Behringer Wing Vs. QSC TouchMix 8: 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. QSC TouchMix 8.

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 QSC TouchMix 8. 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.

QSC TouchMix-8

I Got My Hands on the QSC TouchMix-8: Still Impressed

I got my hands on the QSC TouchMix-8 when it first came out, and man, it's still a game-changer. This little beast replaces racks of EQs, compressors, and gates. The best part? Everything's super easy to access. You don't need a cheat sheet for menus because there's no annoying digging through sub-menus. Plus, the noise level? Ridiculously low, perfect for on-location gigs or filming.

Power and Portability

If you're thinking of going mobile with this mixer, keep in mind the AC adaptor is proprietary, supplying several different voltages. While you won't need a gas generator, rigging an outboard battery means getting a 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery and a mini sine wave inverter. Trust me, this board's powerful enough to lay down all your tracks on an optional SSD drive for processing through your favorite DAW.

Touch Screen: A Mixed Bag

Now, let's talk touch screen. The sensitivity can be a bit frustrating at times, and the graphics could use a higher resolution, especially for the RTA. An LED screen update would be nice, particularly for outdoor gigs.

Reliability Issues

One thing to note – there have been a few issues with the aux sends and the board freezing up. I've also noticed some lag when moving the virtual faders on the built-in touch screen, which can be pretty annoying. But remember, no mixer is perfect.

Sound Quality and Effects

The sound quality? Spot on. The effects are top-notch, easily rivaling other portable digital consoles in this range. The mic pres are good, and the compressor lets you dial in precisely. It’s a bit bright, but the dynamics are stellar.

Overall Verdict

Despite its few quirks, the QSC TouchMix-8 is a fantastic, powerful mixer in a compact package. It's got big power and a small footprint, making it a solid choice for those needing a robust feature set in a portable design. Just be prepared to deal with that touch screen and keep an eye on those aux sends.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Wing or QSC TouchMix 8

Behringer Wing: A Digital Leap Forward

Switching from a traditional mixer like the Behringer Xenyx 2442 to the Behringer Wing feels like stepping into a sci-fi movie. This digital mixer is packed with cutting-edge features that make sound engineering a breeze. Its digital scribble strip is a big step up from the old masking tape and markers method, and saving settings on a USB stick is simply brilliant. No more frantic moments when you mess up your settings; reboot, and you're back in business.

Connectivity and Remote Control: A Big Plus

Pairing the Behringer Wing with the Behringer SD16 stagebox expands your setup beautifully, making it just right for medium-sized churches or live sound mixer setups. The wifi control function is super handy – though, for a better user experience, I'd recommend using a tablet over a phone. This feature is an absolute lifesaver for live mixing or bands wanting to create quality demos without emptying their bank accounts.

Recording and Expansion Options: More Than You Expect

The USB interface for DAW integration works smoothly with this professional audio equipment. But if you're serious about multi-track recording, consider getting the X-Live SD expansion card. It's an additional cost, sure, but being able to record all 32 channels simultaneously for virtual soundchecks is invaluable for fine-tuning your mixes.

User Experience: Steep But Worthwhile Learning Curve

Yes, there's quite a learning curve to conquer if digital mixers are new territory for you. But trust me, the control and convenience of digital signal processing (DSP) are unmatched by any analog audio mixer. The flexibility in routing, multiple outputs, and built-in effects like EQs, gates, compressors are mind-blowing, making this a true mixing console powerhouse.

Build and Portability: Sturdy and Easily Mobile

The Behringer Wing feels solid and reliable. Despite its extensive capabilities, it's surprisingly portable – a great choice for gigs on the go or permanent installation. If you're frequently on the move, invest in a sturdy flight case. For stationary setups, a Decksaver cover is a good idea to keep your mixer safe.

QSC TouchMix-8: Compact Powerhouse

The QSC TouchMix-8, on the other hand, remains an impressive piece of professional audio equipment. It replaces racks of EQs, compressors, and gates with ease, all with easy-to-access controls. No need for cheat sheets here – no frustrating navigation through sub-menus. And the low noise level is perfect for on-location gigs or filming.

The Power of Portability: Small but Mighty

While the QSC TouchMix-8's AC adaptor is proprietary, supplying multiple voltages, rigging an outboard battery involves a 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery and a mini sine wave inverter. This board has enough power to lay down all your tracks on an optional SSD drive for processing through your favorite DAW.

Touch Screen: Room For Improvement

The touch screen sensitivity can be somewhat frustrating at times. The graphics could use higher resolution as well for better visibility of the RTA – an LED screen update would be appreciated here.

Reliability Issues: A Few Glitches Here and There

A few issues have been reported with the aux sends and occasional system freezes. There's also some lag when moving faders on the built-in touch screen – something to keep in mind when considering this digital mixer.

Sound Quality and Effects: A Bright Spot

The QSC TouchMix-8 excels in sound quality. The built-in effects are top-notch, easily rivaling other portable digital consoles in this range. The mic pres are good, the compressor lets you dial in precisely, and the dynamics are stellar. So, it's time to pick a winner here. Drumroll, please! The crown goes to the Behringer Wing. While both mixers have their strengths, the Behringer Wing edges out its competitor with its more extensive feature set and superior flexibility. It offers a deep dive into digital mixing while providing a user-friendly interface for sound engineers at all levels of experience. Whether you're running a church service, gigging with your band, or working in a home studio, the Behringer Wing provides an unbeatable combination of value and performance. Just be ready to invest some time in mastering its features – but trust me, it's worth it!