I see the wording across the top of that vid uses the word "multichannel" which is not in the online text.
As for the difference between the X18 and this 1604 you don't need to buy a tablet, you have physical controls which I like but I agree as far as software is concerned the X18 is a better deal. I'm looking at something to replace my dead Akai DPS16 for live remote recording.
If I already had an iPad, fine but I don't so that's another $3-500 depending.
Bob
Also don't overlook that x- series Behringer mixers, x-air 18, xr12,xr16 and xr18 can now be controlled by the Behringer X-touch, x-touch compact as well as the Behringer BCR2000, BCF2000 and even the x-touch compact.... The X32 mixers have a controller built in.
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
I got the UFX1604 for live gigs as well as it was a pain with laptops. I actually just bought another UXF1604 so now I could do up to 32ch to USB at once.
That's $1,200 investment. Another $700 gets you an X32 that is a single unit 32/32 interface, 40 inputs and 16 outputs, motorized faders, Add the new 32/32 expansion card and you can record 32 channels w/o a computer, send 32 to DAW if you have one, Record a stereo track for whatever reason all the while running FOH at the live show w/ 16 monitors. BTW, here locally, there are two on Craig's List for $1,500 -- only a $300 upgrade.
That's $1,200 investment. Another $700 gets you an X32 that is a single unit 32/32 interface, 40 inputs and 16 outputs, motorized faders, Add the new 32/32 expansion card and you can record 32 channels w/o a computer, send 32 to DAW if you have one, Record a stereo track for whatever reason all the while running FOH at the live show w/ 16 monitors. BTW, here locally, there are two on Craig's List for $1,500 -- only a $300 upgrade.
I got 2 for different gigs at the same time, so the band only has to press one button on the mixer start/stop a no brainer. Now I don't have to go and record them with the laptop. The only drawback is no midi for keys or drums.
Where's it end ? You just need to make sure you store 'em in a cool dry place .
Well that makes sense to have two. I was on the fence between the Behringer UFX1604 and a Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK but fell into a situation where I got a great deal on a Behringer X32 console. It's great for capturing audio and has a lot of similarities with a DAW in its IOS but lacks editing capabilities. You can now get an expansion card that is a one button 32 channel record to a HDD/Flash drive. The USB to DAW port is still available so if it remains active, you can route 32 to a DAW and record 32 to a HDD for backup. Not much info available about it yet but that would be cool if it does.
The Presonus Studiolive AR16 is a digital/analog hybrid with SD multitrack recording also looks promising.
Just to get Valenter back on original topic. For starting out you most likely won't need to record more than 1 or 2 tracks at one time. And, I don't know of any entry level audio recording interface that won't do that. If you get one that also performs midi in and out you'd be set for quite a while. The USB mixers that I know of don't have midi in/out. I'm getting good recordings and flexibility with playback and monitoring with a Behringer UMC204HD. It's audio/monitor outputs are connected to my Yamaha 12 channel mixer but the mixer is there to serve multiple purposes for me.
As you progress you may need to record a live drum set which usually takes at least 5 mics and 5 channels to 5 separate tracks. That would require a much more expensive interface like the Pipeline and Charlie are talking about.
I was just thinking that since you already have a soundcard, the Xonar, which probably has great ad/da converters and other options, that you could connect a mixer with phantom power and decent monitor routing to it.
But, ideally I think you'd be better off with a decent audio recording interface.
This is what I love, one button Rec/Stop, no PC, no Laptop, no Me up all night recording gigs, I just get the stick the next day and drag 'em straight into RealBand. I can add realtracks to the live set by first ACWing the drum track to get a tempo map, then drag the other tracks in.
...... For starting out you most likely won't need to record more than 1 or 2 tracks at one time. And, I don't know of any entry level audio recording interface that won't do that. If you get one that also performs midi in and out you'd be set for quite a while.
DITTO
I have the same interface that I started with many years back. Focusrite Saffire. 2 channels. Never needed more than those 2 and 99% of the time, a single channel sufficed.
Having a midi input on the interface is nice.... but not totally necessary.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
This is what I love, one button Rec/Stop, no PC, no Laptop, no Me up all night recording gigs, I just get the stick the next day and drag 'em straight into RealBand. I can add realtracks to the live set by first ACWing the drum track to get a tempo map, then drag the other tracks in.
...... For starting out you most likely won't need to record more than 1 or 2 tracks at one time. And, I don't know of any entry level audio recording interface that won't do that. If you get one that also performs midi in and out you'd be set for quite a while.
DITTO
I have the same interface that I started with many years back. Focusrite Saffire. 2 channels. Never needed more than those 2 and 99% of the time, a single channel sufficed.
Having a midi input on the interface is nice.... but not totally necessary.
Especially now that most MIDI inputs/outputs are USB. For those that are not there are inexpensive 5-pin MIDI to USB adapters.
OK, a random thought; Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.