Behringer Wing Vs. Yamaha TF1: 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. Yamaha TF1.

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 Yamaha TF1. 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.

Yamaha TF1 Digital Mixing Console

I've been using the Yamaha TF1 on and off for about 4 years now, and I've got a pretty solid grasp on what it brings to the table. Let's dive into the good, the bad, and the, well, kind of ugly.

Initial Impressions and Learning Curve

When I first got the TF1, I was pretty stoked. It's a Yamaha, after all. But it's important to note that this isn't built by the same folks who make the more professional QL/CL consoles. It's more of a consumer-level product. The user interface feels a bit like a game on a smartphone. It's intuitive for newbies, but for a pro, it's a bit too simplistic. There's a learning curve, sure, but it's not as steep as with some other consoles.

Limited Functionality and Routing

Here's where the TF1 might let you down. The routing options are pretty limited, especially when it comes to Dante routing. And you're stuck with the Dugan auto-mixer on the first bank of channels, with no option to reassign it. This lack of flexibility can be a bit frustrating if you're used to more control.

Performance: Pros and Cons

The TF1 is pretty solid for its price point. It competes well with mixers like the X32 or the Soundcraft Impact. The sound quality is decent, and it's pretty reliable for live music or corporate events. However, if you're an experienced sound engineer, you might find it a bit too basic.

User Experience: Mixed Feelings

The interface… let's just say it's a bit of a love-hate situation. If you're comfortable with tablet-style controls, you might like it. But if you're more of a knobs-and-buttons person, it can be frustrating. The output patching, especially with a TIO involved, is not the most user-friendly.

On the plus side, the price is attractive. It's a decent console for someone on a budget. It does the job, and from the audience's perspective, it sounds fine.

Final Thoughts

So, after using the Yamaha TF1 for a significant amount of time, I've got to say – it's okay. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's not going to disappoint you too much either. It's great for settings where you've got volunteers running the show, thanks to its simplicity. But if you're looking for something with more depth, more flexibility, you might want to look elsewhere.
If you're considering the TF1, my advice is to really think about what you need from your mixer. If you're okay with the limitations and are looking for something easy to use, it's a solid choice. But if you're after more advanced features, you might want to explore other options in the same price range.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Wing or Yamaha TF1

Behringer Wing: Stepping into the Future

The Behringer Wing is a digital mixer that feels like a leap forward in time. Imagine swapping out your trusty old horse and cart for a sleek, modern sports car. It's a stark contrast, right? That's what it felt like moving from an analog mixer to this beast of professional audio equipment.

The Digital Advantage

One of the main advantages of the Behringer Wing is its digital scribble strip. No more masking tape and marker shenanigans! Plus, the ability to save settings on a USB stick is like having your own personal safety net. Messed up settings? No problem. Just reboot and you're good as new.

Connectivity and Control at Your Fingertips

This soundboard can be paired with the Behringer SD16 stagebox for an expanded setup, perfect for medium-sized venues like churches or small concerts. The wifi control feature is incredibly handy, especially when used with a tablet – it's like having your mixing console in the palm of your hand.

Recording Capabilities and Expansion Options

The Behringer Wing comes with a slick USB interface for DAW integration. Serious about multi-track recording? The X-Live SD expansion card might tickle your fancy. It lets you record all 32 channels simultaneously – a game-changer for virtual soundchecks.

A Solid Build with Portability in Mind

This audio mixer feels sturdy yet surprisingly portable given its capabilities, making it perfect for both on-the-road gigs or permanent installations.

Learning Curve? Sure, But It's Worth It

Let's be honest: if you're new to digital mixers, there'll be a learning curve. But trust me, the control and convenience you gain are unmatched. Plus, the flexibility in routing, multiple outputs, and sound-shaping tools like EQ, gates and compressors will make you feel like an audio wizard.

Yamaha TF1: A Solid Mix of Simplicity and Performance

The Yamaha TF1 is a decent player in the world of digital mixers. However, don't let the Yamaha name fool you into thinking it's as advanced as their more professional models like the QL/CL consoles.

The interface feels more like a smartphone game – intuitive for beginners but perhaps a bit too simplistic for seasoned professionals. The routing options are quite limited and having the Dugan auto-mixer stuck on the first bank of channels with no option to reassign it feels like being trapped in an audio straightjacket.

That said, this soundboard does hold its own against comparable mixers in terms of performance. It has decent sound quality and reliability for live music or corporate events. The user interface can be a love-hate situation depending upon your preference for tablet-style controls or traditional knobs-and-buttons.

The Verdict: Behringer Wing Flies High

Considering everything from price to performance, flexibility to features, it's clear that Behringer Wing comes out on top as our preferred digital mixer choice.

While Yamaha TF1 is not a bad mixing console per se – it just lacks the depth we crave from our studio recording gear. The Behringer Wing, on the other hand, offers more advanced features and flexibility. It's like a Swiss army knife for your audio needs, packed with phenomenal features for its price range.

Our winner, the Behringer Wing, is perfect for a range of applications from church services to small bands and home studios. It's a bit of a learning curve but well worth the investment in time to truly harness its power. Just remember to keep that USB stick handy!