Allen & Heath ZED 12FX vs. Behringer Wing: Compared and Rated

Choosing the right mixer when there are so many on the market these days isn't easy.
Especially when many of them are built for one specific need but being marketed as an all-rounder 🙄
But not to worry, I've got ya!
I have taken a deep dive into two beasts in the audio-mixing game and gone head to head with them: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX vs. Behringer Wing.

We're looking at things like:

  • Sound Quality: This is the heart of the matter, right? How each mixer holds up in delivering crisp, clear audio. Are we talking about a mixer that makes your tracks sound like they're live from the garage, or are we hitting studio-quality sound?
  • Ease of Use: Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out which button does what. I’ll break down the user interface of both Allen & Heath ZED 12FX and Behringer Wing. Are they plug-and-play easy, or will you need a PhD in mixology to use them?
  • Features and Functions: Ie. What's under the hood? Let's find out what sets them apart.
  • Durability: No matter your reason for buying, you want something that's gonna last, not fall apart after a few light sessions.
  • Price Point: Yep, money talks. When it comes to prices, we need to see which mixer gives us more bang for our buck. Is the higher price of one justified by its features, or is the other a hidden gem at a bargain price?
  • Customer Reviews and Feedback: What's the word on the street? Sometimes real-world use tells a different story than what the sales page says.

Allen & Heath ZED-12FX

After using the Allen & Heath ZED12FX for about six months, I think it's a solid piece of gear, especially for those transitioning from basic to more advanced mixing needs. The sound quality is notably clean and clear, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live environments. Working with it, I've found that the preamps deliver a crystal-clear sound, and there’s an impressive amount of gain available, which is a step up from some lower-priced mixers I've used in the past.

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Learning Curve and Usability

Although the mixer is fairly user-friendly, I believe beginners might find it a bit challenging at first, mainly due to the underwhelming instruction manual. It's more about trial and error unless you're already familiar with mixers. However, once you get the hang of it, the layout and controls become intuitive. The faders and knobs are smooth and responsive, adding to the overall ease of use.

Effects and Features

The ZED12FX stands out for its effects. The range and quality are commendable for a mixer in this class. It adds significant value, especially if you're into experimenting with different sound textures. However, the dedicated send and returns being 1/8 jacks is a bit puzzling. It's an odd choice considering the rest of the board adheres to industry standards. This might limit some traditional uses, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Reliability Concerns

One of the downsides I've noticed is the question of long-term reliability. I've heard about issues like pre-amps failing just after the warranty period, which can be a major concern if you're planning to use this mixer heavily. While I haven't faced this issue personally, it's something to keep in mind.

Overall Experience

In terms of overall experience, the Allen & Heath ZED12FX has mostly been a positive journey. The sound quality, ease of use (once you get past the learning curve), and the additional effects make it a worthy investment for someone looking to upgrade from a basic setup. Just be wary of the potential long-term reliability issues and ensure you have a backup plan in place.

Behringer Wing

Coming from a traditional manual mixing background, the initial setup of this digital beast was a bit overwhelming. It's a whole different ballgame, but thanks to some helpful online resources (shoutout to Drew Brashler on YouTube), I managed to navigate through most of its functionalities.

Transition from Analog to Digital

Transitioning from an analog mixer like the Behringer Xenyx 2442 to the WING was like stepping into the future. The digital scribble strip is a game-changer – say goodbye to masking tape and markers. And the ability to save settings on a USB stick is pure gold. No more panicking over messed-up settings; just reboot and you're back in business.

Connectivity and Remote Control

Pairing it with the Behringer SD16 stagebox expanded our setup, making it perfect for our medium-sized church. The mixer's wifi control capability is super handy, though I'd recommend using a tablet over a phone for a better experience. It's a lifesaver for live mixing or for bands wanting to make demos without breaking the bank.

