The Behringer S32 is a digital stage box that operates on an AES50 audio network and allows signals to be sent from the stage to a digital front-of-house console, where they can be mixed. It has 32 remote-controlled Midas pre-amps, as well as 16 balanced analogue XLR lines for stage monitors. Two ADAT ports and two AES-3 sockets enable connections to digital devices, and the MIDI connections allow lighting and sound modules to be controlled. To save space, this stage box can also be installed in a 19" rack, where it requires just three height units (3U), and its stand-out features are its wide-ranging connectivity and versatility, making for effortless cascading.
The S32 can be controlled easily from the front-of-house console once it has been connected to a digital mixing desk with a Cat-5e cable. The front panel has 32 inputs and 16 bus outputs, and the MUTE button located on the right mutes all input channels, enabling cables to be connected and disconnected safely if the front panel is switched on. Below it are two LEDs which, when green, indicate correct synchronisation of the clock and the two AES50 connections. If they are red, this indicates that they are not synchronised. The two AES50 ports, A and B, allow connection to a multi-channel digital network, and channels 17 to 32 can be connected via the ADAT OUT sockets. Topping it all off, the S32 has a USB port for firmware updates.
With the Behringer S32 stage box, signals can be transmitted to the front-of-house console using a single CAT-5e cable (which should be no longer than 100m), so there is no need for cumbersome multi-pairs. For larger stages, two S32s can be cascaded, allowing for twice as many inputs and outputs. For even greater flexibility, an optional Powerplay P-16 personal monitoring system can be connected via the ULTRANET socket. Since converters and networks store a certain amount of data in buffers, this generates a delay which should be considered when monitoring, particularly when using in-ear monitors. It is also worth noting that the audio network is not compatible with any IP equipment on the market and thus requires specific routers, such as the Midas DL16 or the Midas DL371.
The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.
In an audio network, samples are assembled in packets. These packets have headers which contain information on the source and the destination, which is then decoded by the receiver. The AES50 audio network, developed by Klark Teknik, is an open standard of the Audio Engineering Society allowing bi-directional transmission of multi-channel digital sound at 100Mbit/s. Thanks to its user-friendliness and minimal configuration, this standard is perfectly adapted to live events. With 24 bi-directional channels, a sampling rate of 96kHz and a latency of six samples can be achieved. For 48 channels, the sampling frequency is 48kHz and the latency is three samples. The protocol is based on the SuperMAC standard developed by Sony Pro-Audio Labs, which was acquired by Klark Teknik in 2007.
Ultranet is a transfer protocol that is used by Behringer and allows audio signals to be transferred between compatible devices via Ethernet connection. The X32’s Ultranet output is suitable for connecting category 5 Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors, which means that up to 16 audio channels can be sent to devices like the Behringer P16-D distribution hub, PA speakers like the Turbosound IQ15, and wedge monitors like the Turbosound TFX 122M-AN. The Behringer X32’s routing menu can be used to specify which signal is assigned to which Ultranet channel. And for maximum flexibility, the position of the signal tap can also be set to either pre-fader or post-fader.