Behringer Xenyx 1204USB: Compact Mixer with USB Interface
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB combines twelve channels, four XENYX mic preamps, and an integrated 2x2 USB interface in one compact analog mixer.
The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB is an analog 12-channel mixer with a built-in 2x2 USB audio interface, which Behringer positions for both live performances and studio recordings.
At a glance
- 12 input channels
- 4x XENYX microphone preamps with phantom power
- Integrated 2x2 USB audio interface for recording and streaming
- 3-band “British” EQ and one-knob compressor per microphone channel
Structure and Channel Strips
According to Behringer, the core of the 1204USB are its four XENYX mic preamps with phantom power, which are also designed for high-quality condenser microphones. Each microphone channel also features a so-called one-knob compressor, designed to manage dynamics with a single control. This is complemented by a three-band “British”-style EQ on each channel, acoustically inspired by British console desks.
USB Interface for Recording and Streaming
The built-in 2x2 USB audio interface sends the sum signal directly to a connected computer, eliminating the need for a separate audio interface. According to the manufacturer, this makes the mixer interesting for podcast and streaming setups, as well as for simple recording sessions where a line check directly at the console is required. Additionally, a well-thought-out basic setup for beginners supports precisely such combinations of mixer and recording chain.
| Model Code | 0601-ACM |
|---|---|
| Channels | 12 input channels |
| Microphone Preamps | 4x XENYX Mic Preamps with phantom power |
| Channel EQ | 3-band “British”-style EQ per channel |
| Dynamics | One-knob compressor on microphone channels |
| USB Interface | Integrated, 2x2 |
Manufacturer's Classification
Behringer itself describes the 1204USB as a mixer designed to enable “premium-quality sound effortlessly”:
“The compact XENYX 1204USB mixer allows you to effortlessly achieve premium-quality sound, thanks to its 4 onboard studio-grade XENYX Mic Preamps and ultra-musical 'British' channel EQs."
This combination of preamps, EQ, and compressor is intended, according to the manufacturer, to offer musicians and sound engineers at the beginning of their careers a compact but full-featured channel strip setup. If you later want to mix the channels against each other precisely, you'll find the appropriate basics in our guide to EQ mixing.
FAQ
Who is the Behringer Xenyx 1204USB designed for?
Behringer positions the mixer for both live performances and studio recordings. The four microphone channels with phantom power are aimed at users who want to record or live mix vocals or instruments using condenser microphones.
Do you need a separate audio interface for the 1204USB?
No. The mixer comes with its own 2x2 USB audio interface, which allows you to send the sum signal directly to a computer for recording or streaming.
Source: Behringer, Australis Music
