Behringer Flow 8 Compact App-Controlled Mixer

Here is a detailed overview of the Behringer Flow 8, expanding on its core concept as a compact, app-controlled digital mixer.

The Behringer Flow 8 is a uniquely designed, ultra-compact digital mixer that prioritizes space-saving design and modern, app-based control. It's built for musicians, podcasters, streamers, and mobile DJs who need professional audio mixing capabilities without the bulk and complexity of a traditional mixer.

Unlike traditional mixers with dozens of physical knobs and faders, the Flow 8 has a minimal physical interface. It features:

• 8 channel strips with a single, multifunctional knob for each.

• A master fader.

• Mute, Solo, and Select buttons.

• A small OLED display for basic settings and metering.

The true power and detailed control come from the dedicated "Flow 8" app (available for iOS, Android, and as a desktop application for macOS and Windows). The app provides a full, touch-sensitive mixing surface on your smartphone or tablet.

1. Inputs and Connectivity:

• 8 Input Channels: These are a flexible combination of:

  • 4 combo XLR/jack inputs (for mics or instruments).

  • 2 stereo line inputs on RCA connectors.

• Digital Input: 1 x USB-C port for connecting a computer, which can act as a 2-in/8-out audio interface.

• Outputs:

  • Main XLR outputs.

  • Stereo 1/4" monitor outputs.

  • A dedicated 1/4" headphone output.

  • An additional AUX output (RCA).

2. Built-In Digital Effects & Processing:
This is where it punches above its weight class. Each channel has:

• High-quality preamps with phantom power.

• 4-Band EQ with sweepable mid frequencies on two bands.

• Compressor/Gate on every input channel.

• Digital Effects: It includes 24 professional DSP effects (reverbs, delays, modulations) with 4 dedicated FX buses.

3. Audio Interface Functionality:
The USB connection allows you to record all 8 input channels directly to your computer (DAW) simultaneously, and playback up to 8 channels from the computer. This is perfect for multitrack recording and virtual soundcheck.

4. Scene Memory:
You can save and recall up to 100 scenes. This is incredibly useful for:

• Live Bands: Saving different mixes for different sets or venues.

• Podcasts: Having preset levels for your hosts, guests, and intro music.

• Streaming: Quickly switching between a "starting soon" scene and your "live" scene.

5. AutoMix Function:
A game-changer for meetings, panels, and podcasts. The AutoMix feature automatically adjusts the levels of active microphones, reducing background noise and feedback, making conversations sound cleaner and more natural.

• Singer-Songwriters & Duos: Perfect for a small acoustic act needing multiple mics, a DI for a guitar, and backing tracks from a phone/computer, all with reverb and compression.

• Podcasters & Streamers: Ideal for hosting multiple microphones, playing sound effects/intro music from a computer, and using the AUX output for a stream mix. The AutoMix is a huge bonus.

• Mobile DJs: A very compact solution for small events, with easy connection to laptops and music players via RCA and USB.

• Churches & Presenters: Great for small venues or breakout rooms requiring a simple, powerful mixer that can be controlled wirelessly from a tablet.

• Home Studio Musicians: Acts as a high-quality 8-input audio interface for recording drums, a full band, or multiple sources at once.

Pros:

• Extremely Compact and Portable: Fits in a small backpack.

• Powerful Features for the Price: The channel processing and effects are typically found on much larger, more expensive mixers.

• Intuitive App Control: The app is well-designed and makes complex routing and setup much easier than menu-diving on a small screen.

• Excellent Audio Interface: Multitrack recording over USB is a significant advantage.

• Wireless Control (with adapter): You can use a simple USB Wi-Fi dongle to control the mixer wirelessly from your phone/tablet, freeing you from the cable.

Cons:

• Reliance on the App: If your tablet or phone runs out of battery or crashes, you lose most of your control. (You can still make basic adjustments from the hardware).

• No Physical Faders: Some users, especially those used to traditional mixers, prefer the tactile feel of physical faders for live adjustments.

• Limited Physical Control: Making quick, precise adjustments on the fly can be slower than on a mixer with dedicated knobs for every function.

• Wi-Fi Setup Can Be Tricky: Initial configuration of the wireless network can sometimes be finicky.

The Behringer Flow 8 is a brilliantly conceived product that fills a specific niche perfectly. It's not for the sound engineer who needs hands-on, tactile control over 32 channels at a festival.

However, for anyone who values portability, powerful features, and modern app-based workflow, it is an outstanding choice. It takes the core functionality of a much larger digital mixer and packs it into a tiny, affordable, and highly capable unit, making professional-grade mixing accessible to a wide range of users.