Behringer X32 Producer Digital Mixer
Quick Start Guide
40-Input, 25-Bus Rack-Mountable Digital Mixing Console with 16 Programmable MIDAS Preamps, 17 Motorized Faders, 32-Channel Audio Interface and iPad/iPhone Remote Control
For the full manual, visit behringer.com.
Important Safety Instructions
Always follow these safety guidelines when operating the X32 Producer:
- Terminals marked with a lightning bolt symbol (⚡) carry electrical current sufficient to constitute a risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with pre-installed plugs. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.
- The symbol with an exclamation mark inside a triangle (⚠️) alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure, which may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
- The symbol with an exclamation mark (!) 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 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. Do not place objects filled with liquids on the apparatus.
- Caution: These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. Do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions.
General Safety Rules:
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of polarized or grounding-type plugs. Consult an electrician for outlet replacement if needed.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
- Use only manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
- Use only with specified carts, stands, or tables. Exercise caution when moving combinations.
- Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Connect to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
- Ensure the MAINS plug or appliance coupler remains readily operable as a disconnect device.
Legal Disclaimer: Technical specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. Behringer, Klark Teknik, MIDAS, Bugera, and Turbosound are part of Music Group. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Music Group accepts no liability for reliance on descriptions or statements herein. Colors and specifications may vary from actual product. Products are sold through authorized fulfillers and resellers only.
Limited Warranty: For warranty terms and conditions, see complete details online at www.music-group.com/warranty.
Getting Started: Mixer Operational Overview
This Quick Start Guide provides an overview of the X32 Producer's basic operations, designed for quick setup and learning. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. A full English user manual is available for download from behringer.com.
General User Interface Operation
The interface is divided into five major sections:
- 1. Channel Strip and Monitoring: Dedicated controls for processing parameters of the selected channel.
- 2. Input Channels: Controls for input channels and their layers.
- 3. Display: The main color display showing various console information.
- 4. Group/Bus/Main Channels: Controls for buses and main outputs.
- 5. Various Assignments: For custom control assignments.
View Buttons
Pressing the [View Button]s throughout the console immediately switches the main display to show information related to the selected section. This avoids deep menu navigation.
Customizing via Utilities Page
The [Utility Button] provides context-sensitive functions for copying, pasting, loading, or saving settings (e.g., EQ, routing, scenes). It also allows naming channels and customizing their appearance on the display.
Tip: The Setup/Global tab allows adjustment of [View Button] and [Select Button] behavior.
Some display pages have more parameters than can be controlled by the rotary encoders. Use the Layer Up/Down buttons to switch between pages (indicated by page numbers like "1/2").
Section 1: Channel Strip and Monitoring
The channel strip offers dedicated controls for the selected channel's processing parameters. Pressing a [Select Button] on a channel activates its controls. Buttons for effects like Low Cut, Gate, EQ, and Compressor illuminate when active.
Rotary knobs have amber LED collars indicating parameter values. If a knob's LED is off, the control is not available for the selected channel type (e.g., no input gain for an output bus).
The channel strip includes sub-sections for:
- Config/Preamp
- Gate, Dynamics
- Equalizer
- Main Bus
Each subsection has a [View Button] to display related parameters on the main screen.
Monitoring and Talkback
Dedicated level controls exist for headphone and monitor outputs. The [View Button] in this section allows editing monitoring preferences. Talkback buttons (A and B) are also present; use the [View Button] next to the Phones Level knob and page right to access their edit pages.
Section 2: Input Channel Banks
Each channel has a [Select Button] to focus the user interface on that channel. The console always has one channel selected. DCA Groups control multiple channels and cannot be selected individually.
The Input Channels section provides 8 channel strips, representing six layers of inputs:
- Input Channels 1-8
- Input Channels 9-16
- Input Channels 17-24
- Input Channels 25-32
- Aux Inputs 1-6/USB playback
- Effects Returns
Layer buttons switch between these input banks. Two additional layers (Bus Master 1-8 and 9-16) allow adjustment of Mix Bus Master levels.
Each fader strip includes a motorized fader, [Mute Button]/[Solo Button]s, [Gate Indicator]/[Compressor Indicator]s, an input level meter, and the channel [Select Button].
Section 3: Main Display Area
The main color display shows information about various console sections, switchable via [View Button]s or side panel buttons. The top section displays status information like selected channel, scene number, playback file, AES50 port status, clock sync, and console time.
Use the "Page" keys to switch between different screen pages. Editing is done using the 6 push-encoders below the display. Circular icons indicate continuous controls, while rectangular buttons indicate toggles.
