The XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer from Behringer is a 12-input audio mixer with an integrated USB computer audio interface. It enables you to mix together and shape the sound of multiple audio signals, and route the audio to several outputs. Special attention has been paid to the quality of the 1204USB's 4 microphone preamps, "British" style EQ, and 4 easy-to-use one knob compressors.
The 1204USB provides four mono channels and two stereo channels, making it ideal for smaller jobs. There are two aux sends on each mono channel (which enable you to route individual channels to stage monitors or external effects), and two stereo aux returns. The built-in USB interface allows for a bi-directional transfer of audio to and from your computer. The energyXT2.5 software is compatible with Mac, Windows, and even Linux operating systems, and includes virtual keyboard instruments and drum machines.
The 4 built-in compressors are designed to simplify the process of controlling dynamics in your mix. With a single knob you can dial in the amount of compression you need for any given sound. Individual compressors are a feature rarely seen in mixing boards in this price range. The 4 XENYX preamps offer 130dB of dynamic range, and the 3-band "British" style EQ's really allow you to create a fine-tuned mix. The XENYX 1204USB is well suited for recording studios, video editing suites, live sound mixing, podcasting and more.
| Total # Of Inputs | 12 Inputs |
| Mic/Line Inputs |
4 x XLR Microphone Inputs 6 x 1/4" TRS Line-Level Inputs |
| Stereo Line Inputs | 2 x 1/4" TRS Left & Right Paired Inputs |
| AUX Sends | 2 |
| AUX Returns | 2 Stereo Returns |
| Inserts | None |
| BUS (Group) Outputs | 2 Sub Groups |
| 2 Trk Master I/O | 2 x Balanced XLR Outputs |
| ALT I/O |
2 x 1/4" TRS ALT 3 - 4 Outputs Stereo RCA 2-Track Outputs |
| Monitor Outputs |
2 x 1/4" TRS Control Room Outputs 1 x 1/4" Stereo Headphone Output |
| EQ Section | 3-Band EQ on Every Channel |
| Solo/Mute | Mute Button on Every Channel |
| Channel Level Control | 60mm Faders |
| Trim/Gain Control | Yes |
| Phantom Power | +48V Phantom |
| Metering |
12-Segment Stereo LED Meters Clip LEDs on Every Channel |
| Frequency Response |
Mic Input to Main Output: <10 Hz - 90 kHz (+0 dB / -1 dB) <10 Hz - 160 kHz (+0 db / -3 dB) |
| Dynamic Range | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 110 dB A-weighted (0 dBu In @ +22 dB Gain) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.005% / 0.004% A-weighted |
| Power Supply |
Power Consumption: 40W Mains Voltage: |
| Dimensions | 3.81 x 9.72 x 12.91" ((97 x 247 x 328mm) |
| Weight | 5.64 lbs (2.56 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Behringer 1204
I wish I would have owned this thing when I played in my former band. Now I use it for recording. It's all a small band needs, and for the money, there's no ...Read complete review
I wish I would have owned this thing when I played in my former band. Now I use it for recording. It's all a small band needs, and for the money, there's no beating it.
Originally I was going to do some scratch recording with a line in directly into my computer's soundcard, but I have Windows 7 and was experiencing a problem with latency and feedback. I tried several other USB interfaces and found this one to be the best by far. The other company I was dealing with was quite annoyed by me buying products and returning them repeatedly because I wasn't satisfied. Once I found this one, they were glad to get rid of me, and I was glad I didn't have to go back.
This thing does exactly what it's supposed to do, route sound. There's no hissing, no feedback, and it works perfectly.
The other reviewers were talking about how it was difficult to use and how the software wasn't great.
First off, if you've ever dealt with a mixer, this one is no different except for the red button that routes the sound through the usb interface.
Secondly, I would never use this software for recording anyway. It might be ok, but I never tried it.
Bottom line, it does what it's supposed to do, there's no lag, no feedback, no white noise, and it has a great price.
P.S. One reviewer said it had great effects. This unit does NOT have effects. If you want effects, the Behringer 1204fx is what you need to get, however most recording software comes with plenty of effects.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
A Lot To Learn but worth IT!
