[sdiy] The extreme low cost of audio gear

[JH.]

> Behringer have a reputation for 'borrowing' designs from other
> manufacturers.  Sometimes borrowing them wholesale. Right down to the
board
> layout.
>
> It's certainly one way to save on development costs. ;)

I don't know about borrowing, but I certainly don't like the quality.
Judging from the one piece of Behringer gear I own, that is.
I have this "composer" dual compressor, and at first glance you wonder
how they can build so _much_ for such low money. It even looks well-built
from the outside and inside.
But as soon as you turn it on, you're greeted by very loud hum from an
undersized transformer. And when you run audio signals thru it, it's always
lifeless sounding, no matter how you adjust the many controls.
The extra limiter function is a joke: it sounds like clipping, not like a
limiter.
It's by far the most un-musical piece of equipment I have.

JH.