Has a lot of features you'd expect from a 32 channel 8 bus analog console. Probably the only feature i'd of liked to see would have been on solo'ing a bus would mute all other channels. Instead, the main level leds show the solo'd signal level or the re-fader level (it's a toggle). There is no external option for a meter bridge, but the ability to see the signal in the main level led does a good job. You just have to do it one channel at a time.

Price paid

$849

UTILIZATION

If you can use an analog desk, you can use an analog desk. Just more channel strips, and a couple extra bells and whistles. Witout opening up the manual i was able to do everything with the desk. The manual is well written, but again, there isn't a whole lot that one wouldn't know if they could use an analog desk to begin with. The only realy nice feature is the extra help offered in setting up patchbays for the desk (of course recommending their patchbays for the job).

100% usable and rugged enough for both studio and live applications. it's designed for both. You have the option of doing monitor mixes or front of house mixes with the same desk, and if you are more electonic in your application for music, you can mix yourself on stage and send the monitor and foh desks as little (2 channels) or as much (4 stereo by hard panning the 8 subs more if you are willing to give up aux sends) as you'd like. Aux sends one and two can be routed back into any stereo pair sub (1&2, 3&4, 5&6, or 7&8) or the mains without the need for repatching.

SOUNDS

I'm partial to Behringer over Mackie with analog desks. I've always found them to be nicer. That being said, there's a lot of debate out between the two (especially if you're in the shop comparison shopping). Half the people will tell you the Behringers are quieter, the other half says the Mackies are quieter. I'm of the camp that for the most part the behringer's are quieter. The eq is also solid and contains a nice low frequency cut for the times that you need it.

OVERALL OPINION

I have to give the MX3282A a love factor of 10. Having spent so much time away from a nice analog desk and working solely within the computer realm of Cubase, it's nice to have physical control over the channels without the use of a mouse or an external control surface. The manual also comes with suggested modifications to the board dealing primarily with changing the aux sends from pre to post fader (the recommendation is to have an authorized service center do the modifications, but if you have experience with saudering it is a very easy modification) At any one time you are looking at a channel having at most 6 aux sends, (5&6 and 7&8 share the same nobs and are switchable, but they also have the option of switcing between pre and post fader) but given that 1&2 are pre, 3&4 are post, and the remainder switchable you've got enough options to cover most situations. I also like the fact that channels 25-32 are in stereo pairs as this opens up the ability to route additional aux sends back into the board on their own channels if it's desired. All around if you are looking for an affordable 32 channel 8 bus console but aren't looking to spend the money on a mackie, behringer probably makes the board you need.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 5-, 2002)