Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Vs. Tascam DP 24SD: Head To Head Comparison - READ BEFORE YOU BUY!!

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 Xenyx X1204USB vs. Tascam DP 24SD.

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 Xenyx X1204USB and Tascam DP 24SD. 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 Xenyx X1204USB

I want to focus on the things the sales page doesn't tell you. And that's the good, bad, and the ugly.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Mixer with USB and Effects

I test and play around with mixer's all day, and the Xenyx is one of those ones you keep around. It's a good price for pretty much anybody to get their hands on, and if you're grabbing one second hand, you're all set.

So, I've know this mixer for seven years, and on some personal projects, I'm still using it almost 24/7. Some faders crackle, and a few buttons need a nudge now and then, but that's expected without regular maintenance.

Honestly, it's been a flawless experience for my needs, mainly as an XLR to USB interface.

The USB Interface

Good, But With Limitations

The USB input's a bit tricky; it lacks volume control and EQ adjustments. And if you're using the USB out, you're stuck with just 44.1K or 48K output, based on the main bus. This can be a bit limiting if you need to use both the main mix out and the USB output simultaneously.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Review 1 — *Click to view*

Board Features: Hits and Misses

Quality Preamps with a Warm Touch ✅🔥

The preamps are surprisingly good, though they add a warm coloration to the audio. So that's either a positive or negative depending on your preference.

The built-in compressors and EQ are decent for the price.

The AUX channel's integration with the master mix, however, can be a bit limiting.

The FX channel, with its variety of sound effects, is a nice touch.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB — *Click to view*

Final Verdict: Great Value, But Not Without Flaws

For its price, this board is a fantastic deal. No doubt about it!

It's not perfect, though – the USB interface could be more versatile, and the preamps, while good, have their quirks.

But considering the price, it's a solid choice for a range of audio needs, from small-scale live events to home studios.

Find The Best Deal On The X1204USB

View More Specs

Tascam DP-24SD Digital Portastudio

If you're looking for a sturdy powerhouse, this is it. The Tascam DP-24SD Digital Portastudio packs a punch with features and functionality that will impress anyone looking to delve into recording.

Recording Capabilities

This unit is a marvel for recording enthusiasts. It allows you to record up to 8 tracks quickly and efficiently. Its standalone nature means you can do everything from recording tracks to mixdown without needing a computer. The convenience of transferring the mixdown wave file from the SD card to a computer is a huge plus. The sound quality? It's studio-grade!

Intuitive Design

Despite its sophistication, the DP-24SD has a manageable learning curve. Especially with the wealth of YouTube tutorials available, it doesn't take long to get to grips with its features. It’s particularly ideal for home studio use or solo gigs, as you get professional-level results without a huge investment in time or money.

Build and User Interface

The build quality of the DP-24SD is solid and professional. The full-color display and 24 tracks with assignable inputs make it a versatile tool for various recording scenarios. However, some users might find the menu sequences a bit non-intuitive, requiring some practice to master.

Effects and Mastering

One of the standout features is its array of on-board effects. Although, it’s worth noting that the dynamic/compressor effects are only available for live recording, not for existing WAV/track files. This might limit its appeal for some users looking for more flexibility in post-production.

Overall Impression

For its price, the Tascam DP-24SD offers incredible capabilities. It's perfect for musicians who prefer a hands-on approach to recording and mixing, without getting bogged down in complex software. It's a dream machine for many, offering the most bang for the buck. However, be prepared for some firmware quirks and keep in mind the limitations regarding dynamic effects for pre-recorded tracks.
In summary, the Tascam DP-24SD is an excellent choice for those looking to create professional-quality recordings in a user-friendly, standalone device.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Xenyx X1204USB or Tascam DP 24SD

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB: A Long Haul Companion

The Behringer Xenyx X1204USB is like that trusty old car you've been driving for years – it might have a few quirks, but it gets you where you need to go. It's a durable and reliable audio mixer that has seen me through seven years of constant use. Yes, some faders may crackle like an old vinyl record, and a couple of buttons might need a gentle nudge now and then (don't we all?), but it's mostly smooth sailing.

Driver Dilemma: Behringer's Achilles Heel?

Now, the Behringer drivers for Windows 7 are… how do I put this kindly? A bit of a dumpster fire. I've seen more stability in a house of cards during an earthquake. Blue screens were popping up more frequently than pop-up ads on sketchy websites. However, once I switched back to the default Windows 7 drivers, my system regained its Zen-like calmness.

The USB Interface: A Double-Edged Sword

The USB interface feels like eating with chopsticks for the first time – tricky but manageable. It doesn't offer volume control or EQ adjustments, and if you're using the USB out, your options are limited to 44.1K or 48K output based on the main bus. This can be frustrating if you want to use both the main mix out and the USB output at once.

On-Board Features: The Good, The Bad & The Surprising

The preamps on this bad boy are surprisingly good – they add an unexpected warmth to your audio (like adding hot sauce to your tacos). The built-in compressors and EQ are adequate for the price, but the AUX channel's integration with the main mix can sometimes feel like trying to mix oil and water. The FX channel, however, is a party in itself with a variety of sound effects.

Tascam DP-24SD: The Powerhouse Portastudio

Let's shift gears to the Tascam DP-24SD Digital Portastudio. This thing is as sturdy as a brick house in a hurricane. It's like having your own recording studio packed into one neat little package.

The Wonder of Recording Capabilities

The Tascam DP-24SD offers studio-grade sound quality, allowing you to record up to 8 tracks simultaneously. This feature makes it the perfect tool for any recording enthusiast looking for an efficient, computer-free solution. It’s like having your own private recording studio without all the pesky wires and complicated software.

Intuitive Design & Build Quality

The Tascam DP-24SD has a solid build that feels almost military-grade, plus it’s user interface is intuitive enough that even your tech-challenged aunt could figure it out (eventually). The full-color display and 24 tracks with assignable inputs make it versatile enough for various recording scenarios.

Effects Galore… With a Catch

It comes loaded with an array of onboard effects – unfortunately, they’re only available for live recording. So, if you’re looking to add some spice to your pre-recorded WAV/track files, you might feel slightly let down – like ordering a cheeseburger and getting no cheese.

The Showdown: Behringer Xenyx X1204USB vs Tascam DP-24SD

In this audio mixer comparison, both contenders have their strengths and weaknesses. The Behringer Xenyx X1204USB offers durability, reliability, and good preamps, but its driver issues and limited USB interface give it a few points to improve. On the other hand, the Tascam DP-24SD is a recording powerhouse with intuitive design and professional-grade sound quality, but its limited dynamic effects for pre-recorded tracks might be a dealbreaker for some. As the curtain falls on this digital mixer review, there can only be one winner. In this home studio equipment comparison, the prize goes to…*drum roll*…the Tascam DP-24SD! Its standalone recording capabilities, intuitive design, and impressive build quality make it the clear winner in this USB mixing console face-off. It’s perfect for anyone looking for professional-grade recordings in a user-friendly device. Sorry Behringer Xenyx X1204USB – you put up a good fight!