Behringer X-Air XR18 Desk - SonicLAB Review

We take a look at the new Behringer X-AIR X18 compact digital desk/audio interface from Behringer - just how good can it be?

[diregremo]

Dude, I swear, you do the best reviews! Thank you.

[inthefade]

I've been looking to get one of these for my band for a while.  I've watched nearly every review that there is on Youtube, but I'm glad Nick did one too.  I didn't realize that it would be able to do sidechained gating like that, which is an amazing feature.  Turns it into more than just a great portable mixer and makes it into an instrument too. Just using the alternate outs on my mpc-1000 to send a gate signal for synths could be huge.

Thanks for the review, as always.  Hopefully I can scrounge up $1200 some time soon.

[wizardmix]

One of the best reviews for this I've come across. Thank you.

[mCKENIC]

Thanks for this Nick - what a LOAD of functionality in a rack! One to watch out for when upgrading my MOTU Ultralite no doubt!

[undercrackers]

Great review. Thank you so much. I learned never to let the bass player I was working with anywhere near anything technical. He could handle a Boss tuner, but anything else (including the volume control on his guitar) was beyond his abilities.

[Maschinestorm]

On a seperate note, this review was informal. While I love the look and form factor (space saving) this device offers, I will likely be going with a Xenyx q1204 like Soundtestroom uses. Just wish there was more info on the difference between it and the QX1204, as nobody has published anything on this.

[CoopermanROFL]

I've been looking for mixers forever and I finally decided on the soundcraft signature 16. It doesn't have any aux returns (I'd have to return to a channel) and counting the channels I realized It's gonna be full the moment it gets here. And I also thought I only have room for 2-3 19" units max, and not enough money to get anything really worthwhile. So I'll get an xr12 and send everything to it. Master out, subgroups, aux sends. I'll use it for fx until I get my 19". Besides, find me a fast way to sidechain or stereo separate anything you want on a mixer without channel inserts (why soundcraft, why...).

[Mtaalas]

That laptop could throttle because it's getting too warm. Known problem with that model.

[grdalenoort]

in 2023, can you do this test again??? All parts (Reaper, CPU-lineup and probably Behringer firmware) are all updated, how does this hold up nowadays?

[Maschinestorm]

I have a BCR2000 & BCF2000. Currently using a Soundcraft ui12. I like the three usb ports for powering external gear and seems to keep the Surface Pro 3 charged plus Arturua Beatstep Pro powered. Surface runs the mixers web GUI and Nord MicroModular editor, as well as ableton but the mixer lacks audio interface capability and does not have nearly the guts this does. Also loses connectivity to the web GUI quite often (even after latest firmware update) and has a a somewhat tame preamp.

[synriser]

Behringer xtouch hardware controller is out now. Behringer prices has dropped so this was a no brainer for € 414, 00. Don't want to advertise here just keep you up to date on things.

[tablatom]

I have an iPad 4. Its unupgradable iOS means i can't download the X air edit app from the App store.
Is there a link to an older version? Thanks

[Metatron]

Might upgrade my Motu Ultralite Mk2 with this. So many analog inputs for the price. + all the other features.

[vileguile]

First time advertisement video was relevant.. Ever! About audio stuff!

[tffshtt]

Hi, love your videos!! Did you make a BCR2000 template for the XR18 from scratch or can we download it somewhere?

[udinbata]

A master in audio engineering, ..not a good tambourine player, ..Excellent video, Thank you very much!

[lunaandthesun]

Hey, i do have some questions..

Is it easy to connect your XR with a DAW? I'm using Pro Tools... i'd just read an review what was saying it wasnt easy..

And: Are the mic pre amps the same pre amps as in the x32?

[parachuteman]

Couldn't you monitor through the xr18? Was the flanging of the voice a result of monitoring in Reaper?

[drummerboyjh]

Great review of the product very informative. Is it easy to control on an iPad? I think I heard them say it was Midas designed preamps not Midas preamps?

[RiaanLabuschagne]

Thanks for the review But i need to know how to record my tracks with the effects.I record a track on my pc and play it back with the xr18 and the effects are working but when i play it back through my sound card the mix is dry please help me how do i get a wet mix recorded onto my pc