Get ready for a game-changer in field recording! Behringer's new FLOW 4V and 4VIO extender are here to revolutionize video production.
These innovative tools are now available in Australia, offering a fresh and accessible approach to capturing high-quality audio for your video projects. But here's where it gets controversial: some might argue that Behringer has raised the bar for field recording, making it more accessible and efficient than ever before.
The FLOW 4V is designed with modern video production in mind. It boasts an impressive 4 Midas microphone preamps, each with phantom power, and dual-stage A/D converters that deliver an incredible 138 dB dynamic range. This means you can record across 10 channels, saving your audio to SD cards or USB with the option of 32-bit float or 24-bit fixed-point precision.
One of the standout features is the dual-stage conversion process, which eliminates the need for analogue gain settings during recording. With float recordings, you can adjust gain during post-processing, taking the pressure off getting perfect levels on-site. This is a game-changer for anyone who's ever had to scramble to adjust gain during a critical interview or shoot.
Inside the FLOW 4V, you'll find an 8-channel mixer with level, pan, low-cut, tone, high-cut, and dynamics controls. Up to 8 channels of automixing work seamlessly with a smooth gain-sharing algorithm, ensuring a balanced and professional sound. And here's a feature that will save you from missed moments: a pre-record buffer captures those unexpected sounds that happen before you hit record.
For added peace of mind, recordings to SD card automatically copy to an attached USB stick after stopping, giving you an instant backup and reducing the risk of lost files. StageConnect, a key feature of the 4VIO extender, handles multi-channel uncompressed audio transmission with sub-millisecond latency using standard XLR/DMX cable. Internal SMPTE timecode generation syncs with other devices, and wireless remote control is built right in, making it easy to control your audio from a distance.
The optional FLOW 4VIO extender adds even more functionality. It includes 4 additional microphone preamps with dual-stage A/D converters, 2 headphone outputs with separate level controls, and works as a USB Audio/MIDI interface. StageConnect transmission runs at sub-millisecond latency with 24-bit uncompressed audio at 44.1/48 kHz via standard XLR cable, ensuring high-quality audio transmission.
Setup is simplified with remote power for a connected FLOW 4V coming through a single XLR cable. You can also operate the FLOW 4V as a standalone 4 x 4 channel USB audio interface or connect it to a Behringer WING StageConnect port for I/O extension. Power options include USB-C with an included adaptor or XLR StageConnect from compatible devices, giving you the flexibility to power your setup in various ways.
Both the FLOW 4V and 4VIO extender are now available through australismusicgroup.com.au. This is a significant development for video producers, offering an accessible and powerful solution for field recording. But what do you think? Is Behringer's new offering a game-changer, or are there other factors to consider? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
