Behringer Xenyx 802S

The Behringer XENYX 802S can be connected to any computer or mobile device via USB, making it unbelievably easy to integrate digital sources and analogue devices. Up to eight signals can be mixed simultaneously via the one mono and two stereo channels and combined using the stereo RCA streaming input and the stereo USB input. In total, up to 12 crystal-clear audio signals can then be transmitted to headphones or the TRS main outputs. This great variety of sources allows creative musicians, for instance, to patch in several keyboards and synths at once, without having to constantly hook up one device and unplug another. Instead of feeling like a budget option, the 802S is such a top-quality mixer – especially in terms of distortion, where it is immaculate – that it could easily go on to serve as a blueprint for other, more established devices. In short, it does everything it's supposed to at an extremely reasonable price.

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.