Behringer XENYX 1204USB 12-Channel Mixer with USB

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Perfect for the podcaster's or solo artist's home studio, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB mixer features four mic preamps and a built-in USB interface.

With 8 inputs' worth of flexible sound-shaping and routing in an ultra-compact design, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB is ideal for computer-based studios with limited desk real estate. XLR and 1/4" jacks accommodate line-level sources or phantom-powered microphones. And with built-in 2-in/2-out USB connectivity, there's no need to use a separate audio interface box. Best of all, the 1204USB is one of the most cost-effective small mixers around.

Four Mic Channels with Onboard Compression

With a compact footprint and a utilitarian design that includes a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB is just enough mixer for small acoustic performances, podcasts, DJ sets, and home-studio recording projects. Four channels accept line-level 1/4" inputs or XLR microphones, providing 48-volt phantom power for your condenser mics. There's even an onboard dynamics compressor on the four mic channels -- a must-have for taming peaks and fattening up voices in both live and recording situations. Behringer's built-in compressor is tailored for vocals, and easily dialed in via a single knob.

Stereo Inputs Plus Aux Sends

Two more pairs of channels provide line-level inputs, perfect for stereo sources like samplers, keyboards, CD players, turntables, and more -- though you can also use them as mono channels. And every input channel on the 1240USB has access to two aux sends, one pre-fader and one post-fader, so you can incorporate external effects units, headphone sends, read more or monitor speakers into your rig. Got outboard effects boxes? The 1204USB has a pair of 1/4" returns for each aux send, so stereo effects like reverb, echo, and chorus retain their dramatic spatiality. There's also a utility stereo RCA input for connecting MP3 players or other audio sources, paired with a stereo RCA output for recording to external devices like digital recorders or CD burners. The main mix is served up via two balanced XLR outputs for a reliable connection to your monitors or house PA system, and it's accompanied by a pair of 1/4" alternate outputs, plus a pair of 1/4" control room outputs with their own dedicated volume knob. And there's a 1/4" headphone jack, for when you need to get up close and personal with your sound.

Quality on a Budget

The Behringer XENYX 1204USB may be an impressively affordable compact mixer, but it doesn't cut corners on audio quality. Make the most out of your microphone collection with four XENYX mic preamps, boasting 130 dB of dynamic range. Then, tweak your tone with Behringer's 3-band EQ section -- a "British" equalization circuit with a pleasingly musical character for fool-proof sound-shaping control on all eight inputs. The 1204USB is quiet, rugged, and employs reliable jacks and knobs for years of trustworthy operation. And unlike most compact mixers that replace faders with knobs, the 1204USB gives you real faders on all eight inputs.

USB Connectivity...No Interface Necessary

The simple addition of a stereo in/stereo out USB interface opens up a world of new possibilities. Plug in a USB cable to send the main mix to your computer and start digitally capturing DJ sets, solo performances, or podcasts. There's no need for a separate audio interface box, saving you space and money. The 1204USB can also send stereo audio digitally from your computer back into the mixer, providing a high-fidelity playback option for your mixes -- or just listening to a movie over your monitor speakers.

Bundled DAW Software

Because it has built-in USB connectivity, the 1204USB is a perfect partner for digital audio workstation (DAW) software. Just in case you're not rocking a DAW yet, Behringer packs the box with a wealth of computer recording software, including the perennially popular Audacity editing program. Also included are applications for producing podcasts, including Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear. For more advanced multitrack recording, the XENYX 1204USB ships with a special Behringer-centric edition of EnergyXT 2.5 -- one of the most powerful DAWs you've never heard of. This well-kept secret has been the weapon of choice for pioneering experimental music-makers and DIY rebels alike, and now you can tap into the exciting production potential that EnergyXT offers.

To sweeten the deal even further, your XENYX mixer comes with 150 virtual instruments and effects plug-ins so you can set up an entire computer-based production studio around your 1204USB compact mixer. Just add a microphone and a musical idea -- with built-in USB, flexible routing, and tons of bundled software, the Behringer XENYX 1204USB introduces a vast world of computer recording potential.
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Dimensions: 12.9 x 10.6 x 3.8 in

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://www.behringer.com/service.html

Behringer XENYX 1204USB 12-Channel Mixer

Perfect for a small live-performance mixer, as well as home-based recording setup, the XENYX 1204USB provides four mono channels with premium XENYX mic preamps, neo-classic 3-band British-style EQ and two stereo input channels. Far from being a "bare-bones" mixer, all mono channels feature Behringer's "one knob" studio-grade compressor and two Aux Sends (one each pre- and post-fader). Two stereo Aux Returns are included for use with external FX modules. The built-in USB audio interface provides bi-directional transfer of signals between the mixer and computer.

