Behringer XENYX 1002B Analogue Mixer

Behringer XENYX 1002B Analogue Mixer

The Behringer XENYX 1002B is a premium 10-input, 2-bus analogue mixer designed for small live rigs, keyboard setups, announcements and field work where mains power cannot be taken for granted. It runs from an external power supply or from 9 V batteries, which is why it has long been a favourite of sports commentators, reporters and solo performers working away from a fixed installation. Two channels carry Behringer’s XENYX microphone preamps with phantom power, four stereo channels handle line-level sources, and the first three stereo channels can also accept microphones when their line inputs are not in use. A musical 3-band British EQ, monitor and effects sends, and tape connections complete a compact steel-chassis desk that covers far more than its size suggests.

Key features

• 10 inputs in a 2-bus analogue format: 2 mic channels and 4 stereo channels
• 2 XENYX mic preamps, with up to 5 microphone inputs available in total
• Optional battery operation on 9 V batteries, approx. 4 hours per set
• 3-band British EQ on the channels, with monitor and FX sends per channel
• CD/Tape RCA inputs and outputs for playback and recording
• Rugged steel chassis, 73 x 298 x 216 mm and approx. 2.5 kg

Channels and preamps

Channels 1 and 2 are the primary microphone channels, each with a balanced XLR mic input, a balanced line input and a XENYX preamp offering a gain range of +14 dB to +60 dB on the microphone path. Behringer quotes a mic frequency response of 10 Hz to 200 kHz and 120 dB EIN signal-to-noise performance for these inputs, figures that explain the preamps’ reputation for clean headroom at this level. The four stereo channels, numbered 3/4 to 9/10, take keyboards, playback devices and other stereo line sources; the first three of them also provide mic inputs, so a small act with several vocalists and backing playback can still be accommodated. Each channel has its own level control, pan or balance, EQ and sends.

British EQ and sends

The 3-band EQ follows the classic British console pattern, with Low at 50 Hz, Mid at 700 Hz and High at 10 kHz, each offering plus or minus 15 dB of cut or boost. The mid band centred at 700 Hz is particularly useful for shaping vocal presence and taming boxy instruments. Two auxiliary sends per channel cover monitoring and effects: the Monitor send feeds a stage wedge or headphones feed, while the FX send routes to an external reverb or delay and returns through the stereo channels or tape return. This is a mixer for engineers who prefer an external effects unit they already know over built-in presets.

Phantom power, stated plainly

Phantom power on the 1002B is not the 48 V found on larger consoles, and it is worth planning around the real figures Behringer publishes: +18 V when running on batteries and +23 V with the AC adaptor connected. Most modern condenser microphones operate correctly within that range, but a microphone that strictly requires full 48 V should be checked before you rely on it, especially for battery-powered location work, where a third 9 V battery is fitted to supply phantom power. Dynamic microphones, the natural choice for commentary and close-miked live vocals, are unaffected.

Outputs, tape connections and power

The main mix leaves on balanced quarter-inch outputs rated at +28 dBu balanced, with monitor send, FX send and tape outputs at +22 dBu unbalanced, and a phones output for checking the mix. RCA CD/Tape inputs let you play music between sets and can be assigned to the main mix or the phones bus, while the RCA outputs record the performance to a separate recorder. There is no USB audio on this model; computer recording is done through a separate interface fed from the main or tape outputs. Battery life is approximately four hours with quality alkaline batteries, and the external supply covers mains use at home or in the studio.

If you need a small analogue mixer that keeps working where the nearest socket is far away — commentary positions, outdoor ceremonies, rehearsal rooms and coffee-shop gigs — the XENYX 1002B is built exactly for that job.