Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer vs Behringer Xenyx 802: Comprehensive Comparison and Buyer’s Guide (2024)

You're ready to make a big purchase, but you're having trouble deciding between these two powerhouses, the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer and the Behringer Xenyx 802.

Trust me, I know how difficult that decision is… especially if you have no plans on whipping out that dreaded return postage label!

You know how the saying goes, buy right, buy once! Or something like that…

Either way, I've got you covered!

I've broken down the good, the bad and the ugly of these babies, so providing you have a clear idea of exactly what you plan on doing with it, you will have a clear idea on which one is best for you, by the end of this article.

Let get into it…

At A Glance:

Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Flexible routing for a small format mixer.
  • Very clean sound.
  • FX seem fine, especially the reverb.
  • Three band EQ with sweepable mids on the main channels.
  • Very quiet, compared to old mixer.
  • More outputs and features than Allan and Heath's mini-mixers.
  • Take-a-break mute switch allows for easy music play during breaks.
  • USB charger on the console is handy for charging devices.
  • Channels have individual mute buttons and Pre-Fade-Listen buttons.
  • Two channels have Hi-Z inputs, suitable for electric guitars.
  • Good for podcast audio/video production.
• Cons:
  • No individual channel inserts.
  • Three band EQ is complex to use.
  • No 1/8th-inch stereo input jack.
  • Hi-Z inputs not suitable for piezo pickups.
  • Not well shielded from wireless interference.
  • Preamps are not as clean as some may prefer.

 

Behringer Xenyx 802

Behringer Xenyx 802 Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Good value for the price.
  • Comes with a detailed manual in several languages.
  • Works well with different types of speakers and headphones.
  • Has a control room function that works well.
  • Phantom power works effectively.
  • Good for educational purposes, small bands, starting DJs, low budget community theaters, etc.
  • Hardy and durable as it survived a drop test from about 3 feet onto a hardwood floor without any damage.
  • Sound quality is good and comparable to direct connection to a home theater system.
  • Packaging is secure and well done.
• Cons:
  • The light signifying that it is on is distractingly bright.
  • High distortion levels, especially when used with MP3 players and certain songs.
  • Lack of individual controls for different inputs.
  • Does not have EQ bypass.
  • Digital I/O is USB and not Firewire, which is faster for data transfers.
  • No cables included with the product.
  • Produces heat over time, especially around the area where the LEDs are located. This could be a problem in hot areas or if placed on top of other electronics that release heat.
  • Does not have an on/off switch.

Key Differences Between The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer And The Behringer Xenyx 802

The main differences between Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer and Behringer Xenyx 802 are based on their sound quality, EQ control, number of channels, in-built effects, build quality and price.

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer is known for its outstanding sound quality.

This produces superior audio due to the incorporation of Soundcraft Sapphyre British EQ concealers, which typically include three or four bands.

One noteworthy feature is the integration of a USB interface which enables convenient digital connectivity.

The mixer has a total of 10 channels available for mixing different audio sources.

The built-in Lexicon effects engine allows for impressive customizable sound options that can enhance the overall output.

However, it should be noted that the robustness and durability of this mixer make it more expensive compared to its counterpart.

On the contrary, The Behringer Xenyx 802 mixer, while compact in size, offers significant value for money given its extensive feature set against its price tag.

Its state-of-the-art mic pres enable clear audio transmission, maintaining excellent sound quality despite lower costs.

Furthermore, it provides four input channels which offer more versatility when managing your audio signals.

Its channel eq is also considered highly appealing as it provides greater flexibility compared to some competitors.

Below are key points to consider when choosing between these two mixers:

• If you require a mixer with superior EQ controls and high-quality analog sounds, then go for the Soundcraft Signature.

• If you're on a budget or require a compact form factor without compromising on versatile features then Behringer Xenyx would be an ideal choice.

It's important to note that both brands have their dedicated customer bases who vouch for their respective products hence user experience may vary based on individual usage patterns.

