Behringer Wing Vs. Roland VR 1HD AV: 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. Roland VR 1HD AV.

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 Roland VR 1HD AV. 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.

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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.

Roland VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer

I tested the Roland Video Switcher with audio capabilities for about a month, and here's my verdict: it's a compact powerhouse perfect for those tight on space but needing a robust video and audio solution.

Set-Up and Input Flexibility

Setting it up was a bit of a learning curve, but once I got the hang of it, the switcher's functionality was impressive. I connected a DSLR, a camcorder, and my laptop as input devices, alongside a 32GB storage device for still images and wave files. The lack of internal storage is a minor drawback, as all images and audio are stored on the external drive. Another minor hiccup is the need for images to be in Windows Bitmap File (.bmp) format, which requires a bit of extra work in conversion.

File Compatibility and Storage Tips

I encountered issues with a 128GB stick, but resizing BMP files to smaller than the maximum 1920 x 1200 pixels helped. Also, converting MP3 or MP4 files to wave format using Audacity or iTunes was necessary – a bit outdated, but manageable. It's a bit odd to still be using wave files in today's digital age, but overall, it didn't hamper the experience too much.

Streaming Capabilities and Support

A notable downside is that Roland doesn't include the USB A to B 3.0 cable needed for streaming, so be prepared to buy one separately. The setup is excellent for enhancing Zoom meetings or similar applications. However, don't expect to master it immediately – it requires some practice before using it for critical projects.

Reliability in Various Settings

The switcher has proven itself in different environments. From church services to educational settings, it's been reliable and easy to use. The build quality is solid, and the ease of streaming video and sound is commendable. However, there have been some issues post-software update, with the mixer crashing during live streams, which is something to watch out for.

Customer Support and Overall Satisfaction

When I faced connectivity issues with my iMac, product support was helpful in resolving them. Despite a few initial hurdles, I'm enjoying the switcher a lot. The ability to upload custom sound files and music adds a personal touch to the output.
Conclusion

Overall, this Roland Video Switcher is a great tool for anyone needing a compact, yet feature-rich, video and audio mixing solution. It's versatile, though it comes with a few quirks that require some workaround. But once you're past the learning curve, it opens up a world of creative possibilities.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Wing or Roland VR 1HD AV

Behringer Wing: A Leap into the Future of Audio Mixing

The Behringer Wing, a digital console that feels like stepping into a time machine. With its digital scribble strip, masking tape and markers are a thing of the past. And, let's not forget – the ability to save your settings on a USB stick? Pure gold. Connectivity and Remote Control

The Behringer WING's connectivity is expanded when paired with the Behringer SD16 stagebox, making it perfect for medium-sized venues such as churches. The remote control via Wi-Fi is super handy, especially when used with a tablet for live mixing. This digital console is a lifesaver for bands wanting to create demos without breaking the bank.

Recording and Expansion Options

The USB interface for DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) integration works like a charm. But if you're serious about multi-channel audio mixing, consider getting the X-Live SD expansion card – an extra expense, but worth every penny for recording all 32 channels simultaneously. Learning Curve and User Experience

Yes, there's a steep learning curve transitioning to this digital beast from an analog mixer. However, once you get past that hurdle, the control and convenience offered by this audio mixer are unmatched with mind-blowing features such as flexible routing options, multiple outputs, real-time effects processing tools like EQs, gates and compressors.

Build and Portability

The Behringer WING feels rock solid yet surprisingly portable given its capabilities – perfect for both on-the-road gigs or permanent installations.

Roland VR-1HD AV: Compact Powerhouse of Video Mixing

The Roland VR-1HD AV is a compact video and audio mixer perfect for those tight on space but needing a robust solution. However, it isn’t just the size that’s impressive, it’s the functionality too. Set-Up and Input Flexibility

Setting up the Roland VR-1HD AV involves a bit of learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, the switcher's functionality impresses. You can connect multiple devices like DSLR, camcorder and laptop as input devices alongside an external storage device for still images and wave files.

Streaming Capabilities and Support

This video mixer comes up short in one area – it doesn't include the USB A to B 3.0 cable needed for live streaming. Despite that hiccup, its video switching capabilities are excellent for enhancing Zoom meetings or similar applications. Reliability in Various Settings

The Roland VR-1HD AV has proven itself reliable in various settings such as church services to educational environments. But do keep an eye out for some post-software update issues which might lead to crashes during live streams.

Customer Support and Overall Satisfaction

Despite a few initial hurdles, this video mixer opens up a world of creative possibilities once you're past the learning curve. And when any connectivity issues arise with your iMac or other devices, their product support is readily available to help. So folks, after comparing these two titans of audio and video mixing world – Behringer Wing and Roland VR-1HD AV – I have to declare a clear winner: The Behringer Wing. It's a bit of a David and Goliath situation here. The Roland VR-1HD AV is compact and powerful, but the Behringer Wing's unbeatable audio processing capabilities, coupled with its impressive connectivity options, makes it stand tall. It's the perfect choice for anyone – from small bands to home studios to medium-sized venues. Its flexibility, sound quality, and range of features are phenomenal for an audio mixer in this price range. Sure it has a learning curve, but once you're past that, there’s no looking back!