I got mine today and used it on the drumbus and just finished a full mix with it. Whatever people say about it, I don’t care… It sounds freaking good 👌🏼
@@slapdesre Yes, the first batch was sold out pretty fast. Within one day. I mixed two more songs with it today and I really like it a lot, the limiter works really well too. I think it’s worth the wait and if you really want one.
I got nothing against bringing vintage tech to the masses, Warm Audio, Golden Age, Klark Teknik (now bought by Behringer), Lindell Audio, all make great clones. In the end, how does it sound? UA and others have no problem selling Plugs that cost almost this much. There is something about using physical hardware, there just is. If Behringer wants into the clone market then so be it. Let the market be the judge. Its not like we have a shortage of $5000 black boxes being sold by Sweetwater. At least clones put real hardware into more actual musicians hands.
Great Video! In the Neve the limiter is first in the signal chain, its setup to grabs fast peaks before compression similar to using an 1176 before an LA2A on vocals, guitar(etc). Of course you can use them separately but they sound great together on a lot of sources! 😃
I’m pretty sure Berhringer owns a huge components manufacturing plant. Which would make sense why they can save money on components. Because I do know that factory supplies most of the top components for top tier brands.
he uses the limiter first so the peaks don't make the compressor jump and not be able to release before the next transient. This is like using an 1176 with a high ratio before a LA-2A it lowers the peaks only so the slower LA-2A doesn't react to huge spikes. Same idea.
I’m really curious to use one but the price point makes me weary of the build quality. Also my studio is one room so it would be tough for me to dial in compression while the drums are playing. It’s the reason why I don’t have any outboard eq a or compression.
I liked you video. Could you explain more about your mid side idea? I guess you were saying it overcomes the stereo linked compressor problem. Thank you.
When you ask how it's so cheap compared to others, it has to do with economies of scale and mass production. Behringer have gotten really good at that. Building small numbers daily is a more expensive operation than building 100 or 500 units a day. Plus they buy components in larger quantities, which means they get them at a cheaper price, and shipping is less expensive than if they bought small quantities. This all adds up very quickly. They also cut corners where they can, like every other manufacturer, especially in pots and switches, which feel cheaper but don't really change the sound. Also, having your own factory helps, rather than having to outsource production.
Switches can affect the sound and a Midas transformer will never sound the same as a Neve or Carnhill….the ic s are also cheaper and being built in China….. Everything they do affects the sound. That’s why Behringer is cheap crap.
That was a great perspective on this unit. I feel the music recordings that I love is when the instruments sound larger than life and very different than what I hear in a bar or at home. This compressor like so many others was able to do that. When I look to buy new gear I try to find the ones that do their job but also alter the sound in a good way. Unfortunately I’ve seen other demo’s of this unit and the main complaint are the fragile knobs and switches. It would be great for you to review one if you ever get your hands on one. Great video. Cheers.
Well done - you did a great job of keeping this objective. I especially thought your last statement about outboard being better than plug-ins was an excellent point.
Really enjoyed your perspective. I don't seek out reaction videos, but when they are good they are super useful and yours was great. It you do more of them, I'd watch and learn. But you gotta promise to continue to let your brow furrow when your Spidey sense tingles, as you did in this video. :-)
I've built some DIY compressors and other hardware. It is hard to imagine the scaling that makes 6x transformers, all those rotary switches, and meters come in at $500 and be profitable in the pro audio space. I've always assumed neve stuff was more complex than your typical LA2A or 1176 type box. I'm very curious what those switches feel like. Are they completely surface mount encoder type switches with some kind of micoprocessor that's handling the switching or are they legit mechanical. That seems like the only way to build it cheaply. The controls might feel detented but they're actually encoders and the switching is electronic. That's not inherently bad as far as the functionality but I wonder about longevity and serviceability. It's pretty much impossible to replace broken parts of Behringer gear.
Very interesting thought. But when it's broken after some years of usage, why not throw it away and buy a new one? If it lasts just for 3 years you can decide do I buy a new Behringer every 3 years or do I buy the Original once in about 20 years (approximately the same price). But after 20 years you can sell the Original for at least the same price ... 🙂
I could be wrong, but im pretty sure behringer own all the OEM's that build all the components they need to begin with. In the DIY world or even a company that outsources components from other factories its going to be a lot more expensive in both paying for them to build it for you and shipping etc. Which would be why other companies have to charge more for there gear. With Behringer owning all the companies that build component's they can build things at significantly lower costs. Not to say they aren't cutting corners in any way in terms of quality control. Just a thought.
I really question the materials used to build it. I will say I've been impressed by the sound of some of their gear, however from my experience and the experience of MANY others, the engineering is good but the build breaks down. One never knows with budget gear from this company. Will it last? Will it fail one second after the warranty runs out? Will it malfunction after light use over a six month period?
Agreed on longevity. I got a tube pre from them and both tubes died within 3 months of maybe 10hrs a week use. I should have gotten way more use out of new tubes. Knobs also feel cheap, BUT it sounds good.
Took the plunge into hybrid mixing and got a 32 channel mixer with direct outputs. What is the best way to get enough analog ins/outs to be able to record in 8 channels and mix on the remaining 24? Thanks in advance!
Great video brother. I think you were very fair in your assessments. I would think that if anybody could pull off something like this and have it be high-quality for a small amount of money, it would be Behringer. Kind of like Walmart, they probably have the buying power to get their parts much cheaper than other companies. I think it’s safe to say that Behringer is probably bigger than just about everybody else.
