Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Vs. Yamaha TF1: 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. 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 Xenyx X1204USB 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 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

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 Xenyx X1204USB or Yamaha TF1

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB: The Relentless Workhorse

Sturdy and Reliable

Behold, the Behringer Xenyx, a mixer that has stood by me through thick and thin. With seven years under its belt, this live sound equipment still gets the job done with minimal complaints. Sure, the occasional fader crackles, and it needs a gentle nudge for some buttons, but hey, it's like an old friend who needs a little coaxing now and then. Primarily used as an audio interface for my incessant calls via XLR to USB connection, it's been nothing short of reliable.

Behringer Drivers: Proceed with Care

However, let's talk about some bumps on this road. If you're a Windows 7 user like myself, brace yourself when dealing with the Behringer drivers – they're not exactly plug-and-play. After installing them, I faced a significant drop in recording modes and found myself dealing with frequent system crashes. After battling those tech demons (and seriously considering tossing my computer out the window), I reverted to the default Windows 7 drivers – much smoother sailing from then on.

The Xenyx USB Interface: Not Without Its Quirks

A Limiting USB Experience

The Behringer Xenyx's USB interface is kind of like that one eccentric cousin we all have – it functions well enough but has its peculiarities. There's no volume control or EQ adjustments on the USB input side of things which can feel restrictive. Moreover, if you're using the USB out feature, your options are limited to either 44.1K or 48K output based on the main bus; a bit of a bummer if you need to use both the main mix out and the USB output at the same time.

X1204USB's Features: A Mixed Bag

Preamps That Add Warmth

When it comes to this audio mixer's board features, it's like a box of chocolates – some you'll love, others not so much. The preamps, for instance, are surprisingly good, although they add a warm coloration to the audio that not everyone might appreciate. The built-in compressors and EQ are decent enough for their price point. However, the AUX channel's integration with the master mix can feel somewhat restrictive. On a brighter note, the FX channel's variety of sound effects brings some fun to the mixing process.

Yamaha TF1: Simplicity Meets Functionality

Intuitive but Basic

Now let's talk about the Yamaha TF1. This digital mixer is like that new friend who seems fun and easy-going at first but lacks depth as you get to know them better. It may be a Yamaha product, but don't be fooled – this mixing board isn't carved from the same wood as their professional QL/CL consoles. The user interface feels more like playing Candy Crush than operating studio recording equipment – intuitive for beginners but perhaps too simplistic for pros.

Functionality: Not All Bells and Whistles

Where this music production equipment could disappoint is in its functionality and routing options; especially when it comes to Dante routing which feels limited. There's also no option to reassign the Dugan auto-mixer stuck on the first bank of channels which can be frustrating if you're used to having more control over your sound console.

TF1 Performance: Hits and Misses

Reliable, but Lacks Complexity

Performance-wise, the Yamaha TF1 holds its ground in the realm of live sound equipment. It competes well with mixers like the X32 or Soundcraft Impact and offers reliable performance for live music or corporate events. However, seasoned sound engineers might find it a bit too basic for their needs.

The Final Verdict: Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Takes The Crown

Value Over Flash

After stepping off this rollercoaster ride of audio mixers, here's my final say – Behringer Xenyx X1204USB takes the crown. Sure, it has its quirks; it's not perfect. But considering its price point and reliability over time, it offers more bang for your buck. It's a solid choice for various audio needs, from small-scale live events to home studios. The Yamaha TF1, while decent in many aspects, falls short with its limiting functionality and overly simplistic interface. It might be great for settings where you've got volunteers running the show due to its ease of use but lacks depth for more experienced users. In the end, both mixers have their strengths and weaknesses. But if I have to pick one based on my experience and needs, Behringer Xenyx X1204USB is my mixer of choice.