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sacchetta « Bought it just incase, ended up using it all the time! »
Published on 10/07/14 at 01:03The Behringer XENYX 802 is a great portable unit for that engineer on the go. I personally use it for headphone mixes almost every time I'm at the studio. I've even seen people use it with their TV, surround sound and game systems! This small analogue mixer is well worth the MSRP of $100.
The unit is not rackable but it will easily fit on any flat surface. At about 9"X7" the Behringer XENYX 802 will save you lots of valuable desktop space.
The unit is analogue only, this means no digital out's or built in effects. The 802 has XLR, TRS/TS & RCA connection jacks.
Specs:
-8 inputs (2 XLR, 6 TRS)
-2 main outputs (TRS)
-2 control room outputs (TS)
-1 FX send (TS)
-2 aux returns (TRS)
-1 stereo headphone out (TRS)
-2 RCA inputs
-2 RCA outputs
-2 XENYX preamps
-3 EQ (low 80Hz, mid 2.5kHz, high 12kHz)(+15/-15dB) on 4 channels (channel 3&4 are stereo)
-1 FX fader knob on 4 channels
-Inputs 1&2 also ave TRS/TS line inputs
-CD/Tape To Control button
-CD/Tape To Mix button
-1 main mix knob
-1 phones/control room knob
-1 aux return knob
-1 phantom power button
-Includes power adapter
-Mic gain for channels 1&2 range from +10dB - +60dB
-Line input for channels 1&2 range from -10dB - +40dB
-22dBu maximum output
-3 LED meter (-20, 0, 6, CLIP)
-Power & +48V LEDs
-Metal design with plastic side pieces
-1.9" X 7.4" X 8.7"
-3.5lbs
UTILIZATION
This mixer isn't trying to play tricks on you, it's really easy to use. Every thing is labelled very clearly and it shouldn't confuse even the beginner (okay well maybe not the absolute beginner, if you are going to be a pain about it). Although it doesn't have sliding faders, the knob faders are easy enough to understand.
No USB = no install problems. You never know which system update will cause your interface to stop working. This unit won't have to go through those types of problems due to its analogue genetics. There's something humbling about using a piece of analogue gear, maybe its because it won't crash on you. Keep in mind this mixer isn't going to give sound to your computer (unless you have the cables and an input on your computer).
The manual is alright. You can't blame Behringer for wanting to put a few different models together in one manual. It saves space, money and time. However it can be confusing to the beginner so be sure to always check which models features you are actually looking at.
There is also a CD/Tape to CTRL button and a CD/Tape to mix button. They come in handy when you want to mix in an external line level signal such as an iPod, CD player, etc.
SOUNDS
There is no audible hiss or noise (unless blasting the gain knob and fader). The XENYX 802 has smooth gain that leaves you with enough headroom incase your singer decides to wail out their final lines. The mic inputs on the unit has a +10dB - +60dB range in the gain stage. The line inputs preform almost as hot, getting a -10dB - +40dB range in the gain stage. I really like the dual XLR/TRS connectors for channels 1&2. You get the freedom of being able to connect something like a guitar or a keyboard into your primary channels. In case you've gone a little overboard with the gain you'll be happy that there is a handy red "clip" LED. And yes, I know you are an audio expert and can hear when there is any clipping, however some of us just enjoy the ease of seeing the LED go into "code red".
The 802 features 3 british EQs which compliment every channel. Lets keep in mind that you don't have an adjustable frequency knob (it would send the price of the unit up), what you do have is a low EQ of 80Hz, a mid of 2.5kHz and a high of 12kHz. You are getting -/+15dB per EQ, which I've found to be especially effective for eliminating headphone bleed when recording and using the 802 for a hearback unit. A nice added bonus is that the 802 has blue coloured EQ knobs. Not the biggest deal but it is kind of a disappointment when you get a unit without colour coded knobs (you want to be able to quickly glance at your board if changes need to be made). Say the built in EQ isn't enough for you, good thing you've got your aux out and stereo return. Send signal from each of your channels to an external EQ (or reverb, or delay, etc). Return your beautifully EQ'd signal in stereo, then watch how easy it fits into your mix. It should be noted that the aux knob has a range of infinity to +20dB.
