Behringer X32 Rack

40-Input, 25-Bus Digital Rack Mixer with 16 Programmable Midas Preamps, USB Audio Interface and iPad/iPhone Remote Control

Ideal for professional live and recording applications, the Behringer X32 RACK is a 40-channel, 25-bus digital rackmount mixing console that provides a wealth of features in a compact design. The mixer features 16 fully programmable MIDAS-designed mic preamps, while the main outputs, mix busses, and independent matrix mix busses all have 6-band parametric EQs and integrated dynamics processing for excellent sonic tailoring capabilities.

The X32 RACK also has 8 analog XLR outputs as well as 6 balanced line-level 1/4″ Aux inputs and outputs and two 1/4″ headphone jacks. The talkback section allows you to communicate with an external mic. The mixer also has a pair of AES50 ports that feature KLARK TEKNIK SuperMAC networking capability for use with 48-channel digital snakes for ultralow jitter and latency. The integrated expansion port ships with a 32 x 32 X-USB USB audio card installed.

X32 RACK Overview

• 40-input channel, 25-bus, 3 RU rack-mountable digital mixer for live and installed sound application
• 16 Midas-designed, fully programmable mic preamps for audiophile sound quality
• 8 XLR outputs plus 6 additional line in/outputs, a TRS phone connector and a talkback section with XLR mic input
• 32 x 32 channel USB 2.0 audio interface
• iPad and iPhone apps for professional remote operation available free of charge—no host PC required
• High-resolution 5″ day-viewable Color TFT for easy viewing of workflow components and parameters
• Main LCR, 6 matrix buses, and all 16 mix buses, each featuring inserts, 6-band parametric EQ’s and full dynamics processing, plus 8 DCA, and 6 mute groups
• Virtual FX rack featuring 8 true-stereo FX slots include high-end simulations such as Lexicon 480L and PCM70, EMT250, and Quantec QRS, etc.
• 40-bit floating-point DSP features “unlimited” dynamic range with no internal overload and near-zero overall latency (0.8 msec)
• Powerful scene management for convenient handling of complex productions
• 48-channel Digital Snake ready via dual AES50 ports, featuring Klark Teknik’s SuperMAC networking capability for ultralow jitter and latency
• USB type-A connector, providing file storage and uncompressed stereo recordings plus show presets and system updates
• ULTRANET connectivity for Behringer’s P16 Personal Monitoring System
• Networked remote control via Ethernet for show setups with on-screen software editor
• Built-in expansion port for audio interface cards or digital networking bridges
• MIDI In/Out for remote scene recall or controlling other MIDI equipment
• Future firmware updates, including new FX “Plug Ins”, downloadable from behringer.com free of charge

Enhanced Workflow and Multi-Channel Networking

With the introduction of a recent X32 version 2.0 firmware, Behringer have not only dramatically enhanced the workflow, but also added all-new capabilities, including “Acoustic Integration” for total connectivity and control of your speaker and In-Ear Monitor (IEM) systems. They completely re-imagined the more than 50 onboard FX “Plug-Ins” and added classic processor examples based on “True Physical Modelling”. For even more flexibility, the X32 RACK features swappable expansion cards for connecting to other multi-channel audio networking via USB, ADAT, MADI, and Dante protocols, in addition to the onboard ULTRANET and AES50 connectivity. Above all, the X32 COMPACT puts the power of digital in your hands—without compromise.

Front-Side Control

A set of front-panel controls are provided on the X32 RACK, enabling the engineer to make adjustments to the live mix without any additional hardware. The rear-panel expansion port allows inserting optional I/O cards to interface with existing networked audio infrastructure.

5″ Main Display

• X32 RACK’s 5″ day-viewable color TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) display shows the setting parameters you need when you need them.
• Selected for its high-contrast performance and outdoor visibility, TFT is ideal for concert and open air festival venues. Flanked by high-precision, context-sensitive tactile encoders, the screen comes to life and immediately reports in high definition all adjustments applied to a wide range of parameters.
• Intelligent design puts control of vital functions such as Effects, Metering, Routing, and much more 1 or 2 button presses away.

Acoustic Integration

• Legendary 40-year old British company Turbosound, famous for producing some of the world’s best speaker systems, have teamed up with Behringer to seamlessly integrate mixer and speaker systems. We call it “Acoustic Integration”.
• The X32 RACK’s ULTRANET bus allows streaming up to 16-channels of pristine digital audio to an array of Turbosound iQ speakers—all on a single Cat 5 cable, along with control data to set sound presets remotely.
• Furthermore, the iQ Series features “True Physical Modeling” of some of the most popular speakers, which can be easily remote controlled via the X32 RACK, allowing the sound engineer to apply different speaker models in real time from the comfort of the mixing desk.

