Behringer Wing Vs. Behringer XR18: Compared And Rated

Choosing the right mixer when there are so many on the market these days isn't easy.
Especially when many of them are built for one specific need but being marketed as an all-rounder 🙄
But not to worry, I've got ya!
I have taken a deep dive into two beasts in the audio-mixing game and gone head to head with them: Behringer Wing vs. Behringer XR18.

We're looking at things like:

Sound Quality: This is the heart of the matter, right? How each mixer holds up in delivering crisp, clear audio. Are we talking about a mixer that makes your tracks sound like they're live from the garage, or are we hitting studio-quality sound?
Ease of Use: Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out which button does what. I’ll break down the user interface of both Behringer Wing and Behringer XR18. Are they plug-and-play easy, or will you need a PhD in mixology to use them?
Features and Functions: Ie. What's under the hood? Let's find out what sets them apart.
Durability: No matter your reason for buying, you want something that's gonna last, not fall apart after a few light sessions.
Price Point: Yep, money talks. When it comes to prices, we need to see which mixer gives us more bang for our buck. Is the higher price of one justified by its features, or is the other a hidden gem at a bargain price?
Customer Reviews and Feedback: What's the word on the street? Sometimes real-world use tells a different story than what the sales page says.

Behringer Wing

Coming from a traditional manual mixing background, the initial setup of this digital beast was a bit overwhelming. It's a whole different ballgame, but thanks to some helpful online resources (shoutout to Drew Brashler on YouTube), I managed to navigate through most of its functionalities.

Transition from Analog to Digital

Transitioning from an analog mixer like the Behringer Xenyx 2442 to the WING was like stepping into the future. The digital scribble strip is a game-changer – say goodbye to masking tape and markers. And the ability to save settings on a USB stick is pure gold. No more panicking over messed-up settings; just reboot and you're back in business.

Connectivity and Remote Control

Pairing it with the Behringer SD16 stagebox expanded our setup, making it perfect for our medium-sized church. The mixer's wifi control capability is super handy, though I'd recommend using a tablet over a phone for a better experience. It's a lifesaver for live mixing or for bands wanting to make demos without breaking the bank.

Recording and Expansion Options

The USB interface for DAW integration is slick. But, if you're serious about multi-track recording, consider getting the X-Live SD expansion card. Yes, it's an extra expense, but being able to record all 32 channels simultaneously for virtual soundchecks is invaluable, especially for fine-tuning mixes.

Learning Curve and User Experience

There's definitely a steep learning curve, especially if digital mixers are new to you. But the control and convenience you get with digital are unmatched. The mixer's flexibility in routing, multiple outputs, and sound shaping tools like EQ, gates, and compressors are just mind-blowing.

Build and Portability

The mixer feels sturdy and reliable. It's surprisingly portable for its capabilities, making it a great choice for on-the-road gigs or permanent installation. I do recommend getting a solid flight case for it if you're traveling, or a Decksaver cover for permanent setups – it's worth the investment for protection.
Final Thoughts

Overall, the Behringer WING is an absolute beast that offers outstanding value for its price. The flexibility, sound quality, and range of features it packs are phenomenal for a mixer in this price range. Whether you're running a church service, a small band, or even a home studio, this mixer has got you covered. Just be prepared to invest some time in learning its ins and outs.

Behringer XR18

This is another mixer I got hold of just to review. It has a semi-hefty price-tag but what I will say is this: the Behringer XR18 is a unit that delivers far more than its price suggests. After several months of continuous use, I've faced zero reliability issues, making it a standout in its category.

Unbeatable Feature Set for the Price

The XR18's feature set is its biggest selling point. There's a wealth of options here that you'd struggle to find in other mixers within this price range. The audio quality is top-notch, and the control options are extensive. It's particularly great for those who need comprehensive control in a live setting or a studio environment.

Minor Downsides

Despite its strengths, there are a few areas where the XR18 could improve. One noticeable absence is the ability to do time-alignment, a feature available in the higher-class X32. There's also the matter of the built-in Wi-Fi, which can be a bit unreliable in live situations. I always ensure a hard-wired connection during critical events to avoid any potential connectivity issues. Lastly, there's a bit of a learning curve when switching between the software interfaces on different platforms, like iPad and computer.

Robust Software and Solid Hardware

The software is robust, offering comprehensive control over the unit, albeit with some platform-specific quirks. Hardware-wise, the unit feels solid and well-built, suitable for regular gigging.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, if you need a feature-rich mixer and the XR18 ticks all your boxes, go for it. It's an excellent investment, especially considering its price point. Sure, it has a couple of minor drawbacks, but these are easily outweighed by its overall performance and reliability. Whether for live use, studio work, or even podcasting, the XR18 is a versatile choice that won't disappoint.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Wing or Behringer XR18

Behringer Wing: A Leap into the Future

Let's talk about the Behringer Wing. This digital mixer is like a spaceship, packed with futuristic tech. For those of us who cut our teeth on analog mixers like the Behringer Xenyx 2442, this is a quantum leap forward. The digital scribble strip alone renders masking tape and markers obsolete. Plus, you can save your settings on a USB stick, making it an absolute cinch to recover from those “oops” moments. Behringer's WING really does give you wings when it comes to control and convenience. Connectivity-wise, the WING pairs beautifully with the Behringer SD16 stagebox, expanding your setup for medium-sized venues like churches. And let me tell you – wifi control is an absolute godsend for live mixing or band demos on a budget. Just make sure you use a tablet instead of a phone for better user experience.

The Expansion Extravaganza

The USB interface for DAW integration is slick as butter on hot toast but if multi-track recording is your jam, consider splurging on the X-Live SD expansion card. It's worth it to record all 32 channels simultaneously and invaluable for virtual soundchecks and fine-tuning mixes. Now, don't get me wrong – taming this beast does come with a steep learning curve. But once you've mastered it, this audio mixer gives you mind-blowing control over routing, multiple outputs and sound shaping tools like EQs, gates and compressors.

Travel-Ready and Tough as Nails

Despite its capabilities, this audio mixer isn't going to give you backache – it's surprisingly portable! Whether it's on-the-road gigs or permanent installation, the Behringer Wing is a great choice. Just make sure you invest in a solid flight case or a Decksaver cover for protection.

Behringer XR18: More Bang for Your Buck

Switching gears a bit, let's talk about the Behringer XR18. This digital mixer might have a semi-hefty price-tag, but it delivers value like nobody's business. After months of continuous use, I can vouch for its reliability.

Features Galore

The XR18 is brimming with features that you'd struggle to find in other mixers within this price range. Stellar audio quality and extensive control options make it perfect for those who need comprehensive control in both live and studio environments. But let's keep it real – the XR18 isn't perfect. It lacks time-alignment (a feature available in the higher-class X32) and its built-in Wi-Fi can be unreliable during live situations. Also, there's a bit of legwork required when switching between the software interfaces on different platforms, like iPad and computer.

Rock-solid Build

However, when it comes to durability, this studio mixer is built like a tank – ready to handle regular gigging. The software offers comprehensive control over the unit even though there are some platform-specific quirks.

The Verdict: Wing Takes Flight

So, who wins this battle of the Behringer digital mixers? Drumroll please… Our champion is the Behringer WING. While both mixers are impressive, the WING takes flight with its superior connectivity options and expansion capabilities. Yes, you'll need to invest time learning its functionalities but once mastered, this mixing console offers unparalleled control and convenience. The XR18 is a solid performer too, but it just falls short in comparison. Whether you're running a church service, a small band or even a home studio, the WING ensures you're always in control of your sound. With the Behringer WING, you really can soar to new mixing heights.