Tony firstly love your channel. I have one of these and I agree totally with your 10 out of 10 score. On top of the ridiculously low price and enormous amount of usable features this unit has also saved my back. Gone are the heavy snake, the racks of fx and eqs and now the band is using in-ears so no more monitors to lug around too. This has been by far the best piece of gear I have ever bought by a country mile. There are some good tutorials by Soundcraft here on you tube and a helpful Facebook forum too.
Hi Richard. Thanks for the kind words. Yes this unit is so different than some of the older stuff I had used too - you summed it up pretty well I think. I don't visit Facebook - worse than anywhere for data theft really as Zuckerberg likes things one way... I smiled when he would not name the hotel he stayed at on camera... but wants our data to trash around the world.. classic... Anyway back to topic. I like the Wi-Fi too and I bet you never had any problems with that, for me it remains rock solid and I read it supports up to 10 connections which is amazing really. I have seen the RUclips training videos which are pretty good also. When you start with it it looks daunting but in reality does not take too long to get familiar with. Is there anything you dislike about it? Let me know and thanks for watching.
tonymckenziecom The only missing feature for me is regarding the gates. Good options here but no side chain hpf and lpf. But this is very minor point. I still think the price is astonishing. Version 2 software now available to download and learn all about; even more features to play with. Oh I use both a hardwired connection with a 20m cat5 cable for my laptop alongside the hotspot wifi connection with my iPad so I never have to worry about losing a connection. Never had to use the 5G WiFi but handy to know its there just in case.
Well they might update the side chains at some stage... who knows? Yes the Cat5 is great - its nice and easy to install too. Actually I have this unit in my studio wired in to the system and it has proved useful - so not just for live stuff either. Thanks for those user comments...
I bought one of these based on Tony's overview. Greatest solution for band practice and song writing I have found. We work on a song, hit record and get a multitrack of where we are right away (we do have the drums and all instruments mic'd up in our case). I can then level it quick if needed and send a mix to everyone and then send the singer one without his demo vocals, etc. for individual rehearsal.
I'm glad you liked it. I liked it too and not too often that someone can buy a product (especially with al those features) for the price it is. This was a winner from the off. I loved the high powered wireless too which is pretty uncommon on most gear. Great to know I did not disappoint with my opinion and that it worked out good for you. Great piece of technology for a very fair price.... Thanks for the opinion I'm sure it will help someone... and stay safe.
hello, yeah. This is our studio heart now, the pres are superb and perfectly suits our needs to record the whole band at once. getting ready to use this on our next release real soon.
Great review! Thank you. Can’t help but wonder if after 5 years, is this still working for you or has it shown issues and needed to be replaced? It’s hard to find reviews about the longevity of this product.
Well, later I sold it as I upgraded my studio with Presonus stuff front to back... videos on my channel showing all that and how easy/hard it was re AVB. But I did like this Soundcraft and it was great for the price too. Thanks for watching.
My band is fully digital. We have 2 guitar players using Headrush pedalboards, electric drums and bass. The really cool thing is, we just plug the bass straight into channel 1, dial up the bass modeller and he's set! It actually sounds pretty great through the subs and he monitors using in ears. It's a lot easier than hauling a huge bass rig to a gig! Channel 2 we leave free as a backup in case one of the Headrush units goes out, no more need to bring a back up! I love this thing, it's a great piece of gear!
Yes its a cool piece of gear for sure and the reason I reviewed it in the first place. Thanks for letting me know about how you found the unit too - lots of guys visit these videos and other views from owners are always very helpful. And thanks for watching.
tonymckenziecom no problem, I enjoy your unique approach to reviews. I bought a Bluguitar Amp1 after watching your review. Have you done one one the Headrush?