XENYX USB Series mixers are designed to handle your live gigs, and they provide the state-of-the-art tools you need to make stunning, professional-quality recordings. Along with their built-in USB/audio interfaces, XENYX USB mixers come with all the recording and editing software you'll need to turn your computer system into a complete, high-performance home recording studio.

Features

- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- 4 state-of-the-art XENYX, phantom-powered Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- 4 studio-grade compressors with super-easy "one-knob" functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound
- Neo-classic "British" 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound
- 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 and ultra-low latency driver included
- Revolutionary energyXT2.5 Compact Behringer Edition music production software included with feature-rich audio/MIDI sequencer that loads almost instantaneously on all computer platforms
- 2 aux sends per channel: 1 pre fader for monitoring applications, 1 post fader for external FX devices
- Clip LEDs and mute/alt 3-4 function on all channels
- 2 subgroups with separate outputs for added routing flexibility
- 2 multi-functional stereo aux returns with flexible routing
- Balanced main mix outputs with gold-plated XLR connectors plus separate control room, headphones and stereo tape outputs
- Control room/phones outputs with multi-input source matrix
- Long-wearing 60-mm logarithmic-taper faders and sealed rotary controls
- "Planet Earth" switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving
- Rack mount brackets included for ultimate flexibility
- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
- Conceived and designed by Behringer Germany

Sonically Superior Mic Preamps

All XENYX mixers have one thing in common--great-sounding, high headroom XENYX mic preamps. These state-of-the-art mic pres represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology--and they can easily hold their own, even when compared to the most expensive stand-alone mic preamps. XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to well above 200 kHz. Armed with these outstanding mic preamps, XENYX mixers provide such transparent, crystal-clear performance you just might think someone upgraded your mics while you weren't looking.

Sublimely Musical British EQ

The British consoles of the 1960s and '70s changed the sound of rock and roll--without them the British Invasion might not have happened. Those legendary mixing desks soon became the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The channel EQ on XENYX mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Even when applied generously, these equalizers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality.

One-Knob Compression

Ask professional sound engineers what their favorite piece of external processing gear is and the majority response will be virtually unanimous -- dynamic compression. Compression essentially limits the dynamic range of a signal, lowering the level of loud sounds and turning up softer sounds, to achieve sonic balance. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate, sound techs have great difficulty mastering. Behringer's "one-knob" compression is available on all mono channels and is easy to operate, even for entry-level users. With this one knob, you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity. This is indeed a rare feature for products in this class--but standard on all XENYX USB mixers.

Recording Bliss

There was a time when the recording process called for lots and lots of expensive gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio--and that time was pricey indeed. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. How do you get all that music flying around your brain into your computer? That's where XENYX USB mixers come in. Thanks to the built-in, bi-directional stereo USB audio interface, you can connect any of these mixers directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the mixer can be recorded directly to your hard drive. And that's where the free bundled software comes in handy.

Free Would Be Nice!

Because you'll want to take full advantage of the XENYX USB Series mixers' recording and podcasting potential, Behringer has thrown in a massive software package that includes Audacity (the most popular open source audio editor), Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear (a great selection of podcasting software). You're ready to go live on your PC or Mac computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and 50 FX plug-ins, turning your computer into a complete home-based or mobile recording studio from input to output.

energyXT2.5 Compact Behringer Edition Included

When you're ready to take your recording projects to the next level, XT Software's energyXT is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or Web-ready recordings. energyXT includes its own multi-FX processor, plus a built-in synthesizer/sampler and a drum machine, both of which can be accessed directly via an external controller (such as the Behringer UMA25S) or programmed in step-write mode.

Value

No matter what your audio mixing needs are, Behringer USB Series mixers provide the performance and features that can take your talent to the next level, at a price that is sure to amaze you. Try one on today--we have one available in your size!

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (20 ratings)
Submitted October 4, 2011 by a customer from uic.edu

"Behringer XENYX 1204USB 12-Channel Mixer Review"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If the size were a bit smaller, I'd be in heaven but not a big deal; someday I will likely use the extra capacity available. My main unrealized preference is for 24-bit USB resolution. I get around it by plugging into the output XLR a 24-bit converter instead of the resident 16-bit circuit. Results are strictly studio-grade audio- as good as it gets.
Sound
Sound quality is very good for my purposes of high quality webcasting.
Features
I wanted a unit with many channels with compressors to make the maximum audio capability easy to set and not have to supervise. Overdriving digital audio circuits is disastrous in terms of distortion- much worse than analog systems.
Ease of Use
Board layout is logical and intuitive.
Quality
This unit offers more bang-for-buck than others I could find in-class. Compressors & equalizers & phantom for four of the channels does the job!

Musical Background:

Hobbyist, experimenter

Musical Style:

experimental classical
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