The New Age of Field Recording: Behringer Introduces the FLOW 4V
This week, Behringer announced the FLOW 4V, a powerful new 32-bit float field recorder that marks a major step forward for audio and video creators alike.
Compact, flexible, and packed with modern features, the FLOW 4V is designed to handle everything from location sound and content creation to live production workflows.
A Compact 32-Bit Float Field Recorder Built for Creators
The FLOW 4V is a 10-track, 32-bit float field recorder built for demanding real-world environments. Developed by the same team behind the widely respected X32 and WING digital mixing consoles, it’s positioned as an ultra-low-noise, high-headroom recorder and mixer with wireless control and expandable I/O.
At its core, the FLOW 4V is designed to simplify recording while maintaining professional-grade audio quality—whether you’re capturing dialogue, music, ambience, or live performances.
MIDAS Preamps & “Set-and-Forget” Gain
The FLOW 4V features four MIDAS microphone preamps with phantom power, paired with dual-stage A/D converters delivering an impressive 138 dB of dynamic range.
Thanks to 32-bit float recording and dual-stage conversion, traditional gain staging becomes far less critical. You can focus on capturing the moment, then adjust levels later in post-production without worrying about clipping or noise.
Flexible Recording & Rock-Solid File Safety
You can record up to 10 channels directly to SD cards or via the USB class-compliant interface, in either 32-bit float or 24-bit fixed-point formats.
A standout workflow feature:
when recording stops, SD card files are automatically copied to an attached USB drive. That extra layer of redundancy significantly reduces the risk of lost recordings—something many of us have experienced in the field.
More Than a Recorder: A Full 8-Channel Mixer
Beyond recording, the FLOW 4V also functions as a fully featured 8-channel mixer, offering control over:
- Level & pan
- Low-cut & high-cut filters
- Tone shaping
- Dynamics processing
It also supports up to 8 channels of automixing, using a smooth gain-sharing algorithm—ideal for dialogue, panel discussions, and multi-mic scenarios. A pre-record buffer ensures you never miss the start of a take.
StageConnect Expansion & FLOW 4VIO
One of the most forward-thinking features is StageConnect, Behringer’s new audio protocol that allows you to send:
- Up to 32 channels of uncompressed audio
- MIDI data
- Phantom power
All over a single XLR/DMX cable, with sub-millisecond latency.
For users who need additional I/O, Behringer has also introduced the FLOW 4VIO, a StageConnect I/O expander that adds:
- Four additional microphone preamps
- Two headphone outputs
- USB audio & MIDI connectivity
- 32-bit floating-point recording support
Designed With Video Creators in Mind
The FLOW 4V is clearly built with modern video workflows in mind. It supports SMPTE timecode, which can be generated internally to sync with cameras and other devices.
Additional video-focused features include:
- AUX stereo input for receiving external SMPTE clock
- HDMI input for camera video CEC signals to trigger recording
- Bluetooth audio for talkback or playback from mobile devices
Power options include StageConnect, USB-C, or the included power adaptor, making it easy to integrate into almost any setup.
Mounting, Control & Mobile App
For practical deployment, the FLOW 4V ships with a 1/4-20 integrated thread, allowing it to be mounted directly to cameras, rigs, or tripods. An integrated screw with an Allen wrench makes quick adjustments easy on location.
Control is handled via the FLOW 4V Mix app for iOS and Android, enabling wireless operation over Bluetooth LE—ideal for solo operators and compact rigs.
Final Thoughts
With the FLOW 4V, Behringer is clearly targeting the future of field recording:
simpler gain management, expandable I/O, deep mixer functionality, and seamless integration with video workflows.
Whether you’re a touring professional, content creator, filmmaker, or audio engineer, the FLOW 4V offers a compelling blend of portability, power, and modern connectivity—and it’s definitely one to watch.
Behringer Flow 4V will be available soon for $279 £210, and the 4VIO for $199 £150 ( Affiliate Link )
