Behringer X32 Producer vs X32 Compact: A Comparison

When it comes to digital mixers, Behringer’s X32 series has become a game-changer, offering powerful features, professional-grade audio quality, and flexible connectivity options at an affordable price. Among the popular models in this series are the X32 Producer and the X32 Compact, both designed to meet the demands of both live sound engineers and studio professionals. Though they share many of the same core features—like Midas-designed preamps, motorized faders, and a comprehensive FX rack—these two mixers cater to different needs in terms of size, control, and flexibility. In this report, we’ll break down the key differences between the X32 Producer and X32 Compact to help you decide which mixer best suits your workflow, whether you’re setting up for a live gig or managing a recording studio.

1. Behringer X32 Producer Digital Mixer

The Behringer X32 Producer Digital Mixer is an impressive and versatile piece of equipment designed for both live sound and studio use. With 40 inputs and 25 buses, it offers exceptional flexibility for managing complex audio setups. The 16 Midas-designed mic preamps ensure high-quality sound that can handle a variety of professional applications. The 17 motorized faders provide smooth and responsive control, and the 5″ color TFT display allows for clear monitoring of settings, making it easy to adjust your mix in real-time. The mixer also supports iPad and iPhone remote control, allowing users to adjust settings wirelessly, which is a huge plus for live performances and multi-location setups.

However, the X32 Producer isn’t without its challenges. Some users have mentioned that the learning curve can be steep for those unfamiliar with digital mixers, and the interface might feel overwhelming at first. While it boasts an array of features, the complexity of its functionality can be a barrier for less experienced users. Despite this, the X32 Producer excels in delivering professional-grade features at an affordable price, offering powerful scene management, flexible FX processing, and the innovative “Acoustic Integration” with Turbosound iQ speakers, making it a highly valuable tool for live sound engineers and studio professionals alike.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 40-input, 25-bus mixing with 16 Midas preamps
2. 17 motorized faders for seamless control
3. iPad and iPhone apps for wireless remote operation
4. 5″ high-resolution color TFT display for easy monitoring
5. Virtual FX rack with 8 stereo FX slots

Pros:

1. High-quality sound with Midas-designed preamps
2. Flexible for both studio and live performance use
3. Motorized faders provide dynamic control and ease of use
4. Remote control functionality via mobile apps enhances versatility
5. Affordable price for the features offered

Cons:

1. Steep learning curve for beginners

2. Behringer X32 Compact Digital Mixer

The Behringer X32 Compact Digital Mixer is a highly capable and flexible mixing solution that strikes a balance between professional-grade features and a compact, user-friendly design. With 40 inputs and 25 buses, it offers powerful mixing potential for both studio and live environments. The 16 Midas-designed preamps provide audiophile-quality sound, while the 17 motorized faders and 7″ TFT display make it easy to control and monitor the mix. The inclusion of the innovative LCD Scribble Strips for easy channel identification and the ability to remotely control the mixer through iPad/iPhone apps add significant convenience for users, particularly in live sound situations. Its connectivity options, including a 32×32 USB interface and the ability to integrate seamlessly with Turbosound iQ speakers, further expand its versatility.

Despite its impressive capabilities, there are a few drawbacks. The learning curve for first-time digital mixer users can be steep due to the multitude of features and functions available. Additionally, the mixer’s size, though compact compared to other models, may still be cumbersome for those with limited space. While the X32 Compact provides ample connectivity, it may not be ideal for very large-scale productions, as it lacks some of the higher-end input options found in larger mixers.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 40 inputs and 25 buses with 16 Midas-designed mic preamps
2. 17 motorized faders and 7″ TFT color display
3. LCD Scribble Strips for easy channel identification
4. iPad/iPhone apps for remote control
5. 32×32 USB audio interface and ULTRANET connectivity

Pros:

1. Compact and portable design for easy transport
2. High-quality sound with Midas preamps
3. User-friendly interface with motorized faders
4. Extensive connectivity options for live and studio applications
5. Affordable pricing relative to its features

Cons:

1. Steep learning curve for new users

Behringer X32 Producer vs X32 Compact: A Comparison

The Behringer X32 Producer and X32 Compact are two powerful digital mixing consoles designed for professionals in both live sound and studio environments. While both mixers share several key features, such as Midas-designed preamps, motorized faders, and extensive connectivity options, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

1. Design and Build

X32 Producer

The X32 Producer is a more compact version of the full X32 series, offering a rackmountable design for users who need flexibility in their setup. With a relatively smaller footprint (19.29”D x 19.92”W x 6.42”H), it’s easier to fit into a tight studio or live environment. Despite its smaller size, it still provides a robust feature set, making it a versatile choice for both live sound engineers and studio professionals.

