BehringerX AIR X18 18 Channel, 12-Bus Digital Mixer for iPad/Android Tablets with 16 Programmable Midas Preamps, Integrated Wifi Module and Multi Channel USB Audio Interface

Spent a lot of time researching which WiFi type mixer to use. Eventually landed on this one for a number of reasons. At church we use a Mackie 1608 and this has been outstanding, so I nearly went for one of those. I also looked closely at the Soundcraft UI16 too. So what set the XR18 out ahead of the pack? Well, many things!First, the size of the XR18 is excellent and very compact, unlike say the X18 or the Mackie 1608. Second, the pre-amps are excellent and definitely clearer than even the Mackie, in my view at least. Third, unlike the badly titled Soundcraft UI16 which only really gives you 12 'proper' channels, the XR18 gives 16 XLR channels and a couple of jack inputs, making it truly have 18 channels.Fourth, the XR18 has software across various devices, including Mac, PC, Android and iOS. OK so I believe only a third party app is available for iPhone (forgive me if I'm wrong there) but this is very cheap off the App Store. But the ability to use various devices and operating systems to control the XR18 sets it well above the Mackie, which can only (currently, as of this review) be controlled by iPad. The Soundcraft has an html5 interface which means can be controlled by anything with a browser and is therefore consistent across devices - unlike the XR18. The Behringer software across devices is different - I've used on Mac, iPad and Android and they all have various quirks. But as we live stream, the Behringer into a Mac works very well (albeit via USB return from the device). Be aware that the XR18 software does has a learning curve and the one downside that I have found (compared to the Mackie) is that the X Air software does not have such a clear GUI as Mackie's Master Fader 4, which is very easy to navigate. However, the X Air software gives you more and the reverbs are significantly better on the X Air compared to Master Fader, as one example. The X Air has more depth and options and its inconsistency across devices can lead to some head scratching at times. But I highly recommend Behringer's online videos and other user videos.Build quality on the XR18 is bomber (as it is on the Mackie). The Soundcraft has had huge issues with noise and other problems. I'm sure this will be sorted in time but as of now, the XR18 has a very clear edge. I actually chose to buy an Airport Express instead of using the XR18 built-in WiFi, but that was about being able to use the 5GHz range (less crowded than the 2.4GHz range) and so I could use AirPlay from an iPad. The setup was confusing (I used a forum tutorial on Behringer's website) but it worked. Have also used the Behringer's in-built WiFi no problems as well.All in all an outstanding system. Behringer makes some dodgy products IMO (for example their DI boxes!) but this is outstanding.

Whilst looking for a new traditional style mixer I stumbled across the digital mixers. After much research, I went for the X16 in the middle of the range. The usual super fast delivery from Amazon.Wow, this is a game changer for live performances. I have been using mine for solo, duo and in a 5 piece band. It has support for Apple phones, Android phones, Windows PCs, Apple Macs AND Linux. This is a HUGE selling point being able to run this from such a range (especially the latter few). I know how quickly apple stop supporting apps (my iPad one is as good as obsolete and the iPad two being close to that...). So in terms of longevity, this seems well supported.The system is easy to use for the technically minded, is feature rich, has fantastic effects for the price and a great user interface on all systems.The inbuilt router is great for smaller events, but Id advise carrying an ethernet cable for larger events where interference may be a problem (this is a single band 2.5ghz router sharing frequencies with other wifi systems etc). Also, don't forget to put a password on the open-by-default network.Lots of options for setup and routing, 4 inline effects in addition to the noise gate, compressor and EQ on each channel. The 18 channel version of this (X18) acts as an 18 ch sound card for a full 18 channels of inputs and outputs to a DAW such as logic. The 12 and 16 ch version does not have this facility. It does, however, have the ability to record a two-channel stereo mixdown as a WAV to a USB card which is perfect for recording gigs.The X12/16 both have the ability to play back pre-recorded music from USB. Perfect for filling time during breaks/in between sets. Please be aware there is no facility to playback MP3s and audio needs to be converted to .WAV in order to use this facility. This can easily be achieved by downloading the free opensource software Audacity. An alternative would be to buy a small Bluetooth receiver and stream music directly from your phone/tablet.For the price, I love this X16. It has transformed live sound for me with each band member having the ability to control their own monitor mix and for the ability to move around the venue whilst mixing from a tablet/phone.

Renewing review after having a few years of using this.So basically I’ll just briefly go through the positives and negatives I have experienced over the time using this product.-Positives-Well builtNothing has brokenEverything physical works perfectly as it did 3 years ago.Never failed to this day.Decent app on Mac - iPad app is ok...3rd party apps can be useful!Effects and sound quality are megaNumber of aux outs!Ultranet p16 monitoring connection is very very very useful!Small size makes it useful for solo musicians - bigger bandsAbility to route signal however you want!Genuinely impressive devicePRICE! Can’t believe how cheap when I paid £550 I was getting a bargain back then so under £400 now is a steal for a device like this.-Negatives-BUY A SEPERAGE 5g ROUTER !! - Seriously guys do not trust the in built one, IT WILL FAIL! and trust me you do not want that. As soon as you try it in a busy big space at a gig the panic and realisation of being helpless can ruin the atmosphere. (I’m not taking away a star as for this price it’s negligible)The app on iPads can be a bit sluggish and difficult to navigate.Everyone needs one of these. All bands/chruches/ whatever! Just get one!