernet, RJ45, rear panel, for remote control: 1

Mic Input Characteristics

• Design: MIDAS
• THD + noise, 20 dB gain, 0 dBu out: < 0.006% A-weighted
• Input impedance XLR, unbal. / bal.: 5 kΩ / 10 kΩ
• Non-clip maximum input level, XLR: +23 dBu
• Phantom Power, switchable per input: 48 V
• Equivalent input noise level, XLR (input shorted): -128 dBu
• CMRR, XLR, @ 20 dB gain (typical): > 70 dB
• CMRR, XLR, @ 40 dB gain: > 80 dB

Input/Output Characteristics

• Frequency range, @ 48 kHz sample rate, 0 dB to -1 dB: 10 Hz - 22 kHz
• Dynamic range, analog in to analog out (typical): 106 dB
• A/D dynamic range, preamp and converter (typical): 109 dB
• D/A dynamic range, converter and output: 108 dB
• Cross talk rejection @ 1 kHz, adjacent channels: 100 dB
• Output level, XLR, nom./max.: +4 dBu / +21 dBu
• Output impedance, XLR, unbal. / bal.: 75 Ω / 75 Ω
• Input impedance TRS, unbal. / bal.: 20 kΩ / 40 kΩ
• Non-clip maximum input level, TRS: +16 dBu
• Nominal output level, TRS: +4 dBu / +16 dBu
• Output impedance, TRS, unbal. / bal.: 150 Ω / 300 Ω
• Phones output impedance / level: 40 Ω / +25 dBm (stereo)
• Residual noise level, XLR and TRS: -87 dBu A-weighted

Display

• Main screen: 7", 800 x 480, 262k color TFT
• Channel LCD screen: 128 x 64, LCD with RGB color backlight
• Main meter: 24-segment (-57 dB to clip)

Power

• Switch-mode power supply: Autorange 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
• Power consumption: 120 W

Physical

• Standard operating temperature range: 5°C - 40°C (41°F - 104°F)
• Dimensions: 900 x 528 x 200 mm (35.4 x 20.8 x 7.9")
• Weight: 20.6 kg (45.4 lbs)

Other Important Information

• Register Online: Register your new MUSIC Group equipment immediately after purchase at behringer.com. This helps process repair claims faster and more efficiently. Read the warranty terms and conditions.
• Malfunction: If no local MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller is available, contact the MUSIC Group Authorized Fulfiller for your country (listed under "Support" at behringer.com). If your country isn't listed, check "Online Support" at behringer.com. Alternatively, submit an online warranty claim at behringer.com BEFORE returning the product.
• Power Connections: Ensure you use the correct mains voltage for your model. Faulty fuses must be replaced with identical types and ratings.
• AES50: To comply with national legislation (EC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, FCC Part 15), all connections to Ultranet, Ethernet, and AES50 ports A and B on the Behringer X32 must use shielded CAT5/5e or CAT6 cables.

Federal Communications Commission Compliance Information

Responsible Party Name: MUSIC Group Services US Inc.

Address: 18912 North Creek Parkway, Suite 200 Bothell, WA 98011, USA

Phone Number: +1 425 672 0816

The X32 DIGITAL MIXER complies with FCC rules as mentioned in the following paragraph:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Important information: Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by MUSIC Group can void the user's authority to use the equipment.