Behringer X Air XR12 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 X Air XR12 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 X Air XR12 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 X Air XR12

From Basic to Advanced: A User's Transition

I think the Behringer XR12 is a game-changer, especially for those who are transitioning from basic mixers like the Behringer Q802USB to a more advanced digital format. There's definitely a learning curve, but plenty of online tutorials and resources help smooth the transition.

Device Compatibility and App Integration

In my experience, the XR12's compatibility with various platforms is a huge plus. The XAIR app works seamlessly on both Linux and Android, which I find super convenient. It's great to have versatile control options across different devices.

Enhanced Sound Quality and Features

One aspect I absolutely love about the XR12 is the superior sound quality. The built-in stereo effects, gates, compression, and EQ significantly enhance the audio output. I think the MIDAS Preamp contributes a lot to this improvement. Also, the USB recording capability is top-notch, perfect for rehearsals or live performance reviews.

Advanced Sound Routing

The XR12's sound routing capabilities are seriously impressive. It allows for individualized mixes for each band member, which is a big deal in group settings. The ability to create these mixes through buses and aux channels without affecting the main mix is pretty cool. Plus, the mobile app integration for on-the-fly mixing adds a layer of convenience.

Choosing the Right Model: XR12 vs. XR16

When considering the XR12, I think it's important to assess your specific needs. While the XR12 offers a lot, the XR16 might be a better fit for those needing more flexibility, especially with monitor mixes, despite the higher cost.

Final Assessment

Overall, I'd say the Behringer XR12 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to step up their audio game. The combination of superior sound quality, flexible routing options, and cross-platform compatibility makes it a valuable asset in both live and studio settings.

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 X Air XR12 or Behringer XR18

Behringer X Air XR12: Stepping Up Your Audio Game

If you're thinking of switching from traditional mixers like the Behringer Q802USB to something more digitally advanced, make a pit stop at the Behringer X Air XR12. Don't let the learning curve dissuade you – numerous online tutorials and resources are at your disposal to guide you through.

This audio mixing console is a tech-savvy musician's best friend. It plays nice with Linux and Android, thanks to its seamless XAIR app integration. Whether you're mixing from your tablet in your bedroom studio or tweaking levels on your smartphone at a live gig, this unit covers all bases.

The XR12 isn't just about fancy technological compatibility; it seriously delivers on sound quality too. It comes packed with onboard effects processors like stereo effects, gates, compression, and EQ that significantly enhance audio output quality. A big shoutout goes to the MIDAS Preamp for contributing heavily to this improvement! Plus, with USB recording capability, it's ideal for reviewing rehearsals or live performances.

The multi-channel audio routing capabilities are nothing short of impressive. Individualized mixes for each band member? Check. Creation of these mixes through buses and aux channels without affecting the main mix? Double-check. The wireless control mixer function lets you whip up magic on-the-go.

Still not sure if this is your dream console? Consider your specific needs. If more flexibility with monitor mixes is what you're after (and you don't mind loosening the purse strings), perhaps consider its bigger sibling – the XR16.

Behringer XR18: The Power-Packed Performer

Next up in our digital mixer comparison is the Behringer XR18. It comes with a slightly heftier price tag, but trust me when I say it delivers more than what its price suggests. After several months of heavy use, I can vouch for its reliability in the live sound mixers category.

The XR18's feature set is its trump card. The audio quality is top-notch and the control options extensive – perfect for those who desire comprehensive control in a live or studio setting. It's like having your cake and eating it too.

But (yes, there's always a but), there are a few areas where the XR18 could use some improvement. While time-alignment is notably missing, the built-in Wi-Fi can also be somewhat unreliable during live performances. On such occasions, I'd recommend going old school with a hard-wired connection to avoid any potential hiccups.

The software is robust and offers comprehensive control over the unit – give or take some platform-specific quirks when switching between interfaces like iPad and computer. On the hardware front, this rack-mountable mixer feels sturdy enough for regular gigging.

Despite these minor downsides, if you need a feature-rich mixer that ticks all your boxes, the XR18 gets my seal of approval. Its versatility makes it an excellent investment for live gigs, studio work, or even podcasting.

And The Winner Is…

After this detailed comparison of these two stellar products from the Behringer X Air series, drum roll please…the title of ‘Ultimate Mixer' goes to the Behringer XR18.

The XR18 scores high on versatility and reliability without compromising on sound quality or control options – attributes that make it an excellent choice for a wide range of audio recording and mixing applications. Its minor drawbacks can be easily overcome with some smart workarounds. So, whether you're a gig musician, studio engineer or podcaster, the Behringer XR18 stands ready to rock your audio world.