Behringer Eurodesk MX8000

Well... I'll be the first to write in this section.
I went this weekend to Germany to get it.
350 euros (yes... on eBay)

You can read the features on www.Behringer.de

Apart from the fact that it doesn't have any effects (which doesn't bother me much, since I play drums).
It has all the features of a big console (which rarely have effects!)... 9/10

USE

Very easy to use (if you have the manual).
It's a real treat to use!
I have nothing much to say in this regard, except that the faders on mine feel way too smooth, I would've preferred them to offer a little more resistance.

SOUND

Neutral sound. No alterations.
You get what you pay for. No noise (I tested it with a Neumann as overhead mic...Which I could NEVER afford!!!).

6/10 (not considering the price)
10/10 (considering the price!)

So 8/10

OVERALL OPINION

Neutral sound, routing possibilities that even some "big" consoles don't have, the faders lack "stiffness" on mine (they feel cheap).
Otherwise, there's not much to add.
Oh, yes,... Would I buy it again? Yes, I would!!! Unbeatable value for money!!!
For an amateur home studio... It's a real delight.

A real pro would want and can certainly pay more!!!

Nothing to add to what has been said already. Truly impressive connection options for the price. The direct outs are particularly useful. I use it in my home studio to record and mix together with an Akai DtD. I use my PC for midi.

USE

Very, very comprehensive and simple. 8 buses and 6 auxs. And inserts and direct outs on every channel. The routing is very flexible. Personally, I have a lot of fun routing the direct outs to other tracks.

SOUND

This is where you start understanding the price. Namely:
- It's not very transparent. Although that's a matter of taste.
- The preamps are noisy when you crank up the level.
- The pots aren't precise. It can be exhausting to adjust a send/effect, for example.
- Equalizer? Really? There's an EQ: Without a doubt its weakest point. Fortunately, thanks to the flexible routing, you can get round the problem processing the signal with a real EQ. Personally, I use the mixer's EQ for backup vocals and use specific rack gear for the main vocals.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it secondhand and have been using it for 7/8 years. One channel doesn't work anymore and 2 or 3 faders have issues.
I love the number of channels and the ultra-comprehensive configuration possibilities. The least: The EQ.
I tested a Spirit. But I needed more channels.
Exceptional value for money (in my particular case). I would certainly buy it again.
Although I will soon switch to a PC-based setup (Motu 24 I/O + Cubase 4), I'll keep my console around to write songs, as a "mixer" for my rack gear and when my friends come over to jam. I will use it very little to record or mix.
To sum it up: I'm very satisfied with the services this nice console has provided me.

After a day of use I am very far from being disillusioned!  Really very nice like a table, maximum possibilities! too bad! First generation table like a mackie, it's sublime!

UTILIZATION

Simply great!

SOUNDS

Super clear, I find it to my taste, really perfect! I have the first copy of the series mackie! No breath unless you push the knobs !

OVERALL OPINION

Overall opinion, I bought it for a great price and in super good condition, I am really happy to return to the good old consoles because I got really tired of digital! promix, 01V, 01V96, vm3100 pro, ect! this choice I would repeat without hesitation!

24 mic inputs + 24 line inputs
Inserts on all tracks
4-band semi-parametric equalizer
8 sub-groups
6 auxs (4 pots + switch between 3/4 and 5/6)
External power supply in 19" 2.5U rack format

I think there are over 250 I/Os on this mixer! There are inserts everywhere, triple sub-group outputs, etc.

Get the manual to learn more!

USE

It's a classic mixing console
But be careful, depending on the version, the direct outs aren't wired the same way, on the first version they are post-fader!!

The bar-graph can display either the 24 mic or the 24 line inputs.

SOUND

I think it's a very good console with a great sound for live gigs!
It makes much less noise than the brand's modern consoles! (I've ran some tests)

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you been using the product?
Two years

Did you try any other models before buying this one?
Yes, several Yamahas, Behringers and Mackies

Which feature do you like the most / the least?
The bar-graph is really handy, as well as the dual monitoring section
The routing possibilities are huge thanks to the 8 sub-groups, 6 auxs and 24 inline inputs

Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?
Absolutely! It's one of the most comprehensive analog mixers I've seen. There are certainly better ones, but they cost 10 times as much!