That's a good piece of gear I think with some very good tones. I did look at the Headrush pedal but after taking a look I decided (for now) to wait a while to allow that company (just my opinion) to get it right with the software and maybe better tones. It looks great but I was not impressed enough to buy one for review at the time. The guys in the shop seemed to not like it too much either.
tonymckenziecom you should do yourself a favour and check it out, the tones are amazing but the user interface is by far the best on the market. From what I've seen, most retail shops employees know absolutely nothing about it cause they are too bust being Line6 fanboys. If I listened to them, I never would have bought the Amp1! I have had zero software issues and have done 94 shows to date with mine since I bought it!
Interesting indeed. When the Headrush first came out I looked at it (and I don't ever ask the shops about how to use something ;-) but it sounded rather raw at the time (like what I would expect from gear that is 'so so' - very thin as I remember. The interface has always 'looked good' and that was one thing that made me look at that time. I had always expected that the unit should improve (as I do with the GT-1000) but I have not got back to it yet... maybe I'll take another look because if you're using it like that then its probably improved.
Your a great guy who gives honest, concise review. I totally agree about Presonus. I WANTED to LOVE it. But nope. So many troubles, I returned mine as well. I am a Drummer , I have a X32 for my studio/live. I’m looking into this unit for a dedicated Drum mixer/recorder. This Soundcraft unit gets rave review everywhere .... Thanks for taking the time and making this video . Would like to keep in touch and discuss equipment. Cheers from Orlando FL USA. ....
Thank you so much for those kind words. Dare I say this.... later I did go back to studiolive 32 series and networked audio. Hard work for sure and coming from an Yamaha O2R96 and Mackie HD it was all a pain. The biggest things for me on that type of gear is you can't find anything from one version of the software to the next :) I guarantee just as I find a feature I can't then find it on the next version :) Sound familiar? :) This Soundcraft unit was really great value… and in the USA you could buy new for about $775.00 if you pushed them at the time of course (plus TAX). This unit again does take a little bit of time to get used to, but once you get past that it was really nice. Thanks.
Sorry I sold this a while ago after the review and honestly that I don't remember. I only used it in multi track recording mode... great question though and if anyone can contribute... Thanks for watching and stay safe.
Hi Tony, brilliant and fun review as usual, wanted to ask you about latency while connecting to a DAW via USB, how's listening to recorded tracks through the UI24R while recording a new track from an instrument or vocal connected to it? Any issues, particularly with latency? I've been searching for information on that aspect of this thing and can't find it anywhere. Thanks!
Hi Deny, There is generally going to be some latency that you will hear with most gear (maybe some of the Presonus is different with their specific monitoring - I hear nothing on that stuff and I have lots of that in the studio). However I can't be specific on the UI24R as far as your question in that as I only ever used the unit for demo purposes and that was back in 2017! I had the cans plugged in the unit. I don't remember it having bad latency issues or I would have said so in the review for certain as I don't like latency problems either. But overall this was (and is) IMO still a cracking piece of gear for the money. I'm sorry I can't answer this today but do check the posts below and I'm sure that someone like Richard Green will tell you how he finds it these days. There's a V3 firmware came out in January too!.
Hi, No I don't have it now, it was purchased for the review really. I used it a little while after but to be honest personally I don't really have a use for it - I have a complete Presonus setup. But from the time I did use it, once you 'get your head' around the screens it was not bad. I really liked the incredibly strong wireless setup. I would still recommend it. Hope it helps and thanks for watching.
@@aaronshortmusic Good to know. When I was looking for something to review there really was little other than the sales videos about... hence I decided to make an overview and the unit never disappointed really. Thanks Aaron.
Tony, thank you for your recent reply. I tried the mixer over the weekend out at a gig, now, i absolutely lovethe features, everything worked fine, i have a ui16, and i have this weird problem that maybe a firmware update can fix? There’s a loud hissing coming from the preamps. (Again, i just bought this mixer and im not all updated on what it could or can’t do but looking online, a lot of people reported the same problem.. any idea how to fix it?
Hi, its a bit hard to guess from here! But I would be looking at something cranked on the input side or something like some aux return turned up etc. Usually the unit by default is very quiet - actually the one I have is... but you have a different model so its anyone's guess and of course could somehow be software. Obviously hard to guess but hissing from the preamps says cranked input somewhere... in any case hope it helps (it might not of course) but if you find the problem then do come back and post it on here as it would probably help others.
