Behringer X-Air XR18 // Long term review // Worth it in 2025 ? // Edit app overview

[@sonikronikElektronik]

Thanks for this review! When I make my next move interface /mixer - wise, I think it has to have multichannel record support. This could be it. I was surpriced this wasn't actually that expensive! So definitely a great option to say the least. 👌

[@tricks-and-tips]

Good to hear. I think this is 'the best' one out there. (unless you need more I/O or need superb pre amps, but with line level stuff these are less important IMHO)

[@sonikronikElektronik]

@tricks-and-tips I think this would serve my purposes for a long, long time. It's really good to hear you're happy with this after many years. 👏🙂

[@tricks-and-tips]

@@sonikronikElektronik Yeah, I think so too!

[@dblbassdrumer]

this song is now stuck in my head :) lol

[@tricks-and-tips]

@@dblbassdrumer 😂😂😂 I’ll make another live jam version soon, don’t watch that then 😝😝

[@arnaudduvivier5648]

Merci c'est très intéressant d'avoir un avis éclairé avec le recul de 5 années.

[@tricks-and-tips]

Pas de problème, j'espère que cela a été utile !

[@wakingstate9]

I've been using one for live broadcast on a BBB Introducing show for the same time. Android is more reliable with connection than iOS with regard to WiFi but the interface is not as good. You can record on iPad using Auria which is very reliable but make sure you have the app connected before you hit record as if you don't it will just record all tracks from the iPad mic rather than the XR18. This has fucked me on a couple of occasions.

[@tricks-and-tips]

Oh cool. I never knew that! Thanks for the tip!

[@banana_joe_1855]

Hi, I’m just starting out and looking for a mixer for home use and occasional small PA setups at parties or gatherings. I typically run 2 SM58/48-style mics and a pair of powered speakers. In the past, I’ve used cheap interfaces with a laptop, but I’m looking to upgrade to an affordable mixer with decent built-in effects like EQ, compression, and a limiter. Ideally, I’d be happy something with 6 inputs and 3-4 outs. Any recommendations? I would prefer to be digital, but I know that's a big ask even used.

[@tricks-and-tips]

Hi, the XR18 sounds good for your usecase. It has everything you need for live mixing small gigs. It's small and very flexible. With the added bonus that it can also be your 18 track audio interface for recording. Mixing with an app does take some getting used to (no faders and knobs) but the bonus is that you get much more functionality at a great price. They are still quite cheap (not sure where you live, but they sell new for € 475,- here, which is crazy cheap for what you get) You will need 2 things 'with' the XR18 : a wifi router (the onboard wifi is only good for at home) and a 10" tablet / laptop or bigger. I always use my touchscreen Windows laptop. Since I like the Windows version of the edit app the best.

[@banana_joe_1855]

@@tricks-and-tips i it would be good (overkill for now) but I didn't find any locally used on eBay ($300-400) the cheapest ones are about double my budget and for new ($600) double that. but than u for the quick response

[@tricks-and-tips]

@@banana_joe_1855 Yeah, well, the cheaper options are there too of course. But you were talking about mixer, compression, limiter, effects etc. And use it at home too (so you want to record stuff, I assume) so you also need an interface. We have a Mackie ProFX12v3 for gigs where there are just 2 or 3 of 'us' playing and they don't want to use a tablet (some are not that tech savy) It's nice for gigs, but you lose the interface functionality for at home and you don't get all the options like compressor etc. Remember this XR18 is also a multi channel interface, so you don't need to invest in that :) I'm just checking, but Sweetwater sells it at $475 (maybe that's ex VAT, I'm from The Netherlands, so I never buy there) It's even cheaper at Guitar Centre. And even cheaper at Thomann.com. (just not in stock now) It all depends on needs etc. of course But I think that an interface + mixer will cost you about the same and it will be more expensive if you also want to add a compressor and some FX (reverb, delay etc.). At $415,- (Thomann), I don't think you can beat that with a separate interface + mixer + effects and get anywhere near the XR18. Don't go for the cheaper XR16 or lower, which are NOT a multichannel interface. You can only record the master with those lower XR versions. (I'm totally understanding the budget limitation, but all I'm saying is the XR18 is THE budget option here, no lower option available TMBK!)

[@banana_joe_1855]

@@tricks-and-tips Yes if I would need an interface too than yes, but I have interfaces so that not too important to me but thank u I will try to scrape some chase together but since I will never going to make money from these it is hard to justify other than "i want it"

[@tricks-and-tips]

@@banana_joe_1855 A*sell the interfaces*choo. I'm just joking. It's always good to buy what you need, not what you want :) You can only spend the money once.... And there is a ton of options out there that can get you to your destination. A simple mixer that you get 2nd hand can get you a long way. Get one with onboard FX (mainly for reverb for the vocalists) They don't come cheap either. (that Mackie is also about €350,-) so that is why I said that you will probably end up spending close to what the XR18 is going to cost you if you add in FX and compression :) I'm a big fan of 2nd hand, but these XR18 are popular and don't pop up often.

[@NonExistingLibrary]

Hola ! Tengo un dilema, grabo en Logic Prox, uso Blofeld, Mikrofreak, me gustaría agregar Yamaha MOX y, por supuesto, instrumentos plug-in. Quiero grabar usando un mezcladorcon preamps, pero no puedo decidir cuál …también tengo una interfaz Steinberg Ur mk2, planeo reemplazarlo con Audient id44, no sé qué mezclador agregar... También estaba pensando. sobre Tascam modelo 12... Que me podrian aconsejar...

[@NonExistingLibrary]

Pensaba sobre Behringer Xr16

[@tricks-and-tips]

@@NonExistingLibrary Sorry, I'm going to reply in English :) With the synths you have, you don't need the best preamps. They are mainly important for when recording microphones. Don't get the XR16, but the XR18 The 16 does not allow for multitracking over USB. . Remember, the XR18 IS your interface and mixer. You don't need anything else. No Audient id44 for example. I only have the XR18 and nothing more and record 18 channels of audio constantly. .

[@NonExistingLibrary]

@@tricks-and-tips Thank you for your quick reply. I'm at the computer now, so it's convenient to use the translator (previously I was on the phone :) and it was a bit inconvenient for me to translate... So I don't have to spend money on the interface, I have to choose the Behringer XR18 or Tascam modelo 12 mixer. which is more expensive by 120 euros, but somehow I have the impression that I have more control with the knobs (although this is a subjective impression), but on the other hand I see that Behringer has more control over the mix.

[@tricks-and-tips]

​@@NonExistingLibrary Yeah, true. Both the Tascam and the XR18 are also interfaces. The Tascam is more like a mixer indeed with faders and buttons. But it is less flexible than the XR18. I don't have space for a mixer like the Tascam, so I'm happy with the small XR18. You get much more control with the XR18, but you do have to use the app, so that is something to consider. I personally don't mind using the app, but some people want knobs and faders.