OK, I have to add a dose of reality in here for everyone.
I am a Behringer expert. Why? Well, because the service center I manage in NYC has been with Behringer USA since the beginning, when they split from Samson Technologies, their previous distributor. Prior to that, I was the service manager at Samson Technologies, and Behringer was one of the issues I oversaw. I have been to Behringer in Germany, as well as spoke with Uli on several occasions, and have thorough knowledge of Behringer's business, such that I am under Non-Disclosure Agreement with them. Up until about about 1.5yrs. ago, I was also in charge of US Parts Distribution for product service, and we still sell repair parts for them. Lastly, I own many of their products and service them as well. So, I speak here with a solid background.
First of all, many manufacturers are pissed at Uli. Not because he may have allegedly plagarized designs (BTW- there has never been a case prosecuted against Behringer). They are pissed because Uli can do it cheaper than anyone else, and has built an empire doing this. About Uli: he is a smart man, well-versed in business, music and electronics. He knows what people want, and will give it to them cheaper than anyone else. He is dedicated to his work, and eats, sleeps and ***** the business.
Behringer products work, and they work well for the price point and applications they were designed for. Is there a lot of broken Behringer stuff in the world? Hell yes! However, because Behringer SELLS more of a given product (LOTS more), it just seems like Behringer is the worst offender, which is NOT true. I can tell you from solid service experience that there are other POPULAR manufacturers whose products I see on a regular basis and I would not touch with a barge pole! Sorry, I can't name them, because we are authorized to service them also.
And what about service? Behringer, for the most part nowadays, is a swap-only service procedure. You get a new unit! Now, while this goes against my technician grain, Behringer is hardly alone, and it is what it is.
Anyone know about Behringer City in China? Behringer's operation is now so large that they have their own self-contained city with employee housing and services, plus they are self-sufficient, manufacturing all components and subassemblies themselves. In order to keep the production line going 24/7, Uli now builds for OTHER companies as well, in a "If-ya-can't-beat-'em-join-'em" rally by competitive mfrs., who are some of the biggest names in the business.
Behringer lays no claims toward being tour-grade gear. What it is though, is good, utility-grade gear that is well-designed and offers a lot of bang-for-the-buck. If the alleged circuit design ripoff bothers you, please keep in mind that intellectual property gets ripped off and/or plagarized in EVERY industry, every day. Unless the accusations stick in the courts, it is all conjecture and misinformation. Cease-and-desist orders are common in many industries, but if that is all there is, there is no case.
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