Does anyone else find it strange to explain the attack and release times in an ad for a $500 compressor? I know that’s not exactly expensive for an analog compressor but who would need that explained if they’re at the point they’re spending that much on outboard gear
No they are trying to tell you exactly what this unit can and can't do. Its not an 1176 and its not tubetech. They want you to know that this thing is based on a Rupert Neve Mastering Compressor. Its supposed to be the kiss the track kind of thing but he wanted to show it can do everything that you need. I think I heard 10:1
I got one last week and I tried it a bunch, sounds very very good; I don't have a Neve one, but a good sound is a good sound. The hardware and switches are good, the pots thow are horrific, especially the thrashold ones, very very bad feeling. If you will set and forget it I think there wont be any problems; but if you want to use it for different things, I think a pot upgrade is necessary. For the price I think a good sound is all you need, the hardware quality comes after
Haha! You literally echoed my exact thoughts about this. I have outboard compressors that are more useful massaging signals in the front end, but have been wanting an outboard stereo comp for mixing. I can't automatically hate on Behringer as I have their Deepmind 6 analog synth, and it is jaw-droppingly amazing. But I don't have an outboard "mixing" comp and have been wary of cheap products as potential mix bus solutions. Also, I don't generally use a 33609 plug-in on my mix bus, though I do like them on OHs. I'm going to wait for some proper reviews, hopefully by you, before making any further decisions. Also, I'm gonna assume these will be pretty cheap on the used market before too long...
Good Vid. Ya this dude is good. I look like a circus clown when i do a video. The track at the end was cool. I had to replay it many times.. Something jumped out with the lows i liked. I dont think it was volume. The supper low info got super tight and more round. I get how this comp works. have never got one to make the lows blossom like this. So is it me! or are my ears playing tricks. I think its around 17:10 Also I liked your reaction video. do more.
Seems like a decent stereo compressor that would compete with the ART stereo optical, might steal some people who would otherwise spend 1k on an SSL style glue comp. Aimed at musicians who do home recording, basement studios, would be amazing on a PA at your jam space. I mean, there's not a lot of inexpensive stereo compressors in the sub 1k range, none with limiters.
He went 100% in the box. He did it because it’s faster and has automatic recall for remixes The stuff that he mixes it’s perfectly suited for being 100% in the box
Not a fan of a 33609 on mix bus, but I dig it on drum bus. That’s what I use it for exclusively. I don’t think you can really push plugins like you can hardware. My Neve 5060 stays in the red, and that’s where it sounds the best. Digital sounds like doo doo when pushed. Unless doo doo is the right sound for the job. Ha ha! I’ll Probably pick one of these up at the price point. A diode bridge compressor for $500? Sure! Hope you’re doing well!
@creativesoundlab The engineers at both the Conan O’brian show and late night with David Letterman used this for musical guests in the 90’s. There are clips on UA-cam of that era. Some sound overbaked from the network feed but the flavor of mix from the control room was very cool. SSL>Tascam D88>SSL> 33609
It's a compressor. It compresses. The thing the Neve is popular for is the that the make up gain is transparent without coloration. It is known for NOT having a sound. The color that most people love from a comp is the saturation of the makeup gain upon release, the Neve isn't that type of compressor. Actually all around, people are over compressing because they are being marketed to that that is the Vintage Voodoo that made classic records sound good. it's total BS. A comp is just a single point in a whole chain from Preamp, through the board, to the tape, from the tape, through the board, whatever processing and EQ, through sub master or through the console master BACK to tape for the mix.... BACK out of that mix down reel into another gigantic chain of Mastering gear.... and them to a lathe or repro plant to make deliverable for sale. What Compressor you use is entirely minor in the scheme of why a Guitar sounds Rad on a Sabbath record form 1971.
Behringer own the Midas brand, so they can stick that on any component they want. It sounds good, but wasn't gain matched. I like it, but wouldn't buy it out of principle Enjoyed the reaction video
Notice how hard is switching, the guy is holding compressor like a hammer, that will be big problem for people actually doing production. Toggle switches used here are the cheapest possible at around 40 cents for one, i could not find information about rotary switches but they feel the same as those lowest quality toggles. The problem with such gear is the fact when something breaks, nobody will repair it because access to the insides is severely limited, getting right parts might be impossible. So it is pretty good for 3-5 years, beside being very hard to operate.
@@creativesoundlab In all seriousness, I'm sure it sounds great, but will last 5-10+ years? I had a bad experience with another clone manufacturer and I no longer get excited about the cheap clones.
The other video I just watched had a guy who could really manipulate a compressor man. It sounded FULL Rich like a NEVE... I am also considering it after hearing it just before I watched this video... He Crushed the drums pretty good. It sounded fat too. He did have a great recording to start with though I am sure that is a big part of it all.
Thanks for giving your thoughts about the promotion video. I watched a couple of UA-cam reviews from some folks that must have gotten some early units to try out from Behringer. In generally, most were positive about it, but one person complained that the front knobs were kind of cheap and hard to turn. In fact, I think he ended up stripping one of the knobs. With that said, I do have my eye on this, but I'll wait to see what others have to say about it before I decide to buy one.
Yeah, the threshold knobs are really tight. I can even say pretty bad but the unit sounds really good. Got one today and I really like it, did a full mix with it and used it on the drumbus. It looks nice too but I wonder how long the threshold knobs will last. The rest of the knobs work good.
@@Studio22mix Thanks for the feedback. Good to know you're happy with how it sounds. Hopefully, they fix the threshold knob issue with future productions.
i just bought the klark teknik LA2A and 1176 clones. Stupid question, but *Besides bus mix*, would i get any benefit out of this compressor if i already have a good 1176 and LA2A type comps?
Hit or Miss! Some stuff rules, synths mostly. Hardware is true 50/50. Speakers are mostly miss. I've gone through lots of Behringer over the last ten years in my testing and review and it really is crazy how all over the place it is.
@@lemonlimecola This is concerning. Actually, I had a pair of their near field monitors that I used at a job once that failed after two years. The other handful of their gear I own has been fine. But I am leery of spending $500 on something when the QC is marginal at best.
