X18 Air

The Behringer X18 Air (also referred to as the X Air X18) is an 18-channel, 12-bus digital mixer designed for iPad and Android tablet control, featuring 16 Midas-designed mic preamps, integrated Wi-Fi, and a USB audio interface. It’s a compact desktop unit aimed at live sound and studio applications, offering remote mixing capabilities and a robust feature set at a budget-friendly price. Below is a detailed review based on its features, performance, and user feedback.

Behringer X18 Air Review

Build and Design
Audio Quality and Preamps
- Equipped with 16 Midas-designed mic preamps, delivering clear, warm sound with low noise and high headroom, on par with the X32 series.
- 40-bit floating-point DSP ensures low latency and high dynamic range, with users noting it handles vocals, drums, and guitars with clarity.
- Some users compare the preamps favorably to higher-end Midas designs, though a few mention a slight harshness in the upper mids compared to premium consoles.
- Headphone output can introduce noise with sensitive IEMs, a recurring issue across Behringer’s X Air series; an external headphone amp is often recommended.
I/O and Connectivity
- 16 XLR/TRS combo inputs, 2 additional 1/4″ hi-Z inputs (channels 17/18), 2 XLR main outputs, 6 XLR aux outputs, and RCA in/out for versatile connectivity.
- 18×18 USB audio interface for direct multitrack recording to a DAW, with reliable performance on macOS and Windows (requires driver installation).
- Integrated tri-mode Wi-Fi (Access Point, Client, or Ethernet) allows wireless control without an external router, though some users report dropouts in crowded Wi-Fi environments.
- Ultranet port for integration with Behringer P16-M personal monitor mixers, and MIDI in/out for external control or DAW integration (supports Mackie Control protocol with firmware updates).
- Limitation: Only 4 effects slots can be used simultaneously, which may constrain complex live setups; expanding outputs requires additional hardware like the Midas DN4816-O.
Processing and Effects
- Features 4 stereo effects slots with 41 algorithms, including emulations of classic gear like Lexicon reverbs, Teletronix LA-2A, and dbx 160 compressors, inherited from the X32.
- Each of the 18 input channels includes a 4-band parametric EQ, gate, compressor, and low-cut filter; buses (6 aux, main LR) offer 6-band parametric or 31-band graphic EQ.
- 100-band Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) on all channels and bus EQs, with full-screen and overlay views, praised for precise frequency adjustments.
- Dugan-style auto-mixing for gain-sharing on multiple mics, useful for conferences or live events with multiple speakers.
- Drawback: Effects routing can be less intuitive, and some users find the guitar amp simulator underwhelming compared to software like Amplitube.
Routing and Workflow
- Fully app-controlled via the free X Air app (iOS, Android, PC/Mac/Linux), allowing remote mixing from anywhere in the venue—ideal for tweaking FOH or monitor mixes on the fly.
- X Air Edit software for PC provides a larger interface for detailed routing and effects editing, with drag-and-drop functionality for scenes and presets.
- Flexible routing lets you assign any input to any channel or bus, with storable preamp settings for quick recall, a feature users find invaluable for multi-user setups.
- Many users recommend third-party apps like Mixing Station for a more responsive and customizable interface, as the native X Air app can crash or freeze in demanding situations.
- Critique: Wi-Fi connectivity can be unreliable in busy environments; a separate router (e.g., Apple Airport Express) is often suggested for stability.
Value and Reliability
- Priced around $539 (with discounts as low as $431 at some retailers), offering exceptional value for an 18-channel digital mixer with Midas preamps and wireless control.
- Users frequently call it a “game-changer” for small bands, churches, and studios on a budget, with features rivaling mixers costing twice as much.
- Mixed reliability feedback: many report years of trouble-free use (some units running since 2015), but others mention issues like Wi-Fi failures or firmware update challenges.
- Warranty is 1 year standard, extendable to 3 years with registration—a point of frustration for some who missed the registration window.
- Some concerns about long-term support, as the X18 may be discontinued, and Behringer’s customer service has received criticism for slow responses.
User Experience

Summary

The Behringer X18 Air is a powerful, budget-friendly digital mixer that brings professional-grade features to small venues, studios, and live bands. Its 16 Midas preamps, 18×18 USB interface, and wireless control via integrated Wi-Fi make it a versatile choice for both live and studio applications. The 4 stereo effects slots, 100-band RTA, and auto-mixing capabilities add significant value, while the app-based control offers unmatched mobility. However, the lack of physical controls, occasional Wi-Fi issues, and limited effects slots may require workarounds like external controllers or routers. Despite some reliability concerns, the X18 Air remains a top pick for budget-conscious users needing a compact, feature-rich mixer, delivering impressive sound quality and flexibility for the price.