Now if you are using this as a headphone mixer for a musician like I am I'll have to warn you, this unit's headphone mix doesn't come out super hot. I've been close to being maxed out before some clients are satisfied with their levels but then again with some nice over the ear headphones they should be fine.
As for over all sound of the unit, it does sound nice and the price makes it sound even better. The british EQs indeed sound like they've come straight off of a big british console, but like I said, it would be nice to have some frequency control. The gain sound is surprising, you would think that a $80 mixer is not going to be good for in the studio, just at home. This isn't true, I don't have a real reason to use it in studio, but I have and 98% of people aren't going to be able to tell any difference between this mixer and a full desk mixer.
OVERALL OPINION
What I most liked about the XENYX was the size. The unit only measures 1.9" X 7.4" X 8.7", this is about the size a small mousepad and it takes up next to no surface area, leaving your desktop free for all kinds of other junk (please put the caps back on your water bottles, for all of our sakes). What I like least about the 802 was that it has plastic sides. I'm not the type to drop my gear, but if it happens I would feel more secure if the sides were also some sort of metal.
What a value for the price. I've been seeing them for about $80 average and you can't really complain. Even if its just a mixer for your small TV system, the price of the 802 makes its irresistible. Lets remember that this unit has been around for years now so there are probably better choices for better prices. This unit has gone down in price a bit since it's release, but that is to be expected.
The sound of this unit was medium-high quality and the precision was just about the same. You can be assured that you are getting what you pay for plus even more! A rule of thumb for mixers is price per channel and if I were to average it all out I'd say you are looking at about $100 per channel for quality pre amps. If that doesn't convince you of it's value I don't know what will.
I didn't try other models when looking at the 802. I had already owned a XENYX 1622 so I knew what to expect. It's nice to have the 1622's little brother around. Like I have said many times before, it's nice to have a small portable unit just incase.
Knowing what I know now, yes I would absolutely make the same choice. In fact if anyone wants to send me one, I'll take a second! It would be a nice everyday carry mixer (yes I have all the paperwork to legally carry a concealed mixer in my province).
Pros:
-Small, lightweight
-2 XLR/TRS in
-2 more stereo channels of line input
-2 channels out/RCA in/out
-Control room out
-Great headroom on pre-amp
-Auxiliary send and returns
-Phantom power
-Use the RCA inputs to attach a CD & mix it into your mix
Cons:
-No adjustable frequency knob for EQs
-Plastic sides
The unit is not rackable but it will easily fit on any flat surface. At about 9"X7" the Behringer XENYX 802 will save you lots of valuable desktop space.
The unit is analogue only, this means no digital out's or built in effects. The 802 has XLR, TRS/TS & RCA connection jacks.
Specs:
-8 inputs (2 XLR, 6 TRS)
-2 main outputs (TRS)
-2 control room outputs (TS)
-1 FX send (TS)
-2 aux returns (TRS)
-1 stereo headphone out (TRS)
-2 RCA inputs
-2 RCA outputs
-2 XENYX preamps
-3 EQ (low 80Hz, mid 2.5kHz, high 12kHz)(+15/-15dB) on 4 channels (channel 3&4 are stereo)
-1 FX fader knob on 4 channels
-Inputs 1&2 also ave TRS/TS line inputs
-CD/Tape To Control button
-CD/Tape To Mix button
-1 main mix knob
-1 phones/control room knob
-1 aux return knob
-1 phantom power button
-Includes power adapter
-Mic gain for channels 1&2 range from +10dB - +60dB
-Line input for channels 1&2 range from -10dB - +40dB
-22dBu maximum output
-3 LED meter (-20, 0, 6, CLIP)
-Power & +48V LEDs
-Metal design with plastic side pieces
-1.9" X 7.4" X 8.7"
-3.5lbs
UTILIZATION
This mixer isn't trying to play tricks on you, it's really easy to use. Every thing is labelled very clearly and it shouldn't confuse even the beginner (okay well maybe not the absolute beginner, if you are going to be a pain about it). Although it doesn't have sliding faders, the knob faders are easy enough to understand.
No USB = no install problems. You never know which system update will cause your interface to stop working. This unit won't have to go through those types of problems due to its analogue genetics. There's something humbling about using a piece of analogue gear, maybe its because it won't crash on you. Keep in mind this mixer isn't going to give sound to your computer (unless you have the cables and an input on your computer).
