Re: X32 Discussion
This debate is at least more laudable than one I had last month over the issue of sound quality (ie, the X32 and other ~$3K desks just sound "like crap"). The debate centered around the need for 100K consoles in order to achieve good sound quality... which I don't buy into.
A mixer is a tool and nothing more. Most of us buy tools at home to do things we don't want to pay anyone else for because we feel we can do an adequate job ourselves if we have the tools to do the job.
In music, a good example is recording. 20 years ago, if you wanted a decent recording, you had to pay someone with a studio and very expensive gear to make it for you. Today, anyone with a digital mixer, or someone with an analog mixer and a decent PC recorder and Reaper software can make a very decent sounding recording.
There are lots fewer recording studios today because of this; however, there are lots more good recordings done with very inexpensive tools by hobbyist (who can now afford a pretty decent recording setup).
The real top end recording studios are still a must for serious recordings, there is just not as many of them as there were the mom and pop recording studios of the past.
This is an extreme example. Pro sound reinforcement isn't just about mixers (as pointed out). It is about speakers, setup, microphones, power management, lighting, etc, etc, etc and everything else that goes into a music production.
The X32 is not alone in this market either. The Expression Si, and Qu mixers also are quite capable of performing these tasks (although I still prefer the X32 myself).
I don't think Behringer is going to find a way to make an entire sound and light system materialize onto stage perfectly setup any time soon. There is still a need for good sound companies and the goods and services they provide.
If your business was based on renting a high dollar mixer to bands doing small clubs or events, then the X32 will indeed be a threat. These bands can now easily handle these events themselves if they purchase an X32. I tend to believe that good sound companies provide more than mixers.
