Behringer XR18 X-Air

[FuturePrimitive]

Is there an easier way? I was using a small sized Android tablet and I'm wondering if a larger screen would put more controls on the main screen.

I have an old laptop hooked up to mine and this is much easier using the X-Air Edit application, I highly recommend using an old laptop hardwired (to router or direct to XR18) as a dedicated control device and the mobile devices for individual monitor mixers only. Any old laptop will do, the app requires very little processing power.

Anyway, it looks like on the Android app, if you're starting from the main LR mix screen, tap the bus (aux) you want, then tap the snd->fader button, all the channels are then available for that aux output just like they are for the main mix. And just an FYI, don't let your control device go to sleep, force it to stay awake for as long as you're using the mixer.

 

[nervous]

I agree on external router as a MUST HAVE. did almost a year without it and noticed that the more crowded the room (read devices) the more likely I was to have drop outs. Added an external router and it is almost non existent. I use two devices for multi-connectivity and it has been solid. the XR18 is sized right for my venue and bands, and I use laptops, so I have been pretty happy with the software. just my findings. I learn something EVERY gig still.

Agreed and easy peasy. And, it's secure. So small, cheap and light I see no reason not to do it that way.

 

[Frankjohnson]

I have an old laptop hooked up to mine and this is much easier using the X-Air Edit application, I highly recommend using an old laptop hardwired (to router or direct to XR18) as a dedicated control device and the mobile devices for individual monitor mixers only. Any old laptop will do, the app requires very little processing power.

Anyway, it looks like on the Android app, if you're starting from the main LR mix screen, tap the bus (aux) you want, then tap the snd->fader button, all the channels are then available for that aux output just like they are for the main mix. And just an FYI, don't let your control device go to sleep, force it to stay awake for as long as you're using the mixer.

in settings - change sleep to never......

 

[nervous]

I was thinking about getting one of these. I downloaded the mixer app for my Android tablet and was impressed with a lot about it. But one thing stuck out. It looks kinda hard to get to things like the aux sends for individual channels. How many of you are using this in a live situation where you're playing bass and trying to mix at the same time?

What I'm wondering about is what happens when your singer looks over at you mid-song and asks for more of themselves in the monitor. It looked to me like you'd have to wake up the tablet, then navigate through two or three screens to get to the aux sends for the proper channel, make your adjustments, then navigate your way back out.

Is there an easier way? I was using a small sized Android tablet and I'm wondering if a larger screen would put more controls on the main screen.

This is something I am currently experimenting with. I started with the iPad, but in reading it seems that most folk were preferring the Android based app. Easier scene and show saving, RTA's etc. A good friend of mine also new to this unit has been using an ASUS 10.1" 2-in-1 with the X-Edit and loves it. So, I am working on trying all three to see whats up. I picked up a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.75" tablet for teh Android side, using the iPad Air2 for the iOs and for now, my home PC connected via ethernet to replicate a windows based hand held.

The iOs interface is handsome. And, I find it the second most intuitive. It's a real shame that it lacks behind teh Android in accessible features because it just looks so much nicer.

I made a post here with some screen shots from all three.

Behringer X-Air Screen Shots

This is the X Edit program full screen. The friend I mentioned access all this on one 10.1" ASUS touch screen and has no issues, and he's no small dude.

X EDit All

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

When asking about send access, there are a couple ways on the X Edit program. One from the top ribbon for each channel, or through UTILITY/BUS which opens this full pop out window. Nice they both look different though and the ribbon tab has some other features this one does not. Depends on what you need. But both quick and easy access.

X Edit BUS

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

With the iPad you have the option of seeing 8 channels at a time or all. This is the eight and you can swipe right and left to access either side.

iOs Screen shot 1-8

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

This is the iPad with all channels opted in. A 9.75" screen and still enough for my fat fingers to easily access. Notice the graphical info present at the top of the screen like in the X Edit program. Very nice.

iOs Screen shot all

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

Now, onto the Android app. I altered the layers to my liking and keep some things on the screen at all times, like the mains and sub on aux6 faders. That's why you'll see them on every screen. The navigation is just not as intuitive to me as the other two. I had to work with a bit to get comfortable. Not a big deal, just nowhere as nice. And note that the useful graphical info above the faders is not there. Too bad.And, no swiping at all. Each screen is accessed by pressing the associated button on the right side. And, I won't even go into how stark/bad the FX pages look compared to boteh teh iOs and Windows versions.

Here are channels 1-9

Android 1-8

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

And channels 10-18.

Android 9-18

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

Sends:

Android Sends

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

And FX

Android FX

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[BAG]

Gonna have to sit down next week and relearn it. Sure it won't be too hard to remember but just don't want the hassles at the gig.

