TEST: Behringer Europower EP 4000

 Aha, at some point it had to go the other way again. Which direction? We're talking about the weight of a product. When it was time to test the Behringer Europower EP 4000 and the parcel delivery person handed me the same parcel, I realized for a brief moment that in the area of higher power outputs there can sometimes be higher weight dimensions.

Not that the product mentioned above is a real heavyweight of the past decades, but in times of single-digit kilogram figures, the EP 4000, with a weight of just under 17 kilograms, requires a powerful, male forearm. According to the manufacturer, there are also 2x 2000 watts available for under €300 street price. Under €300? We need to dig into this a little more closely.



construction

The Europower EP 4000, built in China, like most of its competitors, has 2 HE dimensions and an installation depth of 402 millimeters and leaves a good impression at first glance in terms of workmanship. The anthracite-colored sheet steel is solid, has rack brackets on the back and is also designed with double sheet metal guides on the front of the rack wings for stability reasons.

However, you shouldn't be blinded by the 2x 2000 watts printed on the housing, they only correspond to a peak level at 2 ohms and are irrelevant in practice. In terms of performance, the stereo power amplifier offers RMS information of 2x 1250 watts / 2 ohms, 2x 950 watts / 4 ohms, 2x 550 watts / 8 ohms and in bridge mode 2400 watts / 4 ohms, 1750 watts / 8 ohms. It's nice that the power amplifier also offers 2 ohm operation, which is not always the case in this price range.

As with many other Europower power amplifiers in the higher power range, Behringer also uses Accelerated Transient Response (ATR) technology for the EP 4000, which promises better power output in relation to the components used and an accelerated transient response.

Visually, Behringer relies on traditional anthracite color for this product. All outer panels have a discreet color; you won't find the currently very hip brushed aluminum in this series. Due to its weight, this power amplifier will probably find its preferred application in the rack of a permanent installation, but it is also possible to use the power amplifier in stand-alone operation. Four glued-on rubber feet ensure good slip resistance on flat surfaces.

On the front of the product there is a large, grooved opening, which is responsible for cooling the product. The power amplifier is cooled exclusively via air circulation, which sucks in the air from the back and removes it from the front. In addition to two level controls, there is an operating LED, a signal and a clip LED as well as the on/off switch on the front of the housing. On the back, the product has the standard inputs (jack, XLR) and outputs (Speakon, bare wire); jack output sockets have rightly been omitted due to the power outputs used. The screw caps of the bare wire are protected with a plastic cover when the product is delivered.

Using a mini switchboard you can choose between different operating modes, such as stereo operation, parallel operation or mono bridge operation. In parallel operation, a signal is present at both power amplifier blocks at different volumes if necessary; in bridge operation, the output power of both blocks is switched together, for example to operate a powerful subwoofer. The remaining second input can be used in parallel operation to loop the applied signal through to another output stage block.

In addition, various low cuts at 30 Hz or 50 Hz and a limiter can be activated using the mini switches. The EP 4000 also includes a circuit breaker that replaces the fuse. In general, with such power outputs, it is important to ensure that the connected speakers can withstand the currents. Particularly in bridge operation, it is important to have appropriate loudspeaker equipment.

The low cut mentioned above ensures that sub-bass, which is more beneficial to the body feeling than to the ear, does not kill weaker speakers and should generally always be activated in full-range systems. Better transparency of the sound and an apparent increase in volume will be recorded on the plus side.



Practice

Countless tomes have already been written about the inner values of a power amplifier, not least of which involve real trench warfare over the value of the individual components. However, with a selling price of less than €300 and performance data in the kilowatt range, a serious error in the operational safety or durability of the product must occur in order for a product to be rated sustainably negatively.

Neither can be checked in a regular test; this requires some long-term studies. A review of some forums resulted in a consistently good rating in terms of operational safety. During the test, the EP 4000 also completed all tasks without any complaints or complaints; no failures or other problems occurred.

Mechanically everything is fine, even the level controls have been countered on the front panel and give a sturdy impression. Only the rather loud fan disturbs the good overall impression. Even if fan noise plays a minor role in the rehearsal room or on a loud stage, in sensitive areas such as theater operations, voice recordings, studio operations or when several power amplifiers of this type are operated in parallel, this noise may be a few levels too loud.




Conclusion

With the Europower EP 4000, Behringer is once again bringing a very inexpensive consumer amplifier with good performance data onto the market. The product, built in China, is impeccably manufactured and meets all the requirements for easy handling in the rehearsal room, on stage or in permanent installations. Thanks to its design for 2 ohm operation, the maximum power output can be achieved by intelligently connecting the speaker systems in parallel.

Only the relatively loud fan noise represents a negative point, where each user or the area of application of the product has to decide whether this is relevant for them or not.


