Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX vs Behringer Xenyx X1204USB: 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 ZEDi 10FX vs. Behringer Xenyx X1204USB.

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 ZEDi 10FX and Behringer Xenyx X1204USB. 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 ZEDi-10FX

Exceptional Sound Quality

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I've been using the ZEDi-10FX with my computer for speech recording, and I'm amazed by the sound quality. It's far superior to the Behringer Xenyx 302USB I used previously.

With support for 24-bit audio, I can separate audio for echo-free conference calls. The setup was straightforward, though the driver URL in the instructions was incorrect.

The noise floor is incredibly low, giving me a much broader dynamic range. This mixer is not just slightly better than the Xenyx; it's a significant upgrade, even in a non-ideal home office environment.

Versatility and User-Friendly

A Great Choice for Various Applications

This mixer is versatile and user-friendly, ideal for podcasting, voice-over, and video production work. It offers more than a standard stereo track over USB, with additional I/O and tactile control.

The preamps are warm and clean, and the converters sound accurate and natural. It's an excellent hybrid USB mixer, combining the best of both worlds for my needs.

Tremendous Value with Great Features

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX
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Perfect for Home Studio Use

Considering its features, this mixer is an incredible value for money. The sound is fantastic, and the 4×4 USB connectivity is a standout feature.

The mixer lacks some high-end features like individual channel mutes and channel faders, but these aren't missed in a home studio context. It's a fantastic unit for small live setups, home studios, podcasting, or streaming.

Good Sound Quality but Quirky USB Routing

Solid, Low Noise, Great Preamps

I'm quite happy with the mixer's connectivity and the quality of the preamps and controls. However, the USB interface to iOS devices can be quirky, sometimes not working as expected.

The routing of USB audio output into the FX channel is confusing and could be improved for better workflow in DAWs.

Great Mixer for Podcasts and Music

Flexible Routing Options

This mixer has been a workhorse for podcasts and music. The routing options are truly flexible, allowing me to capture audio in various settings. It's not the most visually appealing mixer, but its versatility makes up for it. It's a reliable tool in any home studio or small venue.

Some Issues with Sound Quality

Not Everyone's Cup of Tea

While I found the sound quality of the ZEDi-10FX to be excellent, it's worth noting that not everyone has had the same experience. Some users have reported poor sound quality, leading them to switch to different brands. It's a reminder that audio equipment can be subjective and varies based on individual needs and setups.

High-Quality Compact Mixer with USB Interface

Great for Teleconferencing and Personal Use

The ZED i8 is a high-quality, compact analog audio mixer with an integrated USB audio interface. It's perfect for teleconferencing applications, podcasting, webcast streaming, and more. The mixer offers great sound quality with low noise and good preamps, making it a cut above similar units at this price point.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB

I want to focus on the things the sales page doesn't tell you. And that's the good, bad, and the ugly.

I test and play around with mixer's all day, and the Xenyx is one of those ones you keep around. It's a good price for pretty much anybody to get their hands on, and if you're grabbing one second hand, you're all set.

So, I've know this mixer for seven years, and on some personal projects, I'm still using it almost 24/7. Some faders crackle, and a few buttons need a nudge now and then, but that's expected without regular maintenance.

Honestly, it's been a flawless experience for my needs, mainly as an XLR to USB interface.

The USB Interface

Good, But With Limitations

The USB input's a bit tricky; it lacks volume control and EQ adjustments. And if you're using the USB out, you're stuck with just 44.1K or 48K output, based on the main bus. This can be a bit limiting if you need to use both the main mix out and the USB output simultaneously.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Review 1
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Board Features: Hits and Misses

Quality Preamps with a Warm Touch ✅🔥

The preamps are surprisingly good, though they add a warm coloration to the audio. So that's either a positive or negative depending on your preference.

The built-in compressors and EQ are decent for the price.

The AUX channel's integration with the master mix, however, can be a bit limiting.

The FX channel, with its variety of sound effects, is a nice touch.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB
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Final Verdict: Great Value, But Not Without Flaws

For its price, this board is a fantastic deal. No doubt about it!

It's not perfect, though – the USB interface could be more versatile, and the preamps, while good, have their quirks.

But considering the price, it's a solid choice for a range of audio needs, from small-scale live events to home studios.

Find The Best Deal On The X1204USB
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Head 2 Head: Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX or Behringer Xenyx X1204USB

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX: A Symphony of Sound and Features

Stellar Audio Quality and Versatility to Boot

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is a revelation in the realm of audio mixers. Its sound quality, thanks to support for 24-bit audio, is far superior to the likes of the Behringer Xenyx 302USB. Whether you're doing voice-over work or handling the audio for video production, this mixer's low noise floor extends your dynamic range considerably. Its USB interface can be a tad quirky with iOS devices, though, so keep that in mind.

A Blend of User-Friendly Design and Practical Features

This analog mixer's versatility doesn't end with sound. The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is user-friendly and perfect for various applications such as podcasting and live performances. With its warm preamps and natural-sounding converters, this hybrid USB mixer is an excellent choice for both studio recording mixer duties and live sound mixer needs. However, some users have reported poor sound quality experiences – reinforcing the adage that beauty (or in this case, sound) lies in the ears of the beholder.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB: A Workhorse with a Few Quirks

Durable Yet Limiting USB Interface

On the other hand, we have the Behringer Xenyx X1204USB. This digital effects processor has proven its durability time and time again – having survived seven years of near-constant use. Its USB interface, however, lacks volume control and EQ adjustments, which can limit its usability at times. Additionally, if you're a Windows 7 user, be wary of those pesky Behringer drivers – they're known to cause more harm than good.

Quality Preamps with a Warm Touch

The Behringer Xenyx X1204USB's preamps are commendable for their quality. They add a warm coloration to the audio that can be quite appealing depending on your preferences. The built-in compressors and EQ controls are also decent for the price point of this mixing console. However, the integration of the AUX channel with the master mix could be better.

The Final Verdict: Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX Takes the Crown

Superior Sound Quality and Versatility Wins

After considering all factors – sound quality, versatility, user-friendly design, durability – it's clear that the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is the superior choice between these two audio mixers. Its sound quality is exceptional compared to Behringer Xenyx X1204USB's decent performance. Furthermore, its versatility in handling different tasks from podcasting to live performances gives it an advantage that simply can't be overlooked.

In conclusion, while both audio mixers offer their unique strengths and weaknesses – from versatile feature sets to reliable performance – there's only one winner here. The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX trumps the Behringer Xenyx X1204USB in terms of overall sound quality and versatility making it the top choice for anyone looking for a reliable audio mixer with a USB audio interface, XLR inputs/outputs, and superior phantom power supply.