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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Oct 2, 2023 6:23:21 GMT -7
i just got a Behringer XR18 rack digital mixer to replace our Mackie ProFX16 and 8 rack spaces of outboard gear. I have just had enough of lugging that big ol' rack around.
I'm definitely a "knobs and faders" kinda guy, and the learning curve on the XR18 and related app is steep, but with just a little time (I took a weekend of playing with it), it starts to become "normal" and you realize it's actually really straightforward. And the convenience is impossible to beat. The entire PA (other than speakers), including the wireless IEM, fits in one 6U 13" deep rack case. You can save as many layouts and "scenes" as you want (so a mix scene for the rehearsal room, and baseline for live venues, and one for every venue if you want). All the effects you could possibly use are baked in and fully assignable.
And the best part -- with the phone-based app, every band member has complete control over their own IEM mix without mucking up the FOH mix.
As recommended by many folks, we're using an external router that's in the rack case instead of the crappy built-in router on the XR18. Easy peasy.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to reduce the size of their PA rig, have much more control, and flexibility.
BTW -- I'm using the MixingStation app instead of the Behringer X-Air Edit (they still haven't updated so it works on iOS 16).
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Post by GuitarZ on Oct 2, 2023 7:36:01 GMT -7
I did some researching on options last year prior to our annual benefit gig. I was thinking I'd go for something 'better' than behringer, bought a unit, and then sent it back when I found out there would be a very good sound company doing our gig.
Showed up to the gig, talked to the soundman to see what he would be using, and, ... Behringer XR18! So, you're in good company. And, when I am ready to upgrade, I'll have a different perspective. Enjoy the new board!
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Post by adam on Oct 2, 2023 8:28:24 GMT -7
I have one, haven't used it in a while, but used it on probably 10 gigs mixing from the stage (iPad on mic stand) and it worked well. If it was me again, I would try to get the Midas one if they still make it. Same thing, different mic pres. Bang of buck, size, functionality, hard to beat.
The whole eco system is pretty cool too. For instance, I have about 6 of those psm headphones mixer things for the studio which hook up via ethernet to their distributor which also does poe to power the headphone mixers. Currently an rme interface via adat out to their other thing (takes 2 pairs of adat or 16 analog inputs and converts to the ultranet thing for the headphone mixers. Basically say 10 mics on drums submixed in the interface with an old lexicon pcm90 via aes to the stereo pair for drums, another stereo pair for guitar/vox/synths, reverb for the vocals (so some can have it and some not), and the remains 4 or 6 can be "more me" for say vocals and assigned as needed, and they are all phase alligned. Around 1ms latency for the headphone thing, and the interface does .1ms a/d. In theory, it all works great and in practice, I don't know how much better you could really get.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Oct 2, 2023 10:36:18 GMT -7
Music Tribe owns both Behringer and Midas, and the recording units are very, very similar, with Midas pre's and build being better (and more pricey) than the Behringer. I too had a few misgivings about Behringer from their position years and years ago - although I've used a Behringer Multicom (4 channel compressor) for over a decade with zero issues. But so many people are using the XR15 and the X32 full desk now for several years, and very few issues (mostly the standard complaint that the built in wifi is horrible ... don't know if the Midas version is any better). There's a good YouTube where Dave Rat takes apart the Behringer X32 desk and the Midas M32 desk for comparison, showing the build differences.
We've got our first gig with this rig coming up, so we're trying to do a few "dress rehearsals" to work out the kinks. Still fairly nervous about the first live use and the inevitable gremlins that will crop us. It's a private party of about 200 people, so we're gonna get there pretty early and make sure everything works as mapped out.
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kcash
New Member
Posts: 28
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Post by kcash on Oct 3, 2023 14:38:45 GMT -7
I've been using the Behringer XR18 for at least 6 years. I've saved many shows for multiple venues, never had any issues. Yes, the external router is a necessity, but it will always connect.
In the past I've used Mackie, QSC and Allen & Heath. I still use my sound guys QSC, but with all the saved shows and the effects on the XR18, I usually grab the Behringer.
Good choice.
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