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Thread: Why Behringer?

  1. #1
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    Why Behringer?

    I'm really curious about this -

    I've noticed the Behringer MDX4600 has secured quite a bit of popularity in the Podcasting Community, and I'm not sure why. Is it because it's cheap? Sure, you get 4 channels of dynamics processing, albeit very basic control options.

    I get that flexibility is a good thing. OTOH how many producers would actually need 4 processing channels? To be honest I wouldn't be comfortable recommending that piece.

    I have a good amount of past experience with the now discontinued dbx 266xl Compressor/Gate. I would be much more comfortable recommending 1 or 2 of the up to date dbx 166xs two channel processors as opposed to the Behringer.

    -paul.


  2. #2
    Administrator andrewzarian's Avatar
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    Paul .. Great question. I have also noticed many people using the MDX4600. I personally don't like it. I would take a DBX 286s over it any day. It really comes down to people not really knowing what to buy. Its a lot of bang for your buck so people buy it. I have personally converted atleast 6 people from an MDX4600 to a DBX 286s

  3. #3
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    What is wrong with it? It got great reviews and it has 4 XLR inputs: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._PRO_XL_4.html Click Customer Reviews.

  4. #4
    Senior Member TommySulivan's Avatar
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    Sadly I was one of those people. The reason I got it was price. It has 4 channels and I thought I could hook up other microphones and possible skype lines to it. I bought a DBX thanks to @mikephillips and sold the MDX4600

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    Andrew, I totally agree.

    One thing - and I realize you are aware of this ... the 286s is a single channel voice processor.

    The 166xs is a two channel Compressor - Limiter - Gate, with all the controls you would expect on a high quality dynamics processor. So for me it's a much better option than the Behringer. One unit can be used as dual-mono or stereo. It's a great piece for a little more than $200 bucks.

    And like I said, I'm with you one the 286s. It's an absolute steal for the price. I have a 286A, the previous model.

    -paul.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by MovieBuff View Post
    What is wrong with it? It got great reviews and it has 4 XLR inputs: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._PRO_XL_4.html Click Customer Reviews.
    With respect the reviews mean nothing to me. It lacks flexibility in terms of processing parameters. That's the problem with it. Also - people are being misguided, using it as a voice processor and a gain stage. It's not what it's designed for.

    -paul.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by TommySulivan View Post
    Sadly I was one of those people. The reason I got it was price. It has 4 channels and I thought I could hook up other microphones and possible skype lines to it. I bought a DBX thanks to @mikephillips and sold the MDX4600
    Mike gave you good advise. You're much better off with the dbx piece.

    -paul.

  8. #8
    Moderator / IAIB Pro Broadcaster mcphillips's Avatar
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    The Behringer mixers are great values. It's hard to fault them at the price point. However, just because a company makes a nice mixer does not mean they make a good compressor. Some people use and are happy with the 4600. My experience with it is limited. Price is the key driver. Unlike you, however, I have not had good luck with a dbx 266. There is one sitting at my right knee, and I can't set it so that it is effective but transparent.
    Please direct all questions for me to the forum so that all can benefit.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by mcphillips View Post
    The Behringer mixers are great values. It's hard to fault them at the price point. However, just because a company makes a nice mixer does not mean they make a good compressor. Some people use and are happy with the 4600. My experience with it is limited. Price is the key driver. Unlike you, however, I have not had good luck with a dbx 266. There is one sitting at my right knee, and I can't set it so that it is effective but transparent.
    How are you using the 266? On a mixer insert for voice? In-line between a source and a mixer? Are you feeding it a hot enough signal without the need to crank the output?

    -paul.

  10. #10
    Moderator / IAIB Pro Broadcaster mcphillips's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ptfigg View Post
    How are you using the 266? On a mixer insert for voice? In-line between a source and a mixer? Are you feeding it a hot enough signal without the need to crank the output?
    I've tried it in every configuration I can, and the levels are correct. (I've done this before.)
    Please direct all questions for me to the forum so that all can benefit.

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