Review: Behringer B6X

No surprises here: Behringer has crashed the column loudspeaker category with a well-featured product that’s priced to turn heads. At A$799 it’s a whole lot of loudspeaker for a package that includes a four-channel mixer, effects, system DSP and a wireless mixer app.

The B6X isn’t Behringer’s first ‘stick PA’ (the eight-inch/200W C210 was released back in 2019) but the B6X is a brand new, more powerful, more feature-rich, kettle of fish.

SOLID START

At 17.5kg assembled, the B6X is manageable for solo transport thanks to a well-placed integrated handle. It breaks into three components: a 10-inch subwoofer base, a spacer pole, and a column array with four two-inch neodymium drivers, all connected via a heavy-gauge Speakon cable. The pole offers multiple height positions to optimise coverage for seated or standing audiences. The build quality feels solid throughout – there’s no flex in the housing, no rattle from the drivers. It’s the kind of rig that would handle a weekend in the back of my sedan without a worry, and that kind of confidence feels important when you’re loading solo.

The onboard feature set is genuinely impressive for the price. An 800W Class-D amplifier powers the system, with enough headroom for small-to-medium-sized venue work without adding more weight to the cabinet. A six-channel digital mixer incorporates two XLR/TRS combo inputs (Channels A and B), stereo Bluetooth, and a dedicated stereo 3.5mm MP3/media input on the rear panel, with three-band EQ and individual gain control per channel.

Behringer’s companion app, Show Mix, handles wireless configuration via Bluetooth, removing the need for the awkward crouch over the rear panel mid performance. The interface is clean and responsive, with real-time metering, DSP mode presets (music, speech, live, DJ), and positioning adjustments for floor centre versus corner placement. The mixer display gives you independent faders for Channels A and B, Bluetooth left and right, and MP3 left and right, plus a Mix Out toggle for feeding a secondary device or recorder. A selection of onboard TC Electronic effects, including reverb, delay, chorus and flanger, are tasteful and useful, each with its own parameter sliders, which offer more control than a simple wet/dry knob. The Bluetooth connection was largely reliable and accurate throughout my tests, though obstructions can cause the occasional dropout – so best keep a clear line of sight to the cabinet. It’s worth noting: mixing via a smart device has plenty of advantages but one drawback is the inevitable/accidental slip of the hand. It happened to me once during my tests – goosing the master fader in a way that turned heads – and was a reminder that adjustments need to be made with care.

TESTING TIMES

I tested the B6X with an acoustic guitar, a vocal microphone, and Bluetooth backing tracks. The results were consistently solid. Vocals sit upfront and natural, with good intelligibility across the room. The column array delivers wide horizontal dispersion that minimises hotspot problems, which can dog point source boxes, and coverage was even across a medium-sized rehearsal space. The 10-inch subwoofer provides balanced and present low end that supports a live mix without muddiness, but it naturally lacks the rounded depth of a cabinet with a larger driver. For vocal-forward material, acoustic instruments, and speech, this isn’t a huge limitation. For DJ work or bass-heavy layered sets, it may be noticeable. That said, the Klark Teknik DSP presets provide a sensible starting point without requiring extensive manual EQ to achieve a workable sound.

The B6X supports True Wireless Stereo linking and a ‘party mode’ that allows up to eight units to be linked wirelessly, an option for larger events that need more throw. All channel gain settings can be recalled via the app, which streamlines repeat setups nicely. There are no dedicated aux sends, which will matter to those wanting to run in-ear monitors or stage monitors from the same system, but for the majority of live scenarios the B6X is addressing, the PA is the foldback and the interface is more than adequate.

STICK WITH IT

The B6X is a capable, well-priced column PA that makes a strong case for itself in a crowded market. The 10-inch sub will likely be the decider – if it’s sufficient for your setup, then you’ve got yourself a bargain; if it’s not, you’ll be kicking yourself that you don’t have more low-end artillery. I’d suggest that for acoustic solo/duo performers, or corporate/events presentations in small-to-mid-sized venues, the B6X is a winner. The all-in-one, highly-portable design means you can leave the mixing desk at home: plug in, open the app and you’re ready to go.