Mackie DL 1608 vs Presonus 16.0.4

[BAG]

Have you had a look at the new Soundcraft Ui24? It has a built-in dual band router and allows up to 10 devices connected at the same time...... iOS, Android, PC etc. No need for extra equipment to give band members control of their own foldback mix, simply use your own phone or tablet. As far as the user interface is concerned, it is much easier (for someone older and more used to analogue mixers) to understand and control than any other tablet mixers i've tried.

 

[woody357]

I'm trying to decide on the mackie dl1608 or the behringer xr18. Does anyone have experience with both of these and what's your opinion

 

[EastCoastThump]

If this'll be your 1st digital board, the Mackie app is more polished and more intuitive to use.

But I prefer the XR18 b/c it's more compact (and useable as a stage drop box), and b/c it works as a multichannel interface (that allows you to record live multitracks, or to use a laptop's DAW plug-ins for live mixing).

 

[Joe Ty]

If this'll be your 1st digital board, the Mackie app is more polished and more intuitive to use.

But I prefer the XR18 b/c it's more compact (and useable as a stage drop box), and b/c it works as a multichannel interface (that allows you to record live multitracks, or to use a laptop's DAW plug-ins for live mixing).

Have you compared either to the Soundcraft Ui24R that BAG referenced?

 

[EastCoastThump]

Just responding to woody's question above. I've owned and logged a fair few hours on both the DL1608 and XR18, but I don't have any time on the little Soundcraft rack mixer.

 

[jimfist]

I'm trying to decide on the mackie dl1608 or the behringer xr18. Does anyone have experience with both of these and what's your opinion

I find the XR-18 to be a little more advanced in terms of features. For remote control, it is compatible across pretty much all platforms. You can do full multitrack recording/playback via USB with the XR-18. More fx sends and more features/options. Good sounding preamps. Drop-box format is cool for strategic location and minimizing cable runs. Hard wired via standard networking cable to a router or computer/laptop is nice. XLR aux bus outputs a plus. If you're into discrete IEM mixes, the Behringer interfaces seamlessly via existing Ultranet components. The controller software/apps take a little bit of practice to get used to (could be improved IMO), but they seem to work fine.

The Mackie is a nice little setup, too, IMO. Depending on what you are doing, you may find some of its differences either a bonus or a non-starter. First, you have to be using an Apple device to control it. No andriod, no Windows. Docking an iPad is a good feature, though, for more "traditional" mixing. There is no option to otherwise hard-wire a remote control interface, though. I find the control software app to be pretty easy, intuitive, and well developed. Also good sounding preamps. Recording features and echo/reverb effects very limited, but functional IMO.

If you're looking to upgrade to a digital board and already own an iPad, then the DL1608 is a good way to go b/c IMO it has a "simpler feel" to the design overall - even though there is still a ton of dynamic, tone, and routing control available. The XR-18 allows you to go a bit deeper down the digital mixing rabbit hole IMO, and gives you a lot more control option possibilities, though you may find the control software a little on the clunky side. It is also a better choice if you're planning on growing beyond just the basics of digital mixing on a smart phone or tablet. You really can make this a viable center-piece of a home studio and/or rehearsal space. Not so much with the Mackie.

After I got my XR-18, I had planned on selling the DL1608, but didn't. I find that the simplicity of setup and operation was very appealing for some small shows, with the iPad docked (making for worry free operation). But if I'm doing something a bit more demanding, or recording, the XR-18 is the easy winner.

JMHO, YMMV.

 

[woody357]

I find the XR-18 to be a little more advanced in terms of features. For remote control, it is compatible across pretty much all platforms. You can do full multitrack recording/playback via USB with the XR-18. More fx sends and more features/options. Good sounding preamps. Drop-box format is cool for strategic location and minimizing cable runs. Hard wired via standard networking cable to a router or computer/laptop is nice. XLR aux bus outputs a plus. If you're into discrete IEM mixes, the Behringer interfaces seamlessly via existing Ultranet components. The controller software/apps take a little bit of practice to get used to (could be improved IMO), but they seem to work fine.