@@theglobalzrecordingproject I’ve had their guitar pedals be dead on arrival when ordered new and a used one last for years as a beater backup on tour. It’s truly random. I’ve had a few really awesome experiences but some stuff was just out right bad. Their synths are awesome. I have a bunch with zero problems. Outboard has mostly been fine too just had a few less than one year in issues where they just sent me a new one and told me to keep/throw away the old. Funny enough my monitors were like that too. Though I used them on tour for programming sounds in the green room, they weren’t stationary but they were still treated well, a year is tough.
I don't do any mixing, but want to learn. I thought you one could do all this through software with the millions of plug-ins? I guess this is good for live stuff? Just wondering, not dissing....
Behringer has such a vertical integration of production that they're able to put out much cheaper analogue components due to owning the chip manufacturing and doing the assemblies in a mega-hub in China, right next to those chip manufacturing plants.
this thing sounds perfect- also yes youre right its scale- behringer makes so many products- including those transistors- that its cheaper for them than everyone else- they went insane their factory is just next level- the hate they get is just based on rich people mad that the expensive stuff they buy can be bought for less!!
I feel like "reaction" videos get a bad rep. I like the idea of you watching these and adding clarity and demystifying some of the BS marketing talk. For new people seeing the ad its easy for us to think yes take my money right now!
I like this a lot, especially when you think a good compressor com easily cost around $150, and you can’t resell it! Hardware is much more interesting at this price point
Sometimes it’s a matter of demand if you make something that everyone wants you can charge whatever you want and people will pay to get it and anything can be reverse engineered or copied even though the clone will never get the notoriety it doesn’t mean it’s not good it’s just not the name brand and I’m not a name brand guy and I’ll buy a Neve 33609 when my studio pays for it and if it never does I guess I just saved a bunch of money
Behringer keep talking about the high quality of the audio. I though the point in vintage gear and vintage gear clones is to give character to audio and make it not sound perfect. High quality audio is not difficult to achieve in 2024.
Really respect all your videos but maybe call Behringer and ask for a unit to demo instead of commenting on something you can only hear over the internet. I’m sure you have some of these types of compressor’s laying around and maybe don’t need one but for an low to intermediate home studio looking to save a few thousand bucks it might be just up their alley. I think that’s probably why you did this video, not to criticize but to inform. Keep up the good work.
Seems like it’s only a big deal because of the name on it. Alctron has been making house-branded and OEM copies of the 2254 for years and no one talks about it because they don’t have the marketing behind them. As far as price, Behringer has the benefit of being the brand and the manufacturer, they don’t have to contract to 3rd party CMs. Not sure about the volume, but I’m sure they’re making quite a few, and they’re definitely paying lesss for their bread and butter components than a lot of smaller manufacturers.
I would not buy a Behringer stuff of any kind even if this 369 was 1€ or even offer to me. Just thinking on my Studio looking to a Behringer hardware would make me sick. But i respect and im not judging who's using this Brand.
Good thoughts, I think to your point about cost and price, we all know, really that just because something is expensive, that doesn't mean it cost that to make. The old adage is, it's not what it cost to make, it's what the market will bear. So, if manufacturers get a good name because one of their pieces of kit got used on a well known track/studio/artist, then everyone talks about it, and the price goes up, because everyone wants it. Markets are driven by consumer desire, not cost to make. Technology has moved on in terms of manufacturing parts, and therefore are easier to make cheaper. There's a lot of nonsense talked about kit, and names, you should be able to get good results from relatively cheap stuff. I don't think having racks of expensive gear should make the engineer, a good engineer can make things work for them. and there's something creative in the process of working with limitations for me. You know, kinda, "yeah so it hums a bit, get over it, at least he/she isn't singing through an auto tuner." I like the imperfections.
it's funny when someone has such a basic tutorial for a piece of "high end" cloned gear. That to me means this isn't for Pros from their perspective. He wouldn't have to explain what a single one of those controls was for if the audience was expected to be an audio engineer with any amount of experience. From a signal flow perspective, I am assuming the limiter is AFTER the compressor, but from a visual perspective it's placed BEFORE. It would make zero sense to put a limiter BEFORE your Compressor in a signal chain in my opinion.
I really wish the guy would not talk and let us listen to the mix. But maybe that what they want. Keep us guessing and then wanting one to try for ourselves. Damn it I’m gonna buy one. And their 2 channel 1073 pre and EQ clone.
Regarding price of components....Behringer is in China and they have so called cheap labour and If Im not wrong they produce components on their own ....besides that....west has completely different pricing trends and Behringer actually took advantage of it and that is why this company is so successful. Regarding the use of that compressor. If someone does not have a summing bus (all consoles have that) I would mix into that compressor. I would also use it on busses and ofc instruments. Transformers will make thin sounding stuff sound glued and phat. Digital creations will benefit from that for sure!
Jean, reaction videos could be really dumb, but you’re at least reacting to a commercial, I think that’s legit in some way. I would much prefer to watch a non biased demonstration from an independent creator
What can it do in a metal mix? It always irritates the shit out of me when someone demos a piece of gear and they're playing "The Cure For Insomnia Vol.1 - 27." FFS, try playing a piece that has some girth to it! Or worse yet, they demo a snare drum and hit it with their purse for 19min and then say "Oh man, this snare is punchy, yet warm!"... Yeah maybe... if you're a yoga instructor. I like this type of content, please do more if you feel inspired to do so!
@@creativesoundlab I just started my own little UA-cam channel… and because of this phenomenon, when I’m demoing ANYTHING, I’m playing blastbeats only! Just so I can say “listen to the delicate balance of transient punch and full body girth on this drum”… then I just go BAH BAH BAH BAH BAH BAH BAH at like 200BPM hahahahaha!!!
