Behringer Wing Vs. Presonus StudioLive 1602: 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. Presonus StudioLive 1602.

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 Presonus StudioLive 1602. 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.

Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 USB

After having a little play around with the Studio Live 16 from PreSonus, here's my verdict:

Setup and Software Integration

Straight out of the box, the setup was a breeze. There are tons of YouTube tutorials available that make configuring individual channels for various inputs like mics, drums, and guitars pretty straightforward. The recording software, Studio One, is a gem – intuitive and powerful. I even upgraded to the professional version because of a sweet 50% off deal they were running, and I'm glad I did.

Sound Quality and Recording Capabilities

The sound quality, both live and recorded, is top-notch. There's a certain accuracy in playback that makes the live music sound just as it's being played. The mixer does a great job in capturing the essence of live performance without any loss in sound quality.

Customer Support: A Mixed Bag

While I personally didn't run into major issues, I've heard some chatter about PreSonus' customer support being a hit or miss. One user mentioned an issue with warranty support on a unit just 45 days old, which is concerning. It seems like your experience might vary depending on the problem at hand.

User-Friendliness and Learning Curve

For beginners, this board and the accompanying DAW are a godsend. They're easy to learn and use. Even if you're at an intermediate level, like me, you'll find the Studio Live 16 to be quite adaptable. You can record jam sessions, concerts, and even phone calls with ease.

Remote Access and Portability

A standout feature is the ability to control the mixer remotely via a laptop and router, which adds a layer of convenience, especially in live settings. However, some users might find this setup a bit cumbersome, as it requires extra gear (laptop and router) for remote access.

Overall Experience

Overall, the Studio Live 16 is a great piece of equipment for semi-pro studios, small churches, and clubs. Its integration with Studio One DAW is seamless, and the mixer itself offers a great range of features. However, the learning curve can be a bit steep, especially if you're transitioning from analog to digital, and the remote access setup might not be ideal for everyone.

In short, if you're looking for a digital mixer that feels somewhat analog, has scene-saving capabilities, and offers remote access (with a bit of setup), the Studio Live 16 could be a solid choice. Just keep in mind the potential support issues and the learning curve involved.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Wing or Presonus StudioLive 1602

Behringer Wing: A Giant Leap into the Digital Future

Let's start with the Behringer Wing, shall we? If you're coming from an analog mixer background, this little beast of a digital mixer might initially have you feeling like a caveman who's just discovered fire. It's a different ballgame, but with some online resources (shout out to Drew Brashler on YouTube), you'll find your way around this live sound mixing console.

From Masking Tape to Digital Scribble Strips

Transitioning from an analog mixer like the Behringer Xenyx 2442 to the Wing is like trading in your horse-drawn carriage for a Tesla. The digital scribble strip is a game changer – say goodbye to masking tape and Sharpies. And the ability to save settings on a USB stick? That's pure gold, my friend. No more panic attacks over messed up settings; just reboot and you're back in business.

Connectivity and Remote Control: A Whole New World

When paired with the Behringer SD16 stagebox (not included), this audio mixer opens up a whole new world of possibilities, making it perfect for medium-sized churches or bands looking to record demos without selling their kidneys. The mixer's Wi-Fi control capability is exceptionally handy, though I'd recommend using a tablet over a phone for an optimal touch screen interface experience.

Recording Capabilities: Multi-Track Magic

The USB interface for DAW integration is slicker than an otter covered in baby oil. But if you're serious about multi-track recording, consider getting the X-Live SD expansion card. Yes, it's an extra expense, but the ability to record all 32 channels simultaneously for virtual soundchecks is invaluable for fine-tuning your mixes.

Learning Curve: Steep but Worth the Climb

The Behringer Wing does have a steep learning curve, especially if you're new to digital signal processing (DSP). But once you've wrestled this digital beast into submission, the control and convenience are unmatched. The mixer's flexibility in audio routing options, multiple outputs, and sound shaping tools like EQ, gates, and compressors will make you feel like a master of sound engineering.

Build Quality: Built Like a Tank

The Wing feels sturdy enough to survive a nuclear apocalypse. It's surprisingly portable for its capabilities, making it a great choice for on-the-road gigs or permanent installations. I would recommend investing in a solid flight case or a Decksaver cover though – it's like insurance for your professional audio equipment.

Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2: User-Friendly Powerhouse

Moving on to the Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 USB – this digital mixer is an absolute joy to set up straight out of the box. The integration with Studio One recording software is seamless and intuitive; even beginners can navigate through channel strip controls with ease.

Sound Quality: On Point

The Presonus StudioLive 1602 delivers top-notch sound quality both live and recorded. It captures the essence of live performances with such accuracy; it'll give your eardrums a high five.

Customer Support: Russian Roulette?

However, there have been whispers about hit-or-miss customer support from PreSonus. This could be a potential concern, especially when dealing with warranty issues.

Learning Curve: Beginner Friendly

For beginners in sound engineering or intermediate users, the StudioLive 16.0.2 USB is quite friendly. You can record jam sessions, concerts, and even phone calls with ease (don't forget to ask for permission though).

Remote Access: With a Catch

The ability to control this audio mixer remotely via a laptop and router is a standout feature but also requires extra gear for setup. Not everyone likes to haul around extra stuff just for remote access.

The Winner: Behringer Wing

After a detailed comparison of these two professional audio equipment powerhouses, the Behringer Wing takes the crown as the ultimate digital mixer. While both mixers offer fantastic features and sound quality, it's the Wing's superior connectivity, control options and flexibility that tip the scales in its favor. While the Presonus StudioLive 1602 USB offers an easier learning curve and seamless software integration, it falls short on customer support and requires additional gear for remote access. Meanwhile, the Behringer Wing caters to a wider range of users – from churches to bands to home studios – offering incredible value for its price. So there you have it folks! The Behringer Wing flies high as our top choice digital mixer! But remember – each of these mixers has their own strengths and which one is right for you really depends on your individual needs. Happy mixing!