The Mackie is a nice little setup, too, IMO. Depending on what you are doing, you may find some of its differences either a bonus or a non-starter. First, you have to be using an Apple device to control it. No andriod, no Windows. Docking an iPad is a good feature, though, for more "traditional" mixing. There is no option to otherwise hard-wire a remote control interface, though. I find the control software app to be pretty easy, intuitive, and well developed. Also good sounding preamps. Recording features and echo/reverb effects very limited, but functional IMO.

If you're looking to upgrade to a digital board and already own an iPad, then the DL1608 is a good way to go b/c IMO it has a "simpler feel" to the design overall - even though there is still a ton of dynamic, tone, and routing control available. The XR-18 allows you to go a bit deeper down the digital mixing rabbit hole IMO, and gives you a lot more control option possibilities, though you may find the control software a little on the clunky side. It is also a better choice if you're planning on growing beyond just the basics of digital mixing on a smart phone or tablet. You really can make this a viable center-piece of a home studio and/or rehearsal space. Not so much with the Mackie.

After I got my XR-18, I had planned on selling the DL1608, but didn't. I find that the simplicity of setup and operation was very appealing for some small shows, with the iPad docked (making for worry free operation). But if I'm doing something a bit more demanding, or recording, the XR-18 is the easy winner.

JMHO, YMMV.

Wow thank you!!!!

 

[woody357]

I find the XR-18 to be a little more advanced in terms of features. For remote control, it is compatible across pretty much all platforms. You can do full multitrack recording/playback via USB with the XR-18. More fx sends and more features/options. Good sounding preamps. Drop-box format is cool for strategic location and minimizing cable runs. Hard wired via standard networking cable to a router or computer/laptop is nice. XLR aux bus outputs a plus. If you're into discrete IEM mixes, the Behringer interfaces seamlessly via existing Ultranet components. The controller software/apps take a little bit of practice to get used to (could be improved IMO), but they seem to work fine.

The Mackie is a nice little setup, too, IMO. Depending on what you are doing, you may find some of its differences either a bonus or a non-starter. First, you have to be using an Apple device to control it. No andriod, no Windows. Docking an iPad is a good feature, though, for more "traditional" mixing. There is no option to otherwise hard-wire a remote control interface, though. I find the control software app to be pretty easy, intuitive, and well developed. Also good sounding preamps. Recording features and echo/reverb effects very limited, but functional IMO.

If you're looking to upgrade to a digital board and already own an iPad, then the DL1608 is a good way to go b/c IMO it has a "simpler feel" to the design overall - even though there is still a ton of dynamic, tone, and routing control available. The XR-18 allows you to go a bit deeper down the digital mixing rabbit hole IMO, and gives you a lot more control option possibilities, though you may find the control software a little on the clunky side. It is also a better choice if you're planning on growing beyond just the basics of digital mixing on a smart phone or tablet. You really can make this a viable center-piece of a home studio and/or rehearsal space. Not so much with the Mackie.

After I got my XR-18, I had planned on selling the DL1608, but didn't. I find that the simplicity of setup and operation was very appealing for some small shows, with the iPad docked (making for worry free operation). But if I'm doing something a bit more demanding, or recording, the XR-18 is the easy winner.

JMHO, YMMV.

Thank you for the information I went with the Behringer, I like being able to go deeper into the digital rabbit hole hahahaha. You were very informative thanks again

 

[DirtDog]

If this'll be your 1st digital board, the Mackie app is more polished and more intuitive to use.

But I prefer the XR18 b/c it's more compact (and useable as a stage drop box), and b/c it works as a multichannel interface (that allows you to record live multitracks, or to use a laptop's DAW plug-ins for live mixing).

+1. The Mackie app is dead simple to use and, IMO, has way better functionality and workflow than the X Air app. And, it's probably me and/or my devices, but the X Air app was not all that stable and many times the controls would freeze or be finicky (i'm on iOS with iPad Air and iPad mini). Since Mackie has specialized their ecosystem for iOS/iPads, there seems to be less flakiness.

So besides app/workflow/functionality, the next piece is form factor. I do like the X18 form factor a lot. I wish I could have the X18 hardware with the Mackie app! That said, I do appreciate the docking capabilities of the DL1608....there's always somewhere safe to place your iPad!

 

[Joe Ty]

+1. The Mackie app is dead simple to use and, IMO, has way better functionality and workflow than the X Air app. And, it's probably me and/or my devices, but the X Air app was not all that stable and many times the controls would freeze or be finicky (i'm on iOS with iPad Air and iPad mini). Since Mackie has specialized their ecosystem for iOS/iPads, there seems to be less flakiness.

