Behringer x32 rack vs XR-18

[Wasnex]

NO arguments there. I have (as I mentioned) used BOTH and have NEVER had a wireless failure on the X32R where we needed to use the front panel as we ALWAYS run pro grade external routers and know how to configure them to prevent interference and minimize any issues - I have a thread somewhere in this section on how to do that. Yes, the TM's touchscreen is handy if you are right there for initial setup, or running it from FOH. We normally stick the consoles on the stage and run remotely (with external router) and setup wedge (or IEM) mixes on a tablet with either console while walking around the stage. So... other than that initial setup, does the TM screen really matter that much? idk. Yes, the X32R front panel ain't the easiest thing, but it IS usable.
I'm not saying one is better/worse than the other, but trying to put the differences in perspective.
YMMV

Can't you plug straight to Ethernet if the WiFi fails?

 

[s0c9]

Can't you plug straight the Ethernet if the WiFi fails?

Not on either console that I am aware of.. BOTH need external access points.

 

[Wasnex]

Not on either console that I am aware of.. BOTH need external access points.

Right. Normally you connect the X32 Ethernet to your wireless router. WiFi connection fails or is buggy because of all the noise, but the wireless router usually has an Ethernet hub. Is it not possible to plug into the Ethernet hub and continue working without interruption? The X32 manual describes remote control over Ethernet in section 5.16 (attached).

I have been able to switch seamlessly between WiFi and hardwired with KT DN9848Es, Yamaha LS9s, and a few other devices I have run over WiFi. Typically I just used the WiFi when I was walking the room during system tuning and sound check. After sound check, I plugged into the wireless router for increased reliability and because the programs are usually more responsive with a direct connection.

IMHO running wired and wireless simultaneously would be the gold standard of reliability and versatility. If the X32 allows both through the wireless router, other users could continue to adjust their personal mixes and you would have a more robust and responsive connection. But what happens if the wireless router goes down and the internal WiFi is not able to handle noise in the area.

This video suggest the possibility of making a direct to ethernet connection with the X32

And here is a relevant thread:
Link Removed


Here's a relevant thread for the XR18:
Link Removed

And here's a video


Clearly the direct connection is not plug and play, but I think it can be done. I might be a good idea to setup direct connect profiles on both the mixer and whatever device will serve as your control surface.

 

[NickFromNY]

Sure, but in terms of having a bugout plan if you're having trouble with wifi failure (or if you just don't want to chance it) the XR18 and 32Rack can be controlled by a laptop cabled via LAN. That's always my failsafe with the XR18, although I'm not gigging Bob's Country Bunker with that rig.

I agree, and I have used both the xr18 and x32 live with a laptop... just a lot to start bringing to a gig in my opinion. Idea was to start bringing less equipment. now I am bringing x32, laptop, router, ipad. The TM16 is smaller and lighter, sounds great for my needs, and I can record 16 channels direct to a small hard drive for mixing later (i know you can too on the x32). I agree that they are both excellent options however and really enjoyed my time with the Behringer stuff.

 

[jad]

Not on either console that I am aware of.. BOTH need external access points.

I've never needed to do it at a gig, but I've tested directly attaching both of my Android tablets and my Android phone to the ethernet port on my XR18 with no network gear in between. Requires a USB OTG cable, a USB ethernet dongle, and some specific settings that I don't recall off hand, maybe putting DNS in the hands of the XR18.

 

[s0c9]

I guess I learnt something new about direct connect.. I've never needed a direct hookup on either console, and was thus, not aware it could be done with the X32 and TM's.
Now, you're going to make me go test it out

I've done 100's of gigs with the X32 (full size, Rack, Producer and M32) and TM's 16 and 30 - ALL wireless and NEVER had a connectivity issue.
Yes, we carry backup "routers", but we've have never had to resort to a "hard" connection.

thanks for the heads up..


PS: There are quite a few things that you can do with a typical router that will make your WIRELESS connectivity pretty rock solid in most environments. I posted about it a while back (can't find it) but there's a couple of simple steps one can take.

1. Get a DUAL band router and do NOT use the 2.4G. Use 5G only. Works fine unless you are in a stadium or LARGE Festival
2. Change your default 3rd node IP range to something other than 1. So try 192.168.*.1 Where * = something higher than 10. eg: 12, 37, 128, 250... whatever you want.
3. Set security to be WPA and a simple key (so bandmates can remember it). You won't have internet access, so the security is to keep folks for accidental access. You will ALWAYS have a router admin id that is different and not handed out.
4. Turn on DHCP and set the starting range IP to 192.168.*.230. You are never going to need more than (255-230) connections to the router. Heck, make the starting point 240. That gives you 15 connections.
5. Give your console a FIXED IP - so when they start their apps, they don't have to change it each time. Make that IP OUTSIDE of the DHCP range.. say 192.168.*.100
6. Get an app like Wifi Analyzer and determine which channels at the venue are most open [not used]. Ch 1,6 and 11 do not overlap in the 2.4G range. There's plenty open in the 5G range 36-165. Pick an non DFS channel (36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161) to minimize interference. Log into the router and change the router channels to those you chose.