First, I am a novice at mixing and this unit is about semi-pro musicians, so I am a little lost. If you are new then this unit is a big learning experience, so ...Read complete review
First, I am a novice at mixing and this unit is about semi-pro musicians, so I am a little lost. If you are new then this unit is a big learning experience, so be prepared to test you're PC and electronic intelligence or get something simpler. For the money it was great, it does all the stuff I could want, effects, multi inputs, and so on. And Behringer is a great product. One warning! If you are hoping to power a small group then you will also need either powered speakers or a power head and speakers to get decent sound. It will power your mics OK but nothing more, though I did get my pre-amped guitar through it. Now I am micing my guitar amp and running it through the mixer , into my power head and out my studio monitors and the sound is great.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I bought this mixer as a dual purpose unit: I wanted to mix audio from a vocal mic and instrument mic for online video, and I wanted to be able to mix inputs from different instrument and vocal mics for digial recording of my son's music (he's a multi-instrumental musician and singer).My intial perceptions of this mixer are favorable. It's not a studio-quality board, but is very, very well made and designed for the consumer or entry-level pro-wannabe.I did have to return the first unit I received, because it had a bad master volume potentiometer that cut in and out. The return process was simple and quick- no issues.Sound quality is better than expected and the built-in USB interface works beautifully. Controls are smooth and precise, and the various VU and clip LEDs are accurate and useful while recording to my laptop.I considered going for a less-expensive Behringer model, but am very glad I spent the extra $ or so for more inputs and the built-in USB, I've already made good use of them.Overall, very highly recommended.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I've been using this mixer for about a month now to record my band. We use a DAW called Reaper, and it works really well with the software. The one thing That I would really like out of it is for each channel to send separately to the DAW instead of just sending the Main Mix. But it's ok, we've still been able to do our recording. Check us out[@]
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I work for the education department of a large regional healthcare provider. I support the production of educational videos, as well as large events and classes.
The Xenyx 1204 USB is "just what the doctor ordered" for video shoots, voice-overs and recording narration of PowerPoint presentations.
I also plan to use it for larger productions when the built-in audio mixer/amps in are classrooms won't provide enough inputs.
The low-cut (high pass) filters are great for getting rid of the mechanical rumble in our building, while the 3 band EQ and compression help get a pro-sounding narration quality.
I found the self-noise to be more than I'd like at the higher gain settings needed to get acceptable levels from our TR-50 BPS lavalier mics. This is made even worse when comression is added to fatten up the sound. I would also like the flexibility of having sweepable mids, but for the price, the 1204 USB provides more than expected in sound quality and flexibility.
ONE IMPORTANT NOTE: You will not be able to record via USB if your company/organization does not give you administrator privelidges. After spending an hour on the phone to the IT department, they finally were able set me up to be able to use the USB recording feature. Now the drivers work as expected.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I use this mixer for radio and television. Works great only problem is that the audio feedback is choppy and loud but the actual output is great quality.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
Solidly built with lots of i/o options. Compression adds punch for voice-overs. Includes a rack mount kit. Very flexible mixer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
Song writer studio hub.
Clean and punchy with lots of ins and outs.
Lacks separate sends for the usb.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I use this product for outdoor church meetings. We connect some musical instruments and microphones and found no problems in mixing for professional output. I also use this product to train new sound technicians for our church. The USB feature doesn't benefit me at all.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
i bought this unit to have a small recording session within my apartment. i didn't want to spend a fortune while looking for the most bang for the buck. i considered other brands but for what this mixer offers, no other brands came close. i mean, this thing is set for anything you want in a small setting. of course, i should have gone with the built-in effects unit but i dont have any regrets.
recordings come out extremely clear, compressions work great, and everything is so straight forward. i didnt have enough time to fiddle around with it too much but so far, it has been excellent.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I wish I would have owned this thing when I played in my former band. Now I use it for recording. It's all a small band needs, and for the money, there's no beating it.
Originally I was going to do some scratch recording with a line in directly into my computer's soundcard, but I have Windows 7 and was experiencing a problem with latency and feedback. I tried several other USB interfaces and found this one to be the best by far. The other company I was dealing with was quite annoyed by me buying products and returning them repeatedly because I wasn't satisfied. Once I found this one, they were glad to get rid of me, and I was glad I didn't have to go back.
This thing does exactly what it's supposed to do, route sound. There's no hissing, no feedback, and it works perfectly.
The other reviewers were talking about how it was difficult to use and how the software wasn't great.
First off, if you've ever dealt with a mixer, this one is no different except for the red button that routes the sound through the usb interface.
Secondly, I would never use this software for recording anyway. It might be ok, but I never tried it.
Bottom line, it does what it's supposed to do, there's no lag, no feedback, no white noise, and it has a great price.
