Digital Wireless Mixers

[juancaminos]

Going to be trading in my analog boards and effects processor's for a digital mixer.
Was going to go with an X18 but have pretty much decided on a Soundcraft Ui24r.

Thoughts?

 

[dk2429]

I use an XR18 in my IEM rack. I run four stereo mixes on it. It is literally perfect for my use. I saw no reason to get an X32 and glad I didn’t. Saved $800-$900 for the same results

I do run mine directly connected to my MacBook via Ethernet cable though. Everyone knows the built in WiFi on them is junk. Most people use a router, but in my situation I have no reason for each band member to be able to control the mixer on their phone. Once we each got our own mix we like, we saved it and never had to touch it again.

I have no complaints. I’m not sure what your intended use it, but it’s perfect for an IEM rig in my opinion. Good luck finding one though! I got lucky and found mine on Sweetwater. A few days later they were gone, and I haven’t seen them available since.

 

[juancaminos]

I use an XR18 in my IEM rack. I run four stereo mixes on it. It is literally perfect for my use. I saw no reason to get an X32 and glad I didn’t. Saved $800-$900 for the same results

I do run mine directly connected to my MacBook via Ethernet cable though. Everyone knows the built in WiFi on them is junk. Most people use a router, but in my situation I have no reason for each band member to be able to control the mixer on their phone. Once we each got our own mix we like, we saved it and never had to touch it again.

I have no complaints. I’m not sure what your intended use it, but it’s perfect for an IEM rig in my opinion. Good luck finding one though! I got lucky and found mine on Sweetwater. A few days later they were gone, and I haven’t seen them available since.

Mine will be for the main stage mixer and will need the ability to allow individual monitor mixes with access via cell phone for each player/singer. I am trying to wrestle away the P.A duties from the BL. He uses a yard sale Behringer/Peavey for mains and I bring four Yamaha monitor speakers. His mix is terrible night after night but insists on control of it all.

 

[dk2429]

I’ve only played one show where the FOH guy was using an XR18 personally. Most every venue we go to is using an X32 or M32.

I don’t see why the XR18 isn’t totally capable though. You’ll have your main L and R, and 6 aux outs for monitors. If you don’t need more than 16 inputs then why not? But like I said, get an external router if you’re gonna want people to run it off their phones. The built in Wi-Fi is borderline unusable

And again, good luck finding one right now. If you do find a used one, they’ll be asking for almost as a used X32

 

[Mike Caldwell]

Ui24 is great and expandable if ever needed.
Even though the Ui24 has probably the best built in WIFI of any mixer with built
in WIFI you will want to set up an external WIFI router, internal or external set the
WIFI to operate in the 5g band.

 

[Bullitt5135]

I have owned both, and I sold the XR18. I prefer the ui24 because it has more inputs and IMO a better user interface. I also like to record my gigs, and the ui24 makes it very easy to record multitrack to a thumb drive.

The only con is that I have to sent the ui24 in for warranty service twice due to a bad preamp (noisy channel, even with nothing plugged into it). This seems to be a somewhat common problem, but it's by no means a deal breaker for me.

 

[juancaminos]

I have owned both, and I sold the XR18. I prefer the ui24 because it has more inputs and IMO a better user interface. I also like to record my gigs, and the ui24 makes it very easy to record multitrack to a thumb drive.

The only con is that I have to sent the ui24 in for warranty service twice due to a bad preamp (noisy channel, even with nothing plugged into it). This seems to be a somewhat common problem, but it's by no means a deal breaker for me.

These are the reasons for my wanting the Soundcraft. I don't need all of the inputs but I do like the interface and recording capability as well as the feed back killer and a few other things.

 

[JRA]

Thoughts?

IMO/IME either piece will work great --- just depends on your prefs and requirements (e.g., # of inputs, auxes).

i've used both, like both, but i've ended up with the Ui24R. the unit sounds good. an external router is essential for either one (all of them).

good luck with your digital mixing!

 

[mikewalker]

I've had good luck with X18, and solved the live recording question very cheaply ($100 windows tablet, free multitrack recording app, USB cable...)

 

[DRBP]

we use a QSC TOUCHMIX 30 digital mixer. we do use a router live just because it works better but everyone then can adjust their monitor mix with their smartphone. except me with my flip-phone… but once my monitor mix is set i can just adjust volume on my IEM receiver. i have been really impressed with this mixer and i do not own it. our lead guitar player owns the mixer and the mains. but it is a good piece of kit and i would buy one if i didn’t already have a great “old school” analog yamaha mixer.