I had some behringer gear back in the early days. It was absolute dogshit. But they’ve completely upped their game in recent years. I’m seriously considering getting a couple of hardware units. And… we really need to remember: we wont need to sell any of our major organs to afford their gear.
two key take aways. its another clone that is affordable, ( AND I STRESSED another clone) that gets the user closer to the neve 33609 sound with out the overcost of a real neve because of the name. Number two. Any one paid to hype a product is convincing the user as to why they should buy this product and the psychological marketing in describing the product. In lament terms. its like making a peanut butter sandwich and describing how rich and tasty the sandwich is, simply because the peanut flavor was revolutionized with a juicy peanut butter sauce that has change the game for PJB lovers. But in reality, its just another peanut butter jelly sandwich.
First, when it sounds good, it is good. But nevertheless it would be interesting if they use the same diode bridge technology the original was famous for. Probably not, because no word about it. A more drastic example would be if i would buy a recreation of a famous tube compressor and the copy doesn't use tubes - even though it sounds good - I don't like it and I would not buy it.
The unit sounds okay. I don't think it's great nor do I think it sounds bad. As a 33609 clone it's compression times are way off. The release hangs on for way too long for a diode bridge compressor. These comps are supposed to be extremely fast. It's also really sensitive to low frequencies resulting in a pretty squashed signal, whereas the 33609 can let way more low end through before compression is triggered. As a compressor it's fine. I'm neither for it nor against it. As a 33609 I don't like it at all. If I were in the market for another diode bridge comp at a reasonable price I'd be looking for a used Heritage Audio Successor. I own the OG Neve version and multiple clones from Heritage Audio and other brands that span a huge price range, and I would suggest a plugin over this. I'd also say that I don't think most people should even be buying hardware, but hey they've got their own life lessons to learn. Anyhow, I love having you back. I look forwards to future uploads. I hope you and the family are doing well.
Well said. :) I also think the Comp54 by Golden Age Project is the most affordable diode bridge compressor that's actually good. It's single-channel, and you'd need two for stereo busses, but it's leaps and bounds above the Behringer!
@@aleksamrkela831 I don't mean to crap on the Behringer. If it wasn't marketed as a Neve replacement I wouldn't care. I still think the average studio/audio viewers need to beware marketing and throwing around tons of cash to buy things for a professional sound. People learning this world simply don't know what they don't know, so predatory companies will take advantage of that. If they have a commercial space then sure gear is extremely useful. If you're just trying to make great music at home... Don't feed the wild bears, ya know?
@@SomebodyPickaName I live in Europe, they arrived in the shops yesterday and already sold out. I'm glad I pre-ordered one because the next batch is in a couple of months.
to clarify you on why it is so cheap, they have their own factory in China, unlike Warm who has to source out their products leading to a middle man bite into a cut, that's why this product is not at least $899, greedy Warm would sell this to us for at least $1699!!
Behringer margins are low across the board. There's no double this, double that scheme.... that's why you pay 2k for a 500$ "branded" made unit. Again, profits are not doubled going from one hand to the other for "reputable" brands but it's substantially more than Behringer as they bank on sales volume, rather than profit on units.
I got mine today and used it on the drumbus and just finished a full mix with it. Whatever people say about it, I don’t care…
It sounds freaking good 👌🏼
Great to hear!
where did you get it?
@@slapdesre I pre-ordered it at Thomann in Germany two weeks ago. Also pre-ordered the 1273 but that one is still going to take a while.
@@Studio22mix thomann says that delivery is expected in several months…
@@slapdesre Yes, the first batch was sold out pretty fast. Within one day. I mixed two more songs with it today and I really like it a lot, the limiter works really well too. I think it’s worth the wait and if you really want one.
No choice but to react to the other Behringer new release, the 1273 preamp/EQ. Thanks for your insight on this!
Agreed.
That unit looks great lol
reaction content like this that improves upon and expands the original content is always welcomed and appreciated, great insight
I got nothing against bringing vintage tech to the masses, Warm Audio, Golden Age, Klark Teknik (now bought by Behringer), Lindell Audio, all make great clones. In the end, how does it sound? UA and others have no problem selling Plugs that cost almost this much. There is something about using physical hardware, there just is.
If Behringer wants into the clone market then so be it. Let the market be the judge. Its not like we have a shortage of $5000 black boxes being sold by Sweetwater. At least clones put real hardware into more actual musicians hands.
Nailed it at the end...even if budget hardware, it often sounds better than a plugin and is quicker and easier to dial in
Great Video! In the Neve the limiter is first in the signal chain, its setup to grabs fast peaks before compression similar to using an 1176 before an LA2A on vocals, guitar(etc). Of course you can use them separately but they sound great together on a lot of sources! 😃
I’m pretty sure Berhringer owns a huge components manufacturing plant. Which would make sense why they can save money on components.
Because I do know that factory supplies most of the top components for top tier brands.
"I kind of wish he would stop talking." hahaha I lost it there. I enjoyed all this.
he uses the limiter first so the peaks don't make the compressor jump and not be able to release before the next transient. This is like using an 1176 with a high ratio before a LA-2A it lowers the peaks only so the slower LA-2A doesn't react to huge spikes. Same idea.
I’m really curious to use one but the price point makes me weary of the build quality. Also my studio is one room so it would be tough for me to dial in compression while the drums are playing. It’s the reason why I don’t have any outboard eq a or compression.
I liked you video. Could you explain more about your mid side idea? I guess you were saying it overcomes the stereo linked compressor problem. Thank you.
7:39 To be fair, he said "Recovery" was old *terminology* for "Realease", not an old _trick_ .
