Gearank High Notes
- June 2016: Equal Highest Rated Unpowered Mixing Console
- January 2018: Highest Rated Unpowered Mixing Console
The Behringer X32 Compact is a versatile and portable digital mixer solution for live performance and recording.
As expected from Behringer, this mixer comes with the latest technology that they can offer, including motorized faders, 16 MIDAS designed preamps, 32 Channel operation, multiple input/output options, built-in Effects/EQ and many more.
But what makes the X32 Compact even more special is how it packs all these features inside a light and portable form factor that’s reasonably priced.
Features:
- Inputs: 16 x XLR (Mic/Line), 2 x RCA (Aux), 6 x TRS (Aux), 2 x AES50 (32 via Optional Digital Snake)
- Channels: 32
- Phantom power: 32 Channels
- Equalizer: 4-band Parametric (6-band on Mix Bus)
- Outputs: 8 x XLR, 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 2 x AES50 (32 via Optional Digital Snake), 2 x RCA (Aux), 6 x TRS (Aux)
- Faders: Motorized 17 x 100mm
- Built-in effects
- Weight: 34 lbs.
Pros
Market response is overwhelmingly positive, with many exclaiming how the Behringer X32 Compact exceeded their expectations. It has enough channels and input/output options for most venues, including places of worship, auditoriums and other medium to large size venues. While other users report that the unit’s digital features allow for quicker and more efficient setups. Mike Crofts of Sound on Sound had this to say: “… I’d say that what the X32 Compact does, it does well, and at a price point that is interesting to say the least.”
Cons
There are a few users who wished for more input/output options, but they are stretching their luck a bit too much given that this mixer is meant to be Compact – as the label clearly suggests.
Overall
The Behringer X32 Compact is easily the best value compact digital mixer on the market.
This was previously on our recommended list and it only came off because we stopped publishing our previous guide to passive mixing consoles. At time of publication we were publishing a guide to The Highest Rated Powered Mixers.
