Are you considering purchasing the Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB? Maybe you have heard mixed reviews about it and want to know what is true?
Or are you curious and want to know more? Whatever the question is that brought you here today, we have the answer for you!
Finding the right mixer for you and your studio can be tricky.
There are so many makes and models on the market, you can spend hours searching and searching, comparing specs and prices, but still never finding the right one for you.
So when one is recommended to you, you get excited, thinking that your prayers have been answered.
But you are met with conflicting reviews that leave you unsure where to turn or who to trust.
Well, no more! Today, we are here with the answers that you need. We have a complete review of the Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this mixer to decide if it is the one for you or not!
Overview
Let’s start with a brief overview of the Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB.
Thie mixer is a compact and affordable one that is ideal for use as a first mixer or to fit into a small space at a home studio.
Not only is it compact and cheap, but it comes with extras that other expensive models don’t have!
The mixer features built-in compressors on the first four mic line inputs. There is also a built-in 24bit/40Khz Klark Teknik effects processor.
If that isn’t enough for you, it also doubles as an audio interface through its USB connection!
It’s capable of powering studio condenser mics, has a CD tape in and outs, and RCA jacks that allow you to make any connection you need for listening or recording!
You can also enjoy clear, clean, and transparent sound. It’s surprising how good the sound is on this little mixer!
You can also enjoy easy-to-use controls that make it perfect for a beginner or experienced mixer to get to grips with!
You also have a range of effects that work well. There is plenty of room for experimentation with this mixer.
The only downside to this mixer is that the AC power connector is a little fragile. You will want to take care and keep it stored safely on a shelf to prevent any damage.
This is a pretty easy fix, and considering its other fantastic qualities, it’s not enough to put us off purchasing it!
Now let’s dive in a little closer and learn more about this mixer!
Features
Let’s start by looking at some of the features the Q1202 USB has to offer. We have broken these down into separate components so you can see just how much this compact mixer has to offer!
Klark Teknik Effects
As we mentioned earlier, the mixer comes with a 24-bit Klark Teknik effects processor built-in. It’s great to have this built-in, as it saves the need for you to purchase extra equipment.
The effects are divided into different categories:
- Early Delay 30-54
- Multi 79-93
- Modulation 55-78
- Reverb 00=29
- Special 94-99
The effects in each category do sound a little similar, as they are variations, but you can still find what you are looking for!
Sometimes they can be a little hard to tell them apart, but after a little practice, you are sure to find the right effect you are looking for!
We have yet to be failed by the selection of effects on offer!
Channels
There is also a channel strip on the mixer. You have the following options to choose from.
Channels 1 -4
These offer mono and balanced XLR mic-ins with switchable 48V phantom power. Or you can choose from ¼-inch balanced or unbalanced lines.
These have a range of +10/-10 to +40/+60dB, which is wonderful to see on a mixer of this size and price!
To control this, you have a gain knob, knob compressor, and British EQ (three-band).
This can again be adjusted to suit your needs, with a range of +/-15dB. You can also adjust the effects here, pan, and level knobs.
Channel 5 – 10
The remaining channels are your stereo channels and come with balanced or unbalanced lines in options, effects, balance, and level knobs.
All of these channels are easy to use and come with a variety of customization and adjustment options.
If you are new to mixing, this might seem a little overwhelming, but it just gives you more options!
You might want to start playing just with the first four channels and then experimenting as your knowledge grows.
Don’t forget to check out the wealth of tutorials available online to help you get to grips with the mixer!
Controls
The right side of the mixer is where many of your controls live. Most of them are knobs, like the phones/control room and main mix fader.
You also have track routing switches and the USB port here.
The controls all sit next to each other, so you will also find the Klark Teknik effects knob here to activate your effects program.
There is a display window too that allows you to see easily what setting you are on. There is also an LED display and phantom power switch here along with your mains and phone jacks.
The rest of your controls are at the back, including a USB B port, AC power connection, and space for your adaptor.
