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What are you using as a router/access point with your digital mixer?

s0c9

s0c9

Supporting Member
Jan 9, 2014
7,808
11,286
Ft.Worth/Dallas
Disclosures
1964 Audio artist, Fractal Audio Beta Tester
#1
I’m still using my old TP-Link Archer C7 (AC1750) dual-band router with good results!
I’m wondering what others are using with their digital consoles and whether I should consider upgrading to a WiFi-6 or 7 router that will support iPhone 17, Android S25 or equivalent device connections?
What would I gain from doing so, other than being newer?

EDIT: I use this router exclusively for gigging, not home use!
 
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#4
I'm much more of a computer nerd than I am a bass nerd. I use a Mikrotik hap ac2. Chosen because it's small and all my other network gear is Mikrotik.

In terms of what you would gain by upgrading, if you're not having any problems then not much. Generally speaking newer wifi standards are trading distance for speed. We don't need the speed for this application.
 
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#5
Pep said:
Netgear Nighthawk - used with Behringer X32, Behringer X18, and OSC TouchMix 16. Never an issue. Been using Netgear routers for about 12 years.

Welcome to LWC Communities!

www.netgear.com www.netgear.com
Click to expand...
I've been using the Archer C7 for years with X32, X32R, XR18, DL16S, TM30, TM24, Ui24 and others w/o issue.
I don't need QOS, subnets, fancy DHCP, or other "features". I don't even need to install dd-wrt, tomato or other OS firmware.
The router is really just an access point to get to the mixers interface.

I'm really asking what would be the benefit if I upgrade to a Wifi-6 or 7 device?
For example, how many devices out there can use the 3rd band (6Ghz) on a tri-band Wifi6/7 router.
Is the potential speed increase going to help band members run their IEM mixes any better/faster?
 
#6
s0c9 said:
I've been using the Archer C7 for years with X32, X32R, XR18, DL16S, TM30, TM24, Ui24 and others w/o issue.
I don't need QOS, subnets, fancy DHCP, or other "features". I don't even need to install dd-wrt, tomato or other OS firmware.
The router is really just an access point to get to the mixers interface.

I'm really asking what would be the benefit if I upgrade to a Wifi-6 or 7 device?
For example, how many devices out there can use the 3rd band (6Ghz) on a tri-band Wifi6/7 router.
Is the potential speed increase going to help band members run their IEM mixes any better/faster?
Click to expand...
I know it’s overkill but I got a deal on it. 🙂
 
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#7
Jack said:
I'm much more of a computer nerd than I am a bass nerd. I use a Mikrotik hap ac2. Chosen because it's small and all my other network gear is Mikrotik.

In terms of what you would gain by upgrading, if you're not having any problems then not much. Generally speaking newer wifi standards are trading distance for speed. We don't need the speed for this application.
Click to expand...
I'm also there with you on the computer side. Installed and run a pro-grade network at the house with multiple access points, managed switches, SFP, etc. Not Mikrotik because some of their "pro" stuff (cloudcore router) is not cheap and targeted at the corporate market. I've also been thru a number of TP-Link and Netgear "home" routers over the years and they just didn't cut it. Installed dd-wrt on quite few that supported OS firmware too.
 
#9
s0c9 said:
I’m still using my old TP-Link Archer C7 (AC1750) dual-band router with good results!
I’m wondering what others are using with their digital consoles and whether I should consider upgrading to a WiFi-6 or 7 router that will support iPhone 17, Android S25 or equivalent device connections?
What would I gain from doing so, other than being newer?

EDIT: I use this router exclusively for gigging, not home use!
Click to expand...
dude!, when I started down my digital mixer journey a couple years ago, I got a TP Link Archer router because YOU had one and you definitely had the experience with this stuff to make it worth while following your advice.

I general, other than newer (which as we know is NOT always better), you probably would not gain a great deal in your application. Your tablets and such probably work just fine on Wifi 5 so why mess with what works ? Yes, Wifi 6/6e/7 deliver wider bandwidth, higher speeds, support for more simultaneous devices, and have better congestion management capabilities, but does this really matter to a single connection system (iPad to Router) like is typically going on with a digital mixer and the control surface device (iPad, Android, phone etc.)

are you trying to fix some issue or are you just interested in new tech ?
 
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#10
TP-link nano (WR802N)
A little Velcro and it sits in place on top of the Midas XAIR. It’s the size of a pack of playing cards, it’s cheap (£20/$20) and it’s been perfectly behaved. I got it after a recommendation from another band on the same circuit as me. Before that I was using an ancient Apple WiFi router which I found for free - but it was becoming slightly troublesome in its old age. Not saying I want the cheapest possible thing, just that sometimes the best choice is also the most economical.
 
