XR18

On this page I would like to share my experiences with the Behringer XR18 that I have been using since 2017.

In Facebook groups you can read a lot about how the xr18 can be controlled and what problems this entails.

I am a sound engineer at the Chrismas experience and pop choir Multivocaal. Both have their own sound system but are virtually identical. Performances take place in small halls, outdoors at Christmas markets and in medium-sized theaters.

The setup is as follows:

I use as a base:

• tp link wifi router. This is set as a DHCP server.
• xr18. Network set to dhcp client. For ethernet/lan this setting is default
• 20/50 meter cat5 utp cable on reel
• laptop with x air edit from Behringer (both Linux or Windows 11)
   

As an extra in the theaters:

• extra screen for the laptop
• xtouch
• small router

Construction

The XR18 and the WiFi router are built into a cabinet and connected with a UTP cable.

The laptop, which is located behind or among the audience, is connected from the router with the UTP cable on a reel. (control table) The WiFi is turned off on the laptop.

NEVER use WiFi during a live performance, but ALWAYS use a UTP connection. So a tablet is out of the question to use as a 'main' control panel.

I only do use the iPad, for example, to adjust the monitors during the sound check.

In theaters the UTP cable does not go directly into the laptop but into a small router on the director's table. The laptop and possibly the xtouch go in here. Handy if you want to operate multiple sliders at the same time. I therefore provide the laptop with a larger 22" screen. This makes it possible to control the DCA, the buses and RTA utility without overlap of the main screen.

This way I never have connection problems.

Schematically it looks like this.

Image

For the pop choir I made a mobile cabinet in which the xr18 and the router are built in, as well as a Bluetooth receiver and 2 monitor boxes. The xr18 can be used as a Bluetooth box during rehearsals.