BehringerStudio XL Monitor Controller

Had this for several months now. I have loved using it my studio and the studio room controller does exactly what I need it to. It`s a nice small sized package, well built. The signal flow keeps the noise floor well below my needs. I am using a 1 input from my main DAW and 2 external mixers for performance time in the studio during live playback rehearsals. Having 3 inputs was mandatory. I use the 3 outputs for 2 sets of studio mix monitors while the 3rd feeds my subwoofer. The headphone outputs are quite strong enough to drive my many different studio headphones. So far, I can`t find any cons. I have not used the 192KHz recording features since I have other audio interfaces. So on conclusion, "Nice piece of gear" I would recommend this to anyone with a home studio. I would most definitely buy again. - DB

The unit is well built with its all metal chassis, turning knobs feel like aluminium also the buttons are plastic and aren't completely firm but sturdy enough. It is quiet, no noise from the device which is absolutely what you want from something like this. Longevity it yet to be seen but, I went with this over the Big Knob because the BK has reliability issues based on my research. I have had products from both Mackie and Behringer, Mackie usually is the superior brand but in the case of this product I would say that they are on level ground, it's just which one will last longer. I will try and update this post after a year of use.

I’ve been a user of the Mackie Big Knob original monitor controller since it was first introduced many years ago. I loved it so much that I replaced my first one with an identical model when it failed unexpectedly. The second one failed in the same way, and it is now understood that the Mackie product suffers design flaws which will always inevitably lead to failure. Disappointingly Mackie declined to redesign it, and instead introduced several new products bearing the same “Big Knob” branding, but which do not meet the needs satisfied by the original. Enter the Behringer Studio XL! It mirrors all of the essential features of the original Big Knob, while using a VCA circuit to accomplish volume control and overcome the design flaws in the older Mackie units. It is competitively priced and also “built like a tank”. From a studio setup perspective, it was trivial for me to switch complex cabling and routing from my old (defunct) Mackie unit to the Studio XL as the I/O is practically identical. The knobs are smooth, noise-free and feel nice. The buttons are sturdy enough, give reassuring click down/click up tactile feedback, and look great. The overall unit is attractively finished and the colored LEDs and gain meters are satisfyingly colorful and bright - it’s a good-looking unit. Once a technology pariah, Behringer have been producing products of excellent quality and functionality for many years now, and the Studio XL is a fantastic bit of gear for your studio. Mine is married to a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, and powered mains, subwoofer and mixing speakers, as well as direct feed synthesizer feeds. While I can’t yet speak to longevity, the considerably more expensive Mackie products have failed prematurely with no recourse available from Mackie - they’re expensive doorstops. Time will tell on longevity, but for now I love my Studio XL!