Understanding the Behringer XR18 - Channel Setup Tutorial 

This video library entry is a bit longer than normal. It's a walk through of a channel on the XR18. It is using X-Air Edit for control, but also has several screens for Mixing Station software also included. There was a lot of ground to cover. As always, please add any comments or questions here. :) Likes and shares always appreciated! This Behringer XR18 channel walk-through video focuses on a channel, other than initializing the console to start from a blank slate, so it doesn't veer into USB recording and overall in/out routing (other than where that stuff appears on the channel strip and could trip you up), nor things like the need for an external router if using it on wifi (I recommend the TP Link 1750 because those work for me... and I did drop an Amazon affiliate link here and in the text below the video for those). But that said, you can't really focus on the channel settings without talking about the built in FX rack, going thru FX, nor discussing monitor sends, etc... So that stuff is in there too. And then both during the video, at the end, and in the text below the video, I link to other videos that discuss different areas discussed in this video in even more depth and that will many times go beyond the settings of a single channel. There was a lot of info to cover in the video and I also tried to get some Mixing Station examples into the video as well. So while X-Air Edit is the main software in use, I added several inserts showing the topic on Mixing Station as well. And a section dedicated to setting the input gain on Mixing Station since the metering is different and not as straight forward if you're striving for accuracy as much as consistency. Videos referenced in the video: ►DCA's vs Subgroups on the XR18 / MR18: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-x6TKam2F50Q.html ►Behringer XR18 Monitor Setup Tutorial: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5gzsEErKdb8.html ►Behringer and Midas FX Setup and Routing Explained: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dCTcbV-_ccQ.html ►Sending FX to Monitors XR18/MR18/X32/M32: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-e_XsfTV36vU.html Not referenced but helpful to new users: ►XR18 / MR18 Top Five Frequently Asked Questions (Mixing Tips): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-x9wciA2wFd0.html ►XR18 / MR18 Overview. 12 Things to Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gTM7IdkCprk.html .~~~~~~~ ►Patreon Page where Patrons have access to script files, other PDF tutorials, Behringer X32/M32/XR18/MR18 channel and scene files, and other audio production information: www.patreon.com/AlanHamiltonAudio ~~~~~~~ ►►Amazon Affiliate Links To Equip Used/Shown/Mentioned In Video- ►Behringer XR18 on Amazon: amzn.to/2LfTpmO ►TP Link AC1750 Dual Band Router on Amazon amzn.to/3uPXFhj ~~~~~ Equipment used to make this video: ►Stellar X2 (Narration Mic) on Amazon: amzn.to/3ggUWFq ►Sony ZV1 Camera on Amazon: amzn.to/3HJWd3f ►ULANZI Flexible Desk Mount Camera Arm Clamp on Amazon: amzn.to/3FKhF6M ► Neewer Camera Slider Carbon Fiber Dolly Rail on Amazon: amzn.to/3tPpypk "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." ~~~~~~~ Suggested videos: ►►Popular videos: ►Five Typical Mistakes Made By Behringer X32 Users ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tP7dO2Za6bw.html ►Five Typical Mistakes Made By Behringer XR18 Users ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EilVDp39A9g.html ►►Audio Cable Information series videos: ►Connecting an MP3 Player to a Mixer: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UiauwFEFe_k.html ►Cable Management For Live Audio: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nYZ9nrPGswo.html ►Patch Order and Input Lists For Live Sound: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FE2KRj8vEEc.html ►►Mixing series videos: ►5 Tips for Better Live Vocal Mixes: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oP4sdpkkNhY.html ►Mixing Live Bass Guitar: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FNa7avcUUSM.html ►How to EQ a Kick Drum: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-CQg1_-ZJ4MU.html ►How to EQ a Snare Drum: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-J_WC68vyht4.html ►How to EQ Toms: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nSLJqnlJe60.html ►►Other videos: ►Building An In Ear Monitor Rig Using the Behringer XR18 or Midas MR18: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xT9gTBFxvZk.html ►In Ear Monitors On A Budget: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FOon2wEZss8.html ►Behringer X32 Monitor Setup Tutorial: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Vz9E6FaCatQ.html ►Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions About the XR18 (and MR18): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-x9wciA2wFd0.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ►Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/livesoundproduction ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #LiveSound #AlanHamiltonAudio #LiveSound #XR18 #MR18 #XAir 0:00 Intro 0:14 How to initialize the XR18 MR18 X Air 0:21 How to initialize on Mixing Station App 0:28 Channel start 0:32 What Are USB and Analog Inputs 0:50 How to Set Phantom Power 1:09 What is the Polarity (Phase) button for 1:41 What is Stereo Linking 1:56 Gain structure discussion 2:50 How to set gain on Mixing Station 3:48 Signal Flow discussion 4:31 Input Tab Discussion 4:46 EQ explained 7:38 XR18 FX Rack 8:32 Bus Sends 9:25 Bus Sends as Monitor Sends 10:44 Bus Send Tap Point Chart 10:59 How to use FX Sends 11:55 Main tab. How to Pan channels 12:09 How to assign or un-assign channels to Mains 12:35 How to assign DCAs 13:35 Comps and Gates/ Pt 1 How to use Comps 14:43 Pt 2 How to use Gates

