In the realm of digital mixing consoles, the Soundcraft Ui16 and the Behringer XR16 stand out as powerful competitors, each offering unique features tailored to different mixing needs. Whether you're a live sound engineer, studio producer, or streaming enthusiast, choosing the right console can enhance your audio quality and workflow efficiency.

In Short:

• Feedback Suppression: Ui16 has built-in dbx AFS2 feedback suppression, XR16 does not.
• Preamps: XR16 features low-noise Midas-designed preamps, while Ui16 has standard preamps.
• User Interface: Ui16 has a more stable, responsive and user friendly UI than XR16.

You want better control over your mix with minimal gear, and you're considering switching to a digital console, hesitating between the UI16 and the XR16?

That's understandable, as their basic features are very similar:

• 16 analog inputs with a mix of XLR and Jacks
• 4 aux outputs (for monitors) plus Main L/R output
• Gate, 4 bands EQ and compressor on each input
• 2 Hi-Z inputs, which allow you to connect an electric or acoustic guitar or bass directly without the need of a D.I. box
• Remote control via WiFi or wired network
• Built-in effects like EQ, compression, reverb, and delays
• Real Time Frequency Analyzer (RTA)
• Snapshot / Recall of all the settings
• USB recording your mix
• Compact, rack-mountable and durable

This article will dive deep into control and interface, I/O, audio processing and effects, scalability and connectivity, and build and format of both mixers. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which console best fits your needs.

Note that the Behringer XR16 is about 30% cheaper than the Soundcraft UI16. The XR18 offers more features at a price closer to the UI16, but the Soundcraft has certain advantages that might sway your decision.

Main I/O characteristics

Here are the key Differences in I/O:

Soundcraft Ui16 advantages

• Lexicon, dbx, and Digitech effects and processing. 4 Lexicon FX can be used: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, plus another Reverb or Delay.
• A very effective built-in dbx AFS2 feedback suppression
• Wi-Fi hotspot and an integrated HTML5-based interface, so you can control it via any web browser (no need for apps).
• 16 inputs with 8 XLR, 4 combo jacks, 2 Hi-Z instrument inputs, 1 stereo RCA
• HDMI output + keyboard and mouse inputs to interact locally with the mixer
• DigiTech’s amp and cabinets modelling on the Two Hi-Z inputs.

Behringer XR16 advantages

• 16 inputs with 8 XLR and 8 combo jacks, if you prefer combo jacks
• Midas-designed preamps for better sound quality.
• More built-in effects (Behringer’s X Air FX Rack with 4 stereo effects processors).
• Lighter and more portable.
• MIDI connectivity

Why should you choose the Soundcraft Ui16?

• Everyone who has tried the dbx automatic feedback suppression has only positive things to say about it, and it saves a lot of time during soundcheck.
• The Soundcraft's Wi-Fi seems much more stable than the Behringer's and accepts more connected devices, according to users. However, for both consoles, adding an external 5GHz Wi-Fi router is recommended.
• The control interface works very well in any browser and on phones. No need to install an app. It is therefore possible to use multiple large screens to have different views on the mix. Up to 10 users can connect, where as the XR16 seems to be limited to 4. The reviews for the Behringer MX-Mix apps are really really bad on the Apple Store...
• The 'MOREME' app feature is great to easily increase you own sound on your monitor, with a simplified interface.

Why should you buy the Beheringer XR16?

• According to users, Midas pre-amps seem to add less noise than Soundcraft when driven full with low-sensitivity microphones, and they are better suited for acoustic sets.
• MIDI connectivity is a plus if you want to automate certain mix parameters via an external controller or a PC. The main parameters are controllable via MIDI CC and snapshots can be loaded via MIDI PC. The OSC protocol is also supported.
• If you have the need for more onboard audio FX (and know how to use them): studio-grade effects like reverb, delay, chorus, compression, and EQ, all modeled after iconic gear (e.g., LA-2A, 1176LN, Fairchild 670, Pultec EQs, Lexicon 480L, EMT250, Sonic Maximizer, SPL 1219 De-esser).

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

The choice between these two digital mixers is not easy. The Soundcraft seems to have fewer features but aligns well with a small rock/pop group's needs. The Behringer has additional features for power users, but some are unnecessary.

• Choose Soundcraft Ui16 if you want easier, app-free control, automatic feedback suppression, and Lexicon/dbx effects and Digitec amp simulation for guitars.
• Choose Behringer XR16 if you need less noisy Midas preamps, more sound effects, and if you can live with no anti-larsen feature.

Both of these mixers are also supported by the excellent 'Mixing Station' app, if you want to enhance and further customize your workflow. The Soundcraft does not have MIDI control, but some have developed programs to remotely automate certain parameters: https://github.com/fmalcher/soundcraft-ui

If you want to support the blog, please consider buying with the links below:

• Behringer X-Air XR16 on Thomann ⭐
• Behringer X-Air XR16 on Amazon ⭐
• Soundcraft Ui16 on Thomann ⭐
• Soundcraft Ui16 on Amazon ⭐