Behringer new products

Behringer backed a virtual truck up to PM's office this month and unloaded a very welcome pile of product news — though rather too much for us to do more than condense it to fit into one issue.

The fun starts with Behringer's ultra-slim USB MIDI controller keyboard and USB audio interface, the new U-Control UMA25S keyboard, which combines a MIDI controller with onboard USB audio interface and complete software package to provide "a personal production powerhouse".

The UMA25S offers 25 velocity-sensitive keys and a wealth of continuous controllers. The onboard USB audio interface accepts mic or line signals, comes with headphones and an attached headset mic and can operate on DC, battery or USB power.

The UMA25S ships with energy/XT2 Compact Behringer Edition DAW software plus over 100 plug-ins. Behringer provides an ultra-low-latency ASIO driver compatible with Macs or PCs. The best news is the price — the UMA25S will cost just £80.

Next up are Behringer's SX series mixers, which are part of the Eurodesk range and designed to work in both recording and small to mid-sized live applications.

First to arrive are the SX2442FX 24-channel and SX3242FX 32-channel mixers. Each of these four-bus mixers features ultra-low-noise, high-headroom Xenyx microphone preamps. Mono input channels feature a three-band EQ with semi-parametric mid-range, "with neo-classic 'British' response". Stereo input channels provide precise four-band equalisation. Each input has four aux sends, with two sends switchable between pre and post fader, for a flexible mix of monitor and effects send applications.

External signal processing racks can largely be eliminated, Behringer say, thanks to the SX series' two integrated effects processors and stereo, nine-band graphic EQ. One hundred 24-bit/96kHz effects presets can be called up and assigned to one or both internal effects buses. The main or monitor output EQ is set and fine-tuned with the intuitive FBQ Feedback Detection display.

When external processing is required, the SX series mixers provide extensive insert points for the input channels and main outputs. The master section offers a wealth of features such as multiple aux and stereo returns, switchable SIP/PFL monitoring, talkback, metering and more.

As always with Behringer, prices are keen, the SX2442FX selling for a suggested £346 while the SX3242FX tips the scales at £413.

Finally, Behringer are launching perhaps the perfect Christmas gift for an aspiring niece or nephew — the MetAlien Guitar Pack, an all-in one package that features a guitar, amp, tuner and all the accessories needed to get playing right away.

The black (of course!) MetAlien double-cutaway guitar features a solid-maple neck, 24-fret rosewood fingerboard, bridge humbucker and two single-coil pickups. Naturally, it comes complete with a whammy bar.

Amp duties are undertaken by a 10W combo fitted with a 6.5-inch speaker. It features preamp level, tone and master volume controls as well as a headphone output, and even comes with a Rock House instructional DVD for electric, acoustic and bass guitar. All accessories are included — adjustable strap, instrument cable, picks and a padded gig bag.

There was no UK price as we went to press but we did learn that you can nip over to le Continong and buy one for €169. Expect a comparable UK price.

Behringer +49 2154 92060

www.behringer.com