I just pulled the trigger on an XR18

[chubfarm2001]

It seems to have great reviews, a ton of features, and will greatly simplify our setups.

Has any of you had experience with these?

I know it will need a learning curve, so it will be a while before it sees a show. If anyone has any tips or advice on these, like with channel routing or monitor mix building, you would be a life saver.

Goals: Be able to save settings for 2-3 different bands, everyone get their own monitor mix, get setup time to under 1hr, eventually be able to run everything without hiring someone.

Thanks TB!

 

[EastCoastThump]

I just got mine a couple days ago. If you've used other digital mixers, it will be reasonably intuitive. The PDF manual isn't very detailed and the software interface isn't particularly good (clunky look and layout, and no mouse-over pop up info as far as I can tell), but if hands-on exploring doesn't fully answer your questions, youtube and the internet hive mind will get you rolling.

I only have the iPad and Mac laptop versions of the control software, and they don't operate identically. I found setting up initial snapshots and channel presets was a lot quicker using the laptop.

 

[chubfarm2001]

Thanks Derrico. I have been watching videos quite a bit, but I know from experience that they don't always show the best ways. This will be my first digital mixer, and probably be using an android tablet out of my disgust for Apples OS. But I will probably take your advice and set things up with my laptop first.

 

[jad]

Be sure to join the Behringer X-Air Facebook group. Lots of helpful people there willing to answer any question you might have. You should also join the Music Group forum if for no other reason than to watch for software updates. I hope you like your XR18 as much as I like mine!

 

[chubfarm2001]

Thanks, Jad! Will do.

 

[RoadRanger]

Just curious why you paid the extra $200 for the XR18 over the X18?

 

[chubfarm2001]

Balanced Aux sends, rack mountable, Hi Z inputs. They probably function the same, and those options probably aren't worth $200, but it is more aesthetically pleasing to me, too.

 

[RoadRanger]

Balanced Aux sends, rack mountable, Hi Z inputs. They probably function the same, and those options probably aren't worth $200, but it is more aesthetically pleasing to me, too.

Both have the two Hi-Z inputs. Both have balanced Aux outs but the X18's are TRS vs the XR18's XLR.

 

[silence.speaks]

I've had one since they first came out, so far so good. Only suggestion I have is to prepare yourself to possibly get an external router. The built in one is only 2.4G so at some gigs we were having interference issues.

 

[musicman7722]

I had one and sent it back last summer. Went back to my Dl1608. I really liked it and I teamed it up with a 5400 bit router. Not sure if I descried that right but for a few gigs it would lock up and lose connection. The sound kept working at the current setting so it didn't kill the song but I didn't fee comfortable with it after that. However it is a great form factor and they say you can record off if and it has all if not mor bells and whistles that the Dl1608.

 

[FuturePrimitive]

I've had one for a 4-5 months now and it's awesome. That said, I haven't used it at any gigs yet but I've messed around at home mixing edrums, bass, keys, and iPod/computer. It does take a little tinkering (my first digital mixer too) but it packs so much into such a small package. One gripe I do have is the apps are different across platforms. Some things can be done on iOS that can't be done on Android (and vice versa) and for the life of me I can't figure out why. I would like to see better convergence on the apps. Also, you can't run the X-Air app on iPhone, only iPad. I did not know this when I bought it and it doesn't affect me but 3/5 of my band uses iPhones so if they wanted to adjust something they would have to walk over to my iPad or Nexus 7.

 

[walterw]

Also, you can't run the X-Air app on iPhone, only iPad. I did not know this when I bought it and it doesn't affect me but 3/5 of my band uses iPhones so if they wanted to adjust something they would have to walk over to my iPad or Nexus 7.

yeah, that's the one bizarre gap in the platform.

i actually just bought a super-cheap little android tablet off newegg strictly for working my monitor mix with the band i'm in that just got an XR18. i mean really cheap, like $35! haven't gigged with it yet, but so far it feels like a kid's toy, or what getting online must be like in mosul

it does run the x-air app (which is literally all i want it for) so we'll see tomorrow night.

we've done a few gigs with the mixer itself and it's been a home run! easier to set up than the older presonus+laptop+router setup we were using, much less space needed, and (i wasn't expecting this) sounds better, like the actual mic pres sound better. (we run in-ears so we do hear these differences).

 

[walterw]

If anyone has any tips or advice on these, like with channel routing or monitor mix building, you would be a life saver.

the immediate one for gigging is to go to "routing" up top there, go to "aux outputs", then reset all of the monitor aux send buttons over on the right from "post fader" to "input", or maybe even "analog", so as to not have the out-front guy's fader, EQ and especially compression settings affect the monitors.

(this is on the ipad, the 'droid and laptop configuration might be different.)

[edit: i'm wrong here, that just messes up the aux output controls! tweaking the aux sends has to happen in the X-air edit program on a PC.]

 

[morgansterne]

our regular sound guy has been using the xr18 for all his shows for the past six weeks. So far he's only had one venue where his tablet had any serious connection issues, but he did describe it as 'a total nightmare.' even so, the sound never stopped, it just meant he kept having to reboot things to make adjustments.
I hook in to the mixer with the x air q app on my phone to control my in ear monitor mix, which is pretty sweet not to have to bother him about all my level adjustments.

 

[RoadRanger]

The built-in wireless is crap - you need to hook up a 5Ghz router if you want to avoid problems. And bring a wired laptop for backup - or I think most Android tablets can support a wired adapter? Apple does have a wired solution but they only use it for their shows after having some disasters themselves - they won't sell it to the public. Apple sucks eggs .

