Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps and Compressors, British EQ and USB/Audio Interface, Compatible with PC and Mac

Product Information

Has multi-channel output, so you can throw 2 mains up as well as 2 separate monitors (perfect for my set up) and then some. For example, I never could get Garritan Personal Orchestra to work, even with help from BOTH Garritan and MIXCRAFT people. And our easy-to-use “one-knob” compressors provide total dynamic control for the ultimate in punch and clarity, while respecting all the power and emotion you pack into every note. Also the simplicity of this mixer makes it great for someone not doing a lot of effects or EQ, but the controls are there so you can be as creative as you want to be.

Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents. The 2-bus design lets you route signals to an alternate source, while two auxiliary sends per channel further enhance your routing options.Owners manuals need to figure all possibilities, within reason, such that if something doesn't do, or work what we expect to have happen and do. Professional sound quality, our legendary XENYX mic preamps, British EQs, our easy-to-use “one-knob” compressors and built-in USB connectivity make the XENYX 1204USB ideal for both your live gigs and recording. In this way, consumers give each other guidance and give us the opportunity to continuously improve.

I got mine used - so the FX knob was broken and rendered it all unusable (I think that's common with this model). No multi tracking but many different ways to pan and add effects to your inputs and manipulate the sound the way you want. There are also two stereo line in channels which don’t have a high-pass filter, gain knob, or compressor — just a switch to toggle between +4 dB and -10 dB gain. I've only had it a little over a year and never used it outside the house, so I don't think I got my money's worth. But the X1204USB wasn’t just designed to handle your live gigs; it also provides the state-of-the-art tools you need to make stunning, professional-quality recordings.

The manual is nice and concise, however it's not a tutorial and doesn't explain anything: it only tells you what does what and never tells you how to use what. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate, sound techs find challenging. The built-in USB audio interface provides bi-directional transfer of signals between the mixer and computer. This is definitely a beginner audio mixer, but for my small studio it has worked very well and is pretty easy to use.