P.S. One reviewer said it had great effects. This unit does NOT have effects. If you want effects, the Behringer 1204fx is what you need to get, however most recording software comes with plenty of effects.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
First, I am a novice at mixing and this unit is about semi-pro musicians, so I am a little lost. If you are new then this unit is a big learning experience, so be prepared to test you're PC and electronic intelligence or get something simpler. For the money it was great, it does all the stuff I could want, effects, multi inputs, and so on. And Behringer is a great product. One warning! If you are hoping to power a small group then you will also need either powered speakers or a power head and speakers to get decent sound. It will power your mics OK but nothing more, though I did get my pre-amped guitar through it. Now I am micing my guitar amp and running it through the mixer , into my power head and out my studio monitors and the sound is great.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I use this board for depo work event recording.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
The hardware is good. The energy xt 2.5 software is geared toward engineers, and needs to e written for dummies like first time users of equipment. It took a week for me to figure out my equipment and the software. Their manuals are horribe because they fail to tell dummies like me: STEP ONE...here's how to hook up the machine.
STEP TWO...Here's how to make sure you get an input signal.
STEP THREE...do this....
THey give an overview of their products, which is horrible. Glad I didn't spend thousands on equipment - it might take months to figure it all out.
John Tyler
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I got this mixer, for times when I have a small band's who play on the stages were the main sound board, does not have a sight line to the stage, but I also now use it as a stage mixer for samplers, key boards, sound effect units and drum kits (for the compressors. I am getting way more use out of this than I ever thought I would. I know some bands have bought this after seeing how good it is.
Displaying reviews 1-13
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Behringer 1204
I wish I would have owned this thing when I played in my former band. Now I use it for recording. It's all a small band needs, and for the money, there's no ...Read complete review
I wish I would have owned this thing when I played in my former band. Now I use it for recording. It's all a small band needs, and for the money, there's no beating it.
Originally I was going to do some scratch recording with a line in directly into my computer's soundcard, but I have Windows 7 and was experiencing a problem with latency and feedback. I tried several other USB interfaces and found this one to be the best by far. The other company I was dealing with was quite annoyed by me buying products and returning them repeatedly because I wasn't satisfied. Once I found this one, they were glad to get rid of me, and I was glad I didn't have to go back.
This thing does exactly what it's supposed to do, route sound. There's no hissing, no feedback, and it works perfectly.
The other reviewers were talking about how it was difficult to use and how the software wasn't great.
First off, if you've ever dealt with a mixer, this one is no different except for the red button that routes the sound through the usb interface.
Secondly, I would never use this software for recording anyway. It might be ok, but I never tried it.
Bottom line, it does what it's supposed to do, there's no lag, no feedback, no white noise, and it has a great price.
P.S. One reviewer said it had great effects. This unit does NOT have effects. If you want effects, the Behringer 1204fx is what you need to get, however most recording software comes with plenty of effects.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
A Lot To Learn but worth IT!
First, I am a novice at mixing and this unit is about semi-pro musicians, so I am a little lost. If you are new then this unit is a big learning experience, so ...Read complete review
First, I am a novice at mixing and this unit is about semi-pro musicians, so I am a little lost. If you are new then this unit is a big learning experience, so be prepared to test you're PC and electronic intelligence or get something simpler. For the money it was great, it does all the stuff I could want, effects, multi inputs, and so on. And Behringer is a great product. One warning! If you are hoping to power a small group then you will also need either powered speakers or a power head and speakers to get decent sound. It will power your mics OK but nothing more, though I did get my pre-amped guitar through it. Now I am micing my guitar amp and running it through the mixer , into my power head and out my studio monitors and the sound is great.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I bought this mixer as a dual purpose unit: I wanted to mix audio from a vocal mic and instrument mic for online video, and I wanted to be able to mix inputs from different instrument and vocal mics for digial recording of my son's music (he's a multi-instrumental musician and singer).My intial perceptions of this mixer are favorable. It's not a studio-quality board, but is very, very well made and designed for the consumer or entry-level pro-wannabe.I did have to return the first unit I received, because it had a bad master volume potentiometer that cut in and out. The return process was simple and quick- no issues.Sound quality is better than expected and the built-in USB interface works beautifully. Controls are smooth and precise, and the various VU and clip LEDs are accurate and useful while recording to my laptop.I considered going for a less-expensive Behringer model, but am very glad I spent the extra $ or so for more inputs and the built-in USB, I've already made good use of them.Overall, very highly recommended.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I've been using this mixer for about a month now to record my band. We use a DAW called Reaper, and it works really well with the software. The one thing That I would really like out of it is for each channel to send separately to the DAW instead of just sending the Main Mix. But it's ok, we've still been able to do our recording. Check us out[@]
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I work for the education department of a large regional healthcare provider. I support the production of educational videos, as well as large events and classes.