This is one of the reasons why I went with the Soundcraft Ui mixer. Using the on screen mixer (it's not an app but a web browser) with these is so much more like using an older analogue mixer. Sure, there isn't nearly as much scope for custom routing and so forth, but for someone who is older (nearly 50) and grew up with quite basic mixers I was able to get up and running really easily with the Soundcraft whereas the XR app wasn't nearly as obvious to operate for me.

What I'm wondering about is what happens when your singer looks over at you mid-song and asks for more of themselves in the monitor. It looked to me like you'd have to wake up the tablet, then navigate through two or three screens to get to the aux sends for the proper channel, make your adjustments, then navigate your way back out.

Is there an easier way? I was using a small sized Android tablet and I'm wondering if a larger screen would put more controls on the main screen.

This is also a plus for the Soundcraft. Up to 10 devices (tablets or phones) can be connected at one time and you can select one channel (lead vocals for example) as your "More Me" channel. When you turn your phone around into portrait mode you get three big faders (me, mix and band) to control your foldback levels. Mind you, this only really works for one channel. If you play an instrument plus sing you could control your mix in landscape mode and just keep it at the Aux page for your send....... or run two phones with the "more me" feature selected.


I'm not trying to convince anyone to change from the XR mixers by any means. Just putting up info that may be of help to others that are looking around for wireless mixing info.

 

[DirtDog]

Thanks for this analysis and for the screenshots - this would have really helped me a month ago! Hopefully it'll help the next person's decision!

I'll add: when I decided to buy my XR16, I needed to update my tablet (only had an original iPad 1 and couldn't run the app). I hemmed and hawed at Best Buy for days - iPad vs Android tab - even got the guys at the store to load the Android app onto a Galaxy tablet (well, I kind of did that myself...;-)). I found the Android app a bit clunky and at one point the screen went wonky and froze. It happened again at the same point in the workflow, so I kiboshed the idea of an Android Tab and picked up an iPad mini. Could have been the specific device but after my experiences with the mixer bricking while in wireless mode on my Presonus board, I wasn't willing to take the risk. For me, it was worth the extra $100 and fits better into my larger Apple ecosystem.

The iPad mini has *just* enough real estate to do the job, app looks nicer on screen and has a slightly better workflow that the Android app. Running an external dual band router to ensure best wireless connection possible. I use my MacBookPro at home to set up channels, scenes and presets and prefer not to have to use the laptop in a live situation, but I'll have it on standby if I need to.

Only have had the XR16 out on one gig and one rehearsal, so still leaning the ropes.

This is something I am currently experimenting with. I started with the iPad, but in reading it seems that most folk were preferring the Android based app. Easier scene and show saving, RTA's etc. A good friend of mine also new to this unit has been using an ASUS 10.1" 2-in-1 with the X-Edit and loves it. So, I am working on trying all three to see whats up. I picked up a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.75" tablet for teh Android side, using the iPad Air2 for the iOs and for now, my home PC connected via ethernet to replicate a windows based hand held.

The iOs interface is handsome. And, I find it the second most intuitive. It's a real shame that it lacks behind teh Android in accessible features because it just looks so much nicer.

I made a post here with some screen shots from all three.

Behringer X-Air Screen Shots

This is the X Edit program full screen. The friend I mentioned access all this on one 10.1" ASUS touch screen and has no issues, and he's no small dude.

X EDit All

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

When asking about send access, there are a couple ways on the X Edit program. One from the top ribbon for each channel, or through UTILITY/BUS which opens this full pop out window. Nice they both look different though and the ribbon tab has some other features this one does not. Depends on what you need. But both quick and easy access.

X Edit BUS

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

With the iPad you have the option of seeing 8 channels at a time or all. This is the eight and you can swipe right and left to access either side.

iOs Screen shot 1-8

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

This is the iPad with all channels opted in. A 9.75" screen and still enough for my fat fingers to easily access. Notice the graphical info present at the top of the screen like in the X Edit program. Very nice.

iOs Screen shot all

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

Now, onto the Android app. I altered the layers to my liking and keep some things on the screen at all times, like the mains and sub on aux6 faders. That's why you'll see them on every screen. The navigation is just not as intuitive to me as the other two. I had to work with a bit to get comfortable. Not a big deal, just nowhere as nice. And note that the useful graphical info above the faders is not there. Too bad.And, no swiping at all. Each screen is accessed by pressing the associated button on the right side. And, I won't even go into how stark/bad the FX pages look compared to boteh teh iOs and Windows versions.

Here are channels 1-9

Android 1-8

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

And channels 10-18.

Android 9-18

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

Sends:

Android Sends

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

And FX

Android FX

• nervous
• Feb 6, 2017

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[nervous]

Hey, check it out. I look at the iPad updates tonight and this was in there. Not sure what it all means yet but maybe it levels the field with the android app a bit. If your running an iPad check it out..