When you ask how it's so cheap compared to others, it has to do with economies of scale and mass production. Behringer have gotten really good at that. Building small numbers daily is a more expensive operation than building 100 or 500 units a day. Plus they buy components in larger quantities, which means they get them at a cheaper price, and shipping is less expensive than if they bought small quantities. This all adds up very quickly. They also cut corners where they can, like every other manufacturer, especially in pots and switches, which feel cheaper but don't really change the sound. Also, having your own factory helps, rather than having to outsource production.
Switches can affect the sound and a Midas transformer will never sound the same as a Neve or Carnhill….the ic s are also cheaper and being built in China….. Everything they do affects the sound. That’s why Behringer is cheap crap.
@@nicefish10 not good as Carnhill or Marinair ... but not cheap crap ... respect truth
@@nicefish10 iPhone production cost is around $15 in China, but it is costly in the market.
All of your commentary is extremely solid and on point 👌
That was a great perspective on this unit. I feel the music recordings that I love is when the instruments sound larger than life and very different than what I hear in a bar or at home. This compressor like so many others was able to do that. When I look to buy new gear I try to find the ones that do their job but also alter the sound in a good way. Unfortunately I’ve seen other demo’s of this unit and the main complaint are the fragile knobs and switches. It would be great for you to review one if you ever get your hands on one. Great video. Cheers.
Well done - you did a great job of keeping this objective. I especially thought your last statement about outboard being better than plug-ins was an excellent point.
Really enjoyed your perspective. I don't seek out reaction videos, but when they are good they are super useful and yours was great. It you do more of them, I'd watch and learn. But you gotta promise to continue to let your brow furrow when your Spidey sense tingles, as you did in this video. :-)
I've built some DIY compressors and other hardware. It is hard to imagine the scaling that makes 6x transformers, all those rotary switches, and meters come in at $500 and be profitable in the pro audio space. I've always assumed neve stuff was more complex than your typical LA2A or 1176 type box. I'm very curious what those switches feel like. Are they completely surface mount encoder type switches with some kind of micoprocessor that's handling the switching or are they legit mechanical. That seems like the only way to build it cheaply. The controls might feel detented but they're actually encoders and the switching is electronic. That's not inherently bad as far as the functionality but I wonder about longevity and serviceability. It's pretty much impossible to replace broken parts of Behringer gear.
Very interesting thought. But when it's broken after some years of usage, why not throw it away and buy a new one? If it lasts just for 3 years you can decide do I buy a new Behringer every 3 years or do I buy the Original once in about 20 years (approximately the same price). But after 20 years you can sell the Original for at least the same price ... 🙂
I could be wrong, but im pretty sure behringer own all the OEM's that build all the components they need to begin with. In the DIY world or even a company that outsources components from other factories its going to be a lot more expensive in both paying for them to build it for you and shipping etc. Which would be why other companies have to charge more for there gear. With Behringer owning all the companies that build component's they can build things at significantly lower costs. Not to say they aren't cutting corners in any way in terms of quality control. Just a thought.
That last track sent me into another dimension with my headphones.
I like the honest reaction and thoughts format
I really question the materials used to build it. I will say I've been impressed by the sound of some of their gear, however from my experience and the experience of MANY others, the engineering is good but the build breaks down. One never knows with budget gear from this company. Will it last? Will it fail one second after the warranty runs out? Will it malfunction after light use over a six month period?
Agreed on longevity. I got a tube pre from them and both tubes died within 3 months of maybe 10hrs a week use. I should have gotten way more use out of new tubes. Knobs also feel cheap, BUT it sounds good.
Do more of these reviews, pointing out what one should be looking for when listening to these online demos
Great insights, love the video - keep that up!
Took the plunge into hybrid mixing and got a 32 channel mixer with direct outputs. What is the best way to get enough analog ins/outs to be able to record in 8 channels and mix on the remaining 24? Thanks in advance!
10:00 left limiter on so it can stack, compression is After
I think that the 369 KT and 1273 will get a big runner, there are sold out up to summer.
Like the reaction vid. Added context to what was going on.
Great video brother. I think you were very fair in your assessments. I would think that if anybody could pull off something like this and have it be high-quality for a small amount of money, it would be Behringer. Kind of like Walmart, they probably have the buying power to get their parts much cheaper than other companies. I think it’s safe to say that Behringer is probably bigger than just about everybody else.
Does anyone else find it strange to explain the attack and release times in an ad for a $500 compressor? I know that’s not exactly expensive for an analog compressor but who would need that explained if they’re at the point they’re spending that much on outboard gear
No they are trying to tell you exactly what this unit can and can't do. Its not an 1176 and its not tubetech. They want you to know that this thing is based on a Rupert Neve Mastering Compressor. Its supposed to be the kiss the track kind of thing but he wanted to show it can do everything that you need. I think I heard 10:1
Sold out worldwide
Enjoyed your constructive feedback. Very useful. 😎
Not lame! Great idea to do a video like this.
I got one last week and I tried it a bunch, sounds very very good; I don't have a Neve one, but a good sound is a good sound. The hardware and switches are good, the pots thow are horrific, especially the thrashold ones, very very bad feeling. If you will set and forget it I think there wont be any problems; but if you want to use it for different things, I think a pot upgrade is necessary. For the price I think a good sound is all you need, the hardware quality comes after
Great feedback! If I didn't already have two Successors I would spring for it.
I have the Stam 609. Love to get my hands on the this and compare the 2 vs the UAD.
Haha! You literally echoed my exact thoughts about this. I have outboard compressors that are more useful massaging signals in the front end, but have been wanting an outboard stereo comp for mixing. I can't automatically hate on Behringer as I have their Deepmind 6 analog synth, and it is jaw-droppingly amazing. But I don't have an outboard "mixing" comp and have been wary of cheap products as potential mix bus solutions. Also, I don't generally use a 33609 plug-in on my mix bus, though I do like them on OHs. I'm going to wait for some proper reviews, hopefully by you, before making any further decisions. Also, I'm gonna assume these will be pretty cheap on the used market before too long...