I am so grateful for you and your videos Alan. I've got my new MR18 up and running. This is my first mixing console ever. The info from your channel has been huge in teaching me the basics. I can't image how frustrated I would be without your videos. And I haven't even scratched the surface of your content yet. Awesome. Thank you!

Your videos are so great. You do such a great job explaining things. This channel is a MUST subscribe for every single XR18 owner.

Hi Alan, as former AV consultant/designer and owner of an XR-18 mixer, I always enjoy and appreciate your XR-18 videos. I am not sure if you are familiar with Midas IEQ Pro (App for tablet). This program allows users to auto equalize the main “house EQ” with pink noise and a measuring mic. It would be great to have you review and explain this product in your typical clear manner. Best regards, Christian

With spring/summer gigs right around the corner, this was a great refresher on the x-air. Clear, concise, and well scripted - thanks for putting in the effort. Extremely helpful channel.

I use the XR18 for years now and did not expect a video this new to pop up. Thanks!

Dude...your videos are THE best out there on this Behringer mixer..Thanks for sharing such awesome content

Glad I subscribed. You explain mixing made easy. I been mixing over 30 years and still need to learn something new. Thanks, and awesome video.

This is a great video. I have the xr18 for my band’s monitor mix. I’m new to mixing anything in general so your clear explanations are very helpful. Thanks 👍🏽

Thanks! After struggling with mixing for a couple years now, I just learned in 20 minutes more than I've accumulated in all of those years and other you-tubes combined! Super thanks!! clear and doesn't make assumptions!

This tutorial is freakin' AWESOME. Thanks so much. I am now subscribed. Great job and so helpful.

Your videos are the best out there. I've been Djing and running karaoke for a about 10years and have started helping out some bands and doing sound for them and your videos have made learning so much easier.

Very good and informative, had my xr18 on the shelf since buying it and finding this useful before I even dust it off 👍

Thanks for all the content. Just recorded our first session on the XAir!!!

Great orientation and clear explanation for this newbie.

Thanks Alan. Really appreciate your excellent and clear guidance. It's been soooo helpful. Cheers!

Really well done and so helpful

I learned a lot from u Mr. Hamilton , thank u so much, I owned a Midas MR18.

Excellent video ! clear and to the point. Thanks

Great content and very insightful!

Holly crap where to start. Man that was a boat ton of information packed into that video. I remeber when the X Air 18 came out and video's were hard to come by. This was a great over view of an entire channel. I have been thinking about buying the Soundcraft 24UIr and giving that interface a whirl but I don't think there are many videos like this for that model.

You do a great job on this. I spent five full time years with rack gear and reading the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook and listening to the results in order to learn dynamics processing and effects for FOH. It's amazing now with the mixer tech and RU-vid how much information people have that are new to the business. I think I had over $3k in rack gear for only four complete channels worth that I used to drag around with me. Now you have more control than I had on every single channel on mixers that are less money than I had in just insert patched chains for four channels. The shift in 25 years has been pretty incredible.

Nice video, it's was explained in an understandable manner.

Would Love to see this video for the X32 Rack (X32 Mix and Mixing Station) - This video is priceless. Thank you.

Now thats a lot of information!!!