Specs	Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer	Behringer Xenyx 802
Bundle Includes	Soundcraft Signature 10 10-Input Mixer with Effects, HDM-100 Uni-Directional Dynamic Cardioid Microphone (Clip Included), 2 x 1/4-Inch TRS Patch Cable (6-Feet) and 2 x 25-Feet XLR Male to XLR Female Microphone Cable	N/A
Quality	High-Quality with Ghost mic preamps, high headroom, wide dynamic range and exceptional resolution and clarity with a superb signal to noise ratio	Premium Ultra-Low Noise, High Headroom
Advanced Features	Built-in Lexicon studio-grade reverb, chorus, modulation and other effects and dbx limiters on the input channels. XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs for direct instrument connection	Studio-Grade Compressors With Super-Easy “One-Knob” Functionality And Control Led For Professional Vocal And Instrumental Sound
Interface	2-in/2-out USB interface. Free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 10 Lite	Built-In Stereo Usb/Audio Interface To Connect Directly To Your Computer. Free Audio Recording, Editing And Podcasting Software Plus 150 Instrument/Effect Plug-Ins Downloadable At Behringer.Com
Construction	Tour-grade robust metal construction and top-quality components with an internal universal power supply	N/A
Color	N/A	Silver/Gray

What You Need To Know About Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer bundle is packed with high-quality components that make it your go-to option for recording and live performances.

Included in this bundle is the Signature 10 mixer itself, a fantastic dynamic cardioid microphone, a pair of durable TRS patch cables and two ultra-long XLR microphone cables.

The highlight of this package is the Signature 10, which uses Soundcraft's iconic Ghost mic preamps.

Just so you know, these preamps come straight from their top-of-the-line professional consoles!

This means you'll get crystal clear audio with great dynamic range and amazing clarity.

But that's not all! This mixer is also equipped with built-in Lexicon studio-grade effects like reverb, chorus, modulation, and more.

Plus, there are dbx limiters on the input channels to ensure your sound levels never peak or distort.

The Signature 10 also offers XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs – perfect if you want to connect guitars or other instruments directly!

To make things even better, all consoles in this series come with a handy 2-in/2-out USB interface.

This makes it super easy to connect your devices for recording or playback.

As for construction? Trust me when I say that the Signature Series mixers are built to last.

They use robust metal construction along with top-quality components so they can handle heavy use – whether at home or on tour!

One last thing: Along with your purchase of the console comes free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 10 Lite.

So you'll have everything you need to start mixing right out of the box!

Go ahead and check out more about this great product at its official page.

My 1 Month Review Of The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

Usability and Design

After a month of using the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer, I have to say, it's been a pleasure.

It's remarkably easy to use and I found myself navigating through all the features effortlessly.

The layout is intuitive – all the dials, sliders and buttons are conveniently placed, making it simple for me to mix sounds like a pro.

Sound Quality

The sound quality, oh boy! This mixer delivers crisp sound output that has taken my music to new heights.

The preamps are top-notch, giving off an incredibly clean signal which is just perfect for my recordings.

After playing with the EQs a bit, I am amazed at how they allow me to shape each track exactly how I want it.

• Impeccable sound quality
• Preamps deliver clean signals
• Flexible EQs

Durability and Reliability

Looking at its durable construction, this thing feels like it could survive a nuclear war! Not that I'd toss it around, but knowing that it can handle rough usage is reassuring.

The Signature 10 Mixer also won me over with its reliability – in one month of use, not once did it let me down during live performances or studio sessions.

• Sturdy build-quality
• Reliable performance

Affordability

But most importantly, what really stood out was its affordability.

This mixer packs so many professional-level features while being reasonably priced – definitely offering great value for money.

To sum up my experience thus far:

• Easy-to-use design
• Exceptional sound quality
• Robust construction
• Affordable price point

So if you're on the hunt for a mixer that's user-friendly, delivers high-grade audio clarity and doesn't burn a hole in your pocket – give the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer a spin. You won't be disappointed!

What You Need To Know About Behringer Xenyx 802

The Behringer Xenyx 802 is a Silver/Gray, Premium Ultra-Low Noise, High Headroom Analog Mixer.

This mixer is perfect for those looking to create professional-grade audio without breaking the bank.

One of the key features of this mixer is its 2 state-of-the-art Xenyx Mic Preamps.

