Behringer X AIR XR16

Overview

The BEHRINGER X32 revolutionized the digital mixer landscape, and that same groundbreaking technology is now integrated into the compact, powerful, and rack-mountable X AIR XR16. This mixer is designed to transform both recording and live performance workflows.

The XR16 is a 16-input portable/rack-mountable mixer ideal for live and studio applications. It features 8 award-winning MIDAS-designed mic preamps, an integrated WiFi module for wireless control, and USB connectivity for file storage and stereo recordings. Rack ears and protective bumpers are included for versatile deployment.

The freedom to control all mixing parameters remotely via free iOS and PC apps allows for precise sound adjustment from anywhere in the venue or studio. Advanced engineering and meticulous design deliver exceptional sonic performance at an accessible price point.

Key Features

• iPad*/Android* tablet controlled 16-input digital mixer for studio and live applications.
• 8 award-winning MIDAS-designed, fully programmable mic preamps for audiophile sound quality.
• Built-in Tri-Mode WiFi router for direct operation, eliminating the need for external routers.
• Revolutionary Dugan* Auto-Mixing technology for automatic microphone gain sharing (future firmware).
• USB connector for file storage or uncompressed stereo WAV recording and playback.
• Award-winning X32 effects rack with 4 stereo FX slots, featuring high-end simulations like Lexicon 480L*, PCM70*, EMT250*, and Quantec QRS*.
• 100-band Real Time Analyzer (RTA) for all channel and bus EQs.
• Rack ears and protection bumpers included for flexible rack and onstage applications.
• 4 aux and main LR buses with inserts, full dynamics processing, and 6-band parametric or 31-band graphic EQ.
• 4 XLR aux outputs and 2 XLR main outputs plus a phones connector.
• 40-Bit floating-point DSP provides "unlimited" dynamic range with no internal overload and near-zero overall latency.

Connectivity and Control

• Free iOS, Android, and PC/Mac*/Linux* apps for remote operation via Ethernet, LAN, or WiFi ?.
• MIDI In/Out ?️ for controlling the mixer via MIDI equipment, including Mackie Control* protocol.
• Future firmware updates and FX "Plug Ins" are downloadable free of charge from behringer.com.
• Internal switch-mode power supply for noise-free audio and low power consumption.
• 3-Year Warranty Program**.
• Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany.

MIDAS – The Legend in Sound Quality

Since its formation in the 1970s, MIDAS has been a leader in audio mixing console innovation. Their consoles, like the XL4 and Heritage H3000, became industry standards. MIDAS is renowned for its uncompromising approach to audio and build quality, particularly its award-winning mic preamps, considered the best sounding by industry experts. The XL8 and PRO Series continue this legacy. BEHRINGER proudly incorporates MIDAS-designed mic preamps into the XR16 for high-quality audio reproduction in both live and studio environments. Learn more about MIDAS' legacy at their website.

Built-In Tri-Mode WiFi Router

The XR16 features an integrated WiFi module for direct control without external routers. This allows freedom to move around the venue and adjust mixes from any position, including artist monitor wedges or personal IEMs.

1. Access Point: Connects up to 4 clients directly (iPad, Android, laptop) for quick setup.
2. WiFi Client: Joins an existing wireless network.
3. Wired Connection: Connects directly to a PC, LAN, or dedicated WiFi router for extended range or 5 GHz applications.

USB Connectivity and Stereo Recording ?

The front panel USB type-A connector enables recording live stereo tracks directly to USB flash media or hard drives. It allows for dialing in the perfect live mix with effects and zero-latency, while simultaneously sending a dedicated stereo mix for recording or playing background music.

Revolutionary Auto-Mixing

For applications with multiple microphones (e.g., panel discussions, press conferences), the XR16's X AIR Gain Sharing technology, based on the Dan Dugan automix system, automatically manages microphone gain. It controls levels in real-time without gating artifacts, reducing feedback, noise, and comb filtering issues, ensuring a consistent system gain structure even with multiple speakers.

4 Onboard X32 Effects Engines

Equipped with the same FX engines as the X32 console, the XR16's virtual FX Rack offers four true-stereo (8 mono) multi-effects processors. These include delay, chorus, and dynamics, plus production-quality, true-stereo reverbs. Effects simulations include models inspired by Lexicon 480L, PCM70, EMT250, and Quantec QRS. Onboard processing offloads heavy lifting from computers, providing a full studio of FX without additional hardware.

High-End FX Racks

The XR16 emulates several legendary audio processors:

