Behringer Digital Mixers - XR18 vs X32

A quick comparison between Behringer's X-Air (XR18) and X32 platforms of digital mixers. Both are very capable platforms and they have a lot of similarities, but there are some key differences as well.

[@kevinallen9106]

Superb overview, comparison and summary, thanks! I have X32 (Compact) and was looking at XR18 for smaller gigs. Your video was really helpful - succinct but with all the required info - and I didn't see you miss anything (you even remembered XLR vs jack on the X18 aux!). Great work!

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@JexiMusic]

Thanks man! Helped me make my mind up which way to go.

[@MatthewMouras]

Hey thanks for this. Having a hard time figuring out whether I should get rid of my xr18 to pick up an x32 rack. I really want the additional inputs it can provide with the separate digital snake.

[@mikefarr6205]

This is a super informative video. Thanks so much for making it!

[@fantasyproduct1042]

Cool thank you. Helped me decide to go for the XR18

[@blueslsd]

Superb vid just what I was looking for and many thanks.

[@coolmixes]

I’ve also got the X32 & XR18 and for me the portability Is the biggest difference. Though if I’m doing larger events with my board is not always mobile and there is plenty of room then the X32 gets the contract. I’m about to set up several drums to record into the Air as well as my bass and guitars and planning on using Reaper. For small gigs duo acoustic the XR 18 with pro1 Bose will Get the call. This seems to be the perfect marriage.

[@ChannelofRichPierik]

Thanks. You answered all my questions and I learned alot... Cheers.

[@EqDior]

Awesome vid. definitely helps me decide on which one i need.

[@rhythmdroid]

Great overview video. Thanks for posting!

[@malcolmfielding1138]

A really useful comparative review.

[@tj9265]

Great video! Super concise, fact-driven. If all of life could be this simple.

[@UITATUBE]

Nice one, all questions answered.

[@ChristosBassCovers]

Great review bro.. Thanks a bunch

[@DocMicrowave]

Great comparison video.

[@beesmith5379]

Thank you for sharing this information. My question is more general X32 related. I recently purchased the x32 Producer with the SD-8 stage box. Do you know if having a patchbay would be helpful with a digital mixer such as this. I work with an aggregated set up, UA Apollo Twin MK II Solo, Presonus Quantum with Presonus DP88 and Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre X along with a Black Lion PBR8 500 Series Rack with built in patchbay.

[@kabokoosimile5625]

im distracted by that floating display from some sci-fi movie! cool! ive used the X-air-its cool and hassle free

[@djrogerrubeo]

Very good video, I like the way you explained the comparisons. I am currently in the market for a digital mixer and finally ready to pull the trigger going from the analog world. I do AV for conferences and seminars normally using anywhere from 4 to 8 table mics and a few handheld mics for Q&A. I do hear good things about the Behringers any other possible recommendations. Thank you.

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Thank you for the kind words. :) The XR18 or X18 would probably work well for that type of setup, if you’re comfortable using an external device for control (laptop/tablet). If you prefer physical control the X32 compact would be a nice option as well. In either case you’ll have plenty of inputs and all the internal processing you’d need for EQ and compression, etc.

[@martyisabeliever]

Correction The XR-16,18 can be connected to and operated by the XTouch.

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Yes, you are correct. My point was more that there is no built-in physical control. The X-Touch could certainly be added as a physical controller. Thanks for sharing.

[@lockdowncontest3241]

/I'm trying to hook up my studio one pro3 with xr18 as the interface... Could I hire you online to help me with this

[@hermankappenspain]

Thanks for this great explanation @Iguana Talk Audio. I'm now seriously looking at getting the XR18. One question: if I were to buy a seprate router, what kind of router characteristics should I be looking for?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Hello! I think the main feature to look for would be dual band WiFi; 2.4 and 5ghz. You definitely want to use 5ghz whenever possible, as 2.4ghz is often very congested and can cause disconnects with the mixer. Wireless “N” or “AC”. The mixer doesn’t require a lot of bandwidth, so don’t feel you have to get one of the top end ones that advertise 1300mbps or something. 300 or even 150mbps is sufficient. Also, make sure your tablet or mobile device is capable of 5ghz WiFi as well. Most modern ones are, but some are not. When we were playing out I actually always travelled with two inexpensive routers configured the same. That way if someone mistakenly stepped on the router (dark bar stages 😉) or it just died, I could swap to the backup quickly and not be dead in the water.

[@hermankappenspain]

Thanks for youy quick reply! I now know what to order. I'm ordering the XR18 already. Good idea to get a back-up router!