100-Band RTA for All Channel/ Bus EQ’s

• The X32 RACK includes a high-resolution 100-band Real Time Analyzer (RTA), with full Bar and Spectrograph views. This high-resolution RTA displays the audio energy distribution in 100 frequency bands over time, capturing a sonogram window of a full 10 seconds.
• Switch between the Large RTA view, displaying any available signal in full screen resolution, or the Combined view with the RTA view shown above each of the channel and bus EQ curves.
• See the results of your filtering choices in the audio spectrum directly. Additionally, the RTA can be displayed on top of the 31-band graphic EQs in the FX rack.

16 Breathtaking FX Plug-Ins Based on True Physical Modeling

• Behringer have added 16 new FX Plug-Ins to the X32 RACK, giving you access to a total of 50+ effects that would otherwise cost tens of thousands of dollars in hardware.
• This new generation of high-end FX Plug-Ins is based on true physical modeling of classic audio hardware. They essentially rebuilt classic analog gear in the digital domain and included models of legendary processors such as Urei’s 1176, Teletronix LA-2A, and Fairchild 670 compressors as well as the legendary Pultec EQP-1a and EQ5 equalizers, and more. They also added a cutting-edge 5-band multiband compressor.
• Last but not least, the X32 RACK can run 4 studio-quality stereo reverbs together with 8 channels of 31-band graphic EQ. This allows you to replace your old outboard gear with a fully recallable onboard solution.

Gain Splitting and Remote Control for FOH and Monitoring

• A new Gain Split mode separates channel gain (trim) from the head amp gain, allowing both the FOH and/or the monitor engineer to adjust local trim digitally—and independently of the preamp gain.
• Additionally, the new HA Gain Remote option allows console gains to be remotely controlled by an external console, such as when using the X32 RACK as a stage box.

Advanced Routing and Processing Flexibility

• The X32 RACK’s routing becomes even more flexible with this recent firmware upgrade. Output signals and XLR outputs are now treated separately, allowing signals from AES50 sources or expansion cards to be routed directly to the X32’s analog outputs.
• Use the outputs from an X32 RACK for directly routing back PA or monitoring signals from a main or FOH console. New output tap points can be set as pre- or post-mute for greater usability with your P16 personal monitoring mixers. This is very useful in situations where you don’t want mute groups to interrupt your signal flow.

New Tools for Scene and Show Management

• Introducing the Cue List, an innovative way to automate the loading of scenes and new “Snippets” at different points during a show. Each of the 500 Cue entries can load any of the 100 Scenes or Snippets separately or at the same time. This gives you an amazing total of 500 Cues x 100 Scenes x 100 Snippets
• Store your favorite EQ settings for drums on channels 1-8 as a Snippet, recallable in an instant as its own preset, completely independent of the console’s overall scene. It’s like taking a snapshot of a parameter on an input, return, FX slot, bus, Matrix, Main, or DCA group—and saving it for quick access whenever you need it.

MIDAS the Golden Preamp

• X32 RACK’s input topology—mic preamps, programmable gain controls, and A/D stages were designed by a dedicated engineering team at Midas, the company famous for their award-winning mic preamplifier designs.
• Conceived as a single, cohesive system, and built around premium A/D converters, this proprietary preamp design captures every nuance of your input signal, ensuring superb sonic performance.
• Gain setting is fully programmable and covers a total range of 72 dB, with a precision resolution of 0.5 dB per step.
• Accommodating a maximum input signal level of +23 dBu, X32 RACK turns analog VRs and pad switches into ancient history.
• Backing the analog input section are audiophile-quality Cirrus Logic multi-channel A/D converters, which boast a 114 dB dynamic range, ensuring impressively low distortion and low-noise performance.
• The Midas-designed preamplifier ensures signal integrity of the highest degree.

Audio Networking and Interfacing

X32 RACK includes an array of control and networking capabilities as standard features. Dual-port AES50 digital networking supports up to 96 channels of audio over shielded (STP) Cat 5 cable, allowing remote stage boxes and sharing signals among several connected X32s. Onboard ULTRANET provides a 16-channel digital mix direct to P16 Personal Monitor Mixers, without added hardware, cost, or latency. Ethernet, USB 2.0, and MIDI—all standard features on X32 RACK.

AES50 and SuperMAC

AES50 simultaneously provides high channel counts, extremely low and deterministic latencies, accurate phase-aligned networked clock distribution, error detection, network redundancy, with simple deployment and ease of use to meet the needs of the live performance industry.