When using DCA Groups, they can be soloed and muted but not selected. DCA group names, icons, and colors can be edited via the Setup/DCA Groups page or by pressing "Utility" and "Select" concurrently.
For output bus layers, bottom LEDs on meters indicate if the bus is fed from pre-fader sources.
Section 4: Group/Bus Channel Banks
This section offers eight channel strips across several 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
A main LR output fader is always available, independent of the active channel bank or layer.
Section 5: Various Assignments
Assigning DCA Groups
To assign channels or buses to a DCA Group, hold the DCA Group Select button and press the [Select Button]s for the desired input channels. Pressing the DCA Group Select button again shows assigned channels.
Custom Assignable Controls
The Assign section allows customizable access to 24 functions via three banks of 8 buttons. To make an assignment:
- Press the [View Button] in the Assign section.
- Select the control set (A, B, or C).
- Select the specific control (1-8).
- Select the parameter to control and assign the function.
This is useful for controlling specific channel parameters, like a vocalist's reverb on/off status. The "Jump-to-Page" control allows direct navigation to display pages.
The "Sends on Faders" Function
This function, accessed via a dedicated [Sends on Faders Button], aids in setting channel send levels to Mix Buses 1-16. It does not work for DCA groups, main, or matrix buses.
- For Monitor Mixes: Select the monitor bus, press [Sends on Faders Button], select an input channel layer. Faders then control send levels to that bus.
- For Checking/Editing Sends: Select the input channel, press [Sends on Faders Button], select a bus channel layer. Bus faders then represent send levels from the selected input channel.
Routing I/O
The X32 Producer features 16 analog XLR inputs with MIDAS preamps, 8 XLR outputs, 6 TRS Aux Sends/Returns, two AES50 ports (48ch each), and a card slot for 32ch USB audio I/O.
Input signals can be patched to the console's processing engine in blocks of 8 from any source. Local inputs 17-24 and 25-32 are listed with brackets, indicating they are not physically available on this device but can be used for show preparation.
Output signals can be freely assigned to the 8 analog XLR outputs, 8 virtual outputs (via AES50/card), 6 TRS auxiliary sends, or 16 P-16 personal monitoring channels. These signals can also be mirrored on AES50 ports A/B or the USB card.
Effects Processing
The console has eight true-stereo internal effects engines. FX 1-4 can be configured as side-chain or insert effects; FX 5-8 are insert-only. Returns for side-chain FX 1-4 are controlled via the Effects Returns layer, with separate faders for left and right. The FX Home screen allows input source selection and effect algorithm assignment for all 8 FX slots.
Remote Control
iPad App for X32 Producer: Many console functions can be remotely controlled via a dedicated iPad app. Details are in a separate manual available on the product page. The app is optimized for touchscreens, allowing for remote adjustments like monitor mixes from stage or front-of-house mix from the audience.
Windows/Linux/OS X Application: A separate remote editor application is available for host computers, offering complete editing control via Ethernet. Check behringer.com for more information. The communication protocol is OSC (Open Sound Control).
X-USB Card: Allows transmission of up to 32 channels to/from a computer. Download drivers and Quick Start Guide from behringer.com before connecting.
Startup, Shutdown, and Updates
Startup/Shutdown: Power on the mixer first and shut it off last in a sound system to prevent unexpected noises. The "Safe Main Levels" function in Setup/Global can automatically mute main LRC levels during boot and prevent scene loading from affecting mains.
Synchronization and Sample Rate: Settings are adjusted on the Setup/Config page. Sample rate changes require a reboot. A red square indicator on the main display signals a need to verify sync settings.
Resetting to Defaults:
- During boot (while "X32" logo is shown), press and hold the Scenes/Undo button. This restores factory settings. Pressing Scenes/Undo again after boot reverts to the last saved state.
- Alternatively, press Setup/Config, then Initialize. Note: Initializing does not erase show data or stored scenes. Use "Initialize All Show Data" to clear everything.
Safe Shutdown: Use the "Safe Shutdown" function from Setup/Global to prevent errors during store operations.
Console Lock: Activate "Lock Console" in Setup/Global to prevent unintended use. The display shows "X". Keep HOME depressed for 5s to unlock.
Firmware Update:
- Download the latest firmware to a USB thumb drive (?).
- Plug the drive into the console with it turned off.
- Hold the USB [View Button] while switching on. The update takes 2-3 minutes.
- If no valid update file is found, the update mode remains active. Boot normally by switching off and on without holding the USB [View Button].
Caution: Do not block vent openings, especially when mounting in a road case. Ensure sufficient space for airflow.
