Any Info on Behringer MX3282 or Alesis Studio 32?

[RWhite]

I am in the market for a mixer in the <$1200 range and was wondering if anyone had any hands-on with either the Behringer MX3282 or the Alesis Studio 32. Until recently I have been using an ancient Sansui 12x6x2 mixer and Fostex 8 channel reel-to-reel. I record my own stuff plus my band, which means lots of mikes recording live rather than a MIDI type setup. I just purchased a Gadget Labs 8/24 hard disk system and can't deal with my noisy mixer any more. I shopped around, liked the Mackie 1604VLZ but dismissed it because of too few inputs (16 with no tape returns means 8 unless I re-patch). The Alesis unit seems nice, 16 in plus 16 tape returns with 4 subs for about $850. Then I found the Behringer unit, 32 inputs (24 mono + 4 stereo) and 8 (!) subs for $1150 (and they throw in a free Virtualizer effects unit). I had never heard of them before, but I wound up buying a Behringer MX802 (4 mono + 2 stereo x 2 for $115) since I wanted a small mixer for my computer room anyways. It seems like a nice unit, but I've only had it a week with not much use yet. Any thoughts / suggestions? Any hands on?

 

[MISTERQCUE]

I'v owned the Behringer mx2624 and presently
own the Alesis 32. The Behringer was quite noisy and did not appreciate their faders
which didn't seem smooth enuff.Thier Preamps
were decent,however I took exception to the fact that the mixer did not have an on/off
switch. The Alesis pre-amps are pretty cool
and the eq is nice.The good thing about the
Alesis is the elimnation for the need to re-patch when recording or final mixdown.
I also own the Behringer Virtualizer and for it's price,their 'Verbs and flange are real sweet! But between the 2,my preference is Alesis.However check out some Mackies. Their
better than both. Just my 1 and 1/2 cents.

 

[RWhite]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I hate repatching, but I am wondering if even the Alesis might not force me to occasionally. Since you are using the same channel strips for both inputs and tape returns, any channel that you need for tape playback is unavailable for input. Which might mean having to unplug a mic and move it to another channel. The Behringer avoids that through brute size - 28 channel inputs - but I have heard stories about uneven quality in their products. Your story seems to support that. Thanks again.

 

[RWhite]

I do like my little Behringer 802 and I have got lots of good work of mouth about Mackie. But when looking for a new (large) mixer I came down a choice between Behringer Eurodesk 3282 (32 channel inputs, 8 sub outs) for about $1120 or the Alesis Studio 32 (16 channel inputs + 16 tape return, 4 sub outs) for about $760.
After debateing this choice for weeks I finally went to the Guitar Center Memorial Day sale and bought the Alesis. The only one there was a "repack" (i.e.opened) so knowing they have 30 day exchange I bought it. Turns out it had more than a little use on it - if the scuffed feet weren't a give away, the manufacture date of 10/97 was. So I called GC and said I would be bringing it back for an exchange, they said no problem, they will have a new one in a few days. So I took the chance last night to run a few tests on this (used) unit and I must say I am impressed. It seems virtually noiseless for one. All the faders and pots are very smooth. Flipping the tape returns in and out of the monitor sends (in addition to the mains) produced no drops or noise of any kind. I also ran some pink noise through a channel and checked the EQ on an analyser (a cheap one mind you) and the EQ "looks as good as it sounds". While it would be nice to have more than 4 subs, I would have to recomend the Alesis for anyone looking for a good mixer in the >$500 <$1000 range.

 

[digital death squad]

i recently purchased a studio 32 and have been quite satisfied with it. i looked at the mackies and just about everything else. some had slightly better preamps but none had all the ins and outs so i went with the studio 32. i found it used for like $650 and talked the guy down to $550 cash. overall i feel its a decent mixer especially for the money. if youre money isnt burning a hole in your pocket just shop around and you should be able to pick one up fairly cheap. just be sure to get some type of return policy if you look at a used one. rock on.

 

[Alec]

We've used the Behringer 3282 in our church for about 18 months now, and are completely happy with it, as it fits our requirements perfectly.

Can't comment about ultimate audio quality in the studio environment, though I had no complaints when I was trialing it at home before installing.

But the 4 stereo channels are great for stereo line sources, the aux sends & returns are incredibly flexible. For live use the signal present & peak lights are a superb budget alternative to a meterbridge. Even little touches like the built-in talkback mic.