Best Live Sound Mixer: Why I Chose the Behringer XAir XR18
- Matt
- Apr 27
- 8 min read
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The Behringer XAIR XR18 Review: The Best Digital Mixer for Live Sound in 2025? Find out how one mixer can change your live sound in any environment.
If you are a working musician, you know that it can be tough to get your sound right when
you play in a huge variety of different rooms and atmospheres - I once played at a wedding in the afternoon and then had to jump in my car and speed to a pretty rowdy bar that night.
When you start out, you are at the mercy of the venue's equipment (and sometimes staff) which doesn't give you the control you need at all.
When you make a few bucks you can scrape together some cash to get yourself a used mixer that you find on Facebook marketplace, which does work and hands you back the control but you know it could be better.
This is the situation that I have been living with for a long time, until now...
I began looking for a digital mixer that could make my life and set up time faster. For me, the Behringer XAir really looked good to me at my first glance. I love Behringer products and with all the digital features, it surprised me again at how far technology has come in music.
I have written this article for anyone like me who is looking to improve their live sound in an easy and technologically smart way. I'll take you through what a digital audio mixer is, why digital is the better option, and why the Behringer XR18 is a great option to choose.
If you are thinking about an upgrade or you are looking for your first live mixing console, I am sure that this guide will help you out and save you some time (and some trial and error).
Contents
What is a Digital Audio Mixer?
A digital audio mixer (or digital audio console as it is sometimes called) combines single or multiple audio signals and processes them digitally - kind of like how your recording audio interface does the same but it ends up in you DAW.
the mixer not only receives the sound but it can be processes to manage volume, EQ, compression and effects.
The great thing about the digital mixers is that they can be controlled remotely using a tablet, laptop and, in some cases, a smart phone. This means that you can adjust as you go and there doesn't need to be another person mixing if you don't want there to be - you have the control.
Talking 'in control' - digital mixers give you the ability to save and recall presets which means that you dont have to start from scratch each time you change types of venues.
Probably, and maybe most importantly for musicians in the current age, digital mixers like the XR18 allow for multi track recording. This is fundamental if you are creating and uploading content for self promotion.
Pros of Digital Mixers Over Analog
So, what are the pros of using a digital mixer as opposed to the analogue versions?
They are portable and easy to carry around as there are fewer racks and cables needed.
You get a remote control! You can adjust the mix while walking around the venue using a tablet or laptop.
You can save the settings. A game changer for fast set up. I have them for different styles of gigs to have a starting off point.
They come with effects built right into the system - no more need to carry round reverb or delay units.
It has a cleaner sound on account of less signal degradation.
Often they have recording features so you can save and upload your live performance later.
What Is the Behringer XAir XR18 and What Sets It Apart?
When I first came across the Behringer XR18, it did catch my attention amongst the other search results. The brand and the price were the things that instantly made me look but when I took a look at the features, I think I said to myself 'take my money' - it was what I had been looking for. It looks after a lot of the real problems that I face when playing live.
Released in 2014 and still being sold today, the Behringer XAir XR18 is a wireless digital mixing console. It was designed as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the Behringer X32, while still using the same kind of digital mixing technology.
The XR18 is a stage box-style digital mixer. What does that mean exactly? It means it’s a small, tough unit that sits close to your mics and instruments. There are no built-in faders or knobs, you control everything wirelessly from a tablet, laptop, or phone.
It gives you 18 inputs - 16 with XLR Mic inputs with the warm, clean sounding Midas PreAmps attached.
For a welcome bonus - It can also be used as a full multitrack USB audio interface, letting you record 18 separate channels directly into your DAW. I couldn't find another audio mixing desk that does this at the same price.
The Behringer XAir XR18 really is a great piece of music tech that is sure to improve your live sound as well as give you the extra features to improve your sound overall.
Key Features of the Behringer XR18
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Channels | 18 total inputs (16 mic/line + 2 line) |
Mic Preamps | 16 programmable Midas preamps |
Recording | 18x18 USB audio interface |
Control | iPad, Android, PC, Mac, Linux apps |
Wi-Fi | Built-in tri-mode router (Access Point, Client, Ethernet) |
Effects | 4 FX engines with studio-grade processors |
Auto-Mixing | Dugan-style gain sharing |
Outputs | 6 AUX buses + Main L/R |
Ultranet | 16-channel digital personal monitor system support |
Size | Compact, rack-mountable design |
MIDI | In/Out for controller integration |
Weight | Approx. 7 lbs (3.2 kg) |
How The Auto-Mixing Works and Why It’s Great
This question is a bit technical but I will do my best to try and explain it.