Thank you for the amaizing review, really helped me :) I am a noob in what comes to sound engineering , and I want to ask a simple question : I know that a mixer sends a signal, that signal it's not powered up and I need an amplifier to boost up that signal and transform it in a cristal clear sound of whatever is connected on a channel of the mixer. My question is: this mixer for outputing the sound I must use active speakers or it has into it an amplifier ? Theoretically I need an amplifier or active speakers, but I am asking for putting my knowledge togheter better :)
The output of this mixer needs an amplifier... and of course speakers if you use a stand alone amplifier. However, active speakers have amplifier in each speaker, so in that case you can simply connect the outputs of this mixer right in to the speakers :) Thanks for the kind words and for watching.
Nice review thanks. I've had an RCF M18 for 2 years gigging which has usb playback and record from a single thumb drive, interface is limited though it has guitar FX and Amp sims never used by myself live though but a good backup. I've switched to the Behringer XR18 which has the multi-track but NOT the vital usb playback and no bluetooth so you essentially need a PC or hardwire a device to play back audio. The USB playback factor is a major convenience necessity when setting up playing instruments and running around after Brides at a wedding, one less thing to think about. So I do not recommend the XR18 if you are running a wedding or function band. The price of the XR18 was reduced to 389eur down from 666eur. I will be getting rid of it and upgrading to the Soundcraft UI24 which is currently 720eur, asap.
Thanks for the support BTW - I saw his comments. Thing is, I'm not perfect but I try hard to show what I can. I buy the gear so at least they are real reviews. I don't know the RCF gear but saw the Behringer XR18... never used one though. Thanks for these points you raised about the gear you have used because as a user there is nothing better to post - all genuine comments and I think anyone who posts stuff on gear as you have shows the often misplaced 'truth' of some of this stuff. It's all helpful to guys that are interested in the subject matter - there's nothing like making an informed decision. The UI24R is a pretty good bit of gear, its not hyper cheap but it does have some nice features... you just have to get used to these types of units (you will know what I mean) as they do from what I see, have a few 'funnies' in the operation. But this one also had some great stuff like high powered wireless that can really be useful. Thanks Tone Ranger... and stay safe out there!
@@tonymckenzieofficial Hey Tony, RUclips often brings out the best and worst in people (as seen below 😁), you're a great example of the positive side. Really enjoy your reviews and insight, I was lugging big racks and speakers, heavy hot parcan lights 20+ years ago around every corner of the country, and don't even start me on the drum traps case. These digital mixers, LED lights and super portable speakers are just a quantum leap in technology and convenience, I don't even use an amp live anymore for weddings I go straight 2 x XLR from my floorboard. Now if only we could get all drummers to go digital the world would be a better place. You've actually inspired me to do my first review of the M18 v the XR18 Tony 😊 Keep your own reviews coming you have quite a following and thanks again 👍
Indeed I can do that, but often guys simply don't like what I see then report. I understand that. I could imagine buying a product for $2000, then seeing a video that shows major issues with the unit I just bought... sure, I would feel bad. But the truth is, really I just show what I see - good or bad - and I'm no more an 'expert' than anyone else, I'm no 'snowflake', but when I see junk I know what that looks like. I just was going to review an amp by a VERY FAMOUS maker (not English BTW) and had to stop and I returned the amp because it was absolutely horrible inside... supposedly made in the USA. Sure, that would 'irk' some people, but it might be better harassing the people that made it and let it out without a care in the world... until I got it. I dislike 'telling' when I find bad stuff because honestly, I know what will be coming. People are like that especially on the internet. In the worst case I have been threatened in many ways. It seems that RUclips and/or others (including the makers in some cases) care. Generally speaking though, there are many great guys on RUclips and they appreciate the things I do with equipment etc. And as long as guys gain from what I find (as a paying customer for all the gear remember) then I will probably make videos for RUclips. Most people are not nasty, just the small number of them. On the recording stuff, I agree. You know, even in my studio there is a massive difference. I used to have an O2R96 desk (£13k new here), and a mackie SDR24 which I have to say never let me down in (it must have been) 20 years. But the truth is, that as the technology moved on and spares (even regular hard disks) became rarer I had to re-evaluate the whole system. At one time I recorded loads of bands etc. but as home stuff got better the bands decreased and I get that. Today my studio is mainly for RUclips and a few friends that are really good guitarists and I don't bother with the rest. But lugging the older gear (I used to do that too) up stairs that never ended along with the rest of the gear was never good... I never could find the drummer :) so I can equate to your comments. On my rack unit (being updated presently on video) I have a thing called a voodoo lab 'system mix plus' that was around since the early 90's also and that has a stereo out that could go right to the FOH stuff through 2 x XLR also. In its day there was little like it. Hey when you have completed the review send me a link or post it here and I'm sure that will help other guys too... and that's the idea really. I liked the Soundcraft unit, as an all in one and if I had been gigging all the time that unit would likely have been a very good choice for that stuff. Thanks and stay safe.