Recording and Expansion Options

The USB interface for DAW integration is slick. But, if you're serious about multi-track recording, consider getting the X-Live SD expansion card. Yes, it's an extra expense, but being able to record all 32 channels simultaneously for virtual soundchecks is invaluable, especially for fine-tuning mixes.

Learning Curve and User Experience

There's definitely a steep learning curve, especially if digital mixers are new to you. But the control and convenience you get with digital are unmatched. The mixer's flexibility in routing, multiple outputs, and sound shaping tools like EQ, gates, and compressors are just mind-blowing.

Build and Portability

The mixer feels sturdy and reliable. It's surprisingly portable for its capabilities, making it a great choice for on-the-road gigs or permanent installation. I do recommend getting a solid flight case for it if you're traveling, or a Decksaver cover for permanent setups – it's worth the investment for protection.
Final Thoughts

Overall, the Behringer WING is an absolute beast that offers outstanding value for its price. The flexibility, sound quality, and range of features it packs are phenomenal for a mixer in this price range. Whether you're running a church service, a small band, or even a home studio, this mixer has got you covered. Just be prepared to invest some time in learning its ins and outs.

Head 2 Head: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX or Behringer Wing

Let's kick off this comparison by diving straight into the world of the Allen & Heath ZED-12FX. This mixing console has been my trusty sidekick for around six months now, and it's got some impressive tricks up its sleeve. A clear winner in terms of sound quality, it delivers a clean and crystal-clear audio experience that would sweep any audiophile off their feet. If you're thinking about stepping up your game from basic to more advanced mixing needs, this bad boy has got you covered.

Let's Talk About Usability

The ZED-12FX is pretty user-friendly once you get past the initial learning curve. It's like learning to ride a bike; once you get the hang of it, you're good to go. The faders and knobs are as smooth as butter, adding an extra layer of ease to your mixing sessions.

Sound Effects Galore

One feature that gives this mixer a leg up is its range of digital effects. Experimenting with different sound textures feels like a breeze with this mixer. However, be prepared for a little surprise – the dedicated send and returns being 1/8 jacks might catch you off guard initially.

Reliability? Not So Sure

Despite its impressive features, there are some concerns about the ZED-12FX's long-term reliability. Rumors about pre-amps failing after the warranty period can make one slightly skeptical about this mixer's longevity.

Switching gears now to the Behringer WING, which feels like stepping into the future of digital mixers. Transitioning from analog mixing with the Behringer Xenyx 2442 to this high-tech console was initially overwhelming, but trust me, it's worth it.

Transition from Analog to Digital

The digital scribble strip is a game-changer – forget dealing with masking tape and markers. Plus, the ability to save settings on a USB stick ensures you won't experience any panic attacks over messed-up settings.

Connectivity and Remote Control

Pairing this audio interface with the Behringer SD16 stagebox is like adding an extra layer of awesomeness to your setup. Add in the mixer's wifi control capability, and you've got yourself a top-notch live sound setup.

Recording and Expansion Options

The WING's USB interface for DAW integration is slick as a whistle. If you're serious about studio recording, consider getting the X-Live SD expansion card. It allows you to record all 32 channels simultaneously – an invaluable feature for fine-tuning mixes.

Learning Curve and User Experience

Though there's a steep learning curve (especially if you're new to digital mixers), it's well worth the effort. The control and convenience that come with this mixer are unmatched – talk about flexibility!

Build and Portability

This mixer feels sturdy, reliable, and surprisingly portable for its capabilities. Whether you're touring or setting up at a permanent gig venue, the WING checks all the boxes.

And now, drumroll please… It's time to crown our winner! After comparing both products side by side, I have to give my vote to the Behringer WING. The flexibility, sound quality, and range of features it offers are phenomenal for a mixer in this price range. Whether you're running a church service, a small band, or even a home studio, this digital mixer has got you covered. However, be prepared to invest some time in learning its ins and outs – but trust me, it's worth it!