There are other things you can do such as don't broadcast the SSID, adjust the Tx/Rx power, etc.. but those above are the basics.
If you do those, you should be error free at most venues.

 

[s0c9]

FWIW - decided to go with the X32R, tho' I have to admit to having a hankering for the Ui24R.
But given the following, it made sense.
Used it before, and BL has "scenes" from old band and venues we used to play.
Should be pretty simple to configure again, and the whole band already has the apps for monitor mixes, etc.
NO brainer really.

 

[walterw]

given the following, it made sense.
Used it before, and BL has "scenes" from old band and venues we used to play.
Should be pretty simple to configure again

that and the fact you've got a couple of the monitor modules already, it's an obvious choice.

 

[s0c9]

that and the fact you've got a couple of the monitor modules already, it's an obvious choice.

Yeah.. but as I mentioned.. if it wasn't for those "no brainer" aspects, I'm STILL seriously jonesing for the Ui24R.
ugh.. I put in my order this am
For the X32R !!

 

[Robb Fesig]

I have one of these mounted permanently in the rack with my XAir-18 connected via a 5 port ethernet switch:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JNH6JX/
I also have an access point plugged into the same switch.

This allows me to always have a hardwired connection to the mixer (I carry the monitor separately) and also allows mixing via iPad. I use the iPad to do soundcheck (also have a headset mic that allows me to sing while holding my bass and iPad), then after the initial soundcheck is done, I make any small adjustments on the PC.

Food for thought anyway...

 

[s0c9]

I have one of these mounted permanently in the rack with my XAir-18 connected via a 5 port ethernet switch:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JNH6JX/
I also have an access point plugged into the same switch.

This allows me to always have a hardwired connection to the mixer (I carry the monitor separately) and also allows mixing via iPad. I use the iPad to do soundcheck (also have a headset mic that allows me to sing while holding my bass and iPad), then after the initial soundcheck is done, I make any small adjustments on the PC.

Food for thought anyway...

Really cool to see the different approaches folks have taken to solve these potential connectivity issues.

 

[jon mccumber]

I have an x18 and use a x32r at my church. You have made the right choice.

 

[Geri O]

Totally agree.. and I've run a few soundcrafts before. . the Si III and this big puppy for a couple of hours.

View attachment 3181294

I’ve really wanted to spend more time than just a briefcase visit with the Soundcraft surfaces like the Vi6 or the Vi1000, I think that was the model) that Pat Metheny’s guy let me play with a few years ago. I wish they had caught on instead of the Avid stuff that I (and I alone, apparently) can’t stand. But they are pretty expensive when compared to other offerings and expansions and options are kinda clumsy. I wish the former and part-time boss would find a Vi6 for the orchestra shows, but that is an expensive investment for 8-10 shows a year and the user (me) wanting to do less and less shows (and a Yamaha CL5 works fine...)

Oh, yeah, the X32 rack. Yeah, I got one and the S16 expander. Glad I did. I do want a QSC TM16 for an under-the-arm simple rehearsal mixer. The TM is a great little surface.

I say that, but because of my very recent health scare and the need to slow down, the PA problems I normally deal with are very close to being someone else’s problem. I’ll be fine, but I’m on a self-imposed mission to simply my life as much as possible. But we all know what will happen, right? It’s likely I’ll be on a gig where the production is about to crash and burn and I’ll have to step in...

 

[s0c9]

Oh, yeah, the X32 rack. Yeah, I got one and the S16 expander. Glad I did. I do want a QSC TM16 for an under-the-arm simple rehearsal mixer. The TM is a great little surface.

Just acquired the X32R as Swift Justice is back in business, but the BL wants out of the "PA" side. Looking at an SD8 (not new) for expansion capabilities.
Yes, the TM series are great [and clean] little boards.
Used the TM30 (+ Mackie subs and QSC tops) last night with this band - it's back behind the tree on the left - and with SJ last Sat in Waco.
Will be using the X32R this Sat with SJ.

Video recorded on iPhone and uploaded to youtube.
It was rotated (for some reason ?) when recorded, so the transform and subsequent upload impacted some of the audio.

For @Geri O - ONLY 2 mics on drums.. Senn E901 on kick and E914 on overhead!