So besides app/workflow/functionality, the next piece is form factor. I do like the X18 form factor a lot. I wish I could have the X18 hardware with the Mackie app! That said, I do appreciate the docking capabilities of the DL1608....there's always somewhere safe to place your iPad!

True, but to fit it in you have to take your iPad out of its case. I originally leaned towards the Mackie but the more I thought about where it would sit (mine will be for just home jamming with the boys in our bonus room) I think the Soundcraft will work better for me as I'd mount it in a small four bay portable rack that I can place on my amp and have a useable top for whatever. The way the cables atrack the Mackie would not allow for that. The Soundcraft already has a two band router, is not app based so is agnostic to your devices, and is far more expandable than the Mackie or Berrenger. Yes, it's another 400 bucks but still in the same ballpark. If you go to Soundcrafts website you can demo the GUI. Looks very intuitive for a noob like me yet very powerful at the same time.

 

[DirtDog]

True, but to fit it in you have to take your iPad out of its case. I originally leaned towards the Mackie but the more I thought about where it would sit (mine will be for just home jamming with the boys in our bonus room) I think the Soundcraft will work better for me as I'd mount it in a small four bay portable rack that I can place on my amp and have a useable top for whatever. The way the cables atrack the Mackie would not allow for that. The Soundcraft already has a two band router, is not app based so is agnostic to your devices, and is far more expandable than the Mackie or Berrenger. Yes, it's another 400 bucks but still in the same ballpark. If you go to Soundcrafts website you can demo the GUI. Looks very intuitive for a noob like me yet very powerful at the same time.

Cool - I'm going to go demo the Soundcraft app to satisfy my curiosity. Yes, I did hear it was browser based as opposed to app based. Easy to setup and use is music to my ears!

I'm at the point where my iPad Air stays mounted in the DL1608 100% of the time and do my soundcheck and monitor mixes on that before the show. I use my iPad mini (in a case) when I go walkabout.

Not sure if I've posted this picture in this part of the forum before, but here goes. This is my "streamlined" PA, bass and IEM (for 6 mixes) system all in one. I've experimented with Presonus and two different Behringers units (and played around with the X32 rack in other situations) and this is what is working really well for me right now.

 

[musicman7722]

I have owned the Beheringer board too. I did like the physical design. I could drop it right onstage like a snake and run a few cables from it to my tops and monitor box. I found the built in wireless to be buggy so I attached my Mac wireless instead. So another couple of lines to attach that if using as a stage box. The app was a bit trickier that the Mackie but the learning curve was short. I actually thing the mike channels sounded a little better than the Mackie. One thing to not is that when I had mine you could not run the Behringer off a phone. I finally sent my back as even the Mac wireless dropped occasionally. Never does on the Mackie.

 

[DirtDog]

I have owned the Beheringer board too. I did like the physical design. I could drop it right onstage like a snake and run a few cables from it to my tops and monitor box. I found the built in wireless to be buggy so I attached my Mac wireless instead. So another couple of lines to attach that if using as a stage box. The app was a bit trickier that the Mackie but the learning curve was short. I actually thing the mike channels sounded a little better than the Mackie. One thing to not is that when I had mine you could not run the Behringer off a phone. I finally sent my back as even the Mac wireless dropped occasionally. Never does on the Mackie.

Yes, the ability run off a phone is good for those other bandmates looking to adjust their own monitor mix. The X18 was a bit more complicated to set up and limit access for each user for than the DL1608 is.

I did check out the Soundcraft app - it's a pretty neat implementation. I was only using it on my desktop so need to try on the tablet to see how it really compares to the Mackie Master Fader app.

 

[woody357]

I have owned the Beheringer board too. I did like the physical design. I could drop it right onstage like a snake and run a few cables from it to my tops and monitor box. I found the built in wireless to be buggy so I attached my Mac wireless instead. So another couple of lines to attach that if using as a stage box. The app was a bit trickier that the Mackie but the learning curve was short. I actually thing the mike channels sounded a little better than the Mackie. One thing to not is that when I had mine you could not run the Behringer off a phone. I finally sent my back as even the Mac wireless dropped occasionally. Never does on the Mackie.

