Behringer X32 Rack Mixer Setup Guide

Behringer X32 Rack Mixer Setup Guide

What You’ll Need

  • Behringer X32 Rack Mixer
  • Power cable
  • Ethernet cable (for remote control via app)
  • Input sources (e.g., microphones, instruments)
  • Output connections (e.g., PA speakers, monitors)
  • Computer/tablet (optional, for remote control via X32 Edit or X32-Mix app)

1. Mount and Power On

  • Mount the X32 Rack into a standard 19” rack case if not already done.
  • Plug in the power cable and turn the power switch ON (located on the front panel).
  • Wait for the system to boot (takes 15–30 seconds).

2. Connect Input Sources

  • Plug microphones, instruments, or DI boxes into the XLR input channels (1–16) on the rear panel.
  • Phantom power (48V) can be enabled per channel via software for condenser mics or active DIs.

3. Connect Output Devices

  • Connect main PA speakers to Main Out L/R (XLR).
  • Connect monitors or in-ear systems to Bus Outs or Aux Outs (1–6 TRS jacks or AES50 if using digital stageboxes).
  • You can route different mixes to different outputs later in the setup.

4. Connect a Computer or Tablet (Optional but Recommended)

  • Via Ethernet (recommended):
    • Connect the X32 Rack to your router or switch via the Ethernet port.
    • Use a computer with X32 Edit software (download from Behringer’s website) or a tablet with X32-Mix app.
    • Set the IP addresses accordingly or let them auto-configure (DHCP).

5. Access the Interface

  • Use the front panel screen and encoder knob to navigate.
  • Press the VIEW button on each section (e.g., "Channel", "EQ", "Routing") to open it on the screen.
  • Use the pages/buttons and rotary knobs to tweak settings.

6. Configure Routing (Basic Setup)

  • Go to the Routing section:
    • Select Inputs to confirm analog XLR inputs (default is Local 1–16).
    • Select Outputs to assign Bus Outs, Main Outs, etc.
    • For example, assign Bus 1–2 to Aux Out 1–2 if sending monitor mixes.

7. Set Up Channels

  • Select a channel via the rotary encoder or software.
  • Press VIEW on “Config”:
    • Name and color-code the channel.
    • Set phantom power, polarity, and gain.
  • Press VIEW on “EQ” to tweak EQ settings.
  • Press VIEW on “Gate” or “Comp” to adjust dynamics.
  • Press VIEW on “Sends” to assign the channel to buses (e.g., monitor mixes).

8. Mix Setup

  • Main Mix:
    • Press Main LR, then use the encoder or software to adjust levels of each input in the main mix.
  • Monitor Mixes:
    • Press the Bus 1–6 button (or whichever mix you’re setting).
    • Use the Sends On Fader feature in the app or software for easier setup.
    • Adjust the send levels for each channel in that bus mix.

9. Save Your Scene

  • Press Setup > Save/Load.
  • Save your current mix as a “Scene” so you can recall it later.

10. Optional: USB Recording/Playback

  • Insert a USB drive into the USB port.
  • Use the Recorder function to record stereo mixes.
  • Playback through a stereo input or assign it via routing.

Tips

  • Label everything in the software to keep track of channels and outputs.
  • Use the X32 Edit software for quicker setup and drag-and-drop routing.
  • Back up your scenes and presets frequently.