Introduction
The BEHRINGER Xenyx Q502USB is a compact audio mixer ideal for budding musicians and podcasters. It offers a range of features that make it a handy tool for recording, mixing, and live performances.
Design and Build Quality
- Small and portable design
- Sturdy construction with durable materials
- Intuitive layout for easy operation
Features
- 5-input mixer with one preamp
- Built-in USB/audio interface for easy recording
- +48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- EQ and FX send control for precise sound shaping
- Versatile connectivity options
Mixer Performance
- Clear and crisp sound output
- Low noise and minimal distortion
- Smooth integration with recording software
- Suitable for both vocals and musical instruments
Mixer Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Easy-to-use interface
- Versatile connectivity options
- Clear and crisp sound quality
- Affordable price point
Mixer Cons
- Limited number of inputs
- Basic EQ controls
- USB interface might have compatibility issues with certain systems
Conclusion
In essence, the BEHRINGER Xenyx Q502USB is an excellent choice for beginners or those in need of a mobile audio mixer. While it has a few limitations, its compact size, versatility, and sound quality make it a commendable option for various recording and live sound applications.
Namit –
I bought it in May’17 for Rs.5699 but received 15% cashback on card, effectively costing me Rs.4844.
Reason I bought – I play keyboard and upload my videos on Youtube. I also played Karaoke from mobile connected to external speaker for the background. So I would play the keyboard whose sound will be output on it’s own speaker and the karaoke track will be played on a another set of speakers and that’s how I would record the video on my DSLR and upload. The audio quality was poor because it would also record all the background noise.
So I was looking for something using which I can directly record on my computer. After some research, I figured I need to buy a USB interface to record the keyboard sound directly in computer. So started to search for USB interface. The search lead me to Focusrite being the best interface but costs a bomb – at Rs12K+.
I then stumbled upon this one and found that it has USB interface in addition to 5 inputs that I can connect simultaneously. This was exactly what I needed to record the audio – the sound of keyboard as well as the karaoke track being played from my mobile directly on my computer. It perfectly meets my expectation.
How I use this to record audio in computer –
Keyboard – I connect my keyboard to one of the input channels using 3.5mm jack to 6.35mm connector
For Karaoke track from mobile – connect the mobile using 3.5mm jack to audio in(RCA) to 2-track Input channel
External speaker for audio while recording – connect to an external speaker using Aux cable (3.5mm to 3.5mm) or use a headphone
Connect the USB to my laptop and use Audacity to record everything that is being fed into the input channels.
I do not find any lag in the audio when I am listening in to the music I am playing on the headphone or external speaker while recording. I can also use the mixer for recording Karaoke+Vocals in computer on Audacity with same setup as above except that I connect y dynamic mic to the Mic in line on the mixer.
I would definitely recommend this for someone who’s looking to record audio on computer – whether it’s just using the mic or using multiple inputs to record.
Sunil George –
I think I am the first to review about this product at this site. I am writing this not by just an initial excitement, but as someone who used it for more than a month.
I use keyboard / piano to record background tracks in my computer. I tried to use the sound cards of my laptop and desktop, but the output quality is so poor. This is how I come across various Behringer products. Even though I never got a chance to use or see this device, did a thorough research about their quality from various reviews, internationally.
Even though products like Behringer UCA222 USB can serve my purpose, I opted for a mixer device where I can add more instruments or voice tracks. Finally I decided to go with Behringer 302USB which is a 3 channel mixer, but during the purchase its price was higher than Behringer 502USB, which is a five Channel mixer. Though it happened incidentally, I never regret at my decision. The device come in a descent packing and delivered before time as in the case of most amazon deliveries.
On power on, a LED power on light will be on and output is completely silent. While connecting to a USB port, it acts like an external sound card, where the sound can be input or output to / from a computer. The remarkable thing about this device is that the sound quality and clarity while the recording in a system. Apart from than human voice (which got a relatively low bandwidth), the device works perfectly with a wide bandwidth sounds without any distortions, from bass to some real shrill sound effects which is generated in keyboard. Believe me; you can setup an inexpensive home studio with this device. The build quality, knobs and the external appearance is good.
Behringer is offering a free recording and editing software along with the device, by registering at their website. I tried for that it is not allowing registering or downloading the software. Now I use other software like Audacity. In that aspect I am not very happy. (This is why I am rating it as four)
Pros:
• Excellent output sound quality
• Precise mixing features
• Compact and easy to use design
• Low noise output
• Dedicated phone out which helps to avoid any sound feedback while recoding from a mic
• No need for an external USB driver (for Windows)
Cons:
• Lack of recording and editing software pack (even though it is offered in website).
• User documentation is very minimal – the user manual states the minimal functions of the device.
• Power supply adapter pins are not according to Indian standards, but you can solve the issue by using a plug adapter
• No power On/Off switch – ensure the power is switched off at the outlet every time.
• Lack of Support – Other than the dealers, Behringer don’t have an office in India (while I am writing this review).
Final verdict – This is the best available low budget mixer with USB and an external power supply, available for a home use…Go for it, if you are OK with the product support..
Paul Richer –
When using mic with phantom power, even with compressor to “0” setting (not really offline), there’s a weird pumping noise that seems to be caused by some bad DC signal path design in the compressor.
Internal (phantom?) power supply regulators produces lots of heat, which could cause all kinds of problems (thermal noise, premature failure).