These are comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps, offering rich and powerful sound output.

So whether you're recording vocals or an instrument, these preamps can handle it!

But that's not all. The Behringer Xenyx 802 also comes with studio-grade compressors.

These compressors feature super-easy “One-Knob” functionality and control LEDs for professional vocal and instrumental sound – even if you're not a pro!

And to make things even easier, this mixer comes with a built-in stereo USB/Audio interface.

This means you can connect it directly to your computer without needing any extra gear.

Plus, when you purchase the Behringer Xenyx 802, you also get access to free audio recording, editing and podcasting software plus 150 instrument/effect plug-ins downloadable at behringer.com.

To learn more or order your own Behringer Xenyx 802, click on the link!

My 1 Month Review Of The Behringer Xenyx 802

Hands-on Experience

After a month of testing the Behringer Xenyx 802, here are my thoughts:

From the outset, I was blown away by the compact yet robust structure of this little beast.

It fits snugly into my home studio space without hogging much room and yet does not compromise on its performance.

Sound Quality

The sound quality is excellent.

The preamps deliver a warm and full-bodied sound while maintaining crystal clear clarity.

Background noise? Practically non-existent even with all channels open and volumes up.

Whether I'm mixing down tracks or recording vocals, the sound never disappoints.

Here are some key features I have enjoyed:

– The Xenyx Mic Preamp: This has greatly improved my microphone's performance compared to others in its price range.

– The British EQs: Ensures fantastic sound quality every time with warm tones and sharp highs.

– The FX Send jack per channel: This feature has made sound effects management considerably easier for me.

User-Friendliness

One thing that stood out to me was how user-friendly this mixer is.

The learning curve was minimal; everything from setting levels to balancing inputs feels intuitive.

Durability and Portability

This mixer appears well built, solid enough that it would survive being knocked about a bit during transportation which makes it handy for those who travel often.

However, I must mention that one minor inconvenience in using this mixer was the lack of USB connectivity.

It's not a deal-breaker but adding USB connectivity would certainly enhance convenience.

All in all, after a month of use, I highly recommend the Behringer Xenyx 802 for anyone seeking an affordable but high-performing mixer.

It's easy to use with great output quality making your recordings a breeze.

In summary

– Excellent sound quality

– User-friendly layout and features

– Durable build with portability benefit

Though it lacks USB connectivity, it remains an impressive choice.

Who The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Behringer Xenyx 802

Who is the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer for?

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer is designed for professionals seeking flexibility and quality sound in their audio systems.

It's an ideal choice for live performers, podcast producers, home studio owners and small event organisers who require a compact yet feature-rich mixer.

This device would especially appeal to those who need multiple inputs and outputs, as it boasts three auxiliary buses plus a headphone out.

Why choose the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer?

There are several reasons why you might opt for the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer.

Here's what stands out from user reviews:

• Flexible routing: The mixer allows individual channels to be routed to the main or auxes, enabling complex setups. An external effects loop can also be achieved with this device.

• Clean sound: Users praise its very clean and quiet operation.

• Built-in effects: The FX, including reverb, are highly appreciated by users.

• User-friendly features: Other notable features include individual mute buttons per channel, Pre-Fade-Listen buttons and a “take-a-break” interval mute button that can play music from an iPod through your whole system with one push. Additionally, there's a USB charger on the console.

From reviews of other products on the market like Allan & Heath ZED mini-mixer line or Mackie mixers, I see that people choose Soundcraft because it offers more outputs and more features overall.

One minor inconvenience mentioned by users was having no 1/8th-inch stereo input jack – requiring an adapter for that input.

Users share that there could be interference issues if phones aren't turned off during recording sessions – something to bear in mind if you plan on doing live recordings.

Finally, according to user reviews comparing preamps of different brands at this price point – they found no noticeable difference between this mixer and similar ones from other brands.

For potential buyers considering their options in this category – remember that besides these advantages noted above by satisfied customers who've used it extensively over time- the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer is also one of the best studio mixers on the market today and appears in our top 10 selection.

Who The Behringer Xenyx 802 Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

The Behringer Xenyx 802 is a compact, user-friendly mixer that offers excellent value for its price.

