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The optical centre of the X32 is the 7-inch, backlit colour TFT display (non touch). In interaction with the keys (layer up/down, page select) and the eight function keys on the right side, the user is guided to the sub-menus. Parameter changes can be made using the six rotary encoders (with push function for input confirmation) below the display. This concept has already proven itself with the Roland V mixers. The master fader and eight additional motorised faders with four layers (DCA, Mixbus 1-8, Mixbus 9-16 and Matrix outputs) are located below the display. Of course, the LCD displays are used here as well. On the right side you will find the level controls for the monitor output and the two headphone outputs, which are located in the recessed grips on the left and right. Thus, when ordering the case, you have to be careful about the height of the side parts of the case, so that the access to the headphone sockets is not blocked. Furthermore, there is an XLR lamp connector and a double talkback function that allows for two independently configurable talkback presets, for example for an external or internal microphone. The rest is quickly listed: buttons for scene control, six mute group buttons, a smartphone tray, four encoders including LCDs and eight UDK buttons on three layers. Here, the user can program a maximum of 36 push-buttons/encoders to provide quick access to specific parameters. A glance at the rear panel reveals a wealth of features here too. The X32 offers 16 XLR inputs, furthermore six Aux inputs and outputs each (jack and RCA sockets) for connecting line signals (CD player, iPod) and playing out signals. The 16 mix busses are also routed to XLR sockets on the console. Another nice feature is the professional digital output (AES/EBU). In times of iPads and Tablet PCs, this contender is well prepared with USB and Ethernet sockets for future remote control. Software Editor and iPad App were not yet available at the time of testing, but were already on display at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt and have been released by now. A MIDI interface is provided for remote control. As an alternative to the console's own inputs/outputs, two AES-50 network sockets allow for the optionally available digital S16 stageboxes to be connected to the console. A maximum of three S-16s can be addressed twice from the console (maximum 96 in, 48 out). With the Ultranet connection, the X32 becomes an "all inclusive package". The Behringer P16M monitor mixers can be connected here. The X32 is primarily a console for live mixing. However, the Behringer crew also paid attention to studio applications and provided the unit with control room outputs and the XUF recording card, which is included in the scope of delivery of the X32. More on this later.
Measuring 90 cm in width , 55 cm in depth and 23 cm in height and weighing just under 20 kg , the console can be lifted onto a Transflex case without the need for any help. The recessed grips on the left and right come in handy. Faders, buttons and encoders make a sturdy impression, as does the metal enclosure . In addition, the workmanship is flawless and testifies to professional manufacturing. This matches the audio quality, as documented by our measurements. The same applies to the internal effects. The reverberation department in particular offers a level of quality that is probably groundbreaking in this price class. The Quantec QRS emulation is great, the EMT reverb comes very close to the original. The encoders offer even more options. For example you can assign the reverb time or the speed of a modulation effect ( rate ) to an encoder and change it on the fly without having to go to the menu of the respective effect. Special praise is due to the dynamics in the channels. Very clean in its operation and provided with many parameters (e.g. hold time for the compressor), it should be able to cover all requirements of everyday sound engineering. The XUF recording card deserves high praise as well. Its Bridge-Co chipset with drivers from the Swiss company Archwave works excellently, both in terms of stability and latency.
The Behringer X32 digital console impresses in its price class with its superb features, its professional performance and audio characteristics and, above all, its broad concept, which takes into account many application scenarios (live and studio). So, congratulations to the R & D department at Behringer, they have every right to be proud of the X32. The extension of the warranty period to three years testifies to the justified self-confidence with regard to the quality offered. After this test, the following is certain: There is currently no other console that offers you more value for money.
If you want to expand your X32 rack, you can do so with the Cymatic Audio Utrack X32 Recorder card. The Extension Card creates a direct and simultaneous 32-track recording of the 32 channels in the console. No additional hardware such as an external computer is required, no DAW needs to be opened, no session created, no inputs and outputs assigned, tracks armed and levels monitored.
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