Behringer Xenyx 1832FX

Behringer is known for a wide range of low-cost audio products. The Xenyx 1832FX has six mic/line channels and four stereo line-level channels. Count the two stereo aux returns, and you have 18 input channels.

The 1832FX has three busses. One bus is pre-fader, permanently assigned to a monitor send. One bus may be pre- or post-fader per channel. The final bus is a post-fader send to a built-in effects processor. You can patch in an external processor if you desire.

Each channel, plus the internal (or external) effects return, can be routed to the main stereo bus and to the two subgroups. The effects return may also be routed to the monitor output.

The return for the bus that has selectable pre- or post-fader inputs is routed only to the main stereo bus.

Each of the two subgroups may be routed to the left and/or right channels of the main stereo bus.

A nine band graphic EQ may be assigned to the monitor output, the main stereo bus, or disabled. A feedback detection mechanism uses LEDs in the EQ's sliders to show which bands should be cut to eliminate feedback.

Each mono channel has a three-band semi-parametric EQ and a switchable low-cut filter. Interestingly, the mono channels do not have a pad switch. Mono channels have pan controls and unbalanced channel inserts. Phantom power may be turned on or off for all of the mic inputs together.

Each stereo channel has a switch to select +4 or -10 input levels, plus a four-band EQ. Interestingly, the stereo channels do not have a trim control. Stereo channels have balance controls.

Every input channel plus the monitor send and the internal effects return has a mute switch with a yellow LED to indicate that the mute is engaged. These same channels also have a solo switch and a red peak indicator LED. The peak LED serves double duty to indicate that the solo switch is engaged.

A twelve-segment stereo LED level meter is assignable to the sub busses, the main stereo bus and the CD/tape input. When a solo button is engaged the level meter displays only the solo'd channels. A PFL (pre-fader listen) mode solos the channel pre-fader, allowing for accurate setting of each channel's trim (or line source, in the case of the stereo channels).

In addition to the normal mixer features, a few extra gadgets anticipate specific uses. The internal FX processor may be bypassed using a footswitch. This would be handy for the band that runs their own sound, allowing the singer to make announcements without the effects normally applied to vocals. A very effective voice canceller would allow the 1832FX to be used as an impromptu karaoke machine. Finally, a stereo enhancement processor can be switched in to give recorded music a more dramatic soundstage.

A universal-voltage power supply is built in to the chassis of the 1832FX. No wall-wart for this inexpensive mixer!

Despite its extremely low cost, the 1832FX is a highly functional light-duty mixer. One has to assume that longevity and serviceability may have been compromised in order to achieve a sub-$300 price point for a unit having these capabilities. On the other hand, my previous experience with an even-less-expensive Behringer mixer leads me to believe that one can get years of flawless performance out of their mixers when used in a non-hostile environment.

The sonic performance of the 1832FX is adequate for my needs. Before the purchase I read a number of reviews complaining of extreme amounts of hiss. I suspect that those reviewers are unfamiliar with basic principles of mixer operation and gain staging.