The world´s most affordable digital 32-channel* mixer.
*hardware channels and not virtual channels
Our first digital console offers a feature set you won’t find in any other product in its class. In fact, you won’t find some of the DDX3216’s features in any compact digital console. Start with its 32 channels, 16 internal busses and 8 aux sends. Each channel features a fully parametric 4-band equalizer, sweepable high-pass filter, gate, compressor/limiter and phase inversion—all simultaneously operable. The first 16 channels additionally offer a delay function. Add four on-board effects processors that put just about any imaginable effect type at your fingertips, naturally in top quality and also simultaneously accessible.
Then full-fledged dynamic and static automation functions, extensive synchronization options and MIDI implementation, a comprehensive internal I/O patchbay, full digital compatibility and functionality. Plus unusually flexible connectivity and expandability, supported via two expansion slots for ADAT ® , TDIF, AES/EBU interfaces and more. All based on 32-bit floating-point processing (40-bit for the EQ’s).
Imagine all of this in a rack-mountable case and with an intuitive, logically laid out user interface based on excellent software and effective control elements, like motorized faders, assignable channel controls with LED rings, push-and-turn master controllers and a large, backlit LCD display, and you begin to get the picture. A picture that fits perfectly in so many applications, we can’t list them all here: recording, live sound, multimedia, audio for video, broadcasting, installations…
Stop by your dealer’s and test-drive our new digital console. We’re convinced that you’ll agree: life can be so simple. In a word, the DDX3216 is DANALOG—digital with an analog feel.
The new surround update transforms the DDX3216 in to a full-fledged surround mixer with extensive control possibilities. Surround-specific settings such as divergence, angle and listener-source distance can be adjusted, you can implement circular movement through the room, and you can record your sound mix using internal automation. In surround mode busses 11 through 16 represent the 6 surround channels, giving you a true 5.1 mix. Besides you can alternate between the standard stereo and 5.1 surround mix or you can use the both at the same time.
The following features are available upon installing the surround update:
Dialing in surround panning on the desired channel via a second PAN display page.
Live “movements” of selected sound source (channels) through the surround space.
Saving surround pan/automating via SNAPSHOT and DYNAMIC AUTOMATION
New MIDI control possibilities for expanded surround parameters on channels 1-32 and FX returns 1-8.
Surround mix and conventional mix can be run simultaneously
Additional new update features, such as 100 markers (previously 10) and an opportunity to activate the TIME COUNTER RELATIVE at the MIDI setup page.
PROS: Big feature set, including EQ/gate/compression on all inputs, channel delay on analog inputs, and lighted, multifunction rotary knobs on all channels. Pleasing and easy-to-use interface. Nice-quality motorized faders. Four good internal effects processors. Solid dynamic and snapshot automation.
CONS: File Exchange software is for Windows only. No MIDI fader layer. No offline event-list automation editing.
I was really impressed with this mixer—it's got the features you expect and then some. I especially liked the integral meter bridge, the solid feel of the controls, the intuitive interface, and most importantly, its sound. I reluctantly reconnected my analog mixer and put the Behringer back in its box. I don't think it will be long before my very own DDX3216 will be sitting in its place.
The DDX3216 certainly gives you a lot of mixer for your money. It combines a no-frills approach to digital mixing with a generous allocation of channels, effects and dynamics processing, while omitting those things most people are unlikely to need anyway, such as EQ and dynamics in the busses, off-line automation editing, surround panning and suchlike. The routing system offers sufficient flexibility without going overboard, and the internal structure means that it won't feel underpowered if you fill up both expansion slots.
The overall sound quality compares favourably with other low-cost digital consoles, with the EQ section offering a good analogue/digital compromise. I was also favourably impressed by the smooth fader action when running automated mixes. While the mic amps aren't the best I've heard, they're adequate for most applications and comparable with the competition.
Perhaps the lack of analogue I/O expansion may discourage some potential purchasers, but for anyone wishing to interface with a digital system using ADAT, TDIF or AES-EBU, the available expansion options are fine, and of course using the expansion sockets for recorder I/O frees up the 16 analogue ins for tracking or for feeding MIDI instruments back into the mix. No digital console will satisfy everyone, but I have to admit that the DDX3216 gives you far more than you might expect for the price, with surprisingly few compromises.