How long ago was that?

 

[musicman7722]

I would say within 2 years. I did use it this year at a gig where sound was provided. I ran my monitor iem feed off of it with my ipad. No problems at the gig .

 

[jimfist]

The XR18 has iPad, iPhone, android phone/tablet apps, and bonafide mac and windows software for the controller functions. If you set up a solid network with a discrete router, you should be fine. Of course, the more you know and understand about wireless routing and the better the capabilities of the router, the better luck you'll have. I don't trust the integrated wireless except at home.

I've got the apps for iPad and Samsung Galaxy android phone, generic android tablet, and 2-in-1 laptop/touch screen software all loaded and running. I'm not sure where the notion that you can't control the XR18 from a phone comes from. If anything, there's a glut of ways you can control the XR18, compared to the iPad/iPhone limitation of the DL1608. FWIW.

 

[woody357]

The XR18 has iPad, iPhone, android phone/tablet apps, and bonafide mac and windows software for the controller functions. If you set up a solid network with a discrete router, you should be fine. Of course, the more you know and understand about wireless routing and the better the capabilities of the router, the better luck you'll have. I don't trust the integrated wireless except at home.

I've got the apps for iPad and Samsung Galaxy android phone, generic android tablet, and 2-in-1 laptop/touch screen software all loaded and running. I'm not sure where the notion that you can't control the XR18 from a phone comes from. If anything, there's a glut of ways you can control the XR18, compared to the iPad/iPhone limitation of the DL1608. FWIW.

All I have is two iPads. I see they have upgraded the app this year. I have been playing with it because I'm still waiting for my xr18 to arrive. Can you give me any more information about using the xr with the iPad?

 

[jimfist]

The iPad works fine but the iPad app isn't an exact mirror of the computer control software IIRC, so I'd recommend that you do initial setups on a laptop/desktop, and then use the iPads for live remote tweaking. What specifically do you want to know with regards to iPad with XR18?

 

[woody357]

The iPad works fine but the iPad app isn't an exact mirror of the computer control software IIRC, so I'd recommend that you do initial setups on a laptop/desktop, and then use the iPads for live remote tweaking. What specifically do you want to know with regards to iPad with XR18?

I wanted to know how it worked with the xr18 I've been playing with the app, but I have heard bad thing about the app on iPad, but I see it has been upgraded and wanted to know if it was still better to use a droid tablet. This will only be used on gigs. So are you saying take a laptop as well as my iPad to a gig

 

[jimfist]

I wanted to know how it worked with the xr18 I've been playing with the app, but I have heard bad thing about the app on iPad, but I see it has been upgraded and wanted to know if it was still better to use a droid tablet. This will only be used on gigs. So are you saying take a laptop as well as my iPad to a gig

Not necessarily. You can definitely mix just using the iPads. I haven't closely checked (maybe someone who uses iPads to mix can confirm) to see if the iPad app is apples-to-apples on par with the computer software mixer control. My recollection is that there are a few features (not necessarily very essential ones, though) that weren't included in the iPad app, but I could be wrong.

In any event, personally, I like to set up my XR18 for gigs using my laptop, at home or at my leisure, since it does carry the most recent updates and all of the control/interface features, and then save this layout. (You can even connect the iPads at the same time to see how all of this interacts and syncs up.) Then when you first connect using the iPad, it should ask you to sync to the XR18 (rather than sync to the settings as they are currently on the iPad). But none of this precludes you from doing your setups on the iPad exclusively.

Because I always insist on having redundant backups on gigs (the show MUST go on, you know!), I carry a laptop (Lenovo 2-in-1 convertible touchscreen tablet/laptop) that includes a network port with a hard-wired connection to my wireless router. This way, if I find that the wireless connectivity is dodgy in the venue, I can failsafe using wired laptop. I keep this on stage at a handy spot for us as an additional mix location. My theory is that the one time you don't have a connected backup plan will be the one time you need it (Murphy's Law).

If you know how to properly set up a router to avoid or eliminate wifi traffic from competing with your devices, you should be good to go 99.9% of the time. Wifi traffic is an issue regardless of what digital mixer you're using under control of wireless devices, and it's discussed quite often on this forum. If you're not well-versed, I'd suggest you read up.