My last sentence has already aged poorly!
Good Vid. Ya this dude is good. I look like a circus clown when i do a video. The track at the end was cool. I had to replay it many times.. Something jumped out with the lows i liked. I dont think it was volume. The supper low info got super tight and more round. I get how this comp works. have never got one to make the lows blossom like this. So is it me! or are my ears playing tricks. I think its around 17:10 Also I liked your reaction video. do more.
Seems like a decent stereo compressor that would compete with the ART stereo optical, might steal some people who would otherwise spend 1k on an SSL style glue comp. Aimed at musicians who do home recording, basement studios, would be amazing on a PA at your jam space. I mean, there's not a lot of inexpensive stereo compressors in the sub 1k range, none with limiters.
Serben Ghenea used the OG on the master bus for years then switched to a 33609 plugin (I believe).
He went 100% in the box. He did it because it’s faster and has automatic recall for remixes The stuff that he mixes it’s perfectly suited for being 100% in the box
But he is mixing stuff that was recorded well on HIGH END gear, consoles.
@@monetprod1Isn’t most of the stuff VI’s?
I’m going to use mine when it arrives on a drum buss. I’m not going to use the crushing high ratio settings.
its 700 bucks. yeah. I like the arturia plug though, works on some tracks really well. andy scheps uses the UAD one exclusively afaik
It’s $499 which is entering no-brainer territory, but here I am still hesitating for some reason…
Andrew Sheps has been documented saying he's using the UAD plugin pretty often for his mixbuss
Interesting video. Please do more. Thanks
Not a fan of a 33609 on mix bus, but I dig it on drum bus. That’s what I use it for exclusively. I don’t think you can really push plugins like you can hardware. My Neve 5060 stays in the red, and that’s where it sounds the best. Digital sounds like doo doo when pushed. Unless doo doo is the right sound for the job. Ha ha! I’ll
Probably pick one of these up at the price point. A diode bridge compressor for $500? Sure! Hope you’re doing well!
@creativesoundlab
The engineers at both the Conan O’brian show and late night with David Letterman used this for musical guests in the 90’s. There are clips on UA-cam of that era. Some sound overbaked from the network feed but the flavor of mix from the control room was very cool. SSL>Tascam D88>SSL> 33609
Scale of manufacturing and component selection. that explains the cost I would say
Interesting!
Thank you so much. You've made my day. $500 bucks is a great deal in this daY AND AGE.
It's a compressor. It compresses. The thing the Neve is popular for is the that the make up gain is transparent without coloration. It is known for NOT having a sound. The color that most people love from a comp is the saturation of the makeup gain upon release, the Neve isn't that type of compressor. Actually all around, people are over compressing because they are being marketed to that that is the Vintage Voodoo that made classic records sound good. it's total BS. A comp is just a single point in a whole chain from Preamp, through the board, to the tape, from the tape, through the board, whatever processing and EQ, through sub master or through the console master BACK to tape for the mix.... BACK out of that mix down reel into another gigantic chain of Mastering gear.... and them to a lathe or repro plant to make deliverable for sale. What Compressor you use is entirely minor in the scheme of why a Guitar sounds Rad on a Sabbath record form 1971.
Behringer own the Midas brand, so they can stick that on any component they want. It sounds good, but wasn't gain matched. I like it, but wouldn't buy it out of principle
Enjoyed the reaction video
Notice how hard is switching, the guy is holding compressor like a hammer, that will be big problem for people actually doing production. Toggle switches used here are the cheapest possible at around 40 cents for one, i could not find information about rotary switches but they feel the same as those lowest quality toggles. The problem with such gear is the fact when something breaks, nobody will repair it because access to the insides is severely limited, getting right parts might be impossible. So it is pretty good for 3-5 years, beside being very hard to operate.
Behringer is like the Jerry Springer of manufacturers.
hahaha
@@creativesoundlab In all seriousness, I'm sure it sounds great, but will last 5-10+ years? I had a bad experience with another clone manufacturer and I no longer get excited about the cheap clones.
@@LexBravarysometimes a girlfriend last less than that….
@@atacamabeatsindierecording8406 What do you mean ''sometimes''?
Uli: CASH ME OUTSIDE NEVE
The other video I just watched had a guy who could really manipulate a compressor man. It sounded FULL Rich like a NEVE... I am also considering it after hearing it just before I watched this video... He Crushed the drums pretty good. It sounded fat too. He did have a great recording to start with though I am sure that is a big part of it all.
Thanks for giving your thoughts about the promotion video. I watched a couple of UA-cam reviews from some folks that must have gotten some early units to try out from Behringer. In generally, most were positive about it, but one person complained that the front knobs were kind of cheap and hard to turn. In fact, I think he ended up stripping one of the knobs. With that said, I do have my eye on this, but I'll wait to see what others have to say about it before I decide to buy one.
Yeah, the threshold knobs are really tight. I can even say pretty bad but the unit sounds really good. Got one today and I really like it, did a full mix with it and used it on the drumbus. It looks nice too but I wonder how long the threshold knobs will last. The rest of the knobs work good.
@@Studio22mix Thanks for the feedback. Good to know you're happy with how it sounds. Hopefully, they fix the threshold knob issue with future productions.
i just bought the klark teknik LA2A and 1176 clones.
Stupid question, but *Besides bus mix*, would i get any benefit out of this compressor if i already have a good 1176 and LA2A type comps?
Intriguing. What is Behringer's QC like these days? Any thoughts? Interesting kit.
Pretty poor.
At least in my experience.
