X18

Digital iPAD / Tablet Mixer

• 18 Channels
• 16 Midas preamps
• Integrated Wi-Fi router
• 6 AUX buses
• 18 x 18 USB interface for recording
• X32 Effects rack with 4 stereo FX slots
• Real Time Analyzer on all channels
• Compatible with Behringer P-16 Personal Monitoring System
• Dimensions: 409 x 357 x 110 mm
• Shelf size: 29.5 x 19.5 cm
• Weight: 4 kg
• Corresponding case: Article Nr 382522 (not included)

Note: iPad/Table are not included

Tablet-based wireless mixing is here

The Behringer X18, which is part of the company's X Air series, uses its onboard WiFi module to allow the user to mix wirelessly using a tablet, and as its name already suggests, can handle up to 18 channels. In addition, the X18 also has an integrated audio interface, so it can be connected to a DAW and used to record via USB, and its impressive features also include 16 Midas preamps (which can also be controlled wirelessly and ensure high-quality audio) and onboard effects engines that allow both stereo and multi-effects including delay, chorus, EQ, dynamics, and reverb to be applied quickly and easily. Behringer's X18 thereby successfully packs the excellent features of the larger X32 model into a significantly more compact unit that represents a high-performance solution for wireless mixing applications.

Fits easily into any setup

Behringer has designed the X18 with practical connectivity in mind: The 16 inputs are located on the front panel and feature flexible XLR/jack combo sockets, while the main output has both stereo XLR and stereo RCA connections. The adjacent two-track input, itself also implemented in RCA format, allows devices such as external CD players and MP3 players to be connected, and users can route either the main mix or the headphone monitoring signal to the RCA output using the dedicated switch. Speaking of headphones, the Behringer X18 of course includes a 6.3mm headphone output jack with its own volume control, while the rear panel features six AUX sends (also in 6.3mm jack format), and a MIDI I/O as well as a USB port and ports for both Ethernet and Ultranet. The former of these last two can be used to connect the X18 to an existing network, where it can then be used wirelessly, via cable connection, or as an access point (selectable via the corresponding switch). The app for controlling the X18 can be downloaded free of charge from the app store.

Flexible with and without cables

Wireless mixing has one major advantage: The sound engineer can move around the room and observe the sound from multiple different positions, and the access point function available here also means that up to four people (via iPad) can create their own individual monitor mixes - the internal router means that no configuration is necessary, so performers and musicians can start mixing their sound as soon they have accessed the X18's network. Using the WiFi client, it is also possible to integrate the Behringer X18 into an existing wireless network that also includes devices like laptops and smartphones - the advantage of which is that a wider range can be covered, a definite plus at bigger events. As an alternative to wireless operation, users can also use the X18 to mix via a laptop, to which it can be connected by running a LAN cable from its second network port.

About Behringer

The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.

Hello smart gain control, goodbye artefacts

Thanks to the X AIR Gain Sharing function, users can automatically control the levels of up to 16 microphones in real time and without any gating artefacts or noise interference. This effectively prevents feedback, unwanted noise, and comb filter effects, which is a major benefit in setups where multiple microphones are set up on the stage at once (when several guests are going to speak at the same time, for example). A switchable software-based EQ with 31 frequency bands can also be used to optimise the sound of each channel as well as that of the buses, and the effects engines feature simulations of the Lexicon 480L, PCM70, and EMT250 as well as reverb algorithms inspired by the Quantec QRS. These effects are processed by the X18 directly, so there is no heavy processing load placed on the computer.