[@glenshort5123]

Love the "plastic blue illuminated demo sign behind you" I see it's the Enterprise, and how did you acquire it. Just curious.

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Thank you! I had ordered it online somewhere, I don’t recall where exactly. I love Star Trek so when I saw it I had to have it. 😎

[@gleannmhuire]

Very clear. Thank you.

[@paulnithyanand]

Thank you so much Rian.. I'm using X32 rack and want to expand.. will XR18 work as the same as SD16 with X32?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Unfortunately you can’t use the XR18 the same as an SD16. There are no AES50 connections on the XR18. You’d have to get an SD16 or one of the other “stage box” units. Personally I’m a big fan of the SD8. Thanks for watching!

[@s.a.maudiovideo9683]

Hi, nice video, thanks. Does this mixer will need an app connected to play if everyday I switch the unit on/off for the same setting and same input and output connected. Suppose for a fixed installation for prayer. Will the mixer play from last setup without app? Thanks

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Sorry for the very late reply, KZbin put your comment in a review section and I didn't see it until now. :( To answer your question, the mixer does not need to be connected to an app to function and pass audio. There is a setting called "Safe Levels" which will mute or turn down all outputs when the mixer is turned off and on. You will need to turn this setting off first in order to use it without an app each time. After that you will only need to connect an app when you want to make changes.

[@mikecaro5031]

Absolutely helpful Thank You.

[@adrianrussell4423]

You mentioner this as a self-container mixer. Could I, however, use this as a sub-mixer for my on-stage band and then send the mix to the FOH board??

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Certainly! You’ll just have to use the main or aux XLR outputs to connect to the other console. Of course the FOH console won’t have any mix control then, just master volume.

[@mikey38632]

XR18 (and I would assume X32 but don't quote me on it) Control app will run on Linux, including on the tiny (credit card sized) Raspberry Pi.

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

You are correct, both X32 and X-Air lines have control apps for Linux (32 & 64 bit), as well as Raspberry Pi. I think for someone with a fixed or semi-fixed Front of House setup, a Raspberry Pi could make a great display for your metering page or something like that. Pretty cost effective, but it would add a little more complexity to your setup.

[@anivoc]

Didn't read the comments so if this has already been mentioned I apologize... a minor but noteworthy difference between the X18 and X32 is that though you can connect and send audio to the Turbosound IQ speakers with the X18, unlike the X32 you CAN NOT modify the settings of the IQ speakers remotely with the X18

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Good to know, thanks for sharing!

[@ProCreativeLLC]

hi, so neither the x18 air or the sd 16 are expandable with another stage box?? sorry if you went over that, thanks for the info

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Yes, the X Air X18 is not expandable with a stage box. The SD16 is a stage box only and must be used with an AES50 compatible mixer, such as the X32.

[@mikey38632]

You can get some physical control of XR18 by using MIDI, particularly the BCF2000 (I think it's the model number) by Behringer, but by the time you afford that you've more than paid for an X32

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Yes, that’s true. The X-Touch would also be an option, and I would actually prefer that since it can use ethernet to connect to the XR18. But as you point out, this just adds more cost and complexity to your setup. :)

[@3star2nr]

Both are good but i had the XR18 crap out on me during a major show. The WiFi wouldn't connect we had to reset it live lost all our SOUNDCHECK files. The X32 is worth it just for the redundant onboard mounted controls.

[@mossiegee4674]

I never rely on wifi..........cat5 to a router on stage then run another cat5 to front of house or connect to the external router with your tablet

[@lec1212]

My (adult) son and I want is a home (but good quality) (a couple of his friends are musicians) multi channel recording to a DAW. We've pretty much have come to the conclusion that the physical mixers in rhe XR18 price range can be problematic in noise and potential physical damage etc. That's why I watched your (BTW) excellent detail video, way more info than Sweetwaters good video, especial the XR 18. We have no plans to use it as an event tool. But can't seem to find if it is at least a home+ quality for home studio. Appreciate any response. Thanks in advance. logan

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Hi Logan, great question. Thanks for checking out the video. I think the XR18 is very well suited to a home studio setup. It’s a nice compact unit with great connectivity for its size. The mic preamps are essentially the same “Midas-designed” preamps that are in the X32. I’ve done several recordings with my XR18 and found the preamps to be very good. Nice and clean, good headroom. I’ve pushed the preamps into the +50db range for ribbon mics before and things still sounded good. Huge improvement over other “home” equipment I’ve used before such as a Presonus AudioBox USB interface. I will note that the two “Hi-Z” inputs do have a little more noise to them than the other inputs, but it’s pretty minimal. More of something you’d notice on a meter than actually hear. If that’s a concern though you can just not use the “Hi-Z” inputs for normal XLR sources; that’s typically what I do unless I need a full 16 inputs. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks again.

