18 Input, 3/2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Microphone Preamps and "One-Knob" Compressors ( -Channels 1-6 ),      Klark-Teknik Multi-Effects ( 32 programs ),  3-band semi-parametric ( -Channels 1-6 ) and 4-band fixed            ( -Channels 7-14 ) EQ's, 9-Band Main EQ , Voice Canceller,  XPQ Surround Sound processor, Wireless        Option, USB Audio Interface, Tracktion/ Podcast software ( -downloadable from the Behringer site ).

When it's Behringer Xenyx QX1832 USB!  If you need to assemble a project-studio "on the cheap" just buy a Behringer Xenyx 1832 USB. You're done! This affordable mixer incorporates just about ALL the outboard gear you'll ever need. It's built right in the board! Talk about "bang-for-the-buck". Aside from getting a truly great sounding mixer, this board packs a 9-band master EQ ( -and both fixed 4-band and semi-parametric 3-band EQ's on the channel strips ), six "one-knob" compressors ( -on the first six mic. channels ), a ( 32 ) program multi-effects processor, a voice-canceler circuit and a unique  XPQ Surround Sound processor ( -for adding    an extra bit of sonic clarity spatial enhancement to your mixes ).

And guess what?  We haven't even covered the QX1832's full feature set yet! The unit's wireless mic input          ( -situated between channel 1 and 2's channel strip headers -and just south of the XLR and 1/4" line inputs ), accepts a USB receiver ( -for use with Behringer's ULM wireless microphones ).  And the board also serves as a USB interface.  Behringer also throws in Tracktion recording and podcasting software downloadable from their site. I'm currently using the Xenyx 1832 USB to record Riffjam Tribe's upcoming "First Contact"  album and  have been pleasantly surprised to find there's absolutely no need to use any additional outboard gear. The Xenyx 1832 USB pretty much does it all.  A true "one -box" solution.  How sweet is that! 

The Behringer Xenyx QX1832 USB is loaded with the following. Starting at the top left of the board you'll find:    6  balanced XLR mic inputs ( -featuring Xenyx mic preamps ) followed by:  6  1/4" balanced/ unbalanced mono TRS line inputs ( -with 75 hz, 18 dB/ Octave low cut pad switches )  * NOTE:  Channels 1 and 2 -as mentioned above, feature a Behringer USB digital wireless mic receiver port ( -situated between Channel 1 and 2 ), and that is followed by:  ( 6 ) +10 - +60 dB mic input gain trim knobs ( -which also provide -10 dB - +40 dB of gain to the line inputs ), followed by:  6 "one knob" compressors ( -each with a compressor graphic and red  activity  LED to their right ).   

Beneath the six "one-knob" compressors you'll find:  ( 6 ) 3-band semi-parametrc EQ's ( -giving you a boost or cut of 15 dB's ) at: 80 hz, a mid-frequency "center" that's user selectable from: 100hz - 8 Khz, and finally a high  frequency center at 12 Khz, followed by:  ( 14 ) unity - +15 dB Aux/ Monitor knobs ( -with FX / Monitor level, Pre switch and Level knobs as well as FX Level knobs ), followed by:  ( 6 ) Pan knobs, ( 6 ) Mute buttons, ( 6 ) Level Faders ( -with "Main", "Sub", "Solo" buttons and "Clip" as well as "Mute" LED's ) with channels 1 and 2 also being dedicated to the wireless Mic 1 and 2 inputs.

Channels 7-14 being left and right balanced or unbalanced line inputs ( -marked "7/8", "9/10", "11/12"      and "13/14" ) -each having +4/ -10dB  Pro/ Consumer Level selector buttons, followed by:  ( 4 ) 4-band fixed EQ's ( -giving you a boost or cut of 15 dB's at:  80 hz, 500 hz, 3 Khz and 12 Khz "centers" ), followed by the Aux/ Monitor and FX controls described above -along with the same arrangement of "Main", "Sub", "Solo", "Clip" and "Mute" LED's mentioned previously on channels 1-6.  Since these channels are left and right line inputs, they're correctly named "balance" knobs, followed by:  Channels "7/8", "9/10", 11/12" and 13/14" Mute buttons, followed by the corresponding channel's:  Level Faders ( -which have a nice "silky" feel through

out their slider range. Nice stuff! ).  

As nifty as all of the QX1832's "sonic goodies" are they'd be of little use if the board itself didn't sound good.  No worries there. This mixer sounds great! For those who need convincing -I'll list a few of it's tell tale specs

to prove the point. But let your ears be the final judge. If you get an opportunity, audition a QX1832 USB for yourself. I think you'll agree -it lives up to it's impressive specs. 

Mic. E.I.N. ( 20 hz - 20 Khz ):  @ 0 ohm source resistance:  -134 dB A-weighted,

@ 50 Ohm source resistance: -131 dB A-weighted,

@ 150 Ohm soure resistance:  -129 dB A-weighted.    

