Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium Mixer Review - Best DJ Mixer with USB Interface
The Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer is a premium 12-input mixer designed for professional use in the music industry. With its high-quality features and affordable price, it has become a popular choice among musicians and DJs. This mixer offers exceptional sound quality, thanks to its state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps and compressors. It also includes a built-in stereo USB/audio interface, allowing you to connect directly to your computer for recording and editing. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the key features of the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer and why it is a great investment for any musician or DJ.
Product Description
The Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer is a must-have for any music enthusiast or professional DJ. This mixer offers exceptional sound quality and versatility, making it the perfect choice for both live performances and studio recordings.
With its 12 channels, this mixer allows you to connect multiple instruments and microphones, providing you with endless possibilities for creativity. The four state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps are comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps, ensuring crystal-clear and professional sound quality.
One of the standout features of the Behringer XENYX 1204USB is its four studio-grade compressors with "one-knob" functionality. These compressors make it incredibly easy to achieve professional vocal and instrumental sound, giving you complete control over your audio.
The mixer also features neo-classic "British" 3-band EQs, which provide a warm and musical sound. These EQs allow you to fine-tune your audio, giving you the ability to accentuate certain frequencies and create a unique sound.
Another impressive feature of the Behringer XENYX 1204USB is its built-in stereo USB/audio interface. This feature allows you to connect the mixer directly to your computer, making it easy to record, edit, and podcast your audio. The mixer even includes free audio recording, editing, and podcasting software, as well as 150 instrument/effect plug-ins and an ultra-low latency driver.
In summary, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer is a top-of-the-line mixer that offers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and ease of use. Whether you're a professional DJ or a music enthusiast, this mixer is sure to take your audio experience to the next level.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Versatile and feature-rich: The Behringer XENYX 1204USB offers an impressive range of features for its price. With 12 input channels, XENYX mic preamps, compressors, and British EQ, it provides excellent control and customization options for musicians and DJs. It also doubles as a USB/audio interface, allowing seamless integration with digital recording software.
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Solid build quality: Built by Behringer, a renowned brand in the audio industry, this mixer is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. It features a sturdy construction and durable components, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
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Easy to use and connect: The XENYX 1204USB is user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. It requires no complicated software or driver installation, allowing for hassle-free setup. The USB connectivity also enables easy connection to laptops, amplifiers, or other audio equipment, making it a versatile choice for various setups.
Cons
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Noisy when used with PCs: Some users have reported experiencing static noise when using this mixer with their PCs. It does not effectively filter out the extra noise generated by the computer. This issue can be a drawback for those looking for a noise-free recording or mixing experience.
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Non-intuitive controls: While the XENYX 1204USB is generally user-friendly, some users have found the control layout to be non-intuitive. It may take some time to become familiar with the functions and settings, especially for beginners. However, with practice, users can easily navigate the controls and take full advantage of the mixer's features.
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Limited customer support: A few users have expressed dissatisfaction with Behringer's customer support. It may be challenging to get
Customer Reviews
The Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer has received a positive response from customers, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 19,595 ratings. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this product.
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One customer mentioned that they experienced some static noise when using the mixer with their PC, which wasn't filtered out by the device. However, they still gave it a 4-star rating.
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Another customer expressed their satisfaction with the mixer, stating that it worked well with their microphone, guitar, and GarageBand software. They praised its price-performance ratio and considered it the best option in its price range.
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A different customer highlighted the usefulness of the mixer for connecting their laptop to amplifiers, mixers, or other music sources, including electronic instruments. They rated it 5 stars.
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One user shared their disappointment with the microphone performance of their onboard sound card and a Creative Soundblaster AE5 Plus, but found the Behringer XENYX 1204USB to be a great solution, giving it a 5-star rating.
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There were also positive reviews from non-English speaking customers. One customer expressed their satisfaction with the durability of the mixer, while another praised its affordability and ease of use.
Overall, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer has received positive feedback from customers, with many highlighting its affordability, ease of use, and versatility in various audio setups. While there were a few mentions of static noise and some specific use cases, the majority of customers were satisfied with their purchase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer is a versatile and feature-packed device that offers excellent value for money. With its premium build quality, ultra-low noise levels, and high headroom, this mixer delivers professional-grade audio performance.
One of the standout features of this mixer is its four state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps, which are comparable to standalone boutique preamps. These preamps provide phantom power and ensure clear and crisp audio reproduction. Additionally, the built-in studio-grade compressors with "one-knob" functionality make it easy to achieve professional vocal and instrumental sound.
The mixer also features the Neo-classic "British" 3-band EQs, which add warmth and musicality to the sound. The inclusion of a built-in stereo USB/audio interface allows for easy connectivity to a computer, making it convenient for recording, editing, and podcasting.
Although there have been a few reports of static noise issues, it is important to note that this can be attributed to external factors such as PC-generated noise. Overall, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB offers an impressive array of features at an affordable price.
Taking into consideration its positive customer feedback, high ratings, and the brand's reputation for producing quality audio equipment, we highly recommend the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile mixer for their DJ or recording setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and concerns about the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer:
Q: Can this mixer filter out static noise from my PC?
A: Unfortunately, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer does not have built-in noise filtering capabilities. If your PC generates a lot of extra noise, you may experience some static noise when using this mixer. It is recommended to address the noise issue directly from your PC or consider using an external noise filtering device.
Q: Can I connect this mixer to my laptop and use it with GarageBand or other music production software?
A: Yes, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer can be connected to your laptop using the USB port. This allows you to use it as an audio interface with software like GarageBand. You can connect microphones, guitars, and other music sources to the mixer and then route the audio into your software for recording and production purposes.
Q: Is the mixer suitable for live performances and connecting to amplifiers or speakers?
A: Yes, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer is designed for live performances and can be easily connected to amplifiers, speakers, or other audio equipment. It has multiple outputs, including main mix outputs, control room outputs, and headphone outputs, allowing you to route the audio to various destinations. You can also adjust the levels and EQ settings for optimal sound quality.
Q: How does the microphone performance compare to onboard sound cards or other audio interfaces?
A: The Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer features XENYX mic preamps, which are known for their high-quality performance. Users have reported significant improvement in microphone performance compared to onboard sound cards or other audio interfaces. The mixer provides a clean and amplified signal, allowing your vocals or instruments to be heard with clarity and detail.
Q: Is this mixer easy to use for beginners?
A: Yes, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer is relatively user-friendly, especially for beginners. It does not require complex software or driver installation, making it easy to set up and start using right away. The controls and layout are intuitive, and the mixer comes with a user manual that provides clear instructions on its various functions and features.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Behringer XENYX 1204USB Mixer. If you have any other inquiries or concerns, feel free to reach out to customer support or refer to the product manual for further assistance.