The Xenyx 1204 USB is "just what the doctor ordered" for video shoots, voice-overs and recording narration of PowerPoint presentations.
I also plan to use it for larger productions when the built-in audio mixer/amps in are classrooms won't provide enough inputs.
The low-cut (high pass) filters are great for getting rid of the mechanical rumble in our building, while the 3 band EQ and compression help get a pro-sounding narration quality.
I found the self-noise to be more than I'd like at the higher gain settings needed to get acceptable levels from our TR-50 BPS lavalier mics. This is made even worse when comression is added to fatten up the sound. I would also like the flexibility of having sweepable mids, but for the price, the 1204 USB provides more than expected in sound quality and flexibility.
ONE IMPORTANT NOTE: You will not be able to record via USB if your company/organization does not give you administrator privelidges. After spending an hour on the phone to the IT department, they finally were able set me up to be able to use the USB recording feature. Now the drivers work as expected.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I use this mixer for radio and television. Works great only problem is that the audio feedback is choppy and loud but the actual output is great quality.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
Solidly built with lots of i/o options. Compression adds punch for voice-overs. Includes a rack mount kit. Very flexible mixer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
Song writer studio hub.
Clean and punchy with lots of ins and outs.
Lacks separate sends for the usb.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I use this product for outdoor church meetings. We connect some musical instruments and microphones and found no problems in mixing for professional output. I also use this product to train new sound technicians for our church. The USB feature doesn't benefit me at all.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
i bought this unit to have a small recording session within my apartment. i didn't want to spend a fortune while looking for the most bang for the buck. i considered other brands but for what this mixer offers, no other brands came close. i mean, this thing is set for anything you want in a small setting. of course, i should have gone with the built-in effects unit but i dont have any regrets.
recordings come out extremely clear, compressions work great, and everything is so straight forward. i didnt have enough time to fiddle around with it too much but so far, it has been excellent.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I wish I would have owned this thing when I played in my former band. Now I use it for recording. It's all a small band needs, and for the money, there's no beating it.
Originally I was going to do some scratch recording with a line in directly into my computer's soundcard, but I have Windows 7 and was experiencing a problem with latency and feedback. I tried several other USB interfaces and found this one to be the best by far. The other company I was dealing with was quite annoyed by me buying products and returning them repeatedly because I wasn't satisfied. Once I found this one, they were glad to get rid of me, and I was glad I didn't have to go back.
This thing does exactly what it's supposed to do, route sound. There's no hissing, no feedback, and it works perfectly.
The other reviewers were talking about how it was difficult to use and how the software wasn't great.
First off, if you've ever dealt with a mixer, this one is no different except for the red button that routes the sound through the usb interface.
Secondly, I would never use this software for recording anyway. It might be ok, but I never tried it.
Bottom line, it does what it's supposed to do, there's no lag, no feedback, no white noise, and it has a great price.
P.S. One reviewer said it had great effects. This unit does NOT have effects. If you want effects, the Behringer 1204fx is what you need to get, however most recording software comes with plenty of effects.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
First, I am a novice at mixing and this unit is about semi-pro musicians, so I am a little lost. If you are new then this unit is a big learning experience, so be prepared to test you're PC and electronic intelligence or get something simpler. For the money it was great, it does all the stuff I could want, effects, multi inputs, and so on. And Behringer is a great product. One warning! If you are hoping to power a small group then you will also need either powered speakers or a power head and speakers to get decent sound. It will power your mics OK but nothing more, though I did get my pre-amped guitar through it. Now I am micing my guitar amp and running it through the mixer , into my power head and out my studio monitors and the sound is great.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I use this board for depo work event recording.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
The hardware is good. The energy xt 2.5 software is geared toward engineers, and needs to e written for dummies like first time users of equipment. It took a week for me to figure out my equipment and the software. Their manuals are horribe because they fail to tell dummies like me: STEP ONE...here's how to hook up the machine.
STEP TWO...Here's how to make sure you get an input signal.
STEP THREE...do this....
THey give an overview of their products, which is horrible. Glad I didn't spend thousands on equipment - it might take months to figure it all out.
John Tyler
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Behringer XENYX 1204USB - 12-Input USB Audio Mixer:
I got this mixer, for times when I have a small band's who play on the stages were the main sound board, does not have a sight line to the stage, but I also now use it as a stage mixer for samplers, key boards, sound effect units and drum kits (for the compressors. I am getting way more use out of this than I ever thought I would. I know some bands have bought this after seeing how good it is.
Displaying reviews 1-13