Block Diagram Description
The X32 Producer's block diagram outlines the signal flow and processing architecture. Key elements include:
Input Sources:
- Analog XLR Inputs (Channels 1-16)
- Talkback Microphone Input (XLR)
- USB Recorder
- Aux Returns (1-6)
- AES50 Ports (A & B, each supporting 48 channels) ?
- Stereo FX Returns (FX 1L/R through FX 8L/R)
Core Processing Blocks:
- Channel Processing: Each input channel features Gain, a 6-band parametric Equalizer ([Equalizer]), Compressor/Expander ([Compressor]), Gate/Dynamics ([Gate]), and swappable Insert points (pre/post EQ).
- Mix Buses (1-16): These buses also incorporate processing stages, allow sends to matrices, and manage LR panning and Mono/Center level adjustments.
- Matrix Channels (1-6): Fed by Main LRC and Mix Bus signals, these also feature processing stages.
- Main LRC (Left, Right, Center): This primary output path includes insert points, EQ, Compressor/Expander, and sends to matrices.
- Effects (FX 1-8): Eight true-stereo internal effects engines provide various processing options, such as Delay and 31-band Graphic EQ. FX 1-4 can function as side-chain or insert effects, while FX 5-8 are insert-only.
- Ancillary Functions: Includes an Oscillator (Pink Noise, White Noise, Sine Wave) and Talkback routing capabilities.
Output Destinations:
- Mix Bus Outs (1-16)
- Matrix Outs (1-6)
- Main LRC Outs
- Monitor LR Outs
- Phones Outs
- Aux Outs (1-6)
- P-16 Bus (for personal monitoring)
- AES50 Outs (A & B) ?
- USB Outs (for computer audio)
The diagram illustrates the flexible routing and processing capabilities by showing how signals traverse these stages.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processing | Number of processing channels: 32 input, 8 aux, 8 FX return, 16 aux buses, 6 matrices, main LRC |
| Internal effects engines: 8 true stereo / mono | |
| 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 | |
| Local I/O latency: 0.8 ms | |
| Network I/O latency: 1.1 ms | |
| Connectors | XLR inputs: 16 (MIDAS preamps) |
| Talkback mic input: 1 external XLR | |
| RCA inputs/outputs: 2 / 2 | |
| XLR outputs: 8 | |
| Monitoring outputs: 1/4" balanced (2) | |
| Aux inputs/outputs: 1/4" TRS balanced (6/6) | |
| Phones outputs: 1/4" TRS (1 stereo) | |
| AES50 ports: 2 (SuperMAC) ? | |
| Expansion card slot: 1 (32 channel audio I/O) | |
| P-16 connector: Ultranet (no power) | |
| MIDI inputs/outputs: 1 / 1 ? | |
| Ethernet: RJ45 (remote control) ? | |
| USB Type A: Top panel (audio/data) ? | |
| Mic Input Characteristics | Preamp 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: 48V ⚡ (switchable per input) | |
| Equivalent input noise level, XLR (shorted): -128 dBu | |
| CMRR, XLR (@ 20 dB gain): > 70 dB | |
| CMRR, XLR (@ 40 dB gain): > 80 dB | |
| Input/Output Characteristics | Frequency range (@ 48 kHz, 0 dB to -1 dB): 10 Hz - 22 kHz |
| Dynamic range (analog in to out, typical): 106 dB | |
| A/D dynamic range (preamp to converter, typical): 109 dB | |
| D/A dynamic range (converter and output): 108 dB | |
| Cross talk rejection (@ 1 kHz): 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: 5", 800 x 480, 262k color TFT |
| Main meter: 18-segment (-45 dB to clip) | |
| Power | Switch-mode power supply: Autorange 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
| Power consumption: 70 W | |
| Physical | Operating temperature range: 5°C - 40°C (41°F - 104°F) |
| Dimensions: 490 x 506 x 163 mm (19.3 x 19.9 x 6.4") | |
| Weight: 11.4 kg (25.1 lbs) |
Other Important Information
Register Online: Register your new Behringer equipment at behringer.com for faster repair claims and warranty service.
Malfunction: Contact your MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller or Fulfiller. For support, visit behringer.com's "Support" or "Online Support" sections. Submit online warranty claims BEFORE returning the product.
Power Connections: Ensure correct mains voltage for your model. Replace fuses only with identical types and ratings.
AES50: For compliance with national legislation (EC EMC Directive, FCC Part 15), all connections to Ultranet, Ethernet, and AES50 ports must use shielded CAT5/5e or CAT6 cables.
FCC Compliance: This equipment complies with FCC Part 15 rules for a Class B digital device, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. Operation is subject to two conditions: it must not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any interference received. Unauthorized modifications may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
