Behringer Wing Vs. Midas MR18: 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. Midas MR18.

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 Midas MR18. 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.

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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.

Midas MR18

After thoroughly testing the Midas MR18 for a few months, I'm ready to spill all the details – the good, the bad, and the not-so-pretty. This mixer is a powerhouse in a compact package, perfect for both live sound and recording. Here's the full breakdown for anyone eyeing this mixer.

Sound Quality and Performance

Right off the bat, the sound quality is top-notch. The MR18 delivers a pristine audio experience with impressively low latency. Whether you're mixing live or laying down tracks in a studio, the clarity and warmth of the sound are remarkable. Plus, the variety of outputs offers immense flexibility, making it a versatile choice for various audio setups.

Build and Connectivity

The mixer is built tough with Neutrik connectors, ensuring robust and reliable connections. This is a big plus for anyone who's had to deal with flimsy ports in the past. The MR18's ease of configuration is another high point. It offers numerous signal routing options, catering to both planned and spontaneous audio needs. The price-to-quality ratio is exceptional, putting it ahead of competitors like the X-Air 18, especially with its superior Midas converters.

User Interface and Software

The software is intuitive and musician-friendly, not overly complicated like some gear designed with tech whizzes in mind. There's a wealth of online resources and user communities, which is a godsend for troubleshooting and getting creative with your setup. As an audio interface, it boasts 18 inputs and outputs, offering ample connectivity for most studio and live situations.

Challenges and Considerations

However, it's not all smooth sailing. While the MR18 is user-friendly, there's still a learning curve, especially if you're not used to digital mixers. It might take a bit of time to fully grasp all the features and make the most out of this mixer.

Also, while it works great as an audio interface, those who are looking for more integrated DAW control might find its capabilities a bit limited. It's more suited for live mixing and straightforward recording setups rather than complex studio productions.

Final Verdict

All in all, the Midas MR18 is a solid investment. It's especially great for live sound applications and straightforward recording needs. The sound quality is exceptional, and the flexibility in routing and connectivity is a major win. Just be ready to spend some time getting to know this mixer inside out. For its price point, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. Just remember, while it excels in many areas, it might not be the perfect fit for those needing advanced studio integration.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Wing or Midas MR18

Alright, let's dive straight in and get our hands dirty with some tech talk. Starting off with the

Behringer Wing

, this digital mixing console is a serious piece of professional audio equipment. The transition from analog to digital can be daunting, especially if you're used to something like the Behringer Xenyx 2442, but let me tell you, the WING is like stepping into a time machine set for the future. With features such as a digital scribble strip (no more masking tape and markers – hallelujah!), plus the ability to save settings on a USB stick (an absolute lifesaver for those “oops” moments), it's clear this audio mixer means business. Especially handy is the remote control app which pairs perfectly with the Behringer SD16 stagebox, making it an ideal setup for medium-sized church services or small bands wanting to give their sound a professional edge.

Recording and Expansion Options

The WING really shines when it comes to multi-track recording. Integrating seamlessly with DAW via its USB interface, it also has an optional X-Live SD expansion card for simultaneous recording of all 32 channels. This is pretty much invaluable if you want to fine-tune your mixes using virtual soundchecks.

Learning Curve and User Experience

However, before you get too excited, bear in mind that there's quite a steep learning curve with this beast. But hey, no pain no gain, right? Once you've got your head around all its bells and whistles though – multiple outputs, flexible routing options and comprehensive DSP tools like EQs, gates and compressors – it's hard not to fall in love.

Midas MR18

On to the Midas MR18 now, another digital mixing console that packs a punch. The sound quality is top-notch, delivering warm and clear audio with low latency – perfect for live sound or studio recording. It's also built to last with Neutrik connectors and feels like a piece of professional audio equipment that's ready to handle some serious use.

User Interface and Software

The MR18's software is intuitive and easy to use, making it friendly even for those not so tech-savvy among us. It offers 18 inputs and outputs, providing ample connectivity for most audio setups. However, there's still a learning curve involved if you're new to digital mixers.

Challenges and Considerations

One downside might be that it's more suited for live mixing and simple recording setups rather than complex studio productions as its DAW control capabilities are limited. But then again, not everyone needs a spaceship when a high-performance car will do.

And the Winner Is…

So, after weighing up all the pros and cons, I'm ready to declare the winner of this head-to-head between the Behringer Wing and the Midas MR18. Drum roll please… The Behringer Wing takes home the trophy! While both mixers offer fantastic features for live sound or studio recording situations, the WING just nudges ahead thanks to its superior flexibility in routing options, advanced multi-track recording capabilities and overall user experience. However, don't discount the Midas MR18 – it still delivers excellent value for money with top-notch sound quality. But if you're looking for an all-rounder that can handle everything from church services to home studios with aplomb – invest some time in getting to know the Behringer Wing. You won't regret it.