Lessons from the XR18, X32, and Wing
If you’ve spent any time around live sound engineers, you’ve probably heard the debate: digital vs. analog mixing. Some swear by the warmth and simplicity of analog desks, while others won’t run a show without scenes, snapshots, and remote control.
After mixing dozens of shows on analog boards and digital consoles like the XR18, X32, and Wing, I’ve learned that the “right” mixer depends less on ideology and more on venue size, workflow, and real-world demands. This guide breaks down how analog and digital mixers actually perform in small venues — bars, churches, rehearsal spaces, and portable gig rigs — based on hands-on experience, not spec sheets.
What Makes an Analog Mixer Appealing?
Quick Summary
For most small venues, digital mixers offer faster setup, recallable scenes, and built-in processing that analog mixers can’t match. Analog mixers remain useful for extremely simple setups, but digital platforms like the XR18 and X32 dominate modern small-venue workflows.
Analog mixers are still loved for one big reason: simplicity.
Each channel has a dedicated knob or fader, signal flow is easy to visualize, and what you see is exactly what you get. For beginners learning gain staging, EQ, and routing, analog consoles can be an excellent teaching tool. Many engineers also describe analog boards as having a warm, natural sound, especially when pushed hard in live environments.
Analog mixers are typically:
- Less expensive up front
- More intuitive for new users
- Less dependent on software or firmware
That said, analog desks come with real limitations. There’s no built-in scene recall, and effects like reverb or compression require external hardware. Input counts are limited, setups take more physical space, and repeating the same show night after night means starting from scratch every time. For multi-band bills or venues with rotating engineers, analog quickly becomes inefficient.
Why Digital Mixers Dominate Small Venues Today
Digital mixers convert incoming audio to digital, process it internally, and convert it back to analog at the outputs. That design unlocks features that simply aren’t practical in analog rigs.
Modern digital mixers offer:
- Built-in EQ, compression, gates, and effects on every channel
- Scene and snapshot recall for fast changeovers
- Remote mixing from tablets or laptops
- Compact footprints with high channel counts
- Integrated multitrack recording
For small venues, this means less gear, faster setup, and more consistent results. Once scenes are dialed in, even inexperienced operators can run shows reliably.
The downsides are real, though. Digital mixers have a learning curve, and menu-driven interfaces can slow you down until you’re comfortable. Some engineers still prefer the saturation and feel of analog, and yes — digital systems rely on software. When something crashes, everything stops.
Analog vs. Digital Mixers at a Glance
| Feature | Analog Mixers | Digital Mixers |
|---|
| Setup Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Scene Recall | No | Yes |
| Built-in Processing | Requires External gear | Included |
| Learning Curve | Lower | Moderate |
| Portability | Larger footprint | Compact options |
| Workflow Consistency | Manual | Repeatable |
Real-World Mixer Comparisons
XR18: Portable Power for Small Rooms
The XR18 is an 18-input digital stagebox with built-in Wi-Fi, multitrack USB recording, and four FX slots. There are no physical faders — everything is controlled remotely.
For small clubs, rehearsal spaces, and churches, the XR18 excels because:
- The mixer stays on stage with short cable runs
- Scenes can be recalled instantly
- Multitrack recording is built in
The ability to record multitrack audio with the XR18 makes it especially useful for bands that want to review rehearsals or capture live performances without extra interfaces.
X32: More Control, Same Digital Core
The X32 uses the same effects engine and preamp design as the XR18 but adds physical faders, more inputs, and expanded routing options. As explained in our guide on unlocking the X32 effects rack on your XR18, the X32 platform offers significantly more hands-on control and flexibility, making it a better fit for medium-sized venues where multiple monitor mixes and fast, tactile adjustments matter during live shows.
Wing: Advanced Digital Workflow
The Wing pushes digital mixing further with a touchscreen interface and highly customizable channel layouts. It’s powerful, flexible, and future-focused — but often more than small venues need.
For bar gigs and simple live setups, the Wing can feel like overkill unless you’re managing complex routing or broadcast-style workflows.
Reliability: The Analog Backup Question
I still keep a small analog mixer as a backup, but it rarely comes out anymore. Digital reliability has improved dramatically, and the advantages of recallable scenes, built-in processing, and remote control far outweigh analog’s charm in most live scenarios.
Analog still makes sense for:
- Studio work
- Extremely simple PA setups
- Situations where zero learning curve matters
But for live gigs with tight changeovers and limited crew, digital wins more often than not.
Choosing the Right Mixer for Your Venue
When deciding between analog and digital, ask yourself:
- Budget: Analog costs less upfront; digital includes processing and routing
- Experience: Analog is easier to learn; digital rewards preparation
- Portability: Digital stageboxes save space and cabling
- Sound: Analog warmth vs. digital precision
- I/O Needs: Digital handles complex setups better
There’s no universal answer — only the right tool for your workflow.
Where This Decision Connects to the Rest of Your Rig
Mixer choice affects everything downstream, from monitor placement and gain-before-feedback to how different microphones behave on stage.
For example, monitor positioning and mixer EQ play a huge role in whether a vocal mic stays stable or feeds back, especially when comparing options like the SM58 vs Beta 58A in loud live environments.
Your mixer also influences which microphone types make the most sense. If you’re still deciding between different mic designs, understanding the differences between dynamic vs condenser microphones for live vocals can help you choose gear that works with your mixing workflow rather than against it.
Final Takeaway
Analog mixers still have their place, but for most small venues, digital mixing offers more flexibility, consistency, and control with fewer compromises. Whether you choose an XR18, X32, or Wing depends on how hands-on you want to be — and how much complexity your shows demand.