Behringer Wing 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: Behringer Wing 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 Behringer Wing 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Wing or Behringer Xenyx X1204USB

Behringer Wing: From Analog to Digital

Stepping from a traditional analog mixing console like the Behringer Xenyx 2442 up to the digital mixer that is the Behringer Wing feels like being catapulted into the future. No more masking tape and markers – hello, digital scribble strip! Saving settings on a USB stick is also a feature that's pure gold. No more heart attacks over messed-up settings; just reboot and you're back in business.

Connectivity and Remote Control

Pairing this audio mixer with the Behringer SD16 stagebox was like hitting the jackpot. It expanded our setup, making it perfect for our medium-sized church. The mixer's wifi control capability is quite handy, though I'd recommend using a tablet over a phone for a better experience. It's an absolute lifesaver for live mixing or for bands wanting to make demos without breaking their piggy banks.

Recording and Expansion Options

The USB interface for DAW integration is slicker than ice on glass. But here's the skinny: 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 when it comes to fine-tuning your mixes.

Learning Curve and User Experience

There's definitely a steep learning curve involved if you're new to digital mixers, but once you've mastered it, it’s like riding a bicycle – you never forget how to do it! The control and convenience you get with this music production equipment are unmatched. The routing flexibility, multiple outputs, and sound shaping tools like EQ, gates, and compressors will blow your mind.

Build and Portability

The Behringer Wing feels sturdy and reliable. It's surprisingly portable for its capabilities, making it a top choice for on-the-road gigs or permanent installations. If you're traveling, I recommend getting a solid flight case for it; if it's a permanent setup, invest in a Decksaver cover – it's worth the extra bucks for protection. Final Thoughts

The Behringer WING is an absolute beast that offers outstanding value for its price. This digital mixer packs in flexibility, sound quality, and features that are phenomenal for a mixer in this price range.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB: Durable and Reliable

Seven Year Journey with My Mixer

After seven years of use, the Behringer Xenyx X1204USB is still my go-to audio interface for calls. Sure, some faders crackle, and a few buttons need an extra nudge now and then but considering it runs almost 24/7 without regular maintenance – not too shabby!

Behringer Drivers: A Cautionary Tale

A Word of Caution to Windows 7 Users

Installing the Behringer drivers on Windows 7 was more frustrating than trying to peel a banana from the middle! It led to drastic reductions in recording modes and made my system about as stable as jello during an earthquake with frequent blue screens. Stick with the default drivers – they're much more reliable.

Decoding the USB Interface

Good, But With Limitations

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

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. 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.

Final Verdict

A Solid Choice for Small-scale Needs

Considering its price range, this soundboard is a fantastic deal. It's not perfect – but what is? The USB interface could be more versatile, and while the preamps are good, they have their quirks. Having gone through both these music production equipment pieces in detail, it’s time to announce our winner. Drumroll please… it's the Behringer Wing! While both mixers serve different needs remarkably well, it’s hard to beat Wing's digital mixer capabilities – its flexibility in routing, multiple outputs and sound shaping tools make it an absolute game-changer at this price point. Whether you're running a church service or a home studio setup – this live sound mixer has got you covered!