The ultimate color box . As a 500-series follow-up to the Portico 5042, the 542 delivers the same thick, musical simulation of tape while drastically enhancing creative control via a number of new features. In addition to the the true tape circuitry great for bringing out 3rd-order harmonics the 542 incorporates a soft-clip circuit that tames the harshest sources and enhances 2nd-order harmonics, a variable and versatile Silk/Texture circuit for three transformer tones in one, and a wet/dry control to blend in the perfect amount of saturation. The 542 s True Tape emulation circuit provides the nostalgic rounding and compression usually only achieved by the use of tape, and can offset the harshness often found in digital recordings. Unlike digital emulations, the True Tape drive circuit works by feeding a custom-designed transformer acting as a record head , which in turn is coupled to a correctly equalized replay amplifier. As the voltage rises on the record head , saturation increases, and a soft clip circuit engages at higher levels to round off peak transients. The sound of the tape circuit can be further modified with selectable 15 / 30 IPS modes and a pre/post-tape blend control. In addition to the tape circuit, the 542 also has the variable Silk and Texture circuitry developed for the Portico II series modules, which allows the engineer to fine-tune the harmonic ratio and tonality on the output transformer. Getting the Most Out of the 542 While in the olden days, tape s non-linearity was generally looked upon as more of a curse than a feature , the advent of digital systems that operate in a completely linear fashion has made many appreciate the quirks of non-linear audio processing. Unlike linear designs, non-linear devices require the user to actively experiment with gain staging to find the sweet spot of the circuit. Although this requires a small amount of effort on part of the engineer, if used properly, the effect can add a dynamic aspect to performances that can enhance the impact of a song. The non-linearity in the 542 s True Tape circuitry and Saturation control necessitate taking note of both drive and input levels. How levels are staged into the 542 s tape circuit can significantly impact tone, depending on the position of the saturation control and the drive level on the tape circuit. As saturation is increased, low frequency compensation is decreased, and at a drive level of 5 the soft clipper enters the circuit. Finding the best balance point between low frequency response, total harmonic distortion, and desired soft clipping require playing with a combination of the saturation, trim and blend controls, and may also include using dynamics processing and proper gain staging before the 542. As a rough guide, we recommend starting with an input signal from around 2-10dBu and applying saturation, 15 / 30 IPS, Silk, and blend to taste. However, it always behooves the engineer to experiment with the balance between the pre-tape signal level and the level of the saturation control to find the best results for each source. To get a better idea of what is happening at different saturation and Tape Head levels, look through the frequency response and THD by frequency response graphs in the Technical Specifications section at the end of the manual. Also, like a real tape machine, the flux loops in the True Tape circuitry can pick up signals from strong nearby magnetic fields (The most likely sources are nearby power supplies, power amplifiers and computer monitors). Although we have shielded both the unit as a whole and the tape circuit to minimize stray inductance, if you have issues with hum when engaging the tape circuit, try moving the 542 to other spots away from magnetic field radiators until the hum subsides. Adding Texture Both Silk modes are modified and fine tuned by the Texture control. By manipulating the Texture control, the amount of Silk can be changed from essentially absent, to roughly four times the amount of coloration found in Silk from the original Portico Series. With Silk / Texture engaged, the distortion characteristic and harmonic content of the unit are very reminiscent of many of Rupert s vintage class-A designs. These controls add another realm of tonal control to the 542, and should be explored creatively in conjunction with the True Tape for best effect. Designed for 500 Series by Mr. Rupert Neve Rupert Neve: While creating functional 500-series modules is relatively simple, designing those modules to equal their non-500 series counterparts with the current, voltage and space restraints is quite challenging. In creating our own 500 Series Modules, we experimented with a number of different transformer and circuit designs to achieve the same presence and sweetness found in the Portico Series of modules. The result of these efforts is that outside of the slightly lowered headroom, our 500 series modules are nearly indistinguishable from standard Portico Series modules, and are perfectly suited for studios of the highest-caliber. The 542 consists of a line driving amplifier having transformer balanced inputs and outputs. The sonic quality of these amplifiers is such that by providing galvanic isolation, simple single-sided circuit topology and freedom from grounding problems, they are capable of enhancing the sonic quality of many signal sources, especially those of digital origin. The sonic signature is one of extreme purity and the image is consistent with that of Rupert Neve s original designs of 35-40 years ago.

