Digital mixers like the Behringer XR18 aren’t just powerful tools for live sound — they’re also excellent for capturing multitrack recordings of rehearsals, gigs, and live sessions.
The XR18 includes an 18×18 USB audio interface, which allows you to stream all 16 mic/line inputs plus the stereo aux inputs directly to a computer. That means no external recorder, no splitters, and no complicated routing — just a USB cable and your DAW.
In this guide, I’ll walk through the exact setup I use to record multitrack audio with the XR18 using only the hardware most musicians already own.
Why Record Multitrack Audio from Your Live Mixer?
Recording a simple stereo board mix can be useful, but it’s limiting. Multitrack recording gives you far more flexibility after the performance.
With multitrack audio, you can:
- Remix individual instruments later
- Fix balance issues or EQ problems
- Review performances in detail
- Create polished live releases or demo tracks
Because the XR18 handles multitrack recording internally, there’s no need to carry a dedicated recorder. If you want a deeper look at how the XR18 fits into a modern live rig, see my Behringer XR18 review where I break down its strengths and limitations for gigging musicians.
Get Your XR18 Ready for Recording
Before hitting record, take a few minutes to prepare the mixer properly.
Update firmware and drivers
- Update the XR18 firmware from Behringer’s site
- Windows: install the XR18 ASIO USB driver
- macOS: the XR18 is class-compliant and requires no driver
Set your sample rate
In the X-Air app, choose either:
- 44.1 kHz for music-only projects
- 48 kHz for video or live production
Choose one sample rate and stick with it to avoid DAW conflicts.
Choose the Correct USB Routing (This Matters)
In Setup → Audio/MIDI inside the X-Air software, you’ll choose where the USB sends originate:
- Input (Pre-EQ) – clean signal, best for remixing later
- Post-EQ – prints channel EQ
- Post-Fader – prints EQ, compression, and fader moves
Recommended:
Select Input (Pre-EQ) so you capture untouched signals while still mixing the show live.
This allows you to make changes to the front-of-house mix without affecting the recorded tracks.
Connecting the XR18 to Your DAW
1. Connect the XR18 via USB
Use a high-quality USB cable from the XR18’s rear USB port to your computer. Your DAW should now recognize up to 18 input channels.
Signal reliability matters just as much when recording as it does on stage. Many “mixer problems” are actually cable problems, which is why I always recommend understanding why cheap XLR cables fail before blaming your gear.
2. Create tracks in your DAW
In your recording software:
- Create one mono audio track per input
- Assign:
- Inputs 1–16 to XR18 mic/line channels
- Inputs 17–18 if you’re using aux inputs for playback or keys
3. Arm and record
- Arm each track
- Perform a quick line check
- Confirm no clipping
- Hit record and play your set
Once the performance is finished, save your DAW session and back up the files immediately.
Recording While Mixing Live
One of the XR18’s biggest strengths is that recording does not interfere with live sound.
As long as your USB source is set to Input, you can:
- Adjust front-of-house EQ freely
- Change monitor mixes
- Ride faders during the show
None of those changes affect what’s recorded to the computer.
Practical Tips for Reliable Multitrack Recording
Use a dedicated recording laptop
- Close unnecessary applications
- Disable sleep and power saving
- Use an SSD for stability
Manage latency
If you’re monitoring through the computer:
- Start with a buffer of 128–256 samples
- Increase if you hear clicks or dropouts
Label your channels first
Name your XR18 channels in the X-Air app (Lead Vocal, Snare, Bass DI, etc.). Most DAWs automatically import these names, which saves time during editing.
How Microphone Choice Affects Your Recording
Multitrack recording makes microphone choice more obvious than a stereo mix. Differences in clarity, noise rejection, and sensitivity are much easier to hear when each mic has its own track.
If you’re unsure which mic types work best for live vocals, my guide on dynamic vs condenser microphones for live vocals explains when each makes sense on stage and in recordings.
Final Thoughts
The Behringer XR18 makes multitrack recording remarkably accessible for a live mixer in this price range.
With a simple USB connection, you can capture every channel cleanly, remix later, and dramatically increase the value of your rehearsals and live performances.
If you already own an XR18, multitrack recording is one of the most powerful features you’re probably under-using.