Hit or Miss! Some stuff rules, synths mostly. Hardware is true 50/50. Speakers are mostly miss. I've gone through lots of Behringer over the last ten years in my testing and review and it really is crazy how all over the place it is.
@@weschilton Thanks. I have a couple pieces of their gear which have worked fine, but none of their higher end stuff.
@@lemonlimecola This is concerning. Actually, I had a pair of their near field monitors that I used at a job once that failed after two years. The other handful of their gear I own has been fine. But I am leery of spending $500 on something when the QC is marginal at best.
@@theglobalzrecordingproject I’ve had their guitar pedals be dead on arrival when ordered new and a used one last for years as a beater backup on tour. It’s truly random. I’ve had a few really awesome experiences but some stuff was just out right bad. Their synths are awesome. I have a bunch with zero problems. Outboard has mostly been fine too just had a few less than one year in issues where they just sent me a new one and told me to keep/throw away the old. Funny enough my monitors were like that too. Though I used them on tour for programming sounds in the green room, they weren’t stationary but they were still treated well, a year is tough.
I don't do any mixing, but want to learn. I thought you one could do all this through software with the millions of plug-ins? I guess this is good for live stuff? Just wondering, not dissing....
Behringer has such a vertical integration of production that they're able to put out much cheaper analogue components due to owning the chip manufacturing and doing the assemblies in a mega-hub in China, right next to those chip manufacturing plants.
this thing sounds perfect- also yes youre right its scale- behringer makes so many products- including those transistors- that its cheaper for them than everyone else- they went insane their factory is just next level- the hate they get is just based on rich people mad that the expensive stuff they buy can be bought for less!!
I feel like "reaction" videos get a bad rep. I like the idea of you watching these and adding clarity and demystifying some of the BS marketing talk. For new people seeing the ad its easy for us to think yes take my money right now!
I wish they woulda gain matched the stuff just cuz Im a big dumb dumb and anything louder is gonna be better for me
I like this a lot, especially when you think a good compressor com easily cost around $150, and you can’t resell it! Hardware is much more interesting at this price point
Guessing the insistence on "true bypass" is for the guitar players...
Lol exactly. Just don't patch it in if you don't want it to affect the sound?
Warm Audio 1176 is what I would use first and the warm la 2a.
For people who are out of the box this is a nice way to get a decent compressor. Economies of scale.
Sometimes it’s a matter of demand if you make something that everyone wants you can charge whatever you want and people will pay to get it and anything can be reverse engineered or copied even though the clone will never get the notoriety it doesn’t mean it’s not good it’s just not the name brand and I’m not a name brand guy and I’ll buy a Neve 33609 when my studio pays for it and if it never does
I guess I just saved a bunch of money
Yes? Why limit 1st?
some company might just have much higher profit margin?
Behringer keep talking about the high quality of the audio. I though the point in vintage gear and vintage gear clones is to give character to audio and make it not sound perfect. High quality audio is not difficult to achieve in 2024.
Really respect all your videos but maybe call Behringer and ask for a unit to demo instead of commenting on something you can only hear over the internet. I’m sure you have some of these types of compressor’s laying around and maybe don’t need one but for an low to intermediate home studio looking to save a few thousand bucks it might be just up their alley. I think that’s probably why you did this video, not to criticize but to inform. Keep up the good work.
....maybe because back in the day levels fluctuated a lot more and you needed a safety on the in....?
Sound is what we want.
Seems like it’s only a big deal because of the name on it. Alctron has been making house-branded and OEM copies of the 2254 for years and no one talks about it because they don’t have the marketing behind them.
As far as price, Behringer has the benefit of being the brand and the manufacturer, they don’t have to contract to 3rd party CMs. Not sure about the volume, but I’m sure they’re making quite a few, and they’re definitely paying lesss for their bread and butter components than a lot of smaller manufacturers.
I would not buy a Behringer stuff of any kind even if this 369 was 1€ or even offer to me. Just thinking on my Studio looking to a Behringer hardware would make me sick. But i respect and im not judging who's using this Brand.
Good thoughts, I think to your point about cost and price, we all know, really that just because something is expensive, that doesn't mean it cost that to make. The old adage is, it's not what it cost to make, it's what the market will bear. So, if manufacturers get a good name because one of their pieces of kit got used on a well known track/studio/artist, then everyone talks about it, and the price goes up, because everyone wants it. Markets are driven by consumer desire, not cost to make. Technology has moved on in terms of manufacturing parts, and therefore are easier to make cheaper. There's a lot of nonsense talked about kit, and names, you should be able to get good results from relatively cheap stuff. I don't think having racks of expensive gear should make the engineer, a good engineer can make things work for them. and there's something creative in the process of working with limitations for me. You know, kinda, "yeah so it hums a bit, get over it, at least he/she isn't singing through an auto tuner." I like the imperfections.
I think the one problem that could occur is quality control.
I believe the limiter is actually first on this design.
it's funny when someone has such a basic tutorial for a piece of "high end" cloned gear. That to me means this isn't for Pros from their perspective. He wouldn't have to explain what a single one of those controls was for if the audience was expected to be an audio engineer with any amount of experience.
From a signal flow perspective, I am assuming the limiter is AFTER the compressor, but from a visual perspective it's placed BEFORE. It would make zero sense to put a limiter BEFORE your Compressor in a signal chain in my opinion.
Do the 1273 react!
Even a good clone has to have great transformers, which is part of its sound and transformers are expensive if they’re good
I really wish the guy would not talk and let us listen to the mix. But maybe that what they want. Keep us guessing and then wanting one to try for ourselves. Damn it I’m gonna buy one. And their 2 channel 1073 pre and EQ clone.
I'm wanting to not like this unit, but I'm afraid I have to agree with you. Damn! I might have to change my oppinion of behringer in the end.