New Features at a glance A new ratio Eleven , which emulates a favorite classic compressor setting. New Two Color Front Panel Improved Logic Separate TRACKING LED, more intuitive display. Backwards stepping when a front panel button is held. New extended stereo link functions. More choices of how to lock compressors. Cooler running Logic Circuitry, resulting in an overall cooler operating temperature. Improved overall noise floor, due to lower logic power consumption. THE FAT GOES TO ELEVEN ELEVEN is a new compressor for the Fatso, replacing the old GP Ratio, and emulates the famous UREI 1176LN in 20:1, with the slowest attack, and fastest release. This 1176 setting has been used on countless hit records through the decades. With the slower 1176 attack, the transients keep the dynamics present, while the high ratio, can radically limit the dynamic range of any source, making it present and sitting in a nice little place in your mix. One can slam it, or just touch it with a few dB of compression. You will find it great on Vocals, Bass, acoustic guitars, drum room mikes, pianos etc. The ELEVEN ratio took several months of experimentation, and required a rather radical attack mod to get close. It was one of those projects that Dave Derr, the designer, thought would only take a few days, but upon initial research and listening tests, subtleties emerged which required starting over several times. I got in one of these design loops, where you would get one thing right, then change another parameter or component, and find that it changed the first thing you thought you had right. It was actually a long frustrating series of changes, that slowly spiraled towards the desired result. Any kind of math calculations or scaling seemed useless. In addition, while testing 1176 s, I discovered issues that I m quite sure were not intended by the original designers, and probably things of which they were not even aware. But using modern digital oscilloscopes and analyzers, along with digital workstations, and our good old ears, we could see artifacts that the original designers couldn t. Heck, they may have even tried to fix the little imperfections that gave the 1176 its unique character, had they the tools to see them. Thank gosh they didn t, right Anyway, the design loop was frustrating, but like anything that takes you to unexpected places, hopefully you come out a little bit wiser, and with a great product. I hope our customers find the new ELEVEN ratio fun to use, and discover it can add some more magic to your music. NOTE: ALL existing older Fatso Jr s can be modified to change the GP ratio to the new ELEVEN ratio. In addition, all Fatsos shipped from Empirical Labs since June 2013 have had the ELEVEN ratio already installed in the circuit, under the GP ratio, so if you bought a Fatso recently, you probably already have the equivalent EL7-X circuitry. NEW LOGIC AND INTERFACE OPERATION The original Fatso Jr could operate quite warm. Since heat is the enemy of reliability, we decided to do what we could to cool the unit down in this re-design. By replacing discrete logic with a microprocessor, and eliminating warm running and often unreliable display circuitry, the current draw was dropped over 20%, allowing the power supply and analog circuitry to benefit from a cooler running product. The new FATSO also has greatly improved interface operation. Holding any button in for a second will make the control step backwards, so the user doesn t have to cycle around to go back one step in setting one parameter. In addition, the Stereo Link is improved and offers a second link method by holding in both COMP buttons. It locks the compressors and Bypass logic together, and allows either channels buttons to control the settings. Much more foolproof. There is now a separate LED for the TRACK (Tracking) compressor, so that two LEDs do not have to be used, and interpreted by the user. SPANK is now a Blue LED delineated from the other compressors off to the side, to indicate that it is different and can be used in conjunction with the other ratios. Customers will find compressor selection more obvious and FUN. FATSO S FOUR TYPES OF PROCESSING Harmonic Generation and Soft Clipper (Distortion Generation) - this class A circuit gently rounds the peaks like saturated tubes or tape. High Frequency Saturation (Warmth) - a one-of-a-kind dynamic low pass filter which softens high frequencies when they pile up on a source. Transformer and Tape Head Emulation - a simulation of the effect of input and output transformers of older devices, which adds the low frequency harmonics that characterize them, as well as analog tape.. Classic Knee Compression - your typical automatic leveling device found on just about every instrument and vocal track as well as on the overall buss, done Empirical Labs compression smooth and sweet, but in your face!