UPDATE: X AIR iPad App V1.5 for iOS Released!
Dear X AIR Users,

Very happy to report today that the latest version of the X AIR iOS App (V1.5) is now available for download from the iTunes App Store! This app brings some new features to the X AIR iPad App that weren't available previously and also addresses some previous bugs/issues. Please read the release notes below for a complete list of what was specifically addressed in this update.

Enjoy!

NEW FEATURES:

• MIDAS MR18/MR12 reskin (functionality identical to XR18, XR12)
• Internal DCAs
• Internal Mute Groups
• Automixer (similar implementation as in X32 Mix)
• Snapshots (64 mixer internal with recall scope flags)
• Add Touch recognition/indication (e.g. highlight the selected fader slot Cyan) ix-630

FIXES:

• Gain mismatch XR12/XR16/MR12 (inconsistent input gain ranges on Line inputs)
• iPad snapshots renamed to Scenes (use the term 'Scene' inside an iPad show, use Snapshot for mixer internal memory only)
• Synchronisation time stamp (send time stamp to mixer upon sync, for file names in XR12/XR16/MR12 USB recorder)
• Bus Linking (pan control for stereo bus sends)
• Change text/ visualization (ix-1267, ix-1066, ix-562, ix-955, ix-966)
• Add/ remove function button (ix-1202, ix-804==ix-624, ix-1065, ix-1205)
• Connectivity (indicate mixer network name, more than 3 devices, close window after re-sync progress completed ix-1139)
• X18/XR18 USB source/return (USB returns to stereo Aux and stereo FX1-4 return channels)
• XR12/Xr16 USB recorder (ix-1262) stops recording when app was minimized and brought back to focus,
• Input route (ix-1220) is stored within channel preset

Invalid Link Removed!

 

[Geri O]

Hey, check it out. I look at the iPad updates tonight and this was in there. Not sure what it all means yet but maybe it levels the field with the android app a bit. If your running an iPad check it out..



View attachment 1050259

Well, whadya know? I might change my mind on the XR-18. We'll see this weekend...

 

[JGbassman]

When I toured we used one of these initially for clubs for our in ear monitors. I really like the ease of being able to set my own mix and tweak it as I needed.

I'm off the road and getting a regional thing going again, and the first piece of equipment I'm getting is this system, so I can use my in ear monitors again and control it from my ipad2. I actually preferred the sound of my bass through this board and my ears to my stage rig many times.

There is lots of helpful stuff here, much I didn't know about. We will probably only use it for monitors, letting the foh engineer do his thing with his stuff, but it will be nice to have our same monitor mix with us regardless of venue. I'm not much of a sound guy, ( I know just enough to be in awe of you guys that are truly good) but I find this system on the basic side easy to get up and run.. Sounds like they have got a few bugs taken care of since I was running one as well.

Thanks for the great information, looking forward to getting back to my ears!

 

[nervous]

Well, whadya know? I might change my mind on the XR-18. We'll see this weekend...

Just played with it for 15-20 minutes. Initially buggy, kept dumping me out everytime I tried to open the app. Did a hard reset, no change. Deleted the app and reinstalled from the app store and was fine. Most obvious initial changes are the RTA on the EQ's, 4 DCA's, 4 Mute Groups, Stereo linkable AUX (but still no option to link a bus to the main, i.e. Sub on aux 6 w/ main), and some new layers. However, I have not been able to assign the mute groups on the ipad propper, it takes and holds the command from the X Edit program. EQ resets no working. I've not yet figured out teh layers, they respond differently than the Android version. I am sure there are already some things i've forgotten.

 

[nervous]

Well, looks like the Android App also got freshened uo as well:

Link Removed

UPDATE: X AIR App for Android V1.5.4 Released
Dear X AIR Users,

Happy to report that the latest official version of the X AIR Android App V1.5.4 was released this morning and is now available as a FREE download in Google Play App Store!

Improvements:

• removed fake idle meter readouts
• improved meter scales in channel overview
• support for Midas M-AIR mixers
• routing improved to allow re-patching Aux17/18 and USB Player signals to input channels

 

[Geri O]

Just played with it for 15-20 minutes. Initially buggy, kept dumping me out everytime I tried to open the app. Did a hard reset, no change. Deleted the app and reinstalled from the app store and was fine. Most obvious initial changes are the RTA on the EQ's, 4 DCA's, 4 Mute Groups, Stereo linkable AUX (but still no option to link a bus to the main, i.e. Sub on aux 6 w/ main), and some new layers. However, I have not been able to assign the mute groups on the ipad propper, it takes and holds the command from the X Edit program. EQ resets no working. I've not yet figured out teh layers, they respond differently than the Android version. I am sure there are already some things i've forgotten.