X32 Compact

The X32 Compact, on the other hand, is slightly larger (20.08”D x 24.61”W x 8.46”H) and intended for users who may need more physical control over their mixing. It’s still relatively portable but offers a more extensive control surface with 17 motorized faders and a 7-inch color TFT display. This design is ideal for users who prefer more tactile control, such as live sound engineers in larger venues.

Key Differences:

• X32 Producer is more compact and rackmountable.
• X32 Compact provides more hands-on control with additional faders and a larger display.

Feature	X32 Producer	X32 Compact
Dimensions	19.29″D x 19.92″W x 6.42″H	20.08″D x 24.61″W x 8.46″H
Weight	31.96 lbs	45.5 lbs
Motorized Faders	17	17
Display	5″ Color TFT	7″ Color TFT

2. Audio Quality and Performance

Both the X32 Producer and X32 Compact feature 16 Midas-designed, fully programmable mic preamps, which ensure exceptional audio quality in both studio recordings and live sound situations. These preamps are a standout feature of the X32 series, providing audiophile-grade sound at an affordable price point.

• X32 Producer: The X32 Producer is designed to handle 40 input channels and 25 buses, offering an excellent balance between performance and portability. It’s perfect for smaller venues or studio setups where the size of the mixer is crucial but without compromising on sound quality.
• X32 Compact: The X32 Compact, while also capable of handling 40 input channels, gives users more control over their audio with its large fader layout and LCD Scribble Strips for better signal management. This can be a significant advantage when handling larger, more complex live sound setups where more tactile control is required.

3. Control and Usability

X32 Producer

The X32 Producer provides a streamlined control interface with 17 motorized faders, a 5-inch TFT display, and the ability to remotely control the mixer using the X32-EDIT PC/Mac/Linux software or the X32-MIX iPad app. The 5-inch display may be a bit smaller than the X32 Compact, but it still offers a highly intuitive interface for mixing.

X32 Compact

The X32 Compact offers a more expansive control surface, with 17 motorized faders and a 7-inch display. The larger display makes it easier to monitor and adjust settings, and the addition of LCD Scribble Strips on all channels and buses helps users quickly identify and assign channels. This makes the X32 Compact an excellent choice for users who need immediate, tactile feedback while mixing, especially in live environments.

Both mixers also offer Sends on Fader and DCA Groups for flexible routing and group control, but the X32 Compact’s larger display and additional visual feedback from the Scribble Strips may make it slightly more intuitive for those who prefer hands-on control.

4. Connectivity and Expandability

X32 Producer

The X32 Producer excels in connectivity, offering a 32×32 USB 2.0 audio interface, networked remote control via Ethernet, and multiple expansion options. It supports Behringer’s ULTRANET system for integration with personal monitoring systems and is compatible with various digital networking protocols, such as Dante, ADAT, and MADI (via optional expansion cards).

X32 Compact

The X32 Compact is also highly flexible in terms of connectivity, supporting the same 32×32 USB interface and networked control features. Additionally, the X32 Compact includes the ULTRANET connectivity for Behringer’s Turbosound iQ series speakers, providing a powerful way to control and monitor sound in a live environment.

Both mixers support iPad/iPhone apps for remote control, but the X32 Compact’s larger screen and fader control provide better tactile and visual feedback when working remotely.