The manual is alright. You can't blame Behringer for wanting to put a few different models together in one manual. It saves space, money and time. However it can be confusing to the beginner so be sure to always check which models features you are actually looking at.
There is also a CD/Tape to CTRL button and a CD/Tape to mix button. They come in handy when you want to mix in an external line level signal such as an iPod, CD player, etc.
SOUNDS
There is no audible hiss or noise (unless blasting the gain knob and fader). The XENYX 802 has smooth gain that leaves you with enough headroom incase your singer decides to wail out their final lines. The mic inputs on the unit has a +10dB - +60dB range in the gain stage. The line inputs preform almost as hot, getting a -10dB - +40dB range in the gain stage. I really like the dual XLR/TRS connectors for channels 1&2. You get the freedom of being able to connect something like a guitar or a keyboard into your primary channels. In case you've gone a little overboard with the gain you'll be happy that there is a handy red "clip" LED. And yes, I know you are an audio expert and can hear when there is any clipping, however some of us just enjoy the ease of seeing the LED go into "code red".
The 802 features 3 british EQs which compliment every channel. Lets keep in mind that you don't have an adjustable frequency knob (it would send the price of the unit up), what you do have is a low EQ of 80Hz, a mid of 2.5kHz and a high of 12kHz. You are getting -/+15dB per EQ, which I've found to be especially effective for eliminating headphone bleed when recording and using the 802 for a hearback unit. A nice added bonus is that the 802 has blue coloured EQ knobs. Not the biggest deal but it is kind of a disappointment when you get a unit without colour coded knobs (you want to be able to quickly glance at your board if changes need to be made). Say the built in EQ isn't enough for you, good thing you've got your aux out and stereo return. Send signal from each of your channels to an external EQ (or reverb, or delay, etc). Return your beautifully EQ'd signal in stereo, then watch how easy it fits into your mix. It should be noted that the aux knob has a range of infinity to +20dB.
Now if you are using this as a headphone mixer for a musician like I am I'll have to warn you, this unit's headphone mix doesn't come out super hot. I've been close to being maxed out before some clients are satisfied with their levels but then again with some nice over the ear headphones they should be fine.
As for over all sound of the unit, it does sound nice and the price makes it sound even better. The british EQs indeed sound like they've come straight off of a big british console, but like I said, it would be nice to have some frequency control. The gain sound is surprising, you would think that a $80 mixer is not going to be good for in the studio, just at home. This isn't true, I don't have a real reason to use it in studio, but I have and 98% of people aren't going to be able to tell any difference between this mixer and a full desk mixer.
OVERALL OPINION
What I most liked about the XENYX was the size. The unit only measures 1.9" X 7.4" X 8.7", this is about the size a small mousepad and it takes up next to no surface area, leaving your desktop free for all kinds of other junk (please put the caps back on your water bottles, for all of our sakes). What I like least about the 802 was that it has plastic sides. I'm not the type to drop my gear, but if it happens I would feel more secure if the sides were also some sort of metal.
What a value for the price. I've been seeing them for about $80 average and you can't really complain. Even if its just a mixer for your small TV system, the price of the 802 makes its irresistible. Lets remember that this unit has been around for years now so there are probably better choices for better prices. This unit has gone down in price a bit since it's release, but that is to be expected.
The sound of this unit was medium-high quality and the precision was just about the same. You can be assured that you are getting what you pay for plus even more! A rule of thumb for mixers is price per channel and if I were to average it all out I'd say you are looking at about $100 per channel for quality pre amps. If that doesn't convince you of it's value I don't know what will.
I didn't try other models when looking at the 802. I had already owned a XENYX 1622 so I knew what to expect. It's nice to have the 1622's little brother around. Like I have said many times before, it's nice to have a small portable unit just incase.
Knowing what I know now, yes I would absolutely make the same choice. In fact if anyone wants to send me one, I'll take a second! It would be a nice everyday carry mixer (yes I have all the paperwork to legally carry a concealed mixer in my province).
Pros:
-Small, lightweight
-2 XLR/TRS in
-2 more stereo channels of line input
-2 channels out/RCA in/out
-Control room out
-Great headroom on pre-amp
-Auxiliary send and returns
-Phantom power
-Use the RCA inputs to attach a CD & mix it into your mix
Cons:
-No adjustable frequency knob for EQs
-Plastic sides