I hope they get it sorted out. My XR is on a rental this week, so I may not see it for a few days. Still inclined to trade for the X32 rack at this point.

 

[nervous]

Looks like everything got updates. New firmware too...

Link Removed

UPDATE: X AIR EDIT 1.5 and Firmware Update 1.15 Released
Dear X AIR Users,

We're happy to report that the latest updates for X AIR Mixers are now officially available for download from the BEHRINGER website! A new firmware update (V1.15) and a new version X AIR EDIT software (V1.5) are available in this release.

Please read the copy below for all the specifics regarding these updates which are also available when you download the latest firmware/software.

Enjoy!

Firmware V1.5:
The X AIR Firmware Update V 1.15 includes performance enhancements to your X AIR mixer's operating system. BEHRINGER is constantly adding new features and making enhancements to this extremely stable operating system, so that you always experience the best possible performance from your X AIR Mixer. Check out behringer.com for updates regularly.*


Link Removed
Link Removed

New features: 

* Support for Midas M-AIR mixers
* USB player (of MR12, XR12 and XR16) can now be routed to input channels 1-16
*
* AUX 17/18 Input (of MR18, XR18 and X18) can now be routed to input channels 1-16
* *New Lock function using X-TOUCH (DISPLAY + GLOBAL VIEW + FLIP to lock, FLIP + GLOBAL VIEW + DISPLAY to unlock)

Enhancements:
* Automix handling of low-level signals improved
* Crash with unidentified MIDI controllers fixed
* X-Touch DCA display fix (FX edit mode)
* USB recorder fix for sporadic XR12/16 distorted recording (buffer sync problem)
* Automix gain reduction meter scaling corrected* *

 

[Frankjohnson]

Just played with it for 15-20 minutes. Initially buggy, kept dumping me out everytime I tried to open the app. Did a hard reset, no change. Deleted the app and reinstalled from the app store and was fine. Most obvious initial changes are the RTA on the EQ's, 4 DCA's, 4 Mute Groups, Stereo linkable AUX (but still no option to link a bus to the main, i.e. Sub on aux 6 w/ main), and some new layers. However, I have not been able to assign the mute groups on the ipad propper, it takes and holds the command from the X Edit program. EQ resets no working. I've not yet figured out teh layers, they respond differently than the Android version. I am sure there are already some things i've forgotten.

I could be wrong - but it sounds like everything I get on a laptop is not on the tablet?

 

[nervous]

I could be wrong - but it sounds like everything I get on a laptop is not on the tablet?

Depends on the tablet from what I am seeing. These updates are catching up. But the windows based X Edit form function is the best of the bunch in my opinion. This iOs update moves them much further ahead though.

 

[seamonkey]

Found this wiki on getting it to work with Ubuntu
Link Removed

One can get a very good laptop for very cheap these days. Might be worth it to dedicate the laptop to X air.

Behringer did their own Unix type OS internal to the mixers. They could probably release a version of that for a PC that only runs their software products for those who don't mind dedicating a PC to the task.

 

[Ulf_Hansson]

When you turn your phone around into portrait mode you get three big faders (me, mix and band) to control your foldback levels.

That's a nice feature!

 

[nervous]

Found this wiki on getting it to work with Ubuntu
Link Removed

One can get a very good laptop for very cheap these days. Might be worth it to dedicate the laptop to X air.

Behringer did their own Unix type OS internal to the mixers. They could probably release a version of that for a PC that only runs their software products for those who don't mind dedicating a PC to the task.

I just picked up an ASUS 2-in-1 Transformer Book Flip. 11.6" screen. I'll let you all knw how that works.

 

[nervous]

Is anyone using the XAir Q app? I have it on my Android tablet and it just won't see or connect with the mixer. With two different routers, the XAir app loads and connects, wifi is connected. I then open the XAir Q app, press the red connection icon, it shows as connected to the wifi but... it just endlessly searches for the mixer that it never finds. Info on this app is fairly scarce so far. I have tried the suggestions above, changed the ip address to what is shown in the XAir app, demo mode is off, and I am stuck. Everything XR related has been recently updated to the most recent updates, drivers and firmware. App was also just updated.

 

[Rocksolid]

Guys,

I have been using my laptop with an Ethernet cable to the XR18, but at times go out the front with wireless, and at times it is glitchy.

I had a spare router at home and tried hooking it up today before trying to use it at a gig this Saturday. I have my Laptop hooked up to the Router via a cable, and my tablet connected via wifi, but i couldn't get the devices to see the XR18. I had the XR18 set to Ethernet, but I'm really not sure what to do with the settings to get everything to talk to each other.

Can anyone shed any light? I'm gonna have a look on YT now.

Edit: found my answers. Should've looked first. Sorry guys.