Behringer Wing Vs. Tascam DP 32SD: 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. Tascam DP 32SD.

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 Tascam DP 32SD. 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.

Tascam DP-32SD Digital Portastudio

Now the Tascam DP-32SD, let me draw some comparisons to its cousin, the DP-24SD, and delve into what makes it stand out. The DP-32SD steps up the game with its enhanced preamps and 32-track recording capability, minus the hard drive noise, since it runs on an SDHC card.

Key Features:

First off, think of the DP-32SD as a 20-track recorder with 8 mono tracks and 12 additional stereo or mono tracks. The absence of MIDI and S/PDIF inputs (found in its predecessor, the Tascam 2488Neo) might limit some, but it's not a deal-breaker for those focused on analog inputs. Its punch-in and out functions are tight, and the layout of the menu and LED buttons has been thoughtfully improved from the Neo model.

Tascam DP 32SD Review

Recording Quality

The recording quality is a massive win for the DP-32SD. Users rave about the stellar job it does, especially in multi-musician setups. With its ability to record at 24bit 48kHz without clicks, pops, or stutters, it’s a reliable choice for those seeking to avoid the complexities of a DAW.

Usability and Workflow

In terms of workflow, this machine is a powerhouse. For those who prefer to record up to 8 tracks simultaneously without a PC or MAC and don’t need MIDI sync, the DP-32SD is your go-to. It’s great for live band recordings too, being easily portable and capable of handling numerous simultaneous inputs.

Learning Curve

There’s a learning curve, especially if you're transitioning from a simpler recorder or a different brand. However, with resources like YouTube tutorials, you can get up to speed relatively quickly.

Build Quality

The build quality of the DP-32SD is impressive. It feels heavy and sturdy, indicative of a machine built to last. Though some knobs might feel a bit flimsy, this doesn’t detract from the overall solid construction of the unit.

Integration with DAW

While it's primarily a standalone recorder, the ease of transferring files to a DAW for further editing and mixing is a major plus. It's an excellent solution for those looking to blend analog recording with digital editing.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Wing or Tascam DP 32SD

Behringer Wing: The Digital Colossus

Stepping up from a traditional analog mixer like the Behringer Xenyx 2442 to the Behringer Wing feels like being whisked into the future. This audio mixer is a digital dynamo, packing a punch with its scribble strip – who needs masking tape and markers when you can go digital? And the ability to save settings on a USB stick? Pure gold, my friends. Never again will you have to sweat bullets over messed-up settings; just reboot and voila, you're back in business. The Behringer Wing's connectivity and remote control capabilities make it an ideal companion for your medium-sized church or band setup. Pairing it with the Behringer SD16 stagebox can take your music production game to another level. And let's talk about that WiFi control – it's like having a recording studio gear on your tablet (or phone, but trust me, tablet's way better).

Recording and Expansion Options

The USB interface for DAW integration is slicker than a greased weasel. But if you're looking to do some serious multi-track recording, consider getting the X-Live SD expansion card. Yes, it might sting your wallet a bit, but being able to record all 32 channels simultaneously for virtual soundchecks is worth every penny.

Build and Portability

This digital recording console feels sturdy enough to withstand an alien invasion (not that we're expecting one). Plus, it's surprisingly portable for its capabilities – perfect for on-the-road gigs or permanent installation. Behringer Wing Verdict:

Overall, this audio interface packs flexibility, sound quality, and range of features that are mind-blowing for its price range. Be ready to invest some time in navigating its functionalities though. There is a steep learning curve, especially for those new to the digital mixer realm. But once you master it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Tascam DP-32SD: The Analog Ace

The Tascam DP-32SD, on the other hand, is like the slick cousin of the DP-24SD. What makes it stand out is its enhanced preamps and 32-track recording capability.

Recording Quality

The recording quality of this digital Portastudio is nothing short of spectacular. With its ability to record at 24bit 48kHz without any hiccups, it’s a reliable choice for those wanting to avoid the intricacies of a DAW.

Usability and Workflow

If you're one who prefers to keep things simple – recording up to 8 tracks simultaneously without a computer – the Tascam DP-32SD has got your back. It's also easily portable, making live band recordings a breeze. Tascam DP-32SD Verdict:

The Tascam DP-32SD feels like a solid piece of studio equipment that's built to last. While there's a learning curve, with resources like YouTube tutorials, you can quickly get up to speed. Although primarily a standalone recorder, its ease of transferring files to a DAW for further editing and mixing is a major plus for those wanting an analog-digital blend. Now comes the million-dollar question: which one takes the cake? After careful consideration (and multiple cups of coffee), I've got to give it to Behringer Wing. While both mixers have their strengths, what tips the scale in favor of the Behringer Wing is the sheer flexibility and range of features it offers at its price point. Its connectivity options, expansion possibilities, and the convenience of digital control make it an outstanding choice for anyone into live sound mixing or music production. But hey, if you're an analog aficionado, the Tascam DP-32SD is no slouch either. Remember folks, in the end, it's all about finding what works best for your specific needs. Happy mixing!