Its target audience ranges from beginners to intermediate users who want a reliable and easy-to-operate device for mixing and controlling audio.

Relevant Features:

– Audio mixing capabilities

– Compact size

– Adequate manual instructions

Based on the reviews, you might consider buying the Behringer Xenyx 802 if:

– You're a beginner or intermediate user looking to gain knowledge about mixers and gain practical experience.

– You need an affordable mixer suitable for educational purposes, small bands, starting DJs, or low budget community theaters.

– You're seeking a straightforward mixer with enough functions to allow sound adjustment and control.

However, some of the concerns raised by users include:

– The brightness of the power indicator (which can be solved by placing a small piece of lighting gel over it).

– Certain distortion issues when high quality speakers are used (which can be controlled by adjusting volumes and EQs).

– Limited individual controls on the board.

Additional Noteworthy Points:

• The Behringer Xenyx 802 offers more EQs on each channel compared to other higher models in this line.
• The unit's body is mainly made of metal making it reasonably durable.
• No cables are included in the purchase so users will have to buy them separately.
• The unit lacks an ON/OFF switch but will turn off along with your Home theater system if connected to it.

Overall, if you're someone in need of good sound quality within a tight budget or someone who wants to learn using mixers without dealing with complex features from high-end models then Behringer Xenyx 802 could be an ideal choice.

If you're finding the comparison between the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer and Behringer Xenyx 802 not quite hitting the spot for your audio mixing needs, don't worry.

I've also evaluated other products that might pique your interest.

Check out how the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer fares against the Mackie ProFXv3 Series, or perhaps you'd be interested in a comparison of the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer and Tascam Model 12.

I've even considered those of you seeking portable options with my review of the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer vs Zoom LiveTrak L-8.

And if you've developed a liking for Behringer products, then take a look at my post on Behringer Xenyx 802 vs Mackie ProFXv3 Series.

It's important to make an informed choice, so feel free to explore all these options!

FAQs

Buyer's Guide: Important Things To Consider & Look Out For When Buying A Mixer

1. Define Your Needs

Before investing in a studio mixer, get clear on what you need from your sound mixing equipment.

Your requirements may vary depending on whether you're an artist, producer or live sound engineer.

A live sound mixer, for instance, might require different specs compared to a recording studio setup.

If you solely work with digital audio workstations (DAWs), your requirements will differ again.

2. Make Space For the Mixer

This is where compact mixers shine! Some of these devices are surprisingly small, yet carry all the necessary functionality within their compact structure.

The Behringer Xenyx 802, for instance, is an 8-channel mixer which can comfortably fit into most home studios without demanding too much real estate.

3. Keep a Tab on Channel Numbers

When it comes to buying a studio mixer, one important aspect to consider is the number of channels it contains – and how many channels YOU need!

An 8-channel mixer, like the Behringer Xenyx 802 again or perhaps even the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer might be enough for solo artists or small bands.

4. Analog vs Digital?

Remember that hard hitting bass? The warmth in your favourite record's vocals?

That's what analog gear brings to music production and why so many audio professionals still prefer it today!

While digital mixers have their own advantages like preset memory and easy data transferability – there’s just something about an old school, analog mixer.

5: Navigate Through All Available Options

There are plenty of options available when it comes to studio mixers like audio mixing consoles, stand-alone mixers and integrated mixing boards within other pieces of gear like audio interfaces.

It’s critical to research thoroughly and choose the one that best fits your needs as sound mixing equipment forms an essential part of any serious musician’s arsenal.

6: Consider Special Features

Some studio recording equipment offers distinct features that might be helpful for specific tasks; USB connectivity, DAW integration capabilities or built-in compressors are just some examples.

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer,beyond its high-quality preamps,as also equipped with Lexicon effects making it an attractive choice.

7: Budgeting Is Key

Last but not least – budgeting plays a crucial role in purchasing any new piece of gear – even more so with comprehensive tools such as mixers which come across various price ranges.

While investing in high quality & durable items can be beneficial in long run; sometimes starting with entry-level models like compact.

You can always upgrade once you are ready for advanced features!

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