Behringer XR18 Vs. Roland VR 1HD AV: 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. Roland VR 1HD AV.

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 Roland VR 1HD AV. 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.

Roland VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer

I tested the Roland Video Switcher with audio capabilities for about a month, and here's my verdict: it's a compact powerhouse perfect for those tight on space but needing a robust video and audio solution.

Set-Up and Input Flexibility

Setting it up was a bit of a learning curve, but once I got the hang of it, the switcher's functionality was impressive. I connected a DSLR, a camcorder, and my laptop as input devices, alongside a 32GB storage device for still images and wave files. The lack of internal storage is a minor drawback, as all images and audio are stored on the external drive. Another minor hiccup is the need for images to be in Windows Bitmap File (.bmp) format, which requires a bit of extra work in conversion.

File Compatibility and Storage Tips

I encountered issues with a 128GB stick, but resizing BMP files to smaller than the maximum 1920 x 1200 pixels helped. Also, converting MP3 or MP4 files to wave format using Audacity or iTunes was necessary – a bit outdated, but manageable. It's a bit odd to still be using wave files in today's digital age, but overall, it didn't hamper the experience too much.

Streaming Capabilities and Support

A notable downside is that Roland doesn't include the USB A to B 3.0 cable needed for streaming, so be prepared to buy one separately. The setup is excellent for enhancing Zoom meetings or similar applications. However, don't expect to master it immediately – it requires some practice before using it for critical projects.

Reliability in Various Settings

The switcher has proven itself in different environments. From church services to educational settings, it's been reliable and easy to use. The build quality is solid, and the ease of streaming video and sound is commendable. However, there have been some issues post-software update, with the mixer crashing during live streams, which is something to watch out for.

Customer Support and Overall Satisfaction

When I faced connectivity issues with my iMac, product support was helpful in resolving them. Despite a few initial hurdles, I'm enjoying the switcher a lot. The ability to upload custom sound files and music adds a personal touch to the output.
Conclusion

Overall, this Roland Video Switcher is a great tool for anyone needing a compact, yet feature-rich, video and audio mixing solution. It's versatile, though it comes with a few quirks that require some workaround. But once you're past the learning curve, it opens up a world of creative possibilities.

Head 2 Head: Behringer XR18 or Roland VR 1HD AV

Let's dive right into this audio mixer comparison, pitting the Behringer XR18 against the Roland VR 1HD AV.

Behringer XR18: A True Bang for Your Buck!

The Behringer XR18 is a digital mixing console that surprises with its performance, given its price. This studio recording equipment has proven itself to be reliable, even after months of continuous use. Talk about durability!

The Behringer XR18 offers an unbeatable feature set for its price. You get a wealth of options that you'd struggle to find in other mixers within this price range. The audio quality is top-tier, and the control options are extensive. It's like having an entire live sound system at your fingertips!

However, no product is perfect. The XR18 can't do time-alignment and the built-in Wi-Fi can be a bit sketchy in live situations – but hey, nothing a hard-wired connection can't fix! Also, switching between software interfaces on different platforms might require some getting used to.

Roland VR 1HD AV: Compact Powerhouse

Next up in this audio mixer comparison is the Roland VR 1HD AV – a streaming mixer that packs a punch despite its size.

This compact digital mixing console offers excellent functionality once you master its learning curve. It accepts multiple input devices and offers external storage for still images and wave files. However, it does have some quirks: images need to be in .bmp format and converting MP3 or MP4 files to wave format is necessary – feels like we're taking a step back into the digital Stone Age!

Its streaming capabilities are impressive but do note that Roland doesn't include the required USB cable for streaming – bummer! Once you've mastered its settings, it's perfect for enhancing Zoom meetings or other similar applications.

However, there have been some reported issues with the mixer crashing during live streams post-software update. Not something you'd want during an important live event!

And the Winner is…

Weighing up all the pros and cons, the clear winner in this audio mixer comparison is the Behringer XR18. Its competitive price point, extensive features, and superior reliability make it a fantastic choice for both live use and studio work.

The Roland VR 1HD AV provides a compact solution for video and audio mixing but falls short in terms of file compatibility and stability during live streams. It's not a bad choice per se, but when it comes to delivering reliable performance at an affordable price point, the Behringer XR18 takes the cake!

So there you have it folks! Whether you're pumping out tracks in your home studio or managing a complex live sound system at an event, Behringer's XR18 is your go-to digital mixing console.