The X Air app is your complete interface to the XR18 mixer. Unlike the X32 which has a physical console with buttons and faders, the XR18’s entire control surface is the X Air app running on your tablet. Understanding how to configure and optimize the app makes you a more efficient operator and enables better training for volunteers.
Installing and Launching X Air
Search for “X Air” in the Apple App Store (for iPad) or Google Play (for Android tablets). Download the official Behringer application. The app is free and lightweight, requiring minimal storage space.
When you first launch X Air, it searches your network for any connected XR18 mixers. If your XR18 is on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad or connected via Ethernet, it will appear in the device list within a few seconds. Tap on your XR18 to connect.
If the XR18 doesn’t appear, verify that it’s powered on and connected to the network. Check that your tablet is on the same network (same Wi-Fi SSID). If still not connecting, restart the app and try again.
The Main Mixing View
Once connected, X Air displays the main mixing interface. You see 16 channel faders arranged vertically on the screen. Below each fader is the channel name. Above the fader are the channel meters showing signal levels in real-time.
At the bottom of the screen is the main output section showing your master L/R faders and metering. The interface is clean and organized, resembling a digital mixing console. Everything you need for basic mixing is visible on one screen.
Swipe left and right to access additional functions. You can reach the effects section, routing controls, EQ adjustments, and other advanced parameters without leaving the main view.
Setting Channel Names
Clear channel naming is essential, especially when volunteers operate the mixer. Tap on a channel name to edit it. Instead of “Input 1,” name it “Lead Vocal.” Instead of “Input 3,” name it “Kick Drum.” When you have 16 channels, naming makes navigation obvious.
Channel names persist across sessions and are saved with scenes, so once you’ve named everything, you don’t need to repeat the process.
Managing Levels and Meters
Each channel has a meter showing the input level in real-time. As you speak into a microphone or play an instrument, you should see the meter move. Aim for peaks at -12 dB to -6 dB on the input meter, indicating proper gain staging.
Adjust the channel’s gain (preamp) by accessing the channel’s detailed view. Tap on the channel name or a specific area to open the full channel editor. Here you see the preamp gain control and can adjust it. Set the gain so that typical peaks sit in the right zone.
The main output meters show your final mix level heading to the speakers. Peaks should sit around -12 dB as well. If they’re consistently louder, reduce the main faders. If they’re always quiet, the XR18’s gain staging might need adjustment.
Creating Custom Layouts for Volunteers
One powerful feature of X Air is the ability to create custom layouts. Instead of showing all 16 channels with full controls, you can create a simplified layout showing only specific channels and controls relevant to a particular operator.
Your primary engineer might need all 16 channels visible with full EQ and effects controls. But a volunteer operator might only need faders for channels 1-8 (the main instruments) with minimal additional controls. X Air allows you to configure these different views.
From the app’s settings or view configuration menu, you can set up custom layouts and switch between them. Create a “Volunteer Mixing” layout with only the channels they’ll adjust. Create an “Engineer” layout with all parameters visible. Volunteers load the app and select their simplified layout, preventing accidental adjustment of parameters they shouldn’t touch.
Effects and Signal Processing
Swipe to the effects section to access reverb, delay, compression, and other processing. The XR18 has the same excellent effects engine as the X32, providing professional audio enhancement.
For worship applications, a subtle reverb on the vocals and a touch of delay on the lead instrument is typical. Configure these during your rehearsal and save them with your scene. Then every Sunday you load the scene and the effects are already dialed in.
Avoid over-processing. The XR18’s effects sound great, but subtle application is more professional than heavy processing. Save your effects settings as part of your scene for consistency.
Routing and Mixing Flexibility
X Air allows you to configure complex routing without a physical mixing surface. You can route individual channels to different outputs, create subgroups, and set up monitoring mixes using auxiliary buses.
For most churches, basic routing is sufficient: all channels go to the main output, and perhaps one auxiliary bus is set up for stage monitors. Explore advanced routing once you’re comfortable with basic operations.
Scene Management in the App
The X Air app integrates with the XR18’s scene system. You can save, load, and manage scenes directly from the app. After you’ve set up your levels and configured effects, save a scene called “Sunday Worship Service.” Next week, load that scene and you’re 90% ready to mix.
Like the X32, you can create multiple scenes for different service elements. The process is identical through the app as it would be on a physical console.
Meters and Monitoring
The app provides detailed metering throughout. Channel input meters, bus meters, main output meters—all visible and updating in real-time. This level of metering is essential for professional audio. You can see at a glance whether audio is flowing correctly and at appropriate levels.
Some churches display this app on a monitor visible from the mixer operator’s position, so they have a large view of the metering. Others operate from an iPad at their lap position. Either works.
App Optimization and Performance
Keep your iPad or Android tablet updated to the latest OS version. X Air works smoothly on modern tablets but might experience lag on older devices. If you’re experiencing slow response, close other apps, restart the tablet, or consider upgrading to newer hardware.
A strong network connection is essential. If you’re using Wi-Fi, position the tablet close to the access point. If the tablet is too far from the router, latency increases and the mixing experience suffers. For critical applications, use Ethernet with an adapter if your tablet supports it.
Multi-Device Operation
Multiple tablets can connect to the same XR18 simultaneously. Your primary operator uses one iPad, your streaming engineer uses another tablet, both controlling the same mixer. Changes one person makes appear instantly on the other device’s screen.
This multi-user capability is powerful but requires clear communication. Establish who controls what so there’s no confusion about who’s adjusting which parameters.
Security and Access Control
To prevent unauthorized operation, set a password for the XR18. Go to network settings on the mixer or in the app, and enable password protection. Now when someone launches X Air, they must enter the password before connecting. Only authorized engineers know the password.
You can also restrict access by MAC address (the network hardware ID of your tablet), limiting connections to specific devices.
First-Time App Walkthrough
Your first time in X Air: Connect to the XR18. Name all 16 channels appropriately. Do a sound check, setting gain for each channel so peaks sit at -12 dB. Do a test mix, adjusting faders to balance your worship set. Save this as your first scene. Export a backup (this happens on the XR18 itself, not in the app).
The X Air app becomes second nature quickly. The touch interface is intuitive, and most volunteers pick it up faster than they would a physical console with dozens of buttons.
Expanding Your App Knowledge
Once comfortable with basics, explore the app’s advanced features. Create custom layouts for different operators. Set up effects sends and returns for more sophisticated processing. Configure auxiliary buses for monitor mixing. These advanced features open up professional-level mixing possibilities while remaining accessible to church volunteers.
The X Air app is deceptively simple-looking but genuinely powerful. It provides everything a professional audio engineer needs, all accessible through a tablet interface. That’s why the XR18 has become so popular in churches, schools, and small venues worldwide.