Karaoke Forums

I've been hosting karaoke shows for about 20 years, and am an old poster from the old JOLT days. I've used various combinations of equipment over the years for various size clubs. I've even used Behringer products with great success. Now, as I get closer to 62, I'm trying to scale down, and make things a little lighter.

I know over the years Behringer has sometimes gotten a bad rap over their quality, but I was wondering if Behringer had improved their quality in recent years. I had been using a 1832FX for many years, and loved it. Now I'm using a Yamaha EMX5014C, but I'm not as satisfied with the effects section as I had been with the Behringer effects. I'm considering a Behringer 3000 powered mixer as a replacement. So, once again, do you think they're quality has improved in the past couple of years? Particularly their powered mixers?

Thanks ahead of time, and a quick hello to all my old JOLT friends.

In fact, from what I've been hearing, quality was way better when they first started Now, the good news is, they just can't go lower, they even cut the QC for savings

Keep in mind, it's just what I heard, others can share their recent experience, I'm done with this brand, you get what you pay for, sometimes you can get less with them too

I think the quality is probably about the same. I own the PMH3000 myself, and have had no real trouble with it.

The problem with the PMH3000, in my opinion, is the power. You are going to find that the 5014 has a lot more power at 8 ohms. While the PMH3000 is rated at 400w RMS per channel (don't listen to their 600W claim), it only puts out 215w into 8 ohms. That isn't enough to drive most pro speakers well. The 5014 puts out 350. You are going to be missing that power.

I use my PMH3000 with an external EP2500 amp, which obviously adds a lot of weight. I use the 3000 for the monitor speaker and a rear fill if necessary.

Personally, I would keep the 5014 and buy an external effects processor like the Lexicon MX200.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

SKID!!!

Good to see you m'man!

Unfortunately, not only has Behrenger NOT improved, it looks like many retailers no longer will warranty the products due to so many complaints!

In here, if you want a Behringer, you need a special order, no more in stock, now that really says it all BTW, EVERY stores, not just one!!

Thanks guys, I guess that says it all.

It's just my personal experience but I've been using a Behringer PMH880S for over 5 years 3 nights a week with no problems at all, small to larger venues and indoor and out. I will say that I take very good care of it. In fact, some other dj's in my area liked my setup and recently bought new Behringer PMP1280S's for themselves. They seem to really like them so far. I'm not really sure what all the problems have been for everyone else with Behringers but I'll be upgrading soon and I'll still take the value and added features of a Behringer over Yamaha, etc.

Do you make this stuff up ???? Check out their webiste - there are over 100 stores within 50 miles of me that carry Behringer - not including much of the larger online retailers. People have to stop just repeating things they've heard.

OK let me see -- you LOVED your Behringer Mixer ???? SO why question if you should buy another product? They have and continue to be an affordable alternative to other brands. In the past I've used a few powered mixers - PMH2000 (which admittadely was DOA from Guitar Center) but was immediatley replaced.
I've used a 1222fx mixer which I liked BETTER than the Mackie DFX12 I also used.
More recently I used a PM8000 powered mixer which had DUAL effects , which are MUCH better then the Yamaha EMX512 I currently use. I still use 2 15" Behringer Speakers which were more affordable than the eqivalent Yamahas.

So for someone who used and still uses some Behringer Products --GO for IT
If you're not happy RETURN IT ...SIMPLE ----The RAP on them is just that RAP
You will always find some one who had a problem with Behringer ...Mackie PEAVEY YAMAHA BOSE etc etc. The only problem is MOST won't admit it -- Nobody wants to admit they paid $800 for a BRAND X mixer that had a defect when Behringer sells a similiar one for $500

I got a an Alesis multimix 8 USB mixer a few months ago and the vocal effects are far superior to the vocal effects on my Yamaha EMX512 powered mixer.

For $100-$150 you can add the vocal effects to your Yamaha by plugging your mics into the mic inputs on the Alesis and then output to the Yamaha. This way you have a backup mixer too as long as you have a spare power amplifier.

You could also get a Lexicon or Alesis vocal effects unit for your Yamaha.

Or you could sell your Yamaha and get a Soundcraft mixer with the Lexicon vocal effects built in.

It all depends on how much you want to spend. I found my Alesis in like new-used condition for $110 on ebay and it came with a free nanoverb. I have a couple of power amps that I can use with it. I still like my Yamaha EMX512 for the extreme light weight and convenience, but the vocal effects are lacking.

Jam,

I've used the 1832FX for years, and really loved it, but having to haul around a heavy power amp was getting to be a real pain, hence my reason for getting the lighter weight Yamaha powered mixer. I guess my question really was how do the Behringer powered mixers stack up against the other brands. They're light weight and I'm already familiar with the non-powered mixers, but do the power amps inside hold up. I already got one answer telling me tha power ratings were a little on the high side. BTW, I'm using 8 ohm speakers.

As anyone ever opened a Behringer just to see what's inside I did it with my previous UB-1622fx just before I sold it, man, no wonder their soooo light, there's nothing inside

Why did I sell it, you say? FX stopped working after the first year, a mic input died and I'd loose a speaker once in a while on some channel due to the poor switch quality like the mute, solo... But to be honest, when I bought it, I was told it will not last forever so I kind of knew these things would happen

Skid
I've used 2 Behringer box type mixers in the past and loved them and had no problems with them. I switched to a YAMAHA for the built in compression on the channels. I tend to agree that you have to really read the POWER specs and compare apples to apples. OHMS watts - peak ratings etc - yadda yadda yadda.

Will they last as long as other brands ? Who knows........ Many sites offer FULL SATISFACTION or refund ... Only thing I can say is try it ?

Hey Skid, how you doing? Hpe the "magic" is still there. Have you thought about going with a lighter weight power speakers instead of a power board and keep the board you like so well?

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You can be strange but not a stranger

If you are happy with your 5014 from a power standpoint now, then you will be less happy with the PMP3000. It has 40% less power, and depending on your speakers will not drive them very well.

If you are using Yamaha BR15s it might be OK, as it is a fair match. If you are using S115V clubs or the Behringer B1520, it just isn't enough power. Take it from a PMH3000 owner who can't gig out with it beyond a home party (or a ballad-fest ).

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Agree ! --Just need to be aware of the POWER ratinsg Behringer assigns their equipment..... But you also have to with MACKIE !!! who advertise 2ohm ratings ?

Thanks, Mickey. You told me exactly what I needed to know. Your last post helps me with my decision. I may end up going back to my 1832FX, and just getting a pair of the newer JBL Eons. Only 32 pounds.

Thanks again

We had a Crate mixer for 15 years, finally had to replace while on the road, and unfortunately purchased the PMP2000, what a joke. Cannot get vocals loud enough, were going to add a Vocopro 3700 mixer/amp to have a spare amp(even though it's 200 watts, we have smaller speakers for small venues, and thought we could use as an amp to power the smaller speakers for big venues using both. Well, so much for that. After reading all of this, mabe we'd just be better off to spend more on an amp, and accept that one years use is all you'll get from a Behringer.
PS what do you guys think of Vocopros D3700 and the new model 39090k, do they really help vocals sound that good?

I wouldn't bother with either. The amp section on the 3900 is rated at MAX power so in reality is probably only pushing half that. The amp on the 3700 is 100 per channel MAX output so again, probably only half of that for clean power.
Save your money & get a small mixer with a good amp. You'll be VERY thankful you did.

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