Love your videos!

another solid video

Pretty good overview for those that are somewhat familiar with the " X " series of mixers, hopefully people will check out your other video's, because they are much more in-depth and you go a little slower.

appreciate much this video thanks a lot.

This mixer is perfect for gigging and love recording on a budget if you know what you are doing. Here are my recommendations based on using this mixer for about 3 years 1. ALWAYS set gain first exactly like he explains it at -18db. This will give you an clean even rough mix to work from. 2. Do not use the internal wifi. Use a standard router with extra Ethernet ports to connect a interface and other add ons. You will be stuck without it. I'm not sure why behringer didn't put in a good built wifi but it's unreliable even if you are on stage. 3. Use the graphic EQ to ring out the house and monitors but don't over do it because you will end up trying to over compensate the EQ and end up with feedback. Know your maximum volume and refuse to go any higher. Just turn down the music in monitors if people say they can't hear themselves. 4. Save presets for gain adjustments based on specific mics and instruments. It provides a foundation for every set up and saves time otherwise just start from scratch. 5. When live recording, none of the gain settings transfers to your daw so you will have to repeat the gain structure separately first before mixing and mastering. If you need a feed for love streaming use an aux with the main routed to it to stream your main mix. 6. The gate feature is what sets apart from a standard mixer. Make sure you use it on the mics to minimize any unwanted background noise. The sound should go completely silent when nothing is playing or when people aren't speaking. 7. Invest in an ipad to be able to be on stage to mix monitors. There also are apps to allow performers to mix their own monitors once they are connected to your wifi router. 8. I use the dbx driverack as a cross over for subs only because of my old setup and convenience but the console really doesn't need any add-ons. Just put the subs on an aux channel. EQ that aux main to take out the unwanted frequencies and on the channels you need bass put it halfway on the aux channel fader then set it to post fader so that the subs will be in sequence with your main fader volume. 9. Once you record a live set you can reroute the inputs to usb. I use this to work on mixing and gain structure without the band being present which is another plus. Set the keyboards and line instruments to near max volume to set an accurate gain structure. For $500 or less this is by far the best mixer for live sound and even multi track recording or as a studio interface. I've even used it to use autotune live through usb and for incorporating daw effects live. The latency is delayed only by milliseconds and isn't recognizable. When I do love sets I record just for the heck of it and most of my clients end up paying for the recording as well. This is a must have for anyone in the business of live sound or multi track recording and can provide the same result as a high dollar console. The only limitation would be the number of channels but I run 6 mics, 4 line instruments(2 stereo keys or 4 mono inputs) and 4 drum mics very comfortably. Including a xtouch interface, 4 phones connected to wifi for monitor mixes, and 2 in ears. I literally was able to supplement all of my analog hardware for one box.

Very educative

Perfeito cara! Obrigado...

Thank you so much master

Always liking your channel very helpful. Just one ask…do you a video for MAIN L/R, eq, compressor, limited setup and the FOH speaker volume setup. Thanks in advance 👌

Thank you!

Thanks for more content on the XAIR18 and help finding the Signal Tap points for the monitors. Can you at some point provide a tutorial on Stereo Delay settings and practical use for live and studio applications? Low Cut/Hi Cut, Feed levels etc. and how Delay sits in the mix depending on how you use or misuse it. Also different types of delay both long and short. Tape slap effect etc.

Very cool Man THX

Alan your videos have been a god send for me, as I imagine they have with a great many people, thank you so much! I wonder if you would know this: Is there a way to re-order the channels once set up? There's a video on youtube from Behringer showing that you can tap and drag channels but its for an old version of the iPad software that doesn't seem to be available now. I'm using X-Air edit. Thanks in advance.

Alan, great video as always! Question.. is there a way to reset all settings for a specific channel, or even a group of channels, back to default settings?

Alan, thank you very much for the great and detailed content you put out. I have one question. I am trying to set the gain on the Behringer XR18 using X-Air iPad app. In your great example in this vid you are using the Channel tab which allows you to clearly see the Meter level number, and set the gain at the same time. On the iPad app there is no Channel tab, but there is an Input tab which allows you to set the gain, but does not include the meter. So you can't see when your at -18. How does one properly set the gain using the iPad app?

