Re: Grumpy guy observation about the X32 thread
Since I decided long ago to NEVER own another Behringer anything, I have no dog in this fight. I have a number of dead ADA8000 preamps sitting in my shop. They failed after being mounted once in a preamp rack that was babied and survived only a few years. They were replaced by Presonus D8's in the same rack which have already lasted longer than the Behringers.
Whenever I see Behringer in use, my first thought is that something took the lowest road possible hoping for the best. Even if the X32 does sound better than my 01v96s (and I have no idea since I don't use an X32) I don't want one. I know that when I power on the Yamaha, it will in all likelyhood work. I cannot say the same about any Behringer gear. (I confess that two years ago I became concerned about the age of my 01v96 and bought a backup when one became available for a low price. I have carried it to many shows as my just-in-case console. I believe it will die from being carried around before the main console fails in action though.)
If the X32 was free, I wouldn't have one. If I do not trust the gear to work, price does not matter. If folks here want to line up for their products, thats all well and fine but I find it amusing that all it took was a little BS from Uli on the board, a little PR, and one unknown, unproven, low end piece of hardware to make folks change their attitudes.
I consider Behringer to have the same:
marketing prowess as Bose.
integrity as Monster.
quality as Nady.
reliability as BGW.
desirability as....well nothing I can think of.
Although my opinion of Behringer has not changed one iota since the infamous thread started, my professional respect for some members has. I wear "No Behringer anywhere in my system ever" as a matter of pride, and that isn't changing. I am totally shocked at the acceptance they seem to be enjoying.
I wish the best to all those that gambled their money on an X32. I won't be buying one for any price. Period.
