Behringer XR18 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 XR18 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 XR18 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 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.

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 XR18 or QSC TouchMix 8

Behringer XR18: A Mighty Mixing Console
The Behringer XR18 is a digital mixer that punches way above its weight. It's like a middleweight boxer knocking out a heavyweight champ – it just doesn't seem possible, but trust me, it happens. With this audio interface, you'll have the power to control your live sound like never before.

Behringer XR18: The Full Package with Just a Few Slight Hiccups

This compact unit has an impressive feature set that will make even the most seasoned audio pro do a double-take. The audio quality is pristine, and the control options are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for your sonic appetite. Perfect for stage performance or studio equipment, it's worth every penny and more.

However, don't expect to be doing any time-alignment with this bad boy. It seems Behringer left this feature at home when packing the XR18. Also, while its built-in Wi-Fi is convenient, don't depend on it during a critical live event unless you fancy playing Russian roulette with your connectivity.

The software interface takes some getting used to when switching from iPad to computer – but hey, nobody said being an audio wizard was easy.

Robust Software Meets Solid Hardware

With robust software and solid hardware construction, the XR18 feels as sturdy as a rock – making it ideal for regular use on stage or in the studio. The QSC TouchMix-8: Small but Mighty
Moving on to the QSC TouchMix-8 – another digital mixer that packs quite a punch in terms of power and portability. This soundboard can replace racks of EQs, compressors, and gates, making it an ideal companion for on-location recording.

The QSC TouchMix-8: Powerhouse with a Few Quirks

This mixer's touch screen can be a tad frustrating, and the graphics could benefit from higher resolution. There have been reports of the board freezing up and lagging when moving the virtual faders – annoying quirks that may test your patience.

However, these drawbacks don't overshadow the stellar sound quality and effects. The mic pres are commendable, and the compressor allows for precise tuning. Despite its compact size, this audio mixing console boasts impressive dynamics.

Final Verdict: And The Winner Is…

After considering all aspects, I'm crowning the Behringer XR18 as our champion in this head-to-head battle of digital mixers. Its unbeatable feature set for the price point makes it a clear winner.

That’s not to say the QSC TouchMix-8 doesn't hold its own – it does, and quite impressively so. But given its slight issues with reliability and touchscreen sensitivity, it falls just short of taking home the gold.

The Behringer XR18 is best suited for those needing comprehensive control in both live settings and studio environments. Meanwhile, if portability is your priority without compromising too much on power, QSC TouchMix-8 will serve you well.

In conclusion: If you're after a feature-rich mixer at a competitive price point that delivers top-notch audio quality without breaking a sweat (or your bank), then look no further than the Behringer XR18.