[@lec1212]

Iguana Talk Audio; Thank you for your prompt, insightful and spot on reply to my specific question. The son who's involved in this endeavor is an IT networking and security specialist but not as gun hoe as I for REAPER, which I'm only about 20hrs into learning, so it’s not fixed. My take is, he's just looking for fun and not another complex thing to manage, (@ least not yet). Your take on a DAW, to grow into would be much appreciated. Pro Tools seems excessively over the top for our modest recording $s & goals. Conversely, REAPERS $60 cost is nice, (minus final output quality W/O add on EQing(?). Moreover, raising the initial intro price for a DAW up to $300 range(?) might ease not just the initial learning curve but also have upper end complex EQ + functions? Your take or 2 on DAWs and maybe a link would be thoughtfully considered and very much appreciate. Take care and Thanks again. logan

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

I think REAPER is great! It's currently my main DAW and has been for many years now. The stock plugins (eq's compressors, delay/reverb) are basic, but all very usable. You can do a LOT with those stock plugins. I've only now started to buy more 3rd party plugins for it, and those are more for "color" than to necessarily replace things that are missing in REAPER. I've never been impressed with Pro Tools. Compared to other options out there the cost never seemed worth it to me, and I don't really like the interface for some reason. I know some people love it though. There are reasons it's considered the industry standard, but it's just not for me. I know Behringer states they include a license for Tracktion with the X32 and X-air products, but I haven't tried that at all. Actually, looking at Tracktion's site now it appears they have a standalone free version called T7. Might be worth a try. www.tracktion.com/products/t7-daw

[@justinmarcus1049]

Couple of questions: 1) Can the XR18 copy/paste complete channel setting including the config/input gain, 48v etcetera ? 2) Is there a workable way to take scenes to/from both platforms? Many thanks

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

1) Yes, you can copy and paste channels. I believe this has to be done using the X-Air Edit app on a computer though, I don’t remember seeing the option on the iOS app for iPad. 2) I have never tried this, but I remember reading about people having luck editing the scene files in a text editor and moving them between platforms. There may be a utility available now that will convert the files. Thanks for watching!

[@justinmarcus1049]

@@Iguanatalkaudio - thanks for responding. So far I am discovering that copy/paste on the X-Air omits the Config/Input. Very frustrating. Yes there is a "parser" out there but so far I have not had success. My prefered application is MixingStation as I'm on Android tablet FYI.

[@lockdowncontest3241]

Could you tell me if the MR18 has the genuine midas preamps? (the equivelent to xr18)

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

+Anthony Bradley Yes, according to the product info the MR18 does have the “MIDAS PRO” preamps. I have not had the opportunity to use one, but I have read reports of users on the Behringer forums that have directly compared the XR18 and MR18 and found a noticeable difference.

[@lockdowncontest3241]

Would it be possible to hire you online for an hour to help me hook up the xr18 for use with "Studio One pro3... If I can do this at least I will get some use out of it as an interface... You come across very clear and easy to follow, unlike so many on youtube...

[@mossiegee4674]

Could you route two XR18's to a DAW on your laptop as a way to expand them?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

I think technically you could, but your OS, DAW, and driver would need to support aggregating them in that way. Quite a few variables there. I’ve personally never tried it.

[@mossiegee4674]

@@Iguanatalkaudio Well i've done it with smaller interfaces But i'd be weary of latency but since i need a second rig anyway i'll give it a try when i get my 2nd XR18

[@ebikemaine]

How do you send effects to the monitors?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

+Mark Blake For the typical send-return effects the returns are available as channels on the board. Those channels can then be sent to the monitor busses like any other channel. For insert effects (such as a graphic eq) you can choose to insert them directly on the monitor bus if you’d want.

[@mateuszpiotrowski]

thanks for the vid

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Thanks for watching

[@halidharis]

Can i use 100m cat5 cable to control the xr18.say i want my laptop as FOH console

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

100m is generally considered the limit for cat5, but it should work fine. Just make sure to use decent quality cable.

[@halidharis]

@@Iguanatalkaudio thanks for your answer...

[@Art_Of_Sound]

Old video i know but if it has ultranet.then why not use as a 16 io?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Ultranet can only be used as an output to feed the P16M personal monitor mixers or Ultranet equipped speakers. It can’t be used to link mixers or I/O boxes the same way that AES50 can.

