Behringer WING: The 48-Channel Digital Mixer for the Stage
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
Behringer WING combines 48 stereo channels, Midas PRO preamps, and 96 kHz processing in a live mixing console.
With the WING, Behringer offers a digital mixing console specifically aimed at large-scale live sound. The console bears the tagline “the flagship digital mixing console for the next era of live sound” and, according to the manufacturer, is designed for touring sound engineers, broadcast professionals, and theater productions.
At a glance
- 48 input channels, 28 buses, full stereo signal path throughout
- 8 Midas PRO microphone preamplifiers and 8 Midas PRO outputs
- 24 motorized 100 mm faders in three freely configurable sections
- 10-inch multi-touch screen, 96 kHz processing via four DSP engines
Stereo, Not Compromise
The core idea behind WING is its consistent stereo architecture: each of the 48 channels can be operated as mono, stereo, or M/S, without sacrificing a second channel. All 28 buses are also fully stereo. For monitoring applications, this means true stereo in-ear monitoring for musicians via the stereo buses.
Midas Technology and High Sample Rate
At its heart are 8 Midas PRO preamps and 8 Midas PRO outputs, combined with four DSP engines that, according to the manufacturer, operate at 6 GHz clock speed and handle all internal processing at 96 kHz. The console connects via StageCONNECT, AES50, AES3, USB, and additional card slots.
User Interface for Everyday Live Use
The user interface is divided into three freely assignable fader sections with a total of 24 motorized 100 mm faders, plus a high-resolution 10-inch touchscreen with gesture control. Behringer boasts that the console adapts to the sound engineer's workflow rather than the other way around: “a workflow built around the engineer at a price that rewrites the rules.” Additionally, it features multi-stage bus routing, automation, and an open plug-in environment for additional effects processing.
| Channels | 48 (Mono/Stereo/M/S) |
|---|---|
| Buses | 28, fully stereo |
| Preamps | 8 Midas PRO |
| Outputs | 8 Midas PRO |
| Faders | 24 × 100 mm, motorized |
| Display | 10" Multitouch |
| Processing | 96 kHz, four DSP engines |
| Connectivity | StageCONNECT, AES50, AES3, USB, card slots |
If you've been working with digital consoles for a while, you know the challenge of creating clean transitions with EQ – even on a large FOH console, the foundation remains clean gain staging at the preamps before buses and effects kick in. For mobile use, however, with controllers like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10, the WING is significantly oversized.
FAQ
Who is the Behringer WING designed for?
According to the manufacturer, the console is intended for touring sound engineers, broadcast productions, and theater – applications where many channels, stable stereo signal paths, and flexible routing are required.
What distinguishes WING from simpler digital mixers?
Primarily, the consistent stereo architecture across all 48 channels and 28 buses, the Midas PRO preamplifiers, and the four parallel DSP engines with 96 kHz processing.
Source: Behringer WING-BK Product Page, Behringer WING Series
