The Behringer WING supports the AES50 protocol, which allows for high-quality, low-latency audio transmission between devices over Shielded CAT5e cabling. AES50 is based on the Ethernet technology but is specifically tailored for audio transport. AES50 is a protocol standardized by the AES (Audio Engineering Society) that allows the interconnection of digital audio devices like mixers, stage boxes, and digital snakes. It supports multichannel audio transmission and can handle up to 48 channels of 24-bit audio at sample rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz, or up to 96 kHz with fewer channels.

The WING features dedicated AES50 ports (labeled as AES50 A, B and C) for connecting to compatible devices, such as digital stage boxes or multi-channel interfaces. To access the input routing menu, you need to navigate through the WING’s touchscreen interface. Press the “Routing” button on the touchscreen.

Configuring AES50 Inputs: Once in the routing interface, you will see the available input sources on the left side of the screen. This will include physically connected inputs, including those from the AES50 protocol. Select the appropriate AES50 input (A, B or C) to access a list of all channels that it carries. You will also have the option to select mono or stereo.

Assigning Inputs: Each input channel can be assigned to a specific channel strip on the WING. Touch the desired channel strip and select the source channel from the AES50 input you wish to route to that channel strip. You can assign multiple sources to your channel strips, allowing for flexibility in your routing setup. You can also name your input as well as assign it a color and icon.

Managing Channels: The well-organized interface of the WING allows you to manage your channels efficiently. You can rename channels, set levels, and adjust parameters directly within the routing menu. It’s also possible to create custom mixes or combine channels from different AES50 sources.

Monitoring: Ensure that you use the monitoring features of WING to listen back to the audio being processed from the AES50 inputs. This can help troubleshoot any potential issues.

Latency and Quality: Behringer WING has been optimized to ensure low-latency processing for AES50 inputs. However, it’s always good to be cautious about the total number of connections and signal pathways to minimize latency. This is extremely important if you are using external devices that are know for high latency, like some of the higher end guitar pedal boards. The AES50 routing capabilities of the Behringer WING offer significant flexibility, enabling users to handle multiple sources effectively for live sound management or complex studio setups.

Additional Tips:

• Firmware: Always ensure that your WING has the latest firmware installed to take advantage of the latest features and fixes related to AES50 routing.
• Backup Settings: Regularly back up your routing configurations to avoid losing your settings during a live performance or practice session.
• Documentation: Refer to the official Behringer WING user manual, which provides detailed guidelines and instructions tailored to the specific version you are using. (Ya we know but we do need to list this as an option)

The short video below shows how easy it is to setup your AES50 Input Routing.