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Additional Informations:

Behringer, founded in 1989 by Uli Behringer, is a company known for making audio equipment that's both good quality and affordable. This was something new at the time, as most professional audio gear was pretty expensive.

Uli Behringer, who knew a lot about sound and music, saw that musicians and people working with sound needed better-priced gear. So, he started with a product called the Behringer Studio Exciter Type F, which was made to improve how audio sounds, and it didn't cost a lot.

Over time, Behringer started making more types of audio equipment like mixers, amplifiers, speakers, microphones, and even digital stuff like digital mixers. Their mixers, especially, became popular because they had features usually found in expensive gear but were much cheaper.

One big reason Behringer did well was because they always tried to make new and better things. They put a lot of effort into creating new ideas and technology that made their products good but not too pricey.

Behringer also made a smart move by making their products in China. This helped them keep prices low and reach more people, especially in Asia.

The way Behringer advertised their products was different too. They used the internet and social media a lot to talk to their customers. This helped them build a community of people who liked and used their products.

Of course, Behringer faced some problems too. They had some legal issues and some people weren't happy with the quality of some products. But Behringer listened to what people said and worked to make their products better.

Recently, Behringer has been making synthesizers and electronic music equipment, including recreating old synthesizers in a way that more people can afford. This move was a bit controversial, with some people liking it and others thinking it lacked originality.

In summary, Behringer has had a big effect on the audio industry by making professional equipment more accessible to a lot of people. Whether it's for a small home studio or a big concert, Behringer's products are used by many. As they keep focusing on making good, affordable audio gear, Behringer is likely to stay important in the world of sound and music.

**Behringer Product Pricing:

**Mixers**

Behringer mixers are some of the most popular and affordable mixers on the market. The company offers a wide range of mixers to suit every need, from small home studios to large concert venues.

**Mixer Price Range**

Behringer mixer prices range from around $20 for a 2-channel mixer to around $1,000 for a 64-channel mixer.

**Factors that Affect Mixer Prices**

The price of a Behringer mixer is affected by a number of factors, including:

* **Number of channels:** More channels generally means higher prices.
* **Inputs and outputs:** More inputs and outputs also generally means higher prices.
* **Features:** Mixers with built-in effects or digital control are generally more expensive than mixers without these features.

**Popular Behringer Mixers**

Some of Behringer's most popular mixers include:

* **Xenyx QX1202USB:** This 12-channel mixer with USB audio interface is a great option for small home studios or live sound applications. It costs around $100.
* **X32:** This 32-channel digital mixer offers a wide range of features and is a popular choice for live sound and studio recording. It costs around $2,000.
* **Midas M32:** This 32-channel digital mixer is a high-end option that offers professional-grade features and performance. It costs around $6,000.

**Amplifiers**

Behringer amplifiers are another popular line of products from the company. Behringer offers a wide range of amplifiers for both live sound and studio use. The company's amplifiers are known for their powerful performance and affordable price.

**Amplifier Price Range**

Behringer amplifier prices range from around $100 for a 100-watt amplifier to around $10,000 for a 10,000-watt amplifier.

**Factors that Affect Amplifier Prices**

The price of a Behringer amplifier is affected by a number of factors, including:

* **Power output:** More power output generally means higher prices.
* **Inputs and outputs:** More inputs and outputs also generally means higher prices.
* **Features:** Amplifiers with built-in effects or a DI box are generally more expensive than amplifiers without these features.

**Popular Behringer Amplifiers**

Some of Behringer's most popular amplifiers include:

* **Europower EP4000:** This 4000-watt power amplifier is a powerful option for live sound applications. It costs around $500.
* **Ultradrive DDM4000:** This digital mixer with a built-in amplifier is a versatile option for both live sound and studio use. It costs around $1,000.
* **Inuke 1000MP:** This 1000-watt power amplifier is a compact and affordable option for small live sound applications. It costs around $200.

**Speakers**

Behringer speakers are a great option for musicians and audio professionals who are looking for affordable and high-quality speakers. Behringer offers a wide range of speakers to suit every need, from small PA systems to large concert sound systems.

**Speaker Price Range**

Behringer speaker prices range from around $50 for a 10-inch speaker to around $10,000 for a 18-inch speaker.

**Factors that Affect Speaker Prices**

The price of a Behringer speaker is affected by a number of factors, including:

* **Speaker size:** Larger speakers generally mean higher prices.
* **Power output:** More power output also generally means higher prices.
* **Features:** Speakers with built-in amplifiers or Bluetooth connectivity are generally more expensive than speakers without these features.

**Popular Behringer Speakers**

Some of Behringer's most popular speakers include:

* **Eurolive B215D:** This 15-inch PA speaker is a powerful and versatile option for small live sound applications. It costs around $200.
* **Truth B215A:** This 15-inch powered speaker is a high-quality option for both live sound and studio use. It costs around $500.
**XLS1500P:**