Not bad for beginners or temporary fix
Very easy to install on PC
Well featured for the price
rfn –
I use the little console for a mini-voice-over studio in a remote location with just one microphone. The audio quality is sufficient to AM/FM broadcast (via recording) applications. A little questionable for high-quality mastering. I was cautious because of reading that the phantom power available is too low. I tried it with the condenser mic I use and it worked fine. According to the mic specs it shouldn’t have – but it did. If it won’t work with yours it’s simple enough add an in-line external phantom supply but remember to turn OFF the internal phantom supply when you try that.
The power connector complaints are all valid. Hard to align and subject to pulling out. I solved that by forming a small loop and using a couple of inches of a rubber tape intended to patch rain gutters. That plug is NOT coming out – even if I decide to remove it. I also dealt with the “no on/off switch” issue by plugging the power supply into a power strip that also services the rest of the studio equipment. In another application I cut into the line cord and installed an “in line” switch. Issue solved.
USB vs. analog audio out: I have found the sound is best using the analog output whenever possible. I have two iMacs; one older with analog/USB in; the other with only USB input. When I can use either I always use the analog.
Tuning In –
Cheap in price and cheap in quality. The USB audio quality is okay through my IEM. Knobs/pots are cheap. Finicky and non linear, so a little touch sometimes makes the sound go from low to high. Also I have found that through headphones, turning the headphone volume knob would cut out one side more than the other. I ended up buying an Alesis Multimix 4 (from Amazon as well) and that thing is a better value because of quality for its price. But this thing has its place depending on what you can spend and are using it for.
I for the price I think that it’s a decent solution to my need for a headphone amp/mixer for instrument practice + computer accompaniment software.
I originally bought this as a gift for my son for his experiment in streaming. Ended up replacing this with a desktop USB Mic worked better for what he needed. It’s a simpler and cleaner setup. Then I moved this to my all purpose computer workstation that I use for everything from work to music listening. I use In Ear Monitors a lot by the way so it’s super accurate and detailed. I needed a second mixer for my music practice setup in another room and ended up buying the Alesis Multimix 4.
I decided to swap this for the Alesis just to see if I can hear the differences. For one thing the build quality of the Alesis is way better. Knobs were much more linear and all of the issues and annoyances with this Behringer were not there. When I played music through the USB audio interface, it sounded noticeably clearer as if the Behringer’s USB audio interface was far from flat. So now the Behringer serves as my practice headphone mixer + USB audio interface, which it works fine as because when practicing with Midi and sampled instrument patches, I’m too busy focusing on the music itself to be aware of the quality of audio. Plus this thing is kind of light and compact so I can put it on a stand mounted shelf. I like it for what I now use it for and at this price. Otherwise the Alesis is worth the extra money.
LoRider –
This is an excellent product. I bought it for my piano (Roland Fp-30 does not include an audio in!). It took me a while to figure out how things worked, but once I did, I realized I wanted a bigger one so I could plug in more stuff and because the bigger ones have 3-way equalization on every channel, which means you get equalizer and mixer in one, the way it should be.
If you are a newbie like me, you need to know that the microphone input channels are super versatile, even if you don’t use a mike. I can plug in my guitar into the XLR using a DI box, or I can use the regular 1/4″ inputs on the mike channel. The RCA interface is also useful; they are like an extra in and an extra out, but just don’t have any controls. I use the in for Ipad audio. THe phantom power seems to work really well with my Behringer DI box. Also, if you only plug in one of the inputs on achannel, it autmatically switches to balanced mono.
So bottom line, for music , get the 802, but if you want the minimum for some voice work or a single instrument, this is a beauty.
Jamin VanderBerg –
I love this little mixer. I use it principally to plug my guitar into my computer without having to use a microphone plug. The microphone to instrument cable adapters are heavy and I’ve destroyed a few microphone jacks that way. This is great because it’s designed for instrument cables and even allows some control over the audio. Admittedly, I really only use 1 channel, but this was inexpensive and most of the dedicated guitar-to-computer setups were in the same price range and didn’t allow the same level of audio control. I like that the headphone output can be used concurrently with the USB digital output, and they even have separate volume controls. I plug the headphone output into my amp, which I can use as a monitor while recording on my computer.
I had to take a star away because it doesn’t have an off switch. Such a simple over-sight. Why in the world doesn’t it have an off switch? It gets kind of hot, too. I had it on top of my computer tower, but it got way too hot there (even while not in use). I had to move it to a less convenient location, but the heat wouldn’t have been as big of an issue if I could just turn it off when I wasn’t using it.
Also pictured: 2x
KIRLIN Cable LGI-202-10/BK 10-Feet Straight to Right Angle 1/4-Inch Plug LightGear Instrument Cable with Black PVC Jacket
. These cables are inexpensive, do the job well, and the right angle keeps them from sticking out too much.
Tadashi Dohara –
Pero el cable alimentación queda muy flojo y se desconecta, además tiene mucho juego. No se cuanto dure, pero se debe tener mucho cuidado ya que por el juego las patas se pueden doblar o romper.
Steve –
Overall, for what it costs, it’s a solid little bit of kit.
I don’t know if the box was damaged in transit or if it was dispatched like it, but judging by the greasy fingerprints and the way the packaging had been bodged back together i’m guessing this unit had already been returned once before, but thankfully it seems to work okay.
My biggest gripe I think with it is the powerpack, it’s such a bulky square lump of plastic that for a very compact mixer seem’s completely disproportionate, if you’re using it at a PC desk like I am, the powerpack and the cables take up almost as much space as the mixer itself. A shame that Behringer couldn’t make it USB powered as this in my opinion would be a massive bonus.
The feet on the bottom are a bit of a waste of time, get yourself a bit of foam padding for it to sit on.
But, for it’s price, cracking bit of gear.