<<< I am interested in working with a digital mixer. I did some cursory review and found the Behringer XR12 digital mixer. Looks like it could handle all my mixing requirements now and into the future. Additionally it can record 2 tracks (1 for my backing tracks, 1 for my guitar). Pretty amazing for only $300.

Any experience with digital mixers? >> Yes...

Yes. The Behringer XR series are excellent choices if you understand all that they offer in features. They are literally feature laden. Great if you understand mixing but can be a minefield if you don't. There is a bit of a learning curve. There are a lot of YouTube tutorials to help you learn and once you have even a basic understanding they are truly amazing units for the cost.


Similar to the BIAB program software, all of the Behringer XR and X series share a similar core of the operating software and each are modified to accommodate the unit's inputs/outputs and routing for the most part. The operating software is based off of Behringer's flagship digital mixer, the X32. Once you've learned to operate one of the units, you can navigate your way around any of the series. Add an accessory such as the Behringer X-touch and even the base XR12 unit will be a very capable equivalent to much costlier digital stand alone mixers like a Presonus 16.0.2.

Pros to the XR series is the unit works as a stage box while the operator remotely controls the unit from an Ipad, Android, X-touch or computer. There are no control knobs on the device for someone to inadvertently get the mixer settings fouled up.

A stereo mix of the gig can be recorded onto a thumb drive.

The unit has the features to provide great sound in nearly any environment.

The unit is small, lite and set up is fast and easy.

The unit can be programmed ahead of time, scenes saved for future use if you play the same venue or similar.

There is a lot of document, tutorial and video available to quickly learn how to operate the device and learn all the features and what they are and do.

Cons are that to control the device wirelessly at a gig will almost certainly require the addition of a separate and external router.

You are likely purchasing features you will never need or use.

There are a lot of menu pages and navigation that are not an issue once you are familiar with the device but can be quite troublesome until you are comfortable with the unit.

It is essentially a computer system that can crash unexpectedly just as any computer system is subject to. Communication between the device and remote can be tricky to set up and to maintain a solid connection. You may be at a gig and have to constantly reboot your wireless connection between the device and Ipad/Android Remote. You have no control over the device if you lose your wireless connection....

Your personal setup may require separate devices to playback your tracks and remotely control the device. More stuff to set up and break down.


If your budget allows, the Behringer XR18 is so much worth the additional $200US cost for the additional input/outputs and routing features that become available as well as the 18/18 USB audio interface it has.


If your budget allows the $500 range, you should also consider actual digital, digital hybrid mixers in that cost range. I specifically recommend the Zoom Livetrack 12 or Soundcraft Signature 10 or Signature 12 mixers,the Presonus AR mixers or the Behringer/Mackie/Yamaha series mixers with USB and Effects. I recommend these mixers in the order I've listed them with the Zoom as the unit I would prefer first.


From the way I interpret your gig setup, I think you will get the most bang for your dollar and the most satisfaction from a mixer like the Zoom over any of the Behringer XR devices.

BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.