 

[sawzalot]

I have the x32 Rack. I used to have a xr18. I prefer the x32 because it has so many more aux busses. That lets me run stereo IEM mixes. Also the LR/C have crossover filters in them so no need for a separate driverack/etc, and being able to delay particular output channels is really important when you’re trying to time align the FOH speakers with the backline, etc. It has more features, but it does come with extra complexity that can be an issue in some situations.

 

[rocu]

Another vote for the ui24 here.

 

[Blue Swede]

Going to be trading in my analog boards and effects processor's for a digital mixer.
Was going to go with an X18 but have pretty much decided on a Soundcraft Ui24r.

Thoughts?

The Ui24r is a great mixer, clean sound, easy to use and setup. Weve had one for a few months, it replaced the mackie dl1608 and we couldnt be happier.

 

[JangoMike]

Ive used both the Xair18 and QSC touch mix with my tablet to mix is amazing. Both have built in FX, both allow you to save settings (save mixes for different venues/configurations) I have more experience with Touchmix but they both work great. Cant imagine ever going back now.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

If you can wait, I’d hold off until product announcements are made for NAMM.

 

[IanStephenson]

No comments on the other options, but having an XR18 around is never a bad thing. My home studio has one, that gets pulled out for any random stuff I need to do. Keyboard player in the main band has one as sub mixer. Drummer has two - previously used one as sub mixer, the other he just has as a "comes in handy".

We ran the main band on an xr18, before upgrading to an X32rack, and subsequently a full X32. At no point did we need to, but the extra flexibility of the 32 is a win, and sound guy had GAS (yes sound guy gas is definitely a thing). Extra channels allowed drummer to send more channels and switch from an Xr18 submit to an SD16 stage box just for drums.

Very happy with all of them.

One negative opinion (yes wifi is terrible!), is that the X32 Rack form factor is a bit of a compromise that seems like a good idea but doesn't make anyone happy.The XR18 stage box format is great because it goes on the floor by the drums... X32 lives with the sound guy, and you'll want some SD16/8's on stage. Xr32Rack you can put o stage but it's a pain to plug stuff in to it, or you can use SD16's, but then all those mic inputs on the back are a waste of time. There is (in theory) an X32CORE which is just the brains - an X32rack without the inputs, so it's a 1u unit. If I was shopping I'd consider it, plus an SD16 for about the same price as an X32... However I've only actually seen the CORE as an M32CORE (and without any mic pre's you're paying extra just for the M branding).

The other negative is that the XR18 has doubled in price in the last 3 years or so. I got one new for £300. Now finding one for £600 is impossible. That puts it from a must have no-brainer to a price range where you have other options.. I'm sure they're great... I'm just passing on my experience with the X series...

 

[dvdtlsn]

Went through the same process last year (started by looking at the air18 then considered alternatives) and went with the x32 rack for overall flexibility. Not sorry about spending the extra money.

A couple of random things that work for me on the x32 -
1. While I have not purchased yet, there is an optional card that can record each channel separately directly to SD card. (maybe they all do that now)
2. For the rehearsal room, I can adjust using the front panel without using PC/Tablet. Also could control without network at a gig in an emergency.
3. Still small and light enough for small gigs.
4. Has a standard rj45 network jack. Wifi can be totally avoided.

 

[mike o]

We have a UI24 and absolutely love it. Does way more than I need. External Wi-Fi is a must!!! We have not used a different mixer so I cannot give advice on comparison.

 

[tothemax]

You might want to call these guys... I bought a Crown power amp for my PA from them at a crazy price. It was new in the box and I've been using it for a couple years now - no issues. At first I thought their pricing was too good to be true, but figured I could send it back if it wasn't up to par. Thought I would share, when I searched it didn't pop up - I had to go back an find my Crown receipt for the website.
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Soundcraft Ui24R 24 Input Digital Mixer w/Wifi+App Control+Recording Ui 24R | Audio Savings​

 

[jon mccumber]

I own an x18 , an x32 compact and a ui24 for my sound co. Each has its own pros and cons. The ui i think has a cleaner sound and is a bit simpler to use. That being said I don't really use it anymore. I just feel more at home mixing on the behringer work flow. I will be selling the ui and x18 to buy an m32 core for gigs that I want to just mix on my tablet.