X32 Control Software Called X32

A rotary encoder, also incorporating a push switch, moves through and selects the channels or buses.

Our Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns conducted an in-depth review of it back in SOS August 2012 ( sosaug12articlesbehringer-x32.htm ), with Mike Crofts documenting its use in the field a month later.

Weve also run a feature on its cousin, the X32 Compact ( sosnov13articlesbehringer-x32-compact.htm ).

If youre not familiar with the X32, it would be best to start out by reading those reviews, which are freely available on the Sound On Sound web site.

Up to two S16 units can be connected together to provide 32 inputs and 16 returns over a single Cat 5e connection, and each mixer has two AES50 ports, so can accommodate up to four S16s each (though only 40 inputs can be active at a time).

I feel that having them on the mixers might have been useful, especially in the case of the X32 Core where theres really no analogue IO other than talkback, headphones and local monitoring (theres also no SPDIF present on either mixer).

While you cant run long ADAT optical cables in the same way as you can with AES50, there are many applications where the mixer and IO can be in the same rack, so the ability to patch a couple of ADA8200s or similar into the back of the mixer would have added further flexibility.

Though it has less physical IO than the large console version (it has essentially the same IO as the X32 Compact), it is still very generously appointed for its size, with 16 digitally programmable Midas mic preamps, a card expansion slot and eight balanced XLR outputs for the main and matrix mixes, augmented by six aux ins and outs on balanced jacks (aux inputs 56 are also doubled up on phonos).

Theres also a talkback mic input, stereo monitor outs and a headphone jack, and if you need more IO, you can plug in some S16 digital snakes as mentioned earlier.

The inputs and outputs of any connected expansion boxes will appear in the routing page,allowing you to choose from the available sources.

The S16s connect using SuperMAC, a low-jitter, low-latency networking technology developed by Klark Teknik.

The Cores front panel is a much more Spartan affair, with the three encoders and diminutive screen only offering access to basic functions such as mute and fader level.

Completing the IO count are conventional MIDI In and Out DIN sockets.

The expansion slot is on the rear panel and enables audio interface cards or digital networking bridges to be added as necessary the review models came fitted with Behringers XUSB 32-channel USB audio interface.

X32 Control Software Called X32

A piece of computer software called X32 Edit is available free of charge for setting up both versions of the mixer, and both have the ability to be controlled wirelessly from one or more iPadiPhone remote devices using freely downloadable apps (X32 Q for iPhone and X32 Mix for iPad).

The first four effects can be configured either as aux send effects or as inserts, while the last four can be deployed only as inserts.

You get the expected set of dynamics, modulation effects, delays and graphic EQs, while the reverbs include models that emulate the sound of classic Lexicon, EMT and Quantec processors.

The six matrix buses and all 16 mix buses are equipped with insert points, Where more detailed parameter editing is required, the X32 Rack and Core can be connected to a computer and edited via this control software.

Up to eight DCA (fader) groups and six mute groups can be set up.

Though clearly this isnt as fast or as intuitive as having a dedicated control surface with moving faders, the free MacPCLinux software helps streamline the process, as well as allowing access to the setup options and scene management.

Simple stereo recording and WAV file playback are available via the USB 2 port located on the front panel.

Above the USB port is a button that, when pressed, brings up the playbackrecord control screen and a retro cassette-tape graphic.

The same port may also be used to store or load scene information from a memory stick and to implement firmware updates.

To the left of the display is a channel level knob (with illuminated rings showing the level of the currently selected channel), along with solo and mute buttons with metering, port status and channel number indicator.

X32 Control For Mac