Behringer X Air XR12 Vs. QSC TouchMix 8: Head To Head Comparison - READ BEFORE YOU BUY!!

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. QSC TouchMix 8.

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 QSC TouchMix 8. 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.

QSC TouchMix-8

I Got My Hands on the QSC TouchMix-8: Still Impressed

I got my hands on the QSC TouchMix-8 when it first came out, and man, it's still a game-changer. This little beast replaces racks of EQs, compressors, and gates. The best part? Everything's super easy to access. You don't need a cheat sheet for menus because there's no annoying digging through sub-menus. Plus, the noise level? Ridiculously low, perfect for on-location gigs or filming.

Power and Portability

If you're thinking of going mobile with this mixer, keep in mind the AC adaptor is proprietary, supplying several different voltages. While you won't need a gas generator, rigging an outboard battery means getting a 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery and a mini sine wave inverter. Trust me, this board's powerful enough to lay down all your tracks on an optional SSD drive for processing through your favorite DAW.

Touch Screen: A Mixed Bag

Now, let's talk touch screen. The sensitivity can be a bit frustrating at times, and the graphics could use a higher resolution, especially for the RTA. An LED screen update would be nice, particularly for outdoor gigs.

Reliability Issues

One thing to note – there have been a few issues with the aux sends and the board freezing up. I've also noticed some lag when moving the virtual faders on the built-in touch screen, which can be pretty annoying. But remember, no mixer is perfect.

Sound Quality and Effects

The sound quality? Spot on. The effects are top-notch, easily rivaling other portable digital consoles in this range. The mic pres are good, and the compressor lets you dial in precisely. It’s a bit bright, but the dynamics are stellar.

Overall Verdict

Despite its few quirks, the QSC TouchMix-8 is a fantastic, powerful mixer in a compact package. It's got big power and a small footprint, making it a solid choice for those needing a robust feature set in a portable design. Just be prepared to deal with that touch screen and keep an eye on those aux sends.

Head 2 Head: Behringer X Air XR12 or QSC TouchMix 8

Behringer X Air XR12: An Ace up the Sleeve for Aspiring Audio Pros

Let's kick things off with the Behringer X Air XR12, a real game-changer for those transitioning from basic audio mixers to more advanced digital realms. It's like ditching your tricycle for a Harley – there's a learning curve, but man, it's worth it.

Play Well with Others: Device Compatibility and App Integration

The XR12 is like that cool kid who gets along with everyone at the playground. It plays nice across various platforms (yes, even Linux) thanks to the seamless integration of the XAIR app. No more feeling left out, Android users – you're part of the party now!

Turn Up the Volume on Quality: Enhanced Sound Features

Sound quality here is like going from AM radio to live concert. The built-in stereo effects, gates, compression and EQ make your audio sound as crisp as a fresh bag of potato chips. The MIDAS Preamp? That's your secret ingredient to an impressive audio output. And let's not forget about that sweet USB recording capability – perfect for reviewing your live performances or your band's latest jam session in high-definition audio.

Pave Your Own Way: Advanced Sound Routing

With the XR12 as your mixing desk, you're not just mixing sounds; you're orchestrating an auditory experience. Its sound routing capabilities allow for individualized mixes per band member without messing up the main mix (everyone gets their moment in the sun). Plus, on-the-fly mixing via mobile app? Talk about convenience at your fingertips.

Choose Your Fighter: XR12 vs. XR16

When it comes to choosing between two titans like the XR12 and XR16, you really need to assess your needs. The XR12 offers a lot, but if you're looking for more flexibility (especially with monitor mixes), the XR16 might be your champion, despite its higher price tag.

Final Sound Check: Behringer X Air XR12

In conclusion, the Behringer X Air XR12 is an excellent addition to any music production equipment roster. It's got superior sound quality, flexible routing options and cross-platform compatibility that make it a valuable asset in live sound and studio settings.

QSC TouchMix-8: Small Package, Big Bang

On the other side of this audio showdown is the QSC TouchMix-8. It's like having a full-time professional sound engineer right in your backpack. This compact powerhouse replaces racks of EQs, compressors and gates – no more lugging around bulky equipment or deciphering complicated menus!

Portable Powerhouse: Power and Portability

Planning to go mobile with this mixing desk? You'll need a 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery and mini sine wave inverter – this board's power demands are not for the faint-hearted. But trust me when I say it's worth it; lay down all your tracks on an optional SSD drive for processing through your favorite DAW.

A Touchy Subject: The Touch Screen

The touch screen on the QSC TouchMix-8 can be as temperamental as a cat on a hot tin roof. Sensitivity issues and low graphics resolution can be frustrating, especially when trying to fine-tune your mix under bright lights at outdoor gigs.

Minor Setbacks: Reliability Issues

It's not all rainbows and unicorns with the TouchMix-8. Some users have reported issues with the aux sends and the board freezing up. The lag when moving virtual faders on the built-in touch screen can also be a bit of a buzzkill. Remember, even the best recording consoles have their off days.

Sound Quality and Effects

The sound quality on this bad boy is as spot-on as a pool shark's shot. The effects easily hold their own against other portable digital consoles in its range. The mic pres are good, and you can dial in on that compressor like a sniper on a mission. It might sound a bit bright, but the dynamics are out of this world.

The Final Mix: QSC TouchMix-8

Despite its quirks, the QSC TouchMix-8 is still a fantastic choice for those needing robust features in a compact design. It's like having your cake and eating it too – big power in a small footprint.

And The Winner Is…

After weighing up all the pros and cons, I'm naming the Behringer X Air XR12 as our champion today! Its superior sound quality, flexible routing options, and cross-platform compatibility push it just enough ahead of its worthy competitor to take home the trophy in this audio mixer showdown. Whether you're mixing live sound or laying down tracks in your home studio, this is one piece of music production equipment you won't want to be without.