With millions of loyal and happy customers, BEHRINGER XENYX mixers stand alone at the top of their class. Armed with premium microphone preamps and robust feature sets typically reserved for more expensive consoles, next-generation XENYX Q Series USB mixers can handle your live gigs and provide the state-of-the-art tools to make stunning, professional-quality recordings. Select models feature dedicated, wireless-ready integration for our new ULM Series USB microphones, making them the first of their kind in the industry. Along with their built-in USB/audio interfaces, one-knob mono channel compressors and KLARK TEKNIK FX engines (available on select models), XENYX Q Series USB mixers come with all the recording and editing software you'll need to turn your computer into a complete, high-performance recording studio.Product Features:- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom mixer- 6 state-of-the-art, phantom-powered XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps- 6 studio-grade compressors with super-easy one-knob functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound- Ultra-high quality KLARK TEKNIK FX processor with LCD display, dual-parameters, Tap function and storable user parameter settings- Wireless-ready for high-quality BEHRINGER digital wireless system (not included)- Built-in stereo USB/Audio Interface to connect directly to your computer. Free audio recording, editing and podcasting software plus 150 instrument/effect plug-ins downloadable at behringer.com- Neo-classic British 3-band EQs with semi-parametric mid band for warm and musical sound- 9-band stereo graphic EQ allows precise frequency correction of monitor or main mixes- Revolutionary FBQ Feedback Detection System instantly reveals critical frequencies- Breathtaking XPQ 3D stereo surround effect for more vitality and enhanced stereo image- Voice Canceller function for easy-to-use sing-along applications- Channel inserts on each mono channel for flexible connection of outboard equipment- 3 aux sends per channel: 1 pre fader for monitoring, 1 pre/post fader switchable for monitoring/FX applications, 1 post fader (for internal FX or as external send)- Clip LEDs, mute, main mix and subgroup routing switches, solo and PFL functions on all channels- 2 subgroups with separate outputs for added routing flexibility and 2 multi-functional stereo aux returns with flexible routing- Balanced main mix outputs with gold-plated XLR connectors, headphone/control room output and stereo rec outputs- Long-wearing 60-mm logarithmic-taper faders and sealed rotary controls- Planet Earth switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life- Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER GermanyKLARK TEKNIK FX on All QX ModelsNothing adds the finishing touch to a live or recorded performance like really good effects, so we equipped a select group of these mixers with one of the best FX engines in the industry. Designed by the world-renowned KLARK TEKNIK engineering team, these high-end FX processors feature 32 studio-grade presets with dual addressable parameters, Tap function and storable user parameter settings. Complete with its own dedicated level meter, these effects provide a wide range of enhancement options, from sweet and mild to absolutely wild! Wireless Ready PerformanceQX1204USB - QX2442USB mixers are wireless-ready right out of the box. Our new ULTRALINK ULM200USB (sold separately) features two high-quality 2.4 GHz wireless mics, plus a special 2-channel receiver dongle that connects directly to a dedicated input port on the top of the mixers. This technologic breakthrough makes for seamless wireless integration that is easier and more affordable than ever. What's a Compressor Ask professional sound engineers what their favorite piece of external processing gear is and the response will be virtually unanimous - dynamic compression. What's compression Glad you asked. Compression limits the dynamic range of a signal, lowering the level of loud sounds and turning up softer sounds to achieve sonic balance. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate sound techs have difficulty mastering. Our one-knob compression is available on all mono channels and is easy to operate, even for entry-level users. Now you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity. Our one-knob compressors come standard on each and every XENYX Q Series USB mixer. Sonically Superior Mic PreampsAll XENYX mixers have one thing in common; great-sounding, high headroom XENYX mic preamps. These state-of-the-art mic preamps are a tremendous step in the evolution of audio technology- and they can easily hold their own, even when compared to expensive, boutique-style mic preamps. XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to well above 200 kHz. As a result, XENYX mixers provide such transparent, crystal-clear performance that you just might think someone upgraded your microphones while you weren't looking. Sweet British EQThe British consoles of the 1960s and '70s changed the sound of rock and roll. Without them, the British Invasion might not have even happened. Those legendary mixing desks soon became the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The channel EQ on our XENYX mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Even when applied generously, these equalizers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality. Recording ReadyThere was a time when the recording process called for lots of specialized gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio-and that time was expensive! But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. But how do you get all that music flying around your brain into a computer That's where XENYX Q Series mixers come in. Thanks to the built-in, bi-directional stereo USB audio interface, you can connect directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source connected to the mixer can be recorded straight to your hard drive. Which brings us to software... How About Some Free Software!Because you'll want to take full advantage of your XENYX QX Series mixers' recording and podcasting potential, we've put together a massive software download at www.behringer. com that includes Audacity (the most popular open source audio editor), Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear (a great selection of podcasting software). You're ready to go live on your PC or Mac right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and 50 FX plug-ins, turning your computer into a complete home-based or mobile recording studio. XENYX QX1832USBBuilding on the feature set of the X1622USB, the X1832USB comes with two additional mic strips (including channel inserts), for a total of six XENYX mic preamps. Thanks to the built-in ULM receiver port you also get our seamless wireless mic capability. The onboard stereo 9-band graphic equalizer, which can be assigned to the main or monitor buses, provides superb system EQ and works in conjunction with the FBQ feedback detection circuitry to eliminate annoying mic squeals. Other features include full-sized faders for Mon and FX Sends, along with our proprietary XPQ 3D stereo surround effect and Voice Canceller. The ultra-versatile X1832USB also has an additional Aux Send (switchable pre/post), for a total of three, and two assignable subgroups. Outstanding ValueNo matter what your audio mixing needs are, BEHRINGER QX Series USB mixers provide the performance and features to take your talent to the next level, at a price sure to amaze you. Try one on today-we've got one in your size!

Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps and Compressors, British EQs, USB/Audio Interface and energyXT2.5 Compact BEHRINGER Edition Music Production Software * Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer * 4 state-of-the-art XENYX, phantom-powered Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps * 4 studio-grade compressors with super-easy one-knob functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound * Neo-classic British 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound * Built-in stereo USB/Audio Interface to connect directly to your computer. Free audio recording, editing and podcasting software plus 150 instrument/effect plug-ins and ultra-low latency driver included * Revolutionary energyXT2.5 Compact BEHRINGER Edition music production software included with feature-rich audio/MIDI sequencer that loads almost instantaneously on all computer platforms * 2 aux sends per channel: 1 pre fader for monitoring applications, 1 post fader for external FX devices * Clip LEDs and mute/alt 3-4 function on all channels * 2 subgroups with separate outputs for added routing flexibility * 2 multi-functional stereo aux returns with flexible routing * Balanced main mix outputs with gold-plated XLR connectors plus separate control room, headphones and stereo tape outputs * Control room/phones outputs with multi-input source matrix * Long-wearing 60-mm logarithmic-taper faders and sealed rotary controls * Planet Earth switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving * Rack mount brackets included for ultimate flexibility * High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life * Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER GermanyPerfect for a small live-performance mixer, as well as home-based recording setup, the 1204USB provides four mono channels with premium XENYX mic preamps, neo-classic 3-band British-style EQ and two stereo input channels. Far from being a bare-bones mixer, all mono channels feature our one knob studio-grade compressor and two Aux Sends (one each pre- and post-fader). Two stereo Aux Returns are included for use with external FX modules. The built-in USB audio interface provides bi-directional transfer of signals between the mixer and computer.XENYX USB Series mixers are designed to handle your live gigs, and they provide the state-of-the-art tools you need to make stunning, professional-quality recordings. Along with their built-in USB/audio interfaces, XENYX USB mixers come with all the recording and editing software you ll need to turn your computer system into a complete, high-performance home recording studio.All XENYX mixers have one thing in common great-sounding, high headroom XENYX mic preamps. These state-of-the-art mic pres represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology and they can easily hold their own, even when compared to the most expensive stand-alone mic preamps. XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to well above 200 kHz. Armed with these outstanding mic preamps, XENYX mixers provide such transparent, crystal-clear performance you just might think someone upgraded your mics while you weren t looking.The British consoles of the 1960s and 70s changed the sound of rock and roll without them the British Invasion might not have happened. Those legendary mixing desks soon became the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The channel EQ on our XENYX mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Even when applied generously, these equalizers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality.Ask professional sound engineers what their favorite piece of external processing gear is and the majority response will be virtually unanimous dynamic compression. What is compression We re glad you asked. Compression essentially limits the dynamic range of a signal, lowering the level of loud sounds and turning up softer sounds, to achieve sonic balance. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate, sound techs have great difficulty mastering. Our one-knob compression is available on all mono channels and is easy to operate, even for entry-level users. With this one knob, you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity. This is indeed a rare feature for products in this class but standard on all XENYX USB mixers.All XENYX USB Series mixers (except the 1204USB) feature our new 24-bit dual engine FX processor, with 16 editable, studio-grade presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. Complete with a highly accurate input meter, these effects can be altered to your personal taste via the Parameter control. Time-based functions can be entered manually by pressing the Tap button in tempo with the music.There was a time when the recording process called for lots and lots of expensive gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio and that time was pricey indeed. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. How do you get all that music flying around your brain into your computer That s where XENYX USB mixers come in. Thanks to the built-in, bi-directional stereo USB audio interface, you can connect any of these mixers directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the mixer can be recorded directly to your hard drive. Because you ll want to take full advantage of the XENYX USB Series mixers recording and podcasting potential, we ve thrown in a massive software package that includes Audacity (the most popular open source audio editor), Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear (a great selection of podcasting software). You re ready to go live on your PC or Mac computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and 50 FX plug-ins, turning your computer into a complete home-based or mobile recording studio from input to output.When you re ready to take your recording projects to the next level, XT Software s energyXT is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or Web-ready recordings. energyXT includes its own multi-FX processor, plus a built-in synthesizer/sampler and a drum machine, both of which can be accessed directly via an external controller (such as our UMA25S) or programmed in step-write mode. To learn more about energyXT2.5 No matter what your audio mixing needs are, BEHRINGER USB Series mixers provide the performance and features that can take your talent to the next level, at a price that is sure to amaze you. Try one on today we have one available in your size!