tonymckenziecom Hey Tony, your reviews and insight are a very cool resource on RUclips, sorry to hear you have gotten hassle in the past, the truth hurts soimetimes :) Keep ‘em coming. That’d the beauty of these devices, they are future proof with firmware updates, that’s a stinging loss 13k on a desk but I’m sure it served you well. I’ll post the link to my review on the comments thread, many thanks and look forward to your future reviews.
Well you know what the internet is like... Ha I have been on here (the internet) since about 1997 and RUclips since 2009 but sometimes people can be not so nice. Especially if I find something that criticises a device in some way. To me that's the point of the review... if its good its good and if its bad... guys should know. The 02R96 was a brilliant desk but aged too much hence the 'upgrades'... but I have been messing around with BSOD on the computer for at least two weeks now... getting ready to format. :( and that's the main problem with DAW stuff using desks that have no real brains except in software I think. Painful! Thanks.... and stay safe.
Hi Tony, i just bought a UI16, and i thought it would come with an app.. but it doesn’t.. im very weary of using a broswer for my mixer and am just about to return it. While i love the soundcraft sound, i believe it’s a travesty that the UI Mixers dont have their own dedicated App!
Actually for me that was one of the biggest selling features - no install of programs and/or apps and INSTANT very fast communications much faster than any app I've ever used. Of course it probably does not suit everyone, but using a browser to get to the unit is not problematic - and you can set it up so its protected from others getting in to the mixer. In any case, thanks for the info and feedback - I always like to hear what other users think about the products under review and it helps many to decide one way or another from informed decisions. Thanks for watching.
I found peculiar that there is no MIDI control that addresses faders, pans, mutes, sends, and the amp sims. It's not like a guitarist would wanna just stick to one set of parameter settings.
Remember that this unit is not made SPECIFICALLY for a guitarist, but rather for recording a band and IMO they thought of lots of stuff for live work. But of course if the recordings are going in to a DAW then post recording you could do almost anything. Good points... thanks.
Well average... think Line6 type of tones. Even having it in here is useful really but it's not really a tube amp :) Overall though a really useful piece of technology Raul and recommended for sure. Thanks for watching.
Yes this is one incredible piece of gear and you could play back the backings while recording multitrack and maybe 'clean up' the recordings later. The unit has a feedback eliminator in there (for each channel) so you can actually increase the volume of anything using a microphone. All in all a very useful piece of gear and hard to find anything like it for the money. Thanks Bobby for watching.
Strangely, you're about 117 to 13 against... so the good guys have it on this one. In any case David, its better than the review you did. Thanks for watching.
Muppet, Tony has litterally 1,000 times more subscribers to your "25", and FYI you wouldn't hear the "sound" with YT's compression. It's an honest opinion based on his experience of using it, if you don't like it Jog on you sad-case.