This unique combination also benefits both live and studio recording applications as well as postproduction, broadcasting, and audio routing infrastructure. SuperMAC is a proprietary implementation of AES50 owned by Klark Teknik. Originally developed by Sony Pro-Audio Labs in Oxford, UK, it forms the basis of the Audio Engineering Society’s AES50 open standard for digital audio networking—High-Resolution Multi-channel Audio Interconnection (HRMAI), as published by the Audio Engineering Society, Inc.

• 48 bidirectional audio channels at 48 kHz over Neutrik etherCON-terminated cable
• Single-cable duplex interconnection for audio and sample clocks
• Ethernet physical layer audio data transmission
• High channel count and ultralow deterministic latency (2 x 3 samples = 1.8 ms per node)
• Accurate phase-aligned clock distribution
• Comprehensive error detection and management
• Provision for redundant networking
• Minimal configuration: total ease of deployment and use
• Ethernet TCP/IP protocol-compatible auxiliary data channel

X-USB

A versatile powerhouse of a live console, the X32 RACK also provides robust studio functionality. Record and play back up to 32 tracks, which run on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 operating systems or Mac computers via USB 2.0 connectivity. X32 RACK supports 44.1 and 48 kHz sample rates at 24-bit, allowing you to record up to 32 tracks of live audio directly to your computer for mixing down later. Take advantage of X32 RACK’s built-in FX engines to augment your DAW’s plug-in collection, or to free up valuable computer resources. X32 RACK’s recall capability makes it easy for both project and professional studio engineers to stay organized by storing projects as scenes, either internally or externally on a USB stick.

Optional Expansion Cards

The X32 RACK’s expansion slot provides flexible and expandable connectivity for many different applications. A wide array of X-Expansion Cards can easily be used in place of the pre-installed X-USB card to release the power of X32 into existing MADI, Dante, and ADAT networks. Fully compatible with these widely available audio protocols, the X32 RACK delivers a seamless integration in digital live sound, recording and broadcast environments.

X32-Edit (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Simply connect the X32 RACK to a laptop or desktop PC or Mac Computer via LAN, wireless network, or Ethernet cable. The X32-Edit app gives you command of the X32 remotely via computer. Move a fader on the PC, it moves on the X32; press a button on the computer, the button toggles on the X32. You’ll find this feature extremely helpful for stage-side monitor control, individual control of multiple installed X32s as well as multiple remote control stations of the same X32. The X32-Edit app also lets you create scenes on your PC beforehand to minimize the time required for sound checks.

X32-Mix for iPad

Front of House is wherever you and your iPad are thanks to the new X32-Mix for iPad. Just plug in a wireless router via Ethernet cable to the X32, and then wirelessly connect up to 10 iPad devices, which is especially handy for custom monitor mixes. The X32-Mix for iPad lets you control all 32 mic inputs, 8 AUX inputs and 16 buses, plus the FX stereo returns and the Matrix, Main, and DCA levels. Select a fader bank on the iPad, slide the virtual faders and X32’s motorized faders instantly mirror your action. Plus, with the Sends on Faders functionality, your iPad now controls 16 independent monitor mixes.

X32-Q for iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android

• X32-Q is the perfect tool for setting up your personal monitoring mix with the Behringer X32 Digital Mixing Console. Compatible with iPhone models and iPod touch devices, each artist can run their own X32-Q for iPhone and iPod touch to adjust and tweak their personal wedge’s mix. X32-Q includes an assignable MCA (Mix Control Association) feature that makes monitor mixing simple enough to be adjusted during performance. Assign any input or combination of inputs to one of the 4 MCA controls inside X32-Q and instantly get “more me”, “less band”, “more click track”… with a single sweep of your finger.
• X32-Q is also available for Android devices (min 2.2), allowing you to set up your personal monitoring mix with the Behringer X32 Digital Mixing Console. Compatible with select Android mobile devices, each artist can run his own X32-Q Android app to adjust and tweak his personal IEM or wedge monitor mix with an interface similar to the iPhone app. The app includes an assignable MCA (Mix Control Association) feature for monitor mixing simple enough to be adjusted during performance.
• 40 Input Channels, 25-Bus Mixing Console
• Programmable MIDAS-Designed Mic Preamps
• 16 XLR Inputs + 8 XLR Outputs
• 32×32 USB Audio Interface Card
• High-Resolution 5″ Color TFT Display
• 6-Band EQ + 8 Virtual Stereo FX
• 40-Bit Floating-Point DSP
• 48-Channel Digital Snake Ready via AES50
• ULTRANET for P-16 Personal Monitoring