Alan you are awesome. I have learned so much from your videos. I have a question regarding the Channel input on the XR18. You went over Phantom power, polarity, stereolink, but you didn't talk about FX. Do I need to select that to add FX to the channel?

Great videos. Thanks for putting these out. Question. Is it possible to create a talkback mic for a live situation with the XR18 so the engineer can talk to the stage without it coming through the main pa?

I'm glad I found and subscribed to this channel! I've had my Xr18 for several years now and barely scratched the surface. In my application, I use it in my studio to record my band, i.e. vox, guitars,drums in the Xair inputs, through to my PC via USB. I also route them (mainly vocals and guitar) back out through the outputs to my PA mixer,(Behringer 1580} so the band can hear themselves play. I have two questions. 1) what gain should I be setting my channels to, to ensure unity gain on the outputs (i.e. when I plug my mic's into the pa mixer minus the xair, they should sound the same on the PA) 2) We often want to replay our recordings back through the main outs through additional input channels on our PA mixer. This signal comes from the USB on the PC. We record using Reaper. how would I route this signal in the Xair? I can see the signal in the meter panel, but dont know,how to route it to the main outs. Sidenotes: We don't use the Xair for live shows, only as a recording interface and a signal passthrough, and for replaying recordings and youtube videos etc. from our DAW PC. I use a small separate dedicated PC for Xair app.

can 7 member baNd connect with their in-ear monitors to that? or could they do as well with XR16?

thanx!

Why does your screen look different than X Air screen I have. Is that what X-Air Edit screen is? Thanks love your video.

Thanks for the video. I was wondering if you’re able to use a combination analog and USB inputs modes. For example can channel 1 be taking an analog source (a mic) while channel 2 is taking a USB source (a backing track from a PC)? I thought I understood from the video that all inputs were either all analog or all USB and no combination of the two. Would love clarification on that. Thanks again

Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness 🤟

Thank you, if you are using an electric guitar, have you got the option of a ‘guitar amp’ as an insert ?

Thanks for your videos. I just started watching them. my question is what should the gain on th e loudspeaker be? should i set this up at half then turn on the mixer then to get that -18db you were saying? sorry probably a dumb question but I have to start somewhere. thanks again in advance

Have you heard anything about updated software for the XR series from Barringer?

I want to get set up for home recording, and also might potentially want to do some small live sound reinforcement gigs in the future, like karaoke hosting for example. I really like the idea of being able to mix remotely/wirelessly in the room in a live situation. What are your thoughts on purchasing an XR18 and using that for an audio interface in the home studio, basically killing two birds? Or would you buy a dedicated audio interface to start, and then invest in something like the XR18 later on if the live gig thing materializes? Some say that I would get much better A/D conversion out of a dedicated interface, but is that really true? I would probably be looking at a Focusrite interface if I went the dedicated route.

Alan, you discuss 'surgical cuts" for problematic frequencies that may be causing feedback. With the RTA turn on, what does a feedbacking frequency look like? How can it be identified?

Alan thanks so much for these videos.. I'm learning a lot. Please can someone tell me if its possible to control the XR18 audio etc whilst also running and controlling stop/ start/ track select etc on a playlist within a laptop or MacBook / iPad connected to the XR18 via usb.. Can I control all this wirelessly from my iPhone or iPad whilst performing live etc.? I think I dropped an error when buying this unit thinking it had the same usb in/out as the smaller Behringer units and many of the other manufacturers units... All I want is to be wireless and in control of everything.

What happens when you are in a scene you've been using for your band etc, and you initialize the mixer via XAir software on the Mac, so you can make a new scene fro another band etc? Do you lose the saved setting info? Is it easier to do a "save as", re-name the scene and then initialize? I use the XR18 at home with a Mac, but will also use it live with just my iPad. Maybe I have to create new scenes from the iPad, or just make a new scene on the home computer and use the iPad live. Any suggestions?

Great video! I'm new to the MR18 - is there a way to reset just a single channel to the default configuration?

Man, I need help with something. If I think of maybe replacing my audio interface with the xr18... or any other mixer... how does it work especially with DAW? All i want i get a way to get the "master bus" of my DAW to get sound (unaltered, as it is) outta my headphones so I can mix, and outta studio monitors. Is it okay to replace the audio interface, or should I keep it?