 

[CatSquare]

I clicked on this thread to see if you bought a spy plane

 

[walterw]

i actually just bought a super-cheap little android tablet off newegg strictly for working my monitor mix with the band i'm in that just got an XR18. i mean really cheap, like $35! haven't gigged with it yet, but so far it feels like a kid's toy, or what getting online must be like in mosul

it does run the x-air app (which is literally all i want it for) so we'll see tomorrow night.

well, played a few gigs with my [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], and it did the job!

kinda slow, and took a while between me and the soundguy to figure out how to connect it, but once engaged it served its purpose, letting me tweak my own mix.

it's a bit annoying in that i go to slide a fader and it takes a moment to move, and that if i look at it from anything other than straight-on the screen gets dark and hard to see, but whaddaya want for nuthin'?

i might recommend spending more, like maybe $75 for a used samsung or something, but for the price of a trip to the grocery store this thing is enough to do what i need.

 

[Geri O]

well, played a few gigs with my [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], and it did the job!

kinda slow, and took a while between me and the soundguy to figure out how to connect it, but once engaged it served its purpose, letting me tweak my own mix.

it's a bit annoying in that i go to slide a fader and it takes a moment to move, and that if i look at it from anything other than straight-on the screen gets dark and hard to see, but whaddaya want for nuthin'?

i might recommend spending more, like maybe $75 for a used samsung or something, but for the price of a trip to the grocery store this thing is enough to do what i need.

Walter, that late-fader thing might have more to do with network traffic and speed than the quality of your tablet. I've been there with the 6-8 second fader delay problems. Pretty maddening!

As everyone does, and if you guys aren't already, an external router is a must! Why did they bother with an internal router if they weren't going to implement it properly?

I'm just guessing on this from afar, but I use the 5ghz range on my router and iPad. Less traffic and even though there could be range problems with the higher frequency, I haven't had any problems. As for tablet speed, the iPad Pro has been the only tablet where I noticed a considerable increase in processing speed. On iPad 3s ans Airs, it would take 9-10 seconds to connect to the Yamaha console apps. The iPad Pro takes 3 seconds to connect. That's flying! (that's also expensive!!...)

You asked about this elsewhere and I LOVE my XR18. There's a couple of ginchy things about it (app control in various platforms, no mute groups or DCA control with the app, scene management, etc), but I've easily worked around all of that. It was a life-saver in those small places where even an X32 was too big to be practical.

 

[s0c9]

Walter, that late-fader thing might have more to do with network traffic and speed than the quality of your tablet. I've been there with the 6-8 second fader delay problems. Pretty maddening!

As everyone does, and if you guys aren't already, an external router is a must! Why did they bother with an internal router if they weren't going to implement it properly?

I'm just guessing on this from afar, but I use the 5ghz range on my router and iPad. Less traffic and even though there could be range problems with the higher frequency, I haven't had any problems. As for tablet speed, the iPad Pro has been the only tablet where I noticed a considerable increase in processing speed. On iPad 3s ans Airs, it would take 9-10 seconds to connect to the Yamaha console apps. The iPad Pro takes 3 seconds to connect. That's flying! (that's also expensive!!...)

You asked about this elsewhere and I LOVE my XR18. There's a couple of ginchy things about it (app control in various platforms, no mute groups or DCA control with the app, scene management, etc), but I've easily worked around all of that. It was a life-saver in those small places where even an X32 was too big to be practical.

GeriO - thought I would add some other "tips" on wireless routers for other TB'ers that I have learnt the hard way.

• Use 5Ghz band where possible - 2.4Ghz is getting really crowded
• Turn OFF SSID broadcast - the band members should know the network name. Make it simple, like the band name.
• Use WPA2 security - more to prevent accidental connections than prevent hacking!
• Set your main gateway mask to something other than 192.168.1.* - this is default on most Class C networks and the one most looked for when scanning. Use 192.168.13.* or something.
• Use DHCP for IEM/FOH devices, but assign a static IP to the mixer.
• Unless you are frequently working in large rooms, stick with the default 2dBi antennas. Going with a 9dBi will increase the range, but flatten the signal and cause connectivity issues with those close to the router. Not good for musicians if the router is stage side!

PS: One can also set up a WAP with a switch and get the same results... but given the price of a non-commercial router these days, that might not be worth the savings or a straight wash!
We're using a old 2.4GHz (WRT54G) router right now. It does the job, but I'm considering upgrading to an Archer C7 ($99 Amazon?) to provide dual-band support. That will get us off the 2.4Ghz - as most of our devices support 5GHz now.

 

[Geri O]

GeriO - thought I would add some other "tips" on wireless routers for other TB'ers that I have learnt the hard way.

• Use 5Ghz band where possible - 2.4Ghz is getting really crowded
• Turn OFF SSID broadcast
• Use WPA2 security - more to prevent accidental connections vs hacking!
• Set your main gateway mask to something other than 192.168.1.* - this is default on most Class C networks and the one most looked for when scanning. Use 192.168.13.* or something.
• Use DHCP for IEM/FOH devices, but assign a static IP to the mixer.
• Unless you are in a large rooms, stick with the default 2dBi antennas. Going with a 9dBi will increase the range, but flatten the signal and cause connectivity issues with those close to the router. Not good for musicians if the router is stage side!

PS: One can also set up a WAP with a switch and get the same results... but given the price of a non-commercial router these days, that might not be worth the savings or a straight wash!
We're using a old 2.4GHz (WRT54G) router right now. It does the job, but I'm considering upgrading to an Archer C7 ($99 Amazon?) to provide dual-band support. That will get us off the 2.4Ghz - as most of our devices support 5GHz now.

Great stuff, Steve! Thanx!