AVE Services stocks both the Behringer X32 Compact and the Yamaha DM3 Standard (non‑Dante). We’re often asked which one we send out and when. Here’s our practical, field‑tested take, plus the hard specs side‑by‑side.
TL;DR
- Take the X32 Compact when you’ll benefit from AES50 stageboxes (e.g., our SD8s), lots of buses/matrices and flexible routing for things like delays, subs, line‑array + infill and multi‑zone coverage.
- Take the DM3 Standard when you want a compact, modern 96kHz console that’s quick for small conferences, DJ sets, livestreams/Teams calls, with a tidy 18×18 USB interface and simple, fast workflow.
What each mixer is best at
Behringer X32 Compact — the routing workhorse
- Deep bus/matrix structure (16 mix buses + 6 matrices) makes it easy to spin up delay rings, sub feeds, record feeds, and fills without running out of routing.
- AES50 onboard means immediate expansion via SD8/SD16 stageboxes over CAT5e, keeping XLR runs short and tidy.
- ULTRANET supports quick personal monitoring or sending stems to compatible speakers.
- 32×32 USB (and legacy FireWire) audio interface for multitrack capture/playback.
- Mature ecosystem, editor apps and a huge knowledge base.
Yamaha DM3 Standard — the compact 96k all‑rounder
- 96 kHz internal processing with Yamaha’s clean, familiar sound.
- 18×18 USB audio over USB‑C for straightforward multitrack recording/streaming.
- 6 Mix + 2 Matrix buses cover most small‑to‑mid applications neatly.
- 9″ multitouch + 8+1 motorised faders and Yamaha workflow speed up setup for simple conferences, DJ gigs, Teams/Zoom, and small bands.
- Note: The DM3 Standard does not include Dante; if you want Dante I/O, that’s the DM3 model.
Spec‑for‑spec comparison
| Feature | Behringer X32 Compact | Yamaha DM3 Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Local mic/line inputs | 16 XLR + 6 line (TRS/RCA) | 16 mic/line (12 XLR + 4 XLR/TRS combo) + 1 stereo |
| Local analogue outs | 8 XLR + 6 line | 8 XLR |
| Total mix architecture | 16 Mix buses + 6 Matrices + Main LCR | 6 Mix buses + 2 Matrices + Stereo |
| Sample rates | 44.1/48 kHz | 96 kHz (also 48 kHz) |
| USB audio interface | 32×32 USB 2.0 | 18×18 over USB 2.0 |
| Network audio | AES50 (2× ports) + Ultranet; swappable expansion cards available (e.g., Dante) | None on DM3 Standard (Dante only on DM3/DM3‑D) |
| Faders / Screen | 17 motorised faders, 7″ TFT | 8+1 motorised faders, 9″ multi‑touch |
| Stagebox compatibility | Native via AES50 (e.g., SD8/SD16) | No network stagebox on Standard (use local I/O or analogue splits) |
When we pick the X32 Compact
- Cable flexibility and distance: Need inputs on stage and short turnarounds? We drop SD8 boxes on CAT5e and patch where we like.
- Multi‑zone PA work: Matrices are brilliant for delay towers, front‑fills, under‑balcony, press, and broadcast sends.
- Shows with subs and arrays: Easy to create dedicated sub‑aux or array + infill feeds with independent processing.
- Larger input counts or future growth: AES50 keeps you scalable without changing desk.
When we pick the DM3 Standard
- Small conferences & spoken‑word: Clean sound, fast UI, and just enough buses/matrices.
- Teams/Zoom or streaming rigs: The 18×18 USB path simplifies computer I/O without extra boxes.
- DJ and simple band gigs: Modern FX and 96k processing in a tiny footprint.
- Tight spaces: It’s genuinely compact and light, ideal for hotel suites and breakout rooms.
Practical routing examples
- Corporate with PA + front‑fills + delay:
- X32 Compact: Mains on LR, fills on a matrix following LR, delay zone on matrix with independent delay/EQ. Add a press feed on another matrix.
- DM3 Standard: Mains on Stereo, fills on Matrix 1, a small record/stream feed on Matrix 2. For bigger multi‑zone coverage, we’d lean X32.
- Live set with dedicated sub feed:
- X32 Compact: Create an aux‑fed sub (post‑fade bus) and shape it separately. Plenty of buses left for monitors.
- DM3 Standard: Also doable using one of the six mixes, but you’ll budget buses sooner on more complex shows.
- Hybrid event / Teams call:
- X32 Compact: Works fine via USB, but you’ll likely use more patching. Great if you also need multiple PA zones.
- DM3 Standard: The 18×18 USB interface and Yamaha’s ergonomic layout make this a quick win.
Pros & cons at a glance
X32 Compact — Pros
- Big‑desk routing in a small frame (16 buses + 6 matrices)
- Native AES50 for stageboxes (SD8/SD16)
- 32×32 USB for multitrack
- Massive user community, editors, and how‑tos
X32 Compact — Watch‑outs
- 48 kHz max; not 96 kHz
- Slightly larger/heavier than DM3
DM3 Standard — Pros
- 96 kHz processing, clean Yamaha preamps
- 18×18 USB‑C for recording/streaming
- Compact, fast to operate; great screen
DM3 Standard — Watch‑outs
- No Dante (that’s the DM3/DM3‑D)
- Fewer buses/matrices; plan carefully for complex routing
Our recommendation
- Complex routing / multi‑zone / stagebox jobs: X32 Compact
- Simple conferences, DJ, small band, or streaming/Teams: DM3 Standard
If you’re unsure, tell us about the input list, PA layout, and any record/stream/press needs — we’ll spec the right desk and accessories.
Need help choosing? Call 01635 899551 or email [email protected] and we’ll match the desk to your show.