The auto-mixing feature can be summarised as an automatic microphone leveling system. What that means is that the Behringer XR18 will lift the microphones that are being used and reduce the levels of the ones that aren't.
Why is this important - well it helps to avoid feedback and background noise without you having to manually use the mute button. This is a really good feature if you are a band with a lot of different open mics and it helps keep the stage volume clean and the mix tighter - great if you want to keep the sound professional.
I know that I have been guilty of this and why I think its needed - It stops musicians like me fiddling with the levels during the show!
Why I like Behringer
I have quite a number of Behringer items in my arsenal. So what do I like about them?
I think Behringer have a wide range of products that can be both entry level and accessible to those just starting out, all the way up to equipment that are for serious professional level musicians.
They do things like, in the example of the XR18, provide features that are found in similar units at twice or triple the prices - how very kind and generous of them!
They also have a lot of passionate advocates that live in their seriously massive community helping people with tutorials and forums.
Put that all together with their longevity and focus on innovation, I could not recommend their gear enough.
What Tablets Are Compatible with the Behringer XR18?
As mentioned above, the XR18 is digital and connects to Tablets, Laptops and Phones via the Behringer X AIR app.
The question is, do I have a compatible device because there isn't much point in buying one if I don't.
Well I went to the Behringer website and pulled the info so you don't have to go searching. Please take a look below.
Windows 7 or Higher
MAC OS X 10.6.8 or higher
iOS 7 or higher(Ipad)
How to Set the XR18 Up for a Gig
I thought I would give you a little insight into what a day in the life of owning a Behringer XAIR XR18 would be. In my case, setting up with a three piece band.
I arrive early and get the Behringer XR18 on the stage with the rest of the gear
I connect everything I need to connect into the XR18
Input 1: Vocal Mic
Input 2: Guitar
Input 3: Bass
Inputs 4 to 7: Drum Kit Mics
I connect the Main Outs to the PA system
Connect my monitors out to our in-ear system
Turn the mixer on and connect the tablet by wifi
Open the X Air App and I will usually start with a preset/scene.
Walk around the venue and adjust the levels remotely as I go.
Where can I buy the Behringer XAIR XR18?
If you’re looking to either make improvements to your live sound or looking for a great place to start, the Behringer XR18 is a solid choice. It gives you a lot of professional level features that you can set up faster and it makes a real difference in how smooth your gigs run - not to mention how they sound.
Amazon is my place to pick up gear now that I don't have any local music shops in driving distance.
They are competitive, have fast shipping and a simple return policy if you ever need it.
Summary: Why the Behringer XAir XR18 IS The Best Live Sound Mixer
Thanks for reading the article, I really do hope that it has helped you in your search for the best live sound and why I think the Behringer XAir XR18 might be the thing to do it for you.
To summarise the key points:
The Behringer XAir XR18 is both a flexible digital audio mixer/console with the grunt that serious live performers need.
The applications that this unit reaches far and wide - it doesn't matter if you are a musician, small venue operator or a church sound engineer (or all of the above) - the features are all that you need for professional sound design.
It is easy to use, not super expensive and has enough inputs for all the purposes you can think of - and the app integration means you can mix on the fly.
If all this information has hit home and you have made the decision to purchase this excellent mixer, click the button below to go over to Amazon and finalise the sale.
About The Author
Matt A, Founder and Head Writer @ Music Thought House
I have had a lifelong passion for music. I picked up my first guitar when I was 10 and it's been there, most of the time haha, ever since. I have played and studied music ever since that time, always trying to learn more and get better. There is not one aspect of music that I am still not in awe of.
I have gathered a lot of information over time and now, with Music Thought House, I have decided to release it on the world.
I know that music can be daunting and seemingly complex and I am not a complicated person. The blog posts I write am to keep things simple and straightforward so everyone can get a better understanding of music.
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