Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are using an old traditional audio setup and getting bored of its features, leave that and try something unique with useful features. There are several different audio mixing setups available in the market that you can consider. Out of all of them, some have produced a certain type of hype around themselves due to their outstanding features. Many manufacturing companies have produced great products that have been loved and appreciated by the users. One of them is the Xenyx 502 by Behringer; it provides real-world features, and creates a simple sound.
If you need to make a quick public announcement or get a solo gig, you should consider giving the Behringer Xenyx 502 a try. This audio mixer is a complete package for you, in a very reasonable price. It produces incredible sound. The ultra-compact audio mixer by Behringer features 5 inputs, including 2 stereos and a mic, that allow you to attain premium–quality sound. One great feature is that it is integrated with neo–classical British EQ that brings back the 60’s and the 70’s musicality and warmth. This way you can enjoy the latest music even with a traditional touch.
If you are currently limited by line and instrument inputs, channels, microphone inputs, connectivity, or headroom, Xenyx 502 will give plenty of space to play around with these features, along with the fixed setup.
Behringer Xenyx 502 Review: Features
Xenyx 502 by Behringer provides all the features that a good audio mixer possesses. This mixer comes with a great, premium ultra-low noise and high headroom analog mixer that produces a good sound. The mic preamp of the mixer is powered by phantom, which is a great choice as compared to stand-alone boutique preamps. As mentioned above, the key feature of the mixer is its neo-classical British 2-band EQ to provide you with traditional, yet unique, music. This EQ not only provides great sound, but also improves the gain, making use of its own dedicated channels.
One important thing to keep in mind is that Xenyx 502 does not compromise on the quality of sound. It provides a frequency response starting from 10 Hz to over 200 KHz. This range is quite impressive; it makes sure the produced sound is good, and even the odds notes are managed within this range. The mixer has been designed in such a way that it is very easy to carry around, and also the storage and transport of the setup is not that difficult. Do not worry if you have a DJ setup of any sort, Xenyx 502 is compatible with any type of setup.
Moving towards the channels of the mixer, it has been advertised that it contains 5 channels. One dedicated channel is for the microphone, which can also be used to connect any instrument; two channels are meant for line input. Now, you might be thinking how can they advertise 5 channels? Here, you’ll have to keep in mind the difference between a stereo and a mono. The 2-line input channels can be used as four separate mono channels; all you have to do is focus the mixer either on L or R by simply balancing the knob. Adjust the gain, and enjoy the volume that you want; but since the channels are mono, the sound effects of many notes in your track might be distorted. Furthermore, it contains a 2-bus setup.
The EQ installed within the mixer makes your voice sound better. A DJ should use quality and reliable equipment in order to avoid any sound related issue. Xenyx 502 is integrated with great mic preamp technology, which is useful for DJs who assist in live performances and shows. The main mix, and stereo CD or tape, come with separate headphone outputs, but the CD or tape input can be assigned to either main mix or output.
Two stereo master output connections provide the great sound. The controls of the setup are quite simple: plug your setup into the Line in and PA system into the Master out of the Behring Xenyx 502. Above the main mix knob, there are lights that indicate the level of headroom – how much headroom is left. The cheap price of the mixer makes it more beneficial to many users out there. Behringer Xenyx 502 has been critically acclaimed by the high rating provided by its users.
Behringer Xenyx 502 Mixer
Keeping in mind all the features of the Behringer Xenyx 502 mixer, we can say with guarantee that you will not regret your decision of choosing this mixer instead of any other option available on the market. With this audio mixer, you can now make your home stereo system perfect. And, if you do not have any knowledge of PA/DJ systems, this mixer will not give you a tough time, as it is very easy to operate. It has individual level adjustments, and it supports multiple inputs. At a very low price, Xenyx 502 is a much better device to suit your needs.
Behringer Xenyx 502 Power Supply
Behringer Xenyx 502 consumes 13W power supply, but one important thing you should keep in mind is that it does not come with a phantom power supply. A phantom power is used with a condenser microphone, and does not include any external power supply. It is called phantom due to it being invisible. Since the output of the condenser mic is of high impedance, it is necessary to reduce it using a power circuit. Xenyx 502 lacks this feature and, therefore, you are not free to use a condensed microphone.
Behringer Xenyx 502 Mic Setup
For the setup of the microphone, you require cords and adaptors. The main out of the audio mixer should be connected with the line in. The mic in must be set as the default recording device by right clicking on the speaker icon on the task bar. The microphone goes into the mic in of the mixer. After that, plug your setup into the line in, and then plug in the PA system into the master out of the Behringer Xenyx 502.
Pros
- Portable, compact design, and easy to carry around. This makes the mixer more useful, as it can be carried in any party to create your own DJ setup.
- The mixer is useful for any type of DJ, as it is compatible with any sort of DJ setup.
