Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Vs. Tascam DP 32SD : 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 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 Xenyx X1204USB 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 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.

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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
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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
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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 Xenyx X1204USB or Tascam DP 32SD

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB: A Decade's Worth of Reliable Service

The Behringer Xenyx X1204USB is a solid piece of recording equipment that's been keeping the audio crisp for me non-stop over the past seven years. Despite some crackling faders and occasionally sticky buttons, it's clear that this audio mixer is built to last. It's been an ace up my sleeve mainly as an XLR to USB interface for calls.

A Word of Caution: Behringer Drivers

I've got to drop some truth about the behringer drivers for Windows 7 users – they’re a bit like playing Russian roulette with your system stability. They caused drops in recording modes and even led to blue screens of death. Take it from someone who went on a deep dive into system files and registry edits – stick with the default Windows 7 drivers. They're more reliable and offer better options for this mixing console.

The USB Interface: A Double-Edged Sword

The USB interface on the Xenyx X1204USB is kind of like that friend who always has gum but never any minty fresh breath spray – it gets the job done, but with a few limitations. No volume control or EQ adjustments are available, which feels like missing out on some spicy salsa while eating nachos. Plus, if you're using the USB out, you're stuck with just 44.1K or 48K output based on the main bus, which can be limiting if you want to use both main mix out and USB output simultaneously.

Board Features: A Mixed Bag of Treats

This digital mixing board boasts quality preamps with a warm touch, which is like audio comfort food. The built-in compressors and EQ are decent for the price, proving that this piece of studio equipment offers value. The FX channel with its variety of sound effects is like a cherry on top. However, the AUX channel's integration with the master mix can feel a bit limiting.

On to Tascam DP-32SD: A Step Up in the Digital Recorder Game

The Tascam DP-32SD takes things up a notch with enhanced preamps and 32-track recording capability. The beauty of it is that it does all this minus the annoying hard drive noise since it runs on an SDHC card.

Key Features:

Think of Tascam's DP-32SD as a 20-track recorder in disguise, complete with 8 mono tracks and 12 additional stereo or mono tracks. While some might miss the MIDI and S/PDIF inputs found in its predecessor (the Tascam 2488Neo), those focused on analog inputs won't find this to be a deal-breaker.

Recording Quality: A Solid Win

The recording quality of this digital recorder is like hitting the jackpot at a casino – loads of praises from users who appreciate its ability to record at 24bit 48kHz without any audio hiccups. This multi-track recording wonder is perfect for those looking to avoid complex DAW setups.

The Workflow Champion

When it comes to workflow, the Tascam DP-32SD is kind of like that friend who always knows where they're going – efficient and reliable. Particularly if you're looking to record up to eight tracks simultaneously without a PC or MAC, and don't need MIDI sync, this audio interface is your best bet. It also shines in live band recordings thanks to its portability and ability to handle numerous simultaneous inputs.

Build Quality: Solid As a Rock

The build quality of the DP-32SD is impressive – it's like a heavyweight champion that's ready for any challenge. Even if some knobs feel a bit flimsy, it doesn't take away from the overall sturdy construction of this piece of audio recording gear.

DAW Integration: A Big Plus

While it mainly operates as a standalone recorder, the ease of transferring files to a DAW for further editing and mixing makes the Tascam DP-32SD an excellent solution for those looking to blend analog recording with digital editing.

And The Winner Is…

Despite both contenders offering solid performance in their respective corners, my money’s on the Tascam DP-32SD. Its exceptional recording quality and improved workflow are hard to beat. While the Behringer Xenyx X1204USB offers great value and reliable service, its limitations, such as driver issues and limited USB interface functionality, make it fall short of the Tascam DP-32SD. So there you have it – proof that not all audio mixers are created equal!