Frequency Response ( -1 dB ):  10 hz - 150 Khz ( -1 dB ), ( -3 dB ) 10 hz - 200 Khz ( -3 dB ) 

Gain Range:  +10 dB to +60 dB,  Max. Input Level:  +12 dBu @ +10 dB gain,

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  109 dB/ 112 dB A-weighted ( 0 dBu In @ +22 dB gain ),

Distortion: ( THD + N ):  0.005% A -Weighted   

Need more? Okay, here's a few more specs:  

Main Mix System Data ( Noise ):  Main Mix @ unity, channel fader @ unity:  -100 dB/ -103 dB  A-weighted

Main Mix @ 0 dB, channel fader @ unity: -88 dB/ -91 dB A-weighted,

Main Mix @ 0 dB, channel fader @ 0 dB: -80 dB/ -82 dB A-weighted

The built-in Klark Teknik Multi-Effects Processor uses a 24-bit Sigma-Delta DSP Converter

employing 64/ 128-times oversampling. The board's USB Connector is "Type B" capable of

stereo in/ out audio ( -using 16-bit conversion at 48 Khz ). The wireless input uses a

USB dongle that can accept signals from two independent Behringer ULM mics.

Atop the mixer's master section ( -on the right side of the board ) you'll find the Klark Teknik's Multi-Effects section with it's programs clearly stenciled into discrete groupings ( i.e: "Delay/ Ambience", "Modulation", Combination FX", etc. ). Below there you'll find the effects LCD screen, "Effects Send", "Program/ Value" knobs along with "Parameter 1/2" and "Parameter 3 ( Tap )" buttons -useful in adjusting effects parameters. Beneath, there you'll find the master section's 9-band EQ sliders ( -with 63 hz, 125 hz, 250 hz, 500 hz, 1K, 2K, 4K, 8K and 16K "Centers" -each giving you up to 12 dB of boost or cut ). To the right of the sliders you'll find Behringer's proprietary "FBQ Feedback Detection" button ( -for taming offending "feedback" squeals at any of the EQ's      9-bands ), a "Main Mix/ Monitor" button and an "EQ" activation button. 

Beneath the EQ sliders you'll find an "Aux 1 Send" knob with in-circuit "Solo" button and activation LED, an "Aux 1 Return" knob and "Monitor Mute" button ( -along with corresponding "Mon. Send" fader with "Solo" button and "Solo" and "Mute" LEDS ). Right of there, you'll find another Behringer proprietary circuit -the "XPQ Surround" ( -with it's amount knob and "XPQ to Main" activation button ). Below there's the "Voice Canceller" "In" button ( -for activating karaoke-style voice track elimination from media sources sent through the mixer ). Below there, you'll find an "FX/ Aux. 2 Mute" button and "FX/ Aux 2. Return" fader ( -with "Solo", "Sub". "Main" and "Mon" buttons -and "Solo" and "Mute" activation LED's ). 

In the right most section you'll find "Source" selection buttons ( -labelled "USB/ 2-Tr", "Sub 1-2" and "Main Mix" ) for accessing them in your mix. To it's right, you'll find a "USB/ 2-Tr to Main" button with corresponding LED. Below there's your "Phones/ Ctr Room" level knob. To the left and below of there you'll find the "Sub 1-2" left/ right button pairs and sub faders. Right of there, you'll find "PFL ( Level Set ) and "Main Solo" activation LED's that correspond directly to the "Mode" button located beneath them. The"Mode" button allows you to select either "Solo ( Normal )" or "PFL ( Level Set ) modes. The "PFL ( Level Set )" mode allows you to optimize your input signal levels and signal-to-noise for the cleanest possible sound. The "PFL ( Level  Set )" procedure  is covered on page 24 of the owner's manual ( i.e: " Xenyx QX1832 USB Gain Setting ). 

*NOTE:  This "Mode" button is the most DANGEROUS button on the entire console and one feature that I

wish Behringer had chosen to omit!  The QX1832 USB is so clean and noise-free that this "PFL ( Level Set )" procedure ( -implemented when you first set up your mix ) yields little in terms of addition level or sonic benefits.  And the scary thing is that in the heat of an involved mixing session it's way too easy to accidentally press this "Mode" button activating this "PFL ( Level Set" ) feature ( -in which case your sound level suddenly jumps 50 or so decibels ( -more than enough to damage your hearing! ).  Unfortunately, I discovered this        by accident the first day I used my QX1832 USB. I literally had to rip my headphones off to save my hearing        ( -as I desperately flailed for the "Mode" button -to restore it back to it's UP "Solo ( Normal )" position ). 

And this occurred with the board's input gains and channel faders set at minimal settings!  So, be sure to exercise extreme caution when using this "Mode" button!  In fact, to avoid this happening a second time, I've scotch-taped a clear plastic spacer ( -purchased from my local hardware store ) over this button -so I have no repeats of this incident. I'd highly recommend you do the same.  Apart from using the "PFL ( Level Set )" to    set your initial input channel gains -which is pretty much a waste of time in my book ( -as long as you've pre-adjusted your channel input gains "by ear" while monitoring your source -they usually end up around 40-60% "up" to achieve optimal levels and S/N ratio ), I'd suggest always leaving this "Mode" button in it's UP "Solo      ( Normal )" position -to save your ears!  This "PFL ( Level Set )" option represents my ONLY complaint          with this otherwise exemplary board. I truly wish Behringer had omitted it!  