#11
s0c9 said:
I'm also there with you on the computer side. Installed and run a pro-grade network at the house with multiple access points, managed switches, SFP, etc. Not Mikrotik because some of their "pro" stuff (cloudcore router) is not cheap and targeted at the corporate market. I've also been thru a number of TP-Link and Netgear "home" routers over the years and they just didn't cut it. Installed dd-wrt on quite few that supported OS firmware too.
Click to expand...
I think Mikrotik is a bit cheaper in Europe than it is in the States which helps, the hap2 was only £100. Same as you though, previous home stuff didn't cut it or needed to be hacked and jailbroken, pro stuff was too expensive. Mikrotik (and Ubiquiti, but I've never used their stuff) seem to be a nice middle ground of prosumer. I don't think I necessarily would have bought a Mikrotik router just for my mixer rack if I was coming at this with fresh eyes but I know their ecosystem, I am comfortable in their OS and I know their stuff really really works. It's been flawless, but then so was the hap mini that it replaced. I only upgraded because of the 2.4GHz-only fear. (Which I still think is unfounded, but whatever.)
 
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#12
My band's IEM setup has a 19" rack router - for one simple reason: It looks cooler than some old home WiFi box crammed in the back.

WiFi is very much a digital thing. Either it works or it does not work. When it cuts out occasionally, it does not work. When you have a stable connection all night, it works. No need to touch a working system. The amount of data that gets transferred is rather tiny and if your personal monitor mix app has a latency of 2ms or 200ms really does not matter.
 
#13
pfschim said:
dude!, when I started down my digital mixer journey a couple years ago, I got a TP Link Archer router because YOU had one and you definitely had the experience with this stuff to make it worth while following your advice.

I general, other than newer (which as we know is NOT always better), you probably would not gain a great deal in your application. Your tablets and such probably work just fine on Wifi 5 so why mess with what works ? Yes, Wifi 6/6e/7 deliver wider bandwidth, higher speeds, support for more simultaneous devices, and have better congestion management capabilities, but does this really matter to a single connection system (iPad to Router) like is typically going on with a digital mixer and the control surface device (iPad, Android, phone etc.)

are you trying to fix some issue or are you just interested in new tech ?
Click to expand...
My C7 works fine.. I've been looking into whether an upgrade to a Wifi 6/7 tri-band (adding 6Ghz) is gonna buy us/me anything and give newer devices any advantages. Then there's the expense, the time to configure and test before using at a gig..
Was seeking input from others, tho you know I do my own research :)

What I've read elsewhere has not provided much support nor justification for an upgrade, so I thought I'd pose the question here.
 
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#15
s0c9 said:
My C7 works fine.. I've been looking into whether an upgrade to a Wifi 6.7 tri-band (adding 6Ghz) is gonna buy us/me anything and give newer devices any advantages.
Click to expand...

well, then drop WiFi 6 from your list, it doesn't have a 3-band. 6E does.

6E/7 give a 6GHz band, right. do you need it? if the 5GHz is not overcrowded yet at the places you're playing, not yet.
will it actually work better or at least not worse than the 5G? unpredictable without running a wireless scan.
generally expect the 6G band have less reach than the 5G and more problems with obstacles in line of sight.

frankly my recommendation would be to wait until you'll need that 6G band. while you're waiting, the compatible devices will be more affordable and more stable.
 
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#17
jdwinva said:
I carry a TP Link as a backup but in 5 GHz mode, the Allen & Health CQ-20B onboard WiFi seems just fine after two years of use on club stages and rehearsals.
Click to expand...
Interesting, cuz most of the digital consoles I have used have (some of which I listed further up this thread) have totally worthless built-in Wi-Fi, hence the need for an external device!
Worthless, as in range, nbr of supported users, etc.
They work fine with a single user that remains within 25 ft of the mixer! :)
YMMV
 
#19
Archer C7. I have a pair. Mirrored dhcp address reservations for my devices. I just added an A&H CQ-18T. The wifi is actually strong! I mean way stromnher than my Ui-24 or XR18. I have a string of AV gigs in Feb and Mar. Corporate stuff with lots of cell bearing attendees. I'll hook up, a router And jack it up high but I'll try the CQ LAN first and keep the Archer network as spare.

There are some real annoying things in amongst lots to like with the CQ. For my personl band work, I think the CQ is going to be a worthy successor to my UI-24r mixers.

Stuff I am missing from the Soundcraft envrionment
. Variable slopes in HPF and LPF
. Only 4 DCA's and really only 3...
. Can't link an AUX volume to the Main. So I have to burn 1 of the 4 DCA's amd dedicate 1 to link the Master L&R and an Aux dedicated to the subs for proper AUX Fed Subs.

Somethink I like... The on board 7" screen and 'custom' rotary encoders. The UI is wildly different from anything I have used in the past. Has taken me a while but I'm getting faster and I'm beginning to believe that it is for me anyway kinda next level.

Sound quality... well it seems like the Brit's just know how to craft a good sounding console, even a mini one.

i sold off 1 of my 2 UI-24rs last weekend.
 
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