How many microphone preamps does the QX1204USB have?

The mixer is equipped with four XENYX mic preamps, which are located on the first four input channels.

Does this mixer include built-in digital effects?

Yes, it features a KLARK TEKNIK effects processor with 32 presets, including reverb, chorus, and delay.

Can the QX1204USB record to a computer?

Yes, it has a built-in stereo USB audio interface that allows you to plug the mixer directly into a computer for recording and mixing.

What is 'one-knob' compression?

It is a simplified compression feature on the four mono channels that allows users to dial in professional-grade dynamic control using a single dial.

What style of EQ does the mixer use?

The mixer uses 3-band EQs derived from classic British console tones of the 1960s and 70s, designed for a warm and musical sound.

Is software included with the mixer?

Yes, Behringer provides complementary recording and editing software to be used with the integrated USB interface.

How many total inputs does the device offer?

The XENYX QX1204USB is classified as a 12-input mixer, accommodating a mix of mono and stereo sources.

Can I use external effects with this mixer?

Yes, it features two aux sends per channel, which can be used to route signals to external processors or for monitoring.

Does the USB interface support multi-track recording?

The built-in interface is a stereo interface, meaning it typically sends the main left/right mix to the computer rather than individual tracks.

What is the typical price for the Behringer QX1204USB?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £169.

Who is the primary target audience for this mixer?

It suits podcasters, small bands, and home studio users who need a combination of analog control and USB connectivity.

How does it compare to the Mackie ProFX12v3?

While both are 12-channel analog mixers with USB, the Behringer features KLARK TEKNIK effects and British-style EQ, whereas the Mackie uses its own proprietary Onyx preamps and GigFX engine.

Gear article

Behringer XENYX QX1204USB

The Behringer XENYX QX1204USB is a compact 12-input analog mixer featuring an integrated USB audio interface and KLARK TEKNIK effects processing. Designed for both live performance and studio recording, it incorporates British-style channel EQs and four studio-grade compressors with one-knob control.

See live prices

Overview

The Behringer XENYX QX1204USB serves as a versatile bridge between traditional analog mixing and modern digital recording. It features four XENYX mic preamps, which provide a high dynamic range and transparency. The unit is designed to accommodate various input types, including microphones, line-level instruments, and USB-sourced audio, making it a central hub for small-scale production environments.

Processing and EQ

A primary feature of the QX1204USB is its channel equalization, which is modelled after classic British console circuits from the 1960s and 70s. These 3-band EQs are intended to provide a warm, musical character to the sound. Additionally, the first four channels are equipped with 'one-knob' compressors. These studio-grade processors allow users to control dynamics easily, increasing sustain and smoothing out signal peaks without complex parameter adjustments.

KLARK TEKNIK Effects

The mixer includes a high-performance digital effects engine developed by KLARK TEKNIK. This processor offers 32 world-class presets, covering essential time-based and modulation effects. Users have access to a variety of reverbs, choruses, delays, and other multi-effects, providing professional-grade polishing for live vocals or instruments directly within the hardware.

Connectivity and USB Interface

The integrated bi-directional stereo USB interface allows the mixer to connect directly to a PC or Mac. This enables users to record the main mix directly into digital audio workstation (DAW) software and play back audio from the computer through the mixer's monitoring system. Behringer includes complementary recording and editing software to facilitate a complete out-of-the-box production workflow.

Market Comparison

Within the compact mixer market, the QX1204USB competes with several notable alternatives. The Yamaha MG12 and Mackie ProFX12v3 offer similar channel counts and analog workflows, though the Behringer distinguishes itself through the specific integration of KLARK TEKNIK processing. For users requiring more advanced digital routing, products like the PreSonus StudioLive AR8c or the rack-mounted Behringer X AIR XR18 represent a step up in complexity and price.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

How many microphone preamps does the QX1204USB have?: The mixer is equipped with four XENYX mic preamps, which are located on the first four input channels.
Does this mixer include built-in digital effects?: Yes, it features a KLARK TEKNIK effects processor with 32 presets, including reverb, chorus, and delay.
Can the QX1204USB record to a computer?: Yes, it has a built-in stereo USB audio interface that allows you to plug the mixer directly into a computer for recording and mixing.
What is 'one-knob' compression?: It is a simplified compression feature on the four mono channels that allows users to dial in professional-grade dynamic control using a single dial.
What style of EQ does the mixer use?: The mixer uses 3-band EQs derived from classic British console tones of the 1960s and 70s, designed for a warm and musical sound.
Is software included with the mixer?: Yes, Behringer provides complementary recording and editing software to be used with the integrated USB interface.
How many total inputs does the device offer?: The XENYX QX1204USB is classified as a 12-input mixer, accommodating a mix of mono and stereo sources.
Can I use external effects with this mixer?: Yes, it features two aux sends per channel, which can be used to route signals to external processors or for monitoring.
Does the USB interface support multi-track recording?: The built-in interface is a stereo interface, meaning it typically sends the main left/right mix to the computer rather than individual tracks.
What is the typical price for the Behringer QX1204USB?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £169.
Who is the primary target audience for this mixer?: It suits podcasters, small bands, and home studio users who need a combination of analog control and USB connectivity.
How does it compare to the Mackie ProFX12v3?: While both are 12-channel analog mixers with USB, the Behringer features KLARK TEKNIK effects and British-style EQ, whereas the Mackie uses its own proprietary Onyx preamps and GigFX engine.