There are plenty of controls for you to choose from here! The knobs all work well, especially the one-knob compressor.
It does a fantastic job and you can tell the difference immediately.
The two-track RCA inputs and outputs also work well and are super handy at running consumer-level devices from the unit.
In terms of the features on offer, you can’t go wrong with this mixer!
Sound Quality
So how does the mixer sound? Well, pretty good! Behringer is known for the clear and crisp sound of its products, and the Q1202 USB mixer is no different.
You can expect a clean, crisp, and transparent sound when you use this! It’s a welcome relief to anyone who has dealt with muffled or distorted sound on a mixer before.
The mic pre’s also sound great! Sure, they don’t sound like a mixer that costs you thousands of dollars, but for the price, you can’t go wrong!
The sounds of the effects work well too, but as we mentioned earlier, some of them are a little similar.
If you are after crisp and clear sound without a hefty price tag, then this is the mixer for you!
Any Downsides?
Despite its many wonderful qualities, there is a downside to this mixer. Its AC power connection is quite fragile.
The connector attached to the mixer is secured with flimsy pins that look like they could break easily.
There is also no locking screw on the collar to keep your plugs connected, which means it could be damaged or broken if it was knocked.
If you are keeping the mixer stored safely on a shelf and aren’t taking it out of the room it’s in, this shouldn’t be an issue.
It’s worth leaving the AC connector in too, so you don’t risk damaging it by fiddling with the power connector often.
If the mixer is used as sound reinforcement, where cables are often tugged or stressed, this fragile connection could be an issue.
You might want to add some duct tape to secure the connection and the pins.
Despite this, it doesn’t overly impact the use of the mixer, you will just want to take care to ensure that the connector does not become damaged!
Price
Finally, let’s consider the price of the mixer. Compared to other mixers on the market, this is an affordable mixer!
It’s low price and compact size make it the perfect first-time mixer or mixer to sit in your home studio.
While it might not have as many features as more expensive mixers, it’s a fantastic option to consider.
You get wonderful value for money with this mixer making it the ideal option for any budget!
If you do have more money to spend, then there are other options you can consider, but for those that don’t want to spend more, the Q1202 is a wonderful mixer!
Behringer Xenyx Q1202 Alternatives
If you are looking for alternatives to the Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB mixer, consider the following options:
Yamaha MG12XU: A 12-channel mixer with 6 D-PRE microphone preamps and 3-band EQ on each channel. It also includes built-in SPX digital effects and 2-in/2-out USB interface for recording.
Mackie ProFX12v3: This is a 12-channel mixer with Mackie’s renowned Onyx mic preamps. It comes with a built-in USB interface for easy recording, GigFX effects engine, and it includes Pro Tools | First and Waveform software.
PreSonus StudioLive AR12c: This 12-channel hybrid performance and production mixer has a built-in 14×4 96 kHz USB-C audio interface, 3-band EQ, and an SD recorder for recording your mixes directly.
Allen & Heath ZED-12FX: This 12-channel mixer offers 6 mic/line inputs, 3 stereo channels, and an FX section with 16 presets. It also includes a USB connection for stereo recording.
Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK: A 12-channel mixer with 8 Ghost mic preamps, Sapphyre British EQ, and built-in Lexicon effects. It also comes with a 14-in/12-out USB interface for multitrack recording and playback.
Zoom LiveTrak L-12: A digital mixer and multitrack recorder, which is ideal for live recording and mixing. It offers 5 powered headphone outputs with customizable mixes, 12 discrete channels, a 14-track simultaneous recording, and a 14-in/4-out USB audio interface.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, everything you need to know about the Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB.
At an affordable price and compact size, the mixer comes with a whole range of features that you can utilize.
It also has fantastic sound quality, delivering clear and crisp sound time after time.
While the AC power connector might not be the most durable, the rest of the mixer is and is sure to last you for years to come!
Why not try it today? You won’t regret it!
