The AFL/PFL Function on the Behringer Wing Digital Mixer

The AFL/PFL Function on the Behringer Wing Digital Mixer

Firmware Version 3.0.6-27

Wing Edit Version 3.2.1

The AFL/PFL function on the Behringer Wing is a fundamental tool for monitoring and controlling your audio. PFL is for listening to the signal “before” the fader and processing, ideal for gain staging and troubleshooting. AFL is for listening to the signal “after” the fader and potentially some processing, useful for checking levels, processing, and buses. Mastering the use of AFL/PFL is crucial for achieving a clean, balanced, and well-controlled mix on the Behringer Wing.

PFL (Pre-Fader Listen). PFL taps the audio signal “before” the channel’s level fader. This means you hear the raw, unprocessed signal from that input or source, regardless of where the fader is set. There are several reasons you may want to use the PLF function for monitoring.

1. Gain Staging: PFL is essential for setting input gain correctly. You can hear how loud the signal is coming into the mixer “before” any processing or level adjustments. This helps prevent clipping at the input stage.
2. Troubleshooting: If you’re not getting a signal, PFL allows you to quickly verify if the signal is reaching the mixer at all.
3. Checking Source Quality: You can listen to the pure source audio without any effects or EQ applied, helping you assess the quality of the original signal.
4. Identifying Problematic Signals: PFL helps you isolate noisy or distorted signals before they affect the main mix.

On the Behringer Wing when you engage PFL on a channel or bus, the signal is routed to the Wing’s headphone output and/or the control room monitors (depending on your routing setup). The PFL level is often controlled by a dedicated PFL/AFL level knob or a setting within the monitoring section. Since you will be listening to a signal BEFORE the fader position, you should always use the “PFL Dim” function. As you can see in the picture below, I have mine set to a -10dBFS.

AFL (After-Fader Listen). AFL taps the audio signal “after” the channel’s level fader and often after some processing (like EQ and dynamics), but “before” it’s routed to the main mix or subgroups. This means you hear the signal with the fader level and potentially some channel processing applied. There are several reasons you may wish to use the AFL function.

1. Checking Fader Levels: AFL allows you to hear how loud a channel is relative to other channels “after” you’ve set the fader level. This is helpful for balancing levels within the mix.
2. Auditioning Channel Processing: You can hear the effect of EQ, dynamics, and other channel inserts on the signal.
3. Monitoring Subgroups/Busses: AFL is useful for listening to the combined signal of a subgroup or aux send to ensure the balance and processing are correct.
4. Checking Effects Sends: You can use AFL on an effects send to hear just the signal being sent to a reverb or delay unit, for example.

On the Behringer Wing, similar to PFL, engaging AFL routes the signal to the headphone output and/or control room monitors. The level you hear will be influenced by the channel’s fader position and any active processing.

How AFL/PFL Works on the Behringer Wing (General Workflow).

1. Select a Channel or Bus: Navigate to the channel, bus, or subgroup you want to monitor.
2. Engage PFL or AFL: On the Wing’s interface, there will be dedicated buttons for PFL and/or AFL for each channel strip or within the channel/bus view on the touchscreen. These buttons will typically illuminate when engaged.
3. Listen: The audio from the selected channel/bus will be routed to your headphones and/or control room monitors.
4. Adjust Level: Use the dedicated PFL/AFL level control on the main headphone/control room level control to adjust the listening volume.
5. Disengage: Press the PFL or AFL button again to disengage the monitoring function.

The Wing offers extensive routing options, allowing you to configure where the PFL/AFL signal is sent (headphones, control room, even specific outputs). You can engage PFL or AFL on multiple channels or buses simultaneously, allowing you to compare signals. The interface provides clear visual indication (illuminated buttons, on-screen meters) when PFL or AFL is active. You can click here to download this page in a PDF file.