For studio recording applications (not live sound):

Question: What advantages am I missing out on by using a Behringer X18 as my audio interface versus using something more expensive such as the Universal Audio Apollo or similar?

Background: I used to record as a hobby in the 90's in an open reel tape environment. Since then I've gotten back into recording and have learned my way around Logic. I have a Behringer X18 that a friend turned me on to. I'm amazed by the capabilities I have access to that we could only dream of even in 2005. I also have a couple of racks of nice preamps I like to use. I have to say, although they have some mojo, the preamps on the XR18 are definitely not bad at all. I've been slowly expanding my capabilities and I am extremely curious how much better the more expensive / accepted "proper" studio interfaces sound.

I suppose if I were to answer this question myself I'd say "If you're happy with what you have and it works for you, there's no need to upgrade." And that's pretty much why I haven't.. still, I'd like to know what I'm missing out on, if anything.

I record rock bands with microphones, no loops or beats. Every now and then midi keys & a virtual amp. Right now I'm using Logic. I still have an 8track open reel I may start using again. Attached is a picture of my I/O setup.

P.S. This is my first post on GearSlutz, I did search to see if my specific issue has been addressed and could not find anything. I also tried to choose what seemed to be the most appropriate forum sub-topic. Sorry if I missed something... and thanks!

48 kHz recording vs. higher.

The pre-amps on the XR18 are fine, and shouldn't get in the way of the line level outputs from your rack gear. You might want to adjust the trim on the inputs, and make sure that the USB sends (assuming you record in Logic) are set to 'analog'.

If your on PC that would be a concern since Behringer uses 3rd party drivers that aren't too good in the latency department. If your on Mac it probably uses class compliant Mac OS drivers which are decent.

Anyone used the XR18 as audio interface on PC, hows the latency?

Depends on where the latency is a concern. If you want to track through the XR18 and not listen to plugins running on the PC there's no issue. You can build a monitor mix from the XR18 and listen to the live recording through the mixer.

I can't think of a particular need to record while monitoring through plugins on the Mac (Logic).

The reported latency via the I/O plugin at 48k is 324 samples - approximately 6ms

If you need effects in the monitors you can use the builtin effects on the XR18

Hey thanks all.. I've never ran into any latency issues with this unit, even using plugins and virtual amps. Everyone who has recorded through it loves it. I think I'm just going to keep on trucking until I find a legit reason not to.

Old thread reply warning.

Works well here on Win10, latest driver, at 128 and 256 sample rates and all VSTi I own.
Do always get your USB audio interfaces (any/all) on their own USB controller though.
* this is kinda where I still pref firewire (and def pref PCI-e) as there's enough on the USB busses as is and firewire on it's own which is capable of sustained streaming data rather than USB packets. That and USB quality can be iffy on some boards (so choose motherboards carefully. At least there are lots of choices going PC ).

Limit is mainly the 48khz max really but so many pros outweigh the cons with these