Overall...is a good piece maybe?
Quality of components, durabiliy and most importantl QC for consistency's what makes pro gear expensive.
It was fine. You can do more. You were succinct/pithy. I like .
Regarding price of components....Behringer is in China and they have so called cheap labour and If Im not wrong they produce components on their own ....besides that....west has completely different pricing trends and Behringer actually took advantage of it and that is why this company is so successful.
Regarding the use of that compressor. If someone does not have a summing bus (all consoles have that) I would mix into that compressor. I would also use it on busses and ofc instruments. Transformers will make thin sounding stuff sound glued and phat. Digital creations will benefit from that for sure!
I’m here for the off topic rabbit trails
Jean, reaction videos could be really dumb, but you’re at least reacting to a commercial, I think that’s legit in some way. I would much prefer to watch a non biased demonstration from an independent creator
What can it do in a metal mix? It always irritates the shit out of me when someone demos a piece of gear and they're playing "The Cure For Insomnia Vol.1 - 27." FFS, try playing a piece that has some girth to it! Or worse yet, they demo a snare drum and hit it with their purse for 19min and then say "Oh man, this snare is punchy, yet warm!"... Yeah maybe... if you're a yoga instructor.
I like this type of content, please do more if you feel inspired to do so!
Haha hilarious. That’s how I feel about piano being used. I can’t tell anything on how it sounds.
@@creativesoundlab I just started my own little UA-cam channel… and because of this phenomenon, when I’m demoing ANYTHING, I’m playing blastbeats only! Just so I can say “listen to the delicate balance of transient punch and full body girth on this drum”… then I just go BAH BAH BAH BAH BAH BAH BAH at like 200BPM hahahahaha!!!
Metal is niche, yet is over represented in gear world. Not everyone wants to hear over quantized drum samples and nasally guitars.. 🤷🏻♂️
@@scohills I could write an 18 page dissertation on just how right you are!
@@BeatsAndMeats brother! 🤣
I had some behringer gear back in the early days. It was absolute dogshit. But they’ve completely upped their game in recent years. I’m seriously considering getting a couple of hardware units.
And… we really need to remember: we wont need to sell any of our major organs to afford their gear.
two key take aways. its another clone that is affordable, ( AND I STRESSED another clone) that gets the user closer to the neve 33609 sound with out the overcost of a real neve because of the name. Number two. Any one paid to hype a product is convincing the user as to why they should buy this product and the psychological marketing in describing the product. In lament terms. its like making a peanut butter sandwich and describing how rich and tasty the sandwich is, simply because the peanut flavor was revolutionized with a juicy peanut butter sauce that has change the game for PJB lovers. But in reality, its just another peanut butter jelly sandwich.
Thats what is going to get everyone the price!
Electronic components are not that expensive. It'll make a bit. For Behringers it's a numbers game in the long run.
First, when it sounds good, it is good. But nevertheless it would be interesting if they use the same diode bridge technology the original was famous for. Probably not, because no word about it.
A more drastic example would be if i would buy a recreation of a famous tube compressor and the copy doesn't use tubes - even though it sounds good - I don't like it and I would not buy it.
The unit sounds okay. I don't think it's great nor do I think it sounds bad. As a 33609 clone it's compression times are way off. The release hangs on for way too long for a diode bridge compressor. These comps are supposed to be extremely fast. It's also really sensitive to low frequencies resulting in a pretty squashed signal, whereas the 33609 can let way more low end through before compression is triggered.
As a compressor it's fine. I'm neither for it nor against it. As a 33609 I don't like it at all. If I were in the market for another diode bridge comp at a reasonable price I'd be looking for a used Heritage Audio Successor. I own the OG Neve version and multiple clones from Heritage Audio and other brands that span a huge price range, and I would suggest a plugin over this. I'd also say that I don't think most people should even be buying hardware, but hey they've got their own life lessons to learn.
Anyhow, I love having you back. I look forwards to future uploads. I hope you and the family are doing well.
Well said. :) I also think the Comp54 by Golden Age Project is the most affordable diode bridge compressor that's actually good. It's single-channel, and you'd need two for stereo busses, but it's leaps and bounds above the Behringer!
@@aleksamrkela831 I don't mean to crap on the Behringer. If it wasn't marketed as a Neve replacement I wouldn't care.
I still think the average studio/audio viewers need to beware marketing and throwing around tons of cash to buy things for a professional sound. People learning this world simply don't know what they don't know, so predatory companies will take advantage of that.
If they have a commercial space then sure gear is extremely useful. If you're just trying to make great music at home... Don't feed the wild bears, ya know?
It may sound fine, but I question the longevity of the components.
It's actually $699 I'm pretty sure, not $500. That would be insane loll
Sweetwater has it for 499
@@creativesoundlab omg are you kidding lol holy s. I might have to get this sucka 😂
@@AtTheSourceStudios I got one today and it sounds freaking great , you won’t be disappointed 👌🏼
@@Studio22mix I haven't found one in stock yet
@@SomebodyPickaName I live in Europe, they arrived in the shops yesterday and already sold out. I'm glad I pre-ordered one because the next batch is in a couple of months.
18:15, god that pisses me off in gear demos. I wish that they gain staged that properly
to clarify you on why it is so cheap, they have their own factory in China, unlike Warm who has to source out their products leading to a middle man bite into a cut, that's why this product is not at least $899, greedy Warm would sell this to us for at least $1699!!
If they knock out the quality control problems that have plagued them early on then they will have a cult classic remake.
They are going to become Classics
Behringer margins are low across the board. There's no double this, double that scheme.... that's why you pay 2k for a 500$ "branded" made unit. Again, profits are not doubled going from one hand to the other for "reputable" brands but it's substantially more than Behringer as they bank on sales volume, rather than profit on units.