5. FX and Processing Power

Both mixers feature a Virtual FX Rack with high-end effects, but there are some key differences:

• X32 Producer: It provides 8 true-stereo FX slots and offers full dynamics processing, 6-band parametric EQs, and effects such as Lexicon 480L, EMT250, and Quantec QRS.
• X32 Compact: The X32 Compact boasts 16 new FX plug-ins based on true physical modeling of classic analog hardware, such as the Urei 1176, Teletronix LA-2A, and Fairchild 670 compressors. These effects provide users with a wide range of professional-grade sound-shaping tools, including four studio-quality stereo reverbs and multiband compression.

6. Price and Value

The X32 Producer is positioned as a more affordable solution for users who need a compact and powerful digital mixer. Its price is generally lower than the X32 Compact, making it a great choice for smaller studios or live setups with limited space.

The X32 Compact, while slightly more expensive due to its larger control surface and additional features, offers incredible value for users who need more hands-on control and a larger display.

FAQ

1. What is the primary difference between the X32 Producer and X32 Compact?

The main difference between the Behringer X32 Producer and X32 Compact lies in their physical size and the number of features designed for hands-on control. The X32 Producer is a more compact, rack-mountable unit, with a smaller 5-inch display and fewer faders (17 motorized faders) compared to the X32 Compact, which has a larger 7-inch display and 17 long-throw faders. The X32 Compact is designed for those who need more tactile control and a larger mixing surface, while the X32 Producer is better suited for mobile setups or where space-saving is important.

2. Can I use the X32 Producer or X32 Compact for both live sound and studio recording?

Yes, both the X32 Producer and X32 Compact are highly versatile and can be used for both live sound and studio recording. They both feature 40 input channels, 25 buses, and Midas preamps, which make them powerful enough for large, complex live sound setups, as well as precise and high-quality recordings in the studio. They also support 32×32 USB audio interfaces for seamless DAW integration, and the inclusion of iPad and iPhone apps allows for remote control, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

3. What kind of effects are available on both mixers?

Both the X32 Producer and X32 Compact offer a powerful Virtual FX Rack with a range of built-in effects. These include high-end simulations of classic analog gear, such as Lexicon reverbs, Quantec QRS, and Urei compressors. The X32 Compact includes 16 new FX plugins based on True Physical Modeling of classic hardware, delivering studio-quality effects directly from the mixer. The X32 Producer, although slightly less expansive in its onboard effects, still provides a solid range of professional-grade digital effects for live sound and recording.

4. How does the remote control work for these mixers?

Both the X32 Producer and X32 Compact support remote control via iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, allowing sound engineers to control the mix from anywhere in the room or venue. Behringer provides free apps (X32-MIX for iPad and X32-Q for personal monitoring) that let you adjust settings, control channels, and manage mixes without needing to be physically at the console. This feature is particularly useful in live settings where flexibility is essential, such as adjusting monitor mixes for performers during a show.

5. Are there any differences in the expandability options between the two mixers?

Both the X32 Producer and X32 Compact offer built-in expansion ports that support audio interface cards and digital networking bridges. This allows you to connect to a variety of audio networks, such as MADI, Dante, or ADAT, and expand the system as needed. However, the X32 Compact is more geared towards live sound due to its additional I/O options, like more analog outputs and direct control over DCA groups and faders. The X32 Producer, while still capable of supporting a range of expansion options, is often better suited for environments where space is a premium, and rack-mounting is a priority.

Conclusion

Feature	X32 Producer	X32 Compact
Price	Lower	Higher
Remote Control	iPad/iPhone apps	iPad/iPhone apps
FX and Effects	8 true-stereo FX slots	16 true physical modeling FX
Portability	More compact, rackmountable	Slightly larger, but portable
Connectivity	ULTRANET, USB 2.0, Expansion	ULTRANET, USB 2.0, Expansion

Choose the X32 Producer if you need a more portable, rackmountable mixer with a focus on compactness and efficiency. It’s ideal for users with space constraints or those who want a high-quality mixer for smaller setups.

Choose the X32 Compact if you prefer a larger control surface with more tactile feedback, a bigger display, and additional effects. It’s better suited for larger live environments or those who require enhanced control and more advanced features. Both mixers provide exceptional value, but the X32 Compact offers a more feature-rich experience for users who need greater flexibility and hands-on control.