Finishing out the Main section's controls ( -on the far right bottom corner of the mixer ) are the ( 12 ) LED stereo ( -30 to "Clip" ) "Main Mix" VU meters ( -with "Power" and "+48 V" phantom power activation indic- ated by the top most LED's  ). Underneath, you'll find the stereo "Main Mix" faders. Round back, you'll find      a proper 3-prong AC line cord receptacle/ fuse panel, rocker switch "Power On" and "Phantom On" switches    ( -the latter providing +48 V to any connected condenser mics ), 2 x XLR "Monitor Outputs", 1/4" "right" and "left" "Main Outputs", 2 x "Sub Outputs" ( -marked 1 and 2 ), 2 x "left" and "right" "Control Room Outs"        and of course the Type B USB port ( -capable of stereo in/ out audio transmission utilizing a 16-bit/                48 Khz converter ). 

The Behringer Xenyx QX1832 USB is an "audiophile-grade" mixer. I can confidently say that after spending tens  of hours listening to it in a variety of mixing applications.  As is the case with all Behringer mixers I've owned,  the sound is "clean and transparent". However, the Xenyx QX1832 USB goes one better -adding a bit of bass and mid-bass "authority" I've not not encountered in other Behringer mixers ( -like the Xenyx QX1202 USB    I've already reviewed ). I can only speculate this added "bass authority" may be due to a more robust built-in power supply.  What ever the case, if you're a "golden eared" stickler for sound-quality, this mix board won't disappoint!  With it's semi- parametric and fixed channel EQ's, "one knob" compressors and "XPQ" Surround enhancer set to taste -the QX1832 USB's sound is gloriously warm, musical and thoroughly "audiophile grade". 

In fact, the QX1832 USB could very well serve as the "central connection hub" for any well-healed audiophile's components ( -supplanting an overpriced "boutique preamp" ) -though it might not offer every type of conn-ection required for such audiophile components ( -for example, a turntable phono preamp, etc. ). The point being, this is one incredibly good sounding mixer!  It's bevy of thoughtful "extras" and affordable price-tag make it a "steal" for the sound and cost-conscious project-studio recordist or stage mix engineer.  

I doubt that you'll find a better sounding, more elaborately equipped mixer for the price. With the possible exception of it's "PFL ( Level Set )" feature, this mixer is nigh on "perfect". Besides mixing Riff Jam Tribe's first album through this mixer, I'll be using this board to mix and assemble my "Music From the Cutting Edge of Rock" radio program ( -debuting in 2020 ). Playing a few of the Spacerock, Prog and Power-Metal CD's I'll be featuring on the show ( -"tweaking" them through the QX1832 USB's compressors, EQ's and "XPQ" Surround enhancer ), I'm more confident than even that this show will reach true "audiophile standards". 

Overall,  the QX1832 USB has been a joy to own and use so far!    

The QX1832 USB's "one-knob" compressors are highly effective and as "simple as pie" to use.  Just grab and twist them to where they sound best. What could be easier?  Their effect ( -when "dialed in" to where you want them ), combined with this mixer's inherent "bass solidity" gives you a rich musical sound that's very pleasing to listen to.  These "one-knob" compressors add immensely to the mixer's overall sound quality. 

Regarding the built-in ( 32 ) program Klark Teknik multi-effects processor ( -which wasn't mentioned much above ). It's decent sounding though perhaps not up to Lexicon or Eventide standards. Still, I find I can usually "get close" to the effect I'm after with a little tweaking. And the fact that I don't have to buy an outboard effects unit ( -and hassle with cabling it up to the mixer! ) pleases me. The selection of effects on offer seems well rounded and balanced -covering most of the situations I could foresee ever needing.  

No doubt about it, the QX1832 USB is a magnificent affordable mixer. Based just upon it's feature set, you'd swear it costs more than it does. But beyond it's generous serving of welcome "extras" this board delivers on sound quality too. It's a "text-book" example of what's meant by the term "biggest-bang-for-your-buck".

And not ONLY do you save money by NOT having to purchase lots of extra outboard gear ( i.e:  equalizers, compressors, effects processors, spacial enhancement devices, etc. ) to use with this mixer -you also keep your recording signal path as streamlined, "clean" and noise-free as possible ( -since the QX1832 USB includes all of this stuff right on the mixer's printed circuit board! ). You can't get any more "straight wire" than that! This also saves you the hassle of cabling up all of that external outboard gear -so you can get right to mixing. 

Bottom line:  Behringer's QX1832 USB is a "biggest-bang-for-the-buck" steal that you'd be crazy to pass up.      At least, if you're in the market for a medium sized project-studio or sound-reinforcement mixer. For all of the reasons mentioned thus far -the QX1832 USB gets our enthusiastic "thumbs up"!  

                                                             -END  OF  REVIEW