Understanding Behringer WING routing becomes much easier when you separate it into two categories: Input Sources and Output Destinations, just as Behringer designed it. In this tutorial, we’ll break down how the WING handles input and output routing, including AES50 connections. These same basic routing principles also apply to the Behringer X32 and Midas M32 mixers. The WING provides 11 input source categories, although the WING-LIVE expansion card and module options shown here are not selectable in the configuration demonstrated.
The Behringer WING AoIP (Audio over IP) module provides optional 64-channel audio input and output connectivity through supported Audinate Dante or Waves SoundGrid networks. The WING Companion module allows external control and monitoring of the WING console series, receiving updates whenever settings change on the console. The Companion module supports one active subscription at a time.
The Behringer WING provides 11 input sources that can be assigned through its flexible input routing system: Local, Aux In, AES/EBU, Oscillator, AES50 A, AES50 B, AES50 C, ST Connect (StageConnect), USB Audio, USB Player, and User Signal. USB Audio allows you to route audio from your computer, while USB Player lets you play audio files directly from a USB thumb drive. Understanding these input sources is essential to mastering Behringer WING input routing. Let’s break down each one and explain how it works.
Behringer WING Input Sources Explained
- Local: These are the physical audio inputs located directly on the Behringer WING mixer. They allow microphones, instruments, and other audio sources to connect directly to the console.
- Aux In: Auxiliary inputs provide additional connections for external audio sources. The Behringer WING Rack does not have dedicated ¼-inch auxiliary inputs or outputs. However, you can route the auxiliary inputs from an X32 Rack to the WING Rack through AES50.
- AES/EBU: AES/EBU is a professional digital audio connection standard used to transmit high-quality digital audio between compatible equipment, including mixing consoles, amplifiers, and audio processors. AES stands for Audio Engineering Society, and EBU stands for European Broadcasting Union. The AES3 standard helps ensure compatibility between digital audio devices from different manufacturers.
- Oscillator: The Behringer WING oscillator is a built-in signal generator that produces test signals. It can be used for checking signal flow, testing outputs, troubleshooting audio connections, and assisting with sound system calibration.
- AES50 A, B & C: The Behringer WING provides three AES50 ports for connecting compatible digital stage boxes, mixers, and other AES50 equipment. Each port supports up to 48 channels of bidirectional digital audio at 48 kHz, providing a total of 144 input and 144 output channels across all three ports. AES50 is especially useful for digital stage boxes, monitor mixing systems, and sharing audio between consoles.
- ST Connect (StageConnect): StageConnect allows the Behringer WING to transmit up to 32 channels of digital audio over a single compatible XLR cable, subject to the available channel configuration. A suitable shielded digital-audio or DMX cable is recommended. StageConnect can be used for live sound, recording, broadcasting, and connecting compatible external devices. For example, the Klark Teknik DN4816U can provide USB audio connectivity between a computer and the WING’s StageConnect system.
- USB Audio: USB Audio allows you to route digital audio from a connected computer into the Behringer WING. This is useful for backing tracks, click tracks, virtual soundchecks, multitrack playback, and recording software such as REAPER. Other devices may require compatible USB audio interfaces or adapters.
- USB Player: The Behringer WING includes a built-in four-track USB recorder and player. This allows you to play compatible audio files from a USB thumb drive or record audio directly to USB storage without requiring a computer.
- User Signal: The Behringer WING User Signal feature provides additional flexibility when organizing and routing audio sources. It allows you to create customized signal assignments that can be used throughout the mixer’s routing system, making complex live sound, recording, and broadcast configurations easier to manage.
As you can see, Behringer WING input routing can quickly become complicated and overwhelming if you’re not familiar with how the different input sources work. However, once you understand the basic routing principles, setting up your WING becomes much easier. Now that we’ve covered the 11 input sources, let’s take a look at the nine output destinations available in the Behringer WING routing system.
Behringer WING Output Destinations Explained
- Local Outputs: These are the physical audio outputs located directly on the Behringer WING mixer. They can be assigned to main speakers, stage monitors, external processors, or other audio equipment. The number of available outputs depends on your WING model.
- Aux Outs: The WING Rack does not have dedicated ¼-inch auxiliary outputs like the X32 Rack. However, additional outputs can be accessed through compatible AES50-connected equipment, including an X32 Rack configured to receive and route those signals.
- AES/EBU: The WING’s AES/EBU output provides a professional digital audio connection for sending audio to compatible equipment, such as digital amplifiers, audio processors, and other mixers. This allows digital audio to be transferred without converting it to analog first.
- AES50 A, B & C: The Behringer WING provides three AES50 ports for routing digital audio to compatible stage boxes, mixers, and other AES50 devices. Each port supports up to 48 outgoing audio channels at 48 kHz, giving you a total of 144 AES50 output channels across all three ports. These outputs can be assigned to monitor mixes, main PA signals, recording systems, or additional mixing consoles.
- ST Connect (StageConnect): StageConnect allows the WING to send digital audio to compatible StageConnect devices over a single XLR cable. The system supports up to 32 audio channels in total, with the available channels divided between inputs and outputs according to the connected devices and configuration. This is useful for expanding your output capabilities without running multiple analog cables.
- USB Audio: Unlike USB Audio in the input section, WING USB Audio output routing sends audio from the mixer to a connected computer. This allows you to record individual channels, buses, or other assigned signals into recording software such as REAPER.
- USB Player/Recorder: The WING’s built-in USB recorder allows you to route audio signals to the four-track USB recording system. You can assign the desired signals for recording directly to compatible USB storage media without using a computer.
- User Signal: The WING User Signal feature provides flexible internal signal assignments. User-defined signals can be used as intermediate routing points, helping you organize and manage complex audio configurations for live sound, recording, and broadcast applications.
Now that we’ve explored the Behringer WING input and output routing options, it’s time to break each one down to the bare bones. Once you understand how these connections work and how to route audio between them, what once seemed complicated becomes a piece of cake. It’s a POC, baby! Be sure to watch the video below for a closer look at Behringer WING routing, and stay tuned for the next installment as we continue exploring these powerful routing capabilities.
Want to learn more about Behringer WING routing? Explore my X/M32 & WING Routing Masterclass for additional training on digital mixer routing, AES50 connections, and signal flow. Humbly, Dana Tucker