Do you have any information on the group assignment section you talked about in this video. Not really understanding the x and y. I am the worship leader at our church and normally do nothing with the sound system. I am on a single transmitter wireless mic and pack while the rest of the team are on a twin transmitter. Should we all be on X or does this even matter? Some of the songs have me at x or y while the rest of the vocalist are at Y. Thank you for any feedback.

I've got a question about setting gain structure. I've tried to follow the guideline to set the initial gain setting to average -18dBFS. In a practice setting (in multiple locations using both passive and active PA monitors) and in performance settings (again, both active and passive PA monitors), this has resulted in hot mics and feedback before getting the faders anywhere near performance levels. Our solution was to set the initial gain to around -35dBFS. Are there other considerations that would cause hot mics when setting the initial gain to -18dBFS?

Is it the Mixing Station or Mixing Station X Air app that I need? I see there are both in the Google Play store. There's also Mixing Station X Air Pro. Not sure which one I need to control an XR18 with an Android tablet.

Hey Alan, would I not want to adjust the gain with my faders being set to unity (in this case, -18dBFS) or leave them all the way down?

Do you have any information on setting up for in ear monitors and stage monitors. I am trying to figure out if each output can be custom tuned to each iem like say singer want to hear mostly her voice and drummer wants to hear mostly drums. would you use channel sends to output for each channel and adjust the volumes for that output. or am I needing additional hardware? I am new to didgital mixers. Its 2 iem for vacalists and 1 for the drummer. Everyone else are are old school and will be using stage monitors

I find that I need to use the noise gate on my vocalist microphone channel to help alleviate her feedback without the gate on I really struggle to get enough signal and avoid feedback

I'm having issues getting more than 2 channels to be seen by my DAW when I'm trying to record multitrack. Not sure what I'm doing wrong... any guesses? or suggestions?

Do you have to have Ethernet and the software to use it as an interface for something like fl studio?

How do you change the presets in the compressor to acoustic vs the kick snare bass and vocal presets, so far the only way I can do that is to copy a strip with acoustic and move that to a location I want to use. PITA

Hi there, if you could help with that it would mean so many things!!! I figured out how to send each track to the right auxiliary exit for monitoring while recording but I am unable to feed to those exits the stuff that I have recorded on my daw (on Cubase or so). I can send to the main out of the interface I can send to headphones but not to the 6 aux exits. Can you help me configuring that? What's the parameter that I am missing? A. I get to record and monitor that on my headphones on the auxiliary outs and the main outs B. I get to listen the recording on the headphones and the main outs C. But I can't figure out to listen what is played(not live but just played) on the auxiliary outs. It's like I feel that it's missing a main out channel in order to root it and send the signals accordingly. Please if anyone could help. I keep reading the manual and watching the vids but with not a good outcome!!! Again to anyone who read all that, thank you for your time and patience!!!

Alan! Does the xr12,16 or18 have to be connected to a router source to work or will it work if you already have everything preset to your liking?

We just got the Behringer XR 18.. How can we play to a click track and sequence in our in ear monitors without the click track coming out of the house speakers, but with the sequence coming out the house speakers?

Great videos but I can't keep up after about 5 or 6 minutes. I don't have the patience for this so I just want to sell my XR18 and never think about mixing live sound ever again. Buying this mixer and being in charge of the sound has taken all the enjoyment out of playing music.

I am looking to adjust my vocals on a channel using the compressor. I can't find the compressor section on my iPad connection to the XR18. I don't have the same screen shown in your video. Is there a plug-in I need to download? Thanks.

If two XR18’s are connected through the Ultranet port, will it make 36 channels?

Cant even get mine to access wi fi! Need instructions please

Would love to know... how can i hide unused channels? Is there a way?

👍🙏

I have a question, we recently acquired this mixer and when turned on without anything connected some channels appear saturated, did I get a faulty unit or is this normal until I plug something in?

What App are you using ?

How can I send a sub group mix of drums to another xr18?

I cannot find the things you’re showing on my iPad app.

Can I use gate on vocal mic 🎤

The -18 dBFS isn’t necessarily the right way. Behringer, on their channel says to raise it to a point where you get a strong signal without clipping on the loudest parts. -18 actually causes output to be too low when going to ultranet, -6 works much better overall and there is really no downside.

Lp