New Inexpensive Mix Panels from Behringer...
...From $80 to $300
We're not kidding! Today, there is no excuse for not owning
your own mix panel in order to improve your location dialogue.
Many people only think of mixing panels as a way to combine
numerous mics on a complex production. But even if you employ just one or
two mics on your shoot, the mix panel is an important tool.
It gives you smooth control over the mic volume, and the EQ
section allows you to match the tone of your secondary mics (such as lavaliers
or plant mics) with your primary boom mic so that everything blends.
Boom operators can be fed from the Aux send, and another
output can drive a wireless headphone monitor to the Director and Script
Supervisor (using Comtek or Listen Tech systems).
Behringer makes some extremely quiet boards and offers a few very exciting professional mix panels in the
affordable $79 to $350 range.
The Behringer 1002 is a useful mini mixer that features two XLR mic inputs and four sets of mono/stereo line inputs. It offers 48v Phantom
mic powering, along with 3 band EQ, pan, aux, headphones. Outputs are 1/4-inch
main, control room, and RCA tape out. The mixer operates from 117AC. It is a
good choice for controlling one or two mics for voice-over/narration. Price is
only $69.99
The Behringer UBB1002 mixing panel ($109.95) is good for
low budget, field recording. It features five XLR mic inputs, with 3-band EQ,
pre and post Aux send, and slider/fader controls. Outputs are 1/4-inch line out
and RCA tape out. This panel operates from 117vAC as well as from internal 9v
batteries (4 hours on a set of 9volt's).
The only thing that we do not like about the 1002 is that it
does not provide true 48vPhantom mic powering. The Phantom power is approx 18v
from batteries, or 24v from AC power. Some mics, such as the Audio Technica
series, are okay with this lower voltage. But many other brands of condenser
mics do need to see a true 48v, so you would need to use an external Phantom
power supply such as the Denecke PS-1 or PS-2 (for two mics) if you are using
condenser mics with this panel.
If you prefer sliding Faders and XLR outputs, the Behringer UB1622FX-PRO
(only $189.99) is your board. For $20 more, you can add a USB output adapter!
Hold on, this one is hard to believe. 4 XLR inputs, 48v Phantom power, 4 pair
stereo inputs, 2 subs, 2 Aux sends, 3-band EQ with parametric midrange, low cut,
24-bit digital stereo FX processor with 99 presets, rack-mount kit.
This board is great for both location recording as well as post. We recommend
it strongly for basic videography and filmmaking.
The new Xenyx1204 ($139.99) is similar to the 1622, but offers
USB output as well as just the
bare basics. There are no digital FX, and no subs. It is pretty much like a
Mackie 1202 but with faders. Four XLR mic inputs with 48v Phantom power, 3 band
EQ, pre and post Aux sends, pan pot, mute alt3/4 output. XLR line level outs,
plus 1/4-inch and RCA outs. This is an excellent and very affordable choice for
students and others looking for a professional sounding board for production
& post-production. Behringer even provides downloadable recording software
for your computer. Don't let the low price scare you into thinking that this
is not up to professional standards in terms of performance. Considering that it
sells for only slightly more than a good pair of headphones, there is no excuse
for not owning a decent mixing panel!
Behringer Xenyx USB 1832FX-PRO $259.99
6 XLR inputs, 48v Phantom power, 4 pair stereo inputs, 2 subs, 3 Aux sends,
3-band EQ with parametric midrange, low cut, 24-bit digital stereo FX processor
with 99 presets, XPQ stereo surround effect, and a 9-band stereo graphic EQ.
Includes USB output adapter. Rack-mount kit.
More inputs, XPQ stereo surround, and a built-in graphic EQ makes this an
ideal board for the serious Production Sound Mixer and editor.
Behringer Xenyx USB 2442FX-PRO $329.99
Okay, now we are talking serious mixing panel.
10 XLR inputs, 8 with direct outs, 4 pair stereo inputs, 4 subs, 4 Aux sends,
3-band EQ with parametric midrange, 24-bit digital stereo FX processor with 99
presets, rack-mount kit. USB output adapter.
Excellent choice for live performance, multi-track recording (4 or 8 out),
and post-production. Just showing up with a board of this impressive caliber
ought to up your daily pay rate!
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We are authorities in production sound recording
for video and filmmaking. We also have lots of accessories for videography; and
are dealers for Casablanca, AVIO, and Renommee
non-linear video editors; as well as turnkey AVID & AVID Liquid (aka
Pinnacle) editing solutions.
If you would like a copy of our
2005/2006 "cowboy cover" catalog (free, of course), please phone or
e-mail us. We are working on a new 2007 catalog, coming later this year.
