The Behringer Flow 8 is a compact digital mixer that is adaptable to a wide range of applications thanks to its small size and its wide array of functions. All its settings can be saved and recalled at a later time. The unit can be controlled remotely via a dedicated app and also features an extra channel strip for receiving external audio signals via Bluetooth. The Flow 8 has six channel strips in total, two of which are stereo, bringing the total channel count to 8 – and hence its name. Each strip is equipped with an EQ section and a compressor. Its small size and its simple and reliable operation make the Flow 8 suitable for an extensive range of different settings – whether on stage, in the rehearsal room, or even rigged into a conference sound system.
The Flow 8 has two mic XLR inputs with switchable 48V phantom power. The next two inputs are XLR/jack combo sockets that can be used for dynamic microphones or line-level instruments. The additional jack inputs function both as mono and stereo – and can therefore be used to connect guitars or keyboards, for example. The main stereo output is on two XLR sockets, while the dedicated monitoring output is assigned to two 6.3mm jacks. The headphones output is in the same format. A footswitch can also be connected to trigger various functions – and last but not least, the Flow 8 stores two banks of 16 effects, which can be assigned to the channels via the console’s user interface or remotely via the dedicated app.
The fate of a small mixer is that it often lands in tight spaces. To ensure that the Flow 8 remains fully functional even in this context, Behringer has developed the FLOW app, which is both Android and iOS-compatible. Simply pair your mobile device with the console via Bluetooth and launch the app to make sure the setup is working properly. The USB socket allows you to send the eight tracks straight to a DAW. The main stereo output has a 9-band equalizer and a limiter to prevent clipping, which can also be accessed via Bluetooth. Last but not least, the Flow 8 is class compliant, which means it can also be connected to an iOS device for multi-track recording using a camera connection kit and a DAW program.
The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.
The EZ-Gain function automatically adjusts the gain levels for each of the Flow 8’s channels by assessing the loudest sounds present on each one. It can be activated on one or on all channels. If no signal is present at mic inputs 1 and 2, phantom power is automatically switched on, in case a condenser microphone is connected. These functions greatly simplify the gain-staging process. The signals are converted and processed without distortion and with little to no background noise, allowing musicians to concentrate fully on playing their instrument!