- Usage of the mixer is quite easy: it does not require any type of special training. Just simply plug-in with the system, and enjoy your very own DJ setup.
- The wide frequency response of 10 Hz up to 200 kHz produces excellent sound.
- Neo-classical British EQ produces the sound with the 60’s and 70’s warmth and touch.
- Xenyx 502 allows easy, versatile, and portable means of having great headroom and extra channels.
- The mixer is integrated with a dedicated microphone input (to connect any instrument) with preamp technology.
- The mixer comes with 2 buses and 5 channels that can arguably be advertised as six.
- In order to indicate how much headroom is left, there are lights above the main mix knob.
- The controls of the mixer are quite simple.
- Xenyx 502 is not that expensive; it is pocket friendly.
Cons
- Although the mixer has been advertised as having 5 channels, one important thing to keep in mind is that it is because of mono inputs. Due to this, many sounds of the track might be distorted.
- EQ only comes with microphone channels; the other channels do not include EQs.
- As the mixer does not come with phantom power support, you are not allowed to use a condensed microphone.
- If you are a novice, you will need some practice in order to gain full control of the mixer.
- You need to buy more adaptors and cords to use this mixer.
Alternatives
If you want to consider an audio mixer other than the Behringer Xenyx 502, there are plenty of options available.
Numark M6
If you want an affordable audio mixer that provides great features, you should give the Numark M6 a try. It is a simple to use mixer that allows you to step up to 4 channels for any DJ setup from clubs, parties, weddings, or practice setups. It not only supports any input audio source like CD players or turn tables, but also possesses a USB connection. When you connect M6 with your PC or Mac, it allows you to mix audio signals from those connected devices, in order to provide a great sound. It also allows you to record your own voice using any recording application.
All four channels of the mixer are outfitted with a replaceable crossfader, plus slope controls. It comes with a perfect mix of three band equalizers for each channel. Connectivity options are as follows: multiple line, phone and mic inputs, record (RCA), plus master (RCA), booth (RCA), and headphone (1/4 inches stereo) outputs-balanced outputs. It also possesses dedicated cue controls.
The sleek, ultra-portable, and robust design of the Numark M6 provides an easy carry of the system. It is integrated with radiant LEDs that monitor the system.
Pyle Bluetooth 3-Channel Audio Mixer
If you want a system with more advancement, such as Bluetooth connectivity, then Bluetooth 3-channel audio mixer by Pyle is a great choice. This mixer has a Bluetooth V 3.0 for wireless connectivity; it allows you to connect with android, iPhone, iPad, MP3 player, tablet, and other devices. With this feature, you can easily produce sound without the mess of wire. The wireless range is 50 feet, and it comes with an audio interface to record and USB sound card. It also features universal digital audio file compatibility.
The audio mixer has 3 channels to connect multiple devices with. Connectivity options are as follows: XLR microphone input, RCA (L/R) input, 3.5 mm microphone jack with 3.5 mm headphone jack, 2 – TK RCA (L/R) input, and RCA (L/R) stereo output connectors. Pyle has designed this audio mixer while keeping user convenience in mind. They have featured the recording mixer with audio signal clips and LED indicator lights. The audio mixer has master volume control, input selection, knobs, independent channel balance and low, plus high frequency adjustment.
Pyle audio mixer is powered by an 18V Phantom power supply, with 3 mV/12 KΩ gain. Whereas, line Ch2 and Ch3 has 150 mV/22 KΩ power supply.
Alto Professional ZMX52 | Professional 5-Channel Compact Mixer
If you are looking for a compact and capable mixer for live sound and studio use, the ZMX52 by Alto Professional is one of the best options for you to consider. It features a total of 6 input channels, with phantom powered XLR jack on Ch 1. The mixer is designed with high headroom circulatory that offers ultra-low noise, and extra dynamic range with phantom power. The mono channels of the mixer possess 2-band equalizers that provide warm and natural sound.
The ins and outs of the mixer are as follows: balanced line input, mic input channel with gold plated XLR, and two additional stereo input channels. All the channels have LEDs that display sound peaks. Apart from all these features, this mixer also has a main mix, a headphone out, and highly accurate 4 segment bar graph meters. The compact audio mixer is small in size and affordable, but that does not mean that you have to compromise on audio quality; the mixer brings the same sound quality, and does not distort your signals.
Final Verdict
Due to a sleek, robust design and excellent features, Behringer Xenyx 502 has definitely a solid place in the market. It has all the features and abilities that a highly expensive audio mixer contains. The audio mixer is a great tool for any DJ to consider including to the setup. The connectivity, portability, and cheap price are the key features that make this audio mixer more beneficial. This product is ideal to be fit in any place by any type of DJ. If you are looking for an audio mixer to enhance your experience, you should consider giving the Behring Xenyx 502 a try.
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