One of the most overlooked features of the Behringer XR18 is that it shares the same effects engine found in Behringer’s flagship X32 console.
Behind the compact stagebox design are:
- Four internal stereo FX processors
- A 100-band real-time analyzer (RTA)
- Dugan-style automatic microphone mixing
If you’ve only been using the XR18 to set levels and monitor mixes, you’re leaving a lot of sonic power on the table. This guide walks through how to access and use the XR18’s X32-derived effects rack to achieve more polished, professional-sounding mixes.
If you’re still deciding whether a compact digital mixer like the XR18 makes sense for your gigs, this breakdown of digital vs analog mixers for small venues explains how consoles like the XR18 and X32 compare to traditional analog boards in real-world live sound situations.
What’s Inside the XR18’s Effects Rack?
Behringer refers to the XR18’s processing section as a “virtual X32 effects rack”, and that description is accurate.
Inside the XR18 you’ll find:
- Four independent stereo FX slots (FX1–FX4)
- Reverbs, delays, modulation effects, and dynamics processors
- A 100-band real-time analyzer (RTA) integrated into EQ pages
- Dugan-style auto-mixing, ideal for spoken-word applications
These are not “lite” effects — they are directly derived from the X32 platform and behave the same way.
If you want a broader overview of how the XR18 compares to larger digital consoles, see my Behringer XR18 review, where I cover its processing power and real-world limitations.
Accessing the Effects in the X-Air App
All XR18 effects are configured inside the X-Air app (tablet, phone, or computer).
Step 1: Open the Effects tab
Tap the Effects tab in the X-Air app. You’ll see four slots labeled FX1–FX4.
By default:
- FX1 / FX2 are usually configured as reverbs
- FX3 / FX4 are often delays
These defaults are just starting points — every slot is fully configurable.
Step 2: Choose an effect
Click on an FX slot to open the effect library. Available options include:
- Vintage Plate, Hall, and Room reverbs
- Stereo and tap-tempo delays
- Modulation effects (chorus, flanger)
- Compressors, limiters, and gates
Select the effect that fits the source you’re processing.
Step 3: Set the routing
Effects can be used in two main ways:
- Bus-based (send/return) — ideal for vocals and shared effects
- Insert-based — useful for compression or special processing on a single channel
For example:
- Send vocal channels to a reverb bus using FX1
- Control reverb amount per channel
- Return the effect on the FX return fader
Step 4: Adjust parameters
Each effect offers detailed controls:
- Reverbs: decay time, pre-delay, tone
- Delays: time (sync or milliseconds), feedback, mix
- Dynamics: threshold, ratio, attack, release
Make small changes and listen carefully — subtle adjustments usually sound more professional than extreme settings.
Using the Real-Time Analyzer (RTA)
The XR18’s 100-band RTA is one of its most powerful troubleshooting tools.
How to enable the RTA
- Open the EQ page on any channel or bus
- Enable the RTA overlay
- You’ll see a live frequency spectrum overlaid on the EQ
Peaks in the display help identify:
- Feedback frequencies
- Room resonances
- Problematic low-mid buildup
Use narrow EQ cuts to tame problem frequencies without destroying the overall tone.
Dugan-Style Auto-Mixing (When to Use It)
The XR18 includes a Dugan-style auto-mixer, which automatically balances gain across multiple open microphones.
Best use cases:
- Panel discussions
- Podcasts
- Theatre dialogue
- Conferences and open-mic events
How to set it up:
- Insert the auto-mixer on a bus or group
- Route spoken-word channels to that bus
- Adjust channel priorities if needed
Auto-mixing is not recommended for music, but for spoken-word applications it can dramatically improve clarity and consistency.
Practical Tips for Using XR18 Effects Live
Don’t overdo it
It’s tempting to load effects on every channel. Start simple:
- One reverb
- One delay
- Add more only if the mix calls for it
Save presets
Use the X-Air effects library to save your favorite FX presets so you can recall them instantly at the next gig.
Combine internal and external effects
If you use external pedals or rack processors, you can patch them into the XR18’s aux inputs while still using the internal FX on other sources.
Effects, Recording, and Mic Choice
All XR18 effects can also be used when recording. Whether effects are printed to the recording depends on how you route the USB sends.
If you’re capturing rehearsals or shows, see my guide on recording multitrack audio with the Behringer XR18, which explains how to keep recordings clean while still using effects live.
Effects also respond differently depending on microphone choice. If you’re unsure which vocal mic type works best with live processing, my article on dynamic vs condenser microphones for live vocals breaks down how each behaves in a mix.
Final Thoughts
The Behringer XR18 hides a surprising amount of power behind its compact design.
Once you unlock the X32-derived effects rack, RTA, and auto-mixing tools, the XR18 becomes far more than just a digital stagebox — it becomes a full-featured live mixing platform.
If you already own an XR18, spending time with its effects engine is one of the fastest ways to level up your mixes.