[@kordichb]

What was your setup for recording more than 32 channels?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

+Brett Kordich Hello, great question. I had the full size X32 as my main console and the X32 Core as a secondary, connected together with AES50. Each console was connected to their own separate recording computer over USB. The X32 had a full channel count coming in over AES50 from a pair of S16's on-stage. Locally at the console I had two stereo aux inputs (4 channels) connected for playback devices, as well as an ambient "room mic" connected to one of the local XLR preamps using the aux remap feature. I also had a few mix buses and FX inserts that I wanted to have recorded. In order to capture these extra scattered sources I selected them all in the P16/Ultranet routing section and then sent those P16/Ultranet channels over to the X32 Core over AES50. From there I just had to assign the correct banks of AES50 channels to the Card outputs on each console. Hopefully that makes sense. Might be easier for me to explain the process in a future video. Lol Let me know if you have any more questions.

[@kordichb]

Thanks creative routing

[@MessianicJudaism]

will the XR18 work with Pro Tools via USB?

[@fizz225]

yes

[@3star2nr]

Sure but why wpuld u do that... These are for live use not for recording

[@truescotsman4103]

screech!

[@tronlady1]

cheer up love! U have thousands of pounds worth of mixers there dude!

[@benjaminonuchealikali6301]

i know right

[@pauljosse]

Does the x32 sound better?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

In my experience I’d say they sound identical. Just different form factors and features.

[@CJLACE33]

Ay bruh where you at man?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Lol, I’m still around. I just haven’t had time to make any new videos in a long, long time. :/ Hopefully soon.

[@ksstudio8335]

Is it compatible with m1 mac mini?

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

I’m afraid I don’t have an M1 mac yet to confirm, but I wouldn’t expect there to be any issues with it. Both the X32 and XR18 are Core Audio compliant devices so they should work just fine.

[@ksstudio8335]

Thank you very much. God bless you

[@okaudiopro7613]

Good stuff....however, you will never see any behringer product in a professional level audio system..it is what it is..

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

Thank you. 10 years ago I might have agreed about “professional level” for Behringer. However, I’ve seen a surprising number of X32’s “out in the wild” over the last several years for what I’d consider bigger name touring bands. Sure, they might not have 96k audio or 120 inputs...but I wouldn’t say they aren’t professional level. For some situations they are the perfect tool for the job.

[@mossiegee4674]

@@Iguanatalkaudio I know of two drummer/producers working in the movie world that currently use the XR18 as the hub for their home studio systems...i'm building mine on their recommendations

[@TheMrCull]

Uh the behringer units are all over the place in pro music venues. Probably the most common mixer for pro venues

[@davidp6913]

Need a pianist? haha

[@Jahreas]

Get straight to the point!

[@lockdowncontest3241]

I purchased both the xr18 and the xr32 compact and find the preamps terrible!... I'm very annoyed at way Behringer advertise these preamps! They cleverly state "Midas Designed Preamps" What is that!!! They ARE NOT the preamps used on the Midas consoles!! So Behringer deceive us in the way they state this!!

[@Iguanatalkaudio]

+Anthony Bradley I’m sorry to hear that. If you don’t mind me asking, what about the preamps did you not like? You are correct that they are not true Midas Pro series preamps, but they are Midas designed and are still very capable preamps. I personally have been very happy with them, both live and in a recording setting.

[@lockdowncontest3241]

I have an ordinary analogue studiomaster horizon desk which I setup alonside both the xr18 and x32... Had an engineer who uses the behringer do his part on the x32 and xr18... I did my part on the studiomaster... Without going into detail, there simplywas not comparison... The studiomaster left behringer in the trash!... The presence, punch especially from the vocal of the studiomaster left the behringer sounding flat no matter what way they EQ's behringer it was awful in comparrison and this is a 20 year old analogue 8 channel mixer... So much for todays technology... I feel i need to say this as I purchased these consoles after hearing all the hype about how good they are and of course the the idea of how compact they are in place of all wiring etc... 8 months on and I'm still using my studiomaster... One dissapointed customer!... However, I am open to be challenged on this so if anyone would like to prove otherwise, i'm here...

[@lockdowncontest3241]

Could you tell me if the MR18 has the genuine midas preamps? (the equivelent to xr18)

[@ml6245]

Hi. I am the lucky owner of the Midas MR18 console. However, I lack the ability to select indication meters 1-16 Pre fader and a post fader on analog inputs. I don't know if you understand me. I will explain another way. During playback while moving the fader of channels 1-16, I also need to see the change to indicator meters for each channel 1-16. Now this is not possible because the signal for the indicator meters is taken from before the fader. What do you think about it? Well thank you

[@officialWWM]

You lost me bro...all I heard was quoting lots of boring numbers...

[@soundsaliveuk]

All that equipment and you vocal recording is awful