How to Upgrade the Behringer WING Firmware to Version 3.1 – A Complete Walkthrough + New Features
Upgrading your Behringer WING digital mixing console to the latest firmware is essential to benefit from new features, bug fixes, and performance optimizations. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through upgrading the WING firmware to version 3.1. We’ll also cover best practices for ensuring a safe upgrade, post-install verification, and a detailed look at all the new features that come with this exciting update.
Step 1: Prepare for the Firmware Upgrade
Before making any firmware changes, it’s crucial to back up your WING’s settings. Updates, while generally safe, can occasionally cause system resets or compatibility issues with your current setup.
Backing Up Behringer WING to USB
- Insert a USB thumb drive into the WING’s USB port.
- Press the “Library” button.
- Navigate to the “USB” tab to store your snapshot externally.
- Choose “SNAP” folder → tap “Save + Scope.”
- Tap “All” to back up all layers, routing, and settings.
- Tap “Save” and name your file (e.g., “Backup3_0_6”).
Note: Using a thumb drive known to be compatible with WING is key. A reliable USB thumb drive is vital to avoid issues, and a compact one prevents accidental damage.
Step 2: Download the Firmware
- Go to Behringer Website
- Navigate to “Downloads” → “Mixers” → “Digital Mixers.”
- Select your WING model (Full-Size, Compact, Rack).
- Choose “Software” and click “Firmware.”
- Look for the latest version – in this case, WING Full-Size Firmware 3.1.
- Download the ZIP file and extract it.
- Copy the
.wingfwfile onto your USB thumb drive.
Optional: For archival purposes or older firmware files, you can visit Technically Church – Wing Firmware Archive for official past versions.
Step 3: Install the Firmware
- Safely eject the USB stick from your computer and insert it into the WING console.
- Tap “Setup,” then enter the “General” tab.
- Under “Console” info, click “Update.”
- The system will detect valid firmware on the USB.
- Select “Wing Release 3.1” and click “Update.”
- Confirm the upgrade and wait for it to complete.
- The console will display “Update Completed. Please Shutdown and Reboot.”
- Turn off the console physically, then power it back on.
Upon reboot, verify firmware version:
- Go to “Setup” → “General” → Confirm version now shows “3.1”.
Step 4: Post-Update Testing
After upgrading, it’s essential to confirm that your essential connections and hardware integrations still work properly.
1. Stage Snake (AES50 Connectivity Test)
- Confirm StageSnake DL32 connections are intact (Look for green ‘A’ or ‘B’ indicators).
- Test input sources from the Snake (e.g., wireless mic) to confirm signal flow.
2. Dante Network Test
- Check Dante inputs using a playback source like Multitracks.com.
- Verify signal appears on the intended channels.
- Use Adobe Audition (or another DAW) to confirm Dante output is functional by verifying signal in the DAW.
When all of the above confirms correct I/O behavior, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Explore New Features in Firmware 3.1
This version delivers many valuable additions to channel processing, monitoring options, user routing, and more.
NEW COMPRESSOR PLUGINS
Accessible under any channel’s “Compressor” tab:
- EVEN 88 Comp – A vintage-style compressor.
- One Knob Compressor – Single dial control; perfect for simple setups.
- LMT Compressor (Listen Mic Toolkit) – Adds creative compression options historically used on drum room mics and talkback channels.
Additionally, both gate and compressor models are now interchangeable across dynamics sections.
DUAL BAND DYNAMIC EQ
Previously limited to a single frequency band, dynamic EQ now supports two bands:
- Navigate to Dynamics → Choose “Dual Dyn EQ.”
- Two bands allow dynamic sculpting at two frequencies simultaneously.
- Great for managing vocals or instruments with varying dynamics.
AUX CHANNEL PROCESSING IMPROVEMENTS
- Expanded compressor and gate options available on Aux Channels.
- Previously limited, Aux channel inserts now include many of the same dynamics models as mono/multi inputs.
DIRECT-IN MONITORING SOURCE
Found under “Monitoring Settings”:
- Adds an additional layer to headphone monitoring.
- Allows you to monitor the main mix plus one direct-in channel without constructing a separate mix bus.
- Useful for solo instruments, debug monitoring, or rehearsal scenarios.
BULK SOURCE CONTROL IN ROUTING
A much-needed workflow improvement:
- Kill multiple birds with one swipe in “Routing > Sources.”
- Click and drag to select multiple inputs → Set shared gain or stereo/mono pairing with one adjustment.
- Speeds up workflow massively for those setting up large sessions.
USER PATCH POINT CONTROLS
- Under “Routing” → “Sources” → “User Signal”.
- Gain & Phantom Power now configurable directly from the User Patch screen (previously inaccessible).
FX RACK RESET
- New “Reset” button in the FX Rack.
- Quickly resets the selected plug-in instead of reloading from scratch.
- Ideal for on-the-fly FOH mixing or experimentation.
BUS MIX FROM FRONT OF HOUSE
Added option in “Bus Master” setup:
- Select Bus → Tap “Channel Sends” → Choose “From Channel Fader.”
- This lets you clone the FOH mix into a bus with a single button.
- Excellent for starting IEM mixes or streaming mixes based on house mix.
Bonus: Inputs in this view now display channel labels (not just numbers) for quicker visual reference.
INCREASED REMOTE DEVICE CAPACITY
- WING now supports up to 24 remote devices (up from 16).
- This includes iPads, phones using apps like Wing Q, Wing Copilot.
- Great for band members using personal devices for in-ear monitor mixes.
Note: Older firmware will throw connection errors with newer app versions — always match firmware and app updates!
Final Notes
Firmware 3.1 on the Behringer Wing is a significant update with both practical and creative enhancements. From dual-band dynamic EQ to expanded AUX processing, the update is a welcome evolution for live engineers, particularly in worship or live stream contexts. Backing up your board, verifying connectivity post-install, and walking through each new feature will ensure you’re maximizing this powerful tool in your audio setup.
Check out TechnicallyChurch.com/wing for firmware archives, training, and other Behringer Wing resources.