• LEISURE COMPRESSOR: Modeled after the Teletronix LA-2A, providing smooth, natural, and musical optical compression.
• ULTIMO COMPRESSOR: A digital reincarnation of the Urei 1176LN, capturing the character of its Class-A output stage and FET's fast attack.
• FAIR COMPRESSOR: Modeled after the Fairchild 670, offering rich coloration and dual/stereo-linked/M/S operation.
• COMBINATOR: A 5-band compressor with automatic parameter control and Spectral Balance Control (SBC) for balanced audio spectrums, emulating broadcasting and mastering compressors.
• XTEC EQ1: Emulates the Pultec EQP-1a passive studio equalizer, meticulously modeling its sound, transformers, and tube output stage.
• XTEC EQ5: A mid-range focused parametric equalizer digitally rebuilt from the Pultec MEQ5.
• SUB OCTAVER: Generates sub-harmonics one or two octaves below the input signal, adjustable for various tracking applications.
• EDISON EX1: Manipulates the stereo field, offering selectable Mono or Stereo I/O modes for processing mono/stereo sound sources, inspired by the BEHRINGER EDISON.
• SOUND MAXER: Restores natural brilliance and clarity by adjusting phase and amplitude integrity, inspired by the Sonic Maximizer 482i.
• DIMENSIONAL CHORUS: Emulates the "best analog Chorus unit ever created" (Roland Dimension D Chorus), offering "space" and "dimension" effects.
• MODULATION DELAY: Combines true-stereo delay, lush chorus, and three reverb models (Ambience, Club, Hall).
• ENHANCERS/EXCITERS: Tools for emphasizing bass, midrange, and treble, or increasing presence and intelligibility.
• STEREO TruEQ: Delivers precise frequency response, modeled after the BEHRINGER UltraCurve DEQ2496, usable as graphic EQs on buses or inserted into channels.
• VINTAGE ROOM: An algorithmic reverb modeling sound propagation and room resonances, inspired by the Quantec QRS*.
• PLATE REVERB: Emulates plate reverb characteristics with damping, modulation, and crossover controls, inspired by the Lexicon PCM70*.
• 3-TAP DELAY: Provides user-definable echo periods and repeats, with linked tap-timing for stereo and triple delay effects.
• HALL REVERB: Offers a broad spectrum of reverberation, from small rooms to cavernous spaces, inspired by the Lexicon 480L*.
• FLANGER & DELAY: A combined effect blending flanger and delay for "whoosh" sounds and classic delay.
• WAVE DESIGNER: Adjusts signal transients and dynamics (attack, sustain) for enhanced impact.
• STEREO PRECISION LIMITER: Sets precise volume limits to prevent clipping and ensure optimal signal integrity.
• DE-ESSER: Reduces sibilance in vocals while preserving natural voice timbre.
• VINTAGE REVERB: Delivers bright reverb, inspired by the EMT250 Plate Reverb.
• CHORUS & CHAMBER: Combines chorus shimmer with the sound of a traditional chamber reverb, inspired by the Lexicon PCM70*.

100-Band RTA and Uncompromised Channel Processing

The XR16 includes a high-resolution 100-band Real Time Analyzer (RTA) with Bar and Spectrograph views, displaying audio energy distribution across 100 frequency bands over time. The RTA can be viewed full-screen or combined with channel/bus EQ curves, and can also be displayed on 31-band graphic EQs.

Each input channel features Low-Cut, 4-band fully parametric EQ, and Gate/Compressor dynamics, mirroring the X32. Users can choose between 'Expert' mode for detailed control or 'Simple' mode with presets. The 40-Bit floating-point DSP ensures virtually unlimited dynamic range with no internal overload and near-zero latency. The Main L/R bus and 6 Aux buses also support inserts, dynamics, and EQ, with 100-band RTAs available.

MIDI and Software Control

The physical MIDI I/O port allows connection of external MIDI controllers (e.g., X-TOUCH, B-CONTROL) for dynamic control of channel level, muting, and panorama. The XR16 supports the Mackie Control protocol for comprehensive remote editing.

BEHRINGER provides dedicated apps for iOS*, Android*, PC/Mac*, and Linux* for optimized remote control experiences.

• X AIR EDIT (PC/Mac/Linux): Free software for remote control via Ethernet (Cat 5 cable, up to 100m). Allows detailed control and scaling of app windows on a larger computer screen.
• X AIR for iPad: Free app for iPad, connecting via Access Point mode. Allows full adjustment of mixer settings, saving scenes, and loading presets with drag 'n' drop functionality. Available on the Apple App Store ?.
• X AIR for Android: Free app for Android devices (4.0+), usable in full access mixing mode or for personal monitor mixes. Provides control over channel processing, RTA overlay, effects, and scene management. Available on androidapps.com ▶️.

Compose, Record, Mix, Share with Tracktion

Tracktion is a fast and easy Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for composing, recording, editing, and mixing. It features a single-screen interface, dynamic automation, unlimited tracks, MIDI recording, and VST/AU plug-in support. Registering the XR16 mixer at behringer.com rewards users with a complimentary download code for Tracktion 4 or a 50% discount on Tracktion 5.

Learn more at tracktion.com.

Stunning Performance – Superb Value

The XR16 is the result of a collaboration between MIDAS (engineering), KLARK TEKNIK (signal processing), and BEHRINGER (value proposition), aiming to deliver technically advanced audio products for professionals.

You Are Covered

BEHRINGER products are manufactured in their own factory using state-of-the-art automation and quality assurance. The XR16 is backed by a generous 3-Year Warranty program, reflecting confidence in its low product failure rates.

Warranty details can be found at music-group.com.

Physical Description

The XR16 is a compact, rack-mountable digital mixer. The front panel features 16 input channels (some with HI-Z ⚡), 4 XLR aux outputs, 2 XLR main outputs, and a headphone jack. Indicators for REMOTE, WIFI ?, CLIENT, ACCESS POINT, MIDI ?️ IN/OUT, and USB ? are present, along with a power button.

The rear panel includes the AC/POWER input.

Service and Support

For service, support, or more information, contact the BEHRINGER location nearest you:

• Europe: MUSIC Group Services UK, Tel: +44 156 273 2290, Email: CARE@music-group.com
• USA/Canada: MUSIC Group Services NV Inc., Tel: +1 702 800 8290, Email: CARE@music-group.com
• Japan: MUSIC Group Services JP K.K., Tel.: +81 3 6231 0454, Email: CARE@music-group.com

MUSIC Group accepts no liability for loss arising from reliance on the information provided. Technical specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © MUSIC Group IP Ltd. 2015. All rights reserved.