Tony firstly love your channel. I have one of these and I agree totally with your 10 out of 10 score. On top of the ridiculously low price and enormous amount of usable features this unit has also saved my back. Gone are the heavy snake, the racks of fx and eqs and now the band is using in-ears so no more monitors to lug around too. This has been by far the best piece of gear I have ever bought by a country mile. There are some good tutorials by Soundcraft here on you tube and a helpful Facebook forum too.
Hi Richard. Thanks for the kind words. Yes this unit is so different than some of the older stuff I had used too - you summed it up pretty well I think. I don't visit Facebook - worse than anywhere for data theft really as Zuckerberg likes things one way... I smiled when he would not name the hotel he stayed at on camera... but wants our data to trash around the world.. classic...
Anyway back to topic. I like the Wi-Fi too and I bet you never had any problems with that, for me it remains rock solid and I read it supports up to 10 connections which is amazing really. I have seen the RUclips training videos which are pretty good also. When you start with it it looks daunting but in reality does not take too long to get familiar with. Is there anything you dislike about it? Let me know and thanks for watching.
tonymckenziecom The only missing feature for me is regarding the gates. Good options here but no side chain hpf and lpf. But this is very minor point. I still think the price is astonishing. Version 2 software now available to download and learn all about; even more features to play with. Oh I use both a hardwired connection with a 20m cat5 cable for my laptop alongside the hotspot wifi connection with my iPad so I never have to worry about losing a connection. Never had to use the 5G WiFi but handy to know its there just in case.
Well they might update the side chains at some stage... who knows? Yes the Cat5 is great - its nice and easy to install too. Actually I have this unit in my studio wired in to the system and it has proved useful - so not just for live stuff either. Thanks for those user comments...
I bought one of these based on Tony's overview. Greatest solution for band practice and song writing I have found. We work on a song, hit record and get a multitrack of where we are right away (we do have the drums and all instruments mic'd up in our case). I can then level it quick if needed and send a mix to everyone and then send the singer one without his demo vocals, etc. for individual rehearsal.
I'm glad you liked it. I liked it too and not too often that someone can buy a product (especially with al those features) for the price it is. This was a winner from the off. I loved the high powered wireless too which is pretty uncommon on most gear. Great to know I did not disappoint with my opinion and that it worked out good for you. Great piece of technology for a very fair price.... Thanks for the opinion I'm sure it will help someone... and stay safe.
hello, yeah. This is our studio heart now, the pres are superb and perfectly suits our needs to record the whole band at once. getting ready to use this on our next release real soon.
Good stuff and glad to hear you like it!. Thanks for watching.
What a cool video. Just looking a purchasing one of these and found your video great. And you seem like a hard case bloke .thanks mate
Thanks - yes I liked this unit - relatively low cost but worked fine... slight learning curve but other than that it was great. Thanks for watching.
Great review! Thank you. Can’t help but wonder if after 5 years, is this still working for you or has it shown issues and needed to be replaced? It’s hard to find reviews about the longevity of this product.
Well, later I sold it as I upgraded my studio with Presonus stuff front to back... videos on my channel showing all that and how easy/hard it was re AVB. But I did like this Soundcraft and it was great for the price too. Thanks for watching.
I did sell it later but because I upgraded my studio with Presonus stuff - videos on my channel about the AVB etc. Thanks for watching.
My band is fully digital. We have 2 guitar players using Headrush pedalboards, electric drums and bass. The really cool thing is, we just plug the bass straight into channel 1, dial up the bass modeller and he's set! It actually sounds pretty great through the subs and he monitors using in ears. It's a lot easier than hauling a huge bass rig to a gig! Channel 2 we leave free as a backup in case one of the Headrush units goes out, no more need to bring a back up! I love this thing, it's a great piece of gear!
Yes its a cool piece of gear for sure and the reason I reviewed it in the first place. Thanks for letting me know about how you found the unit too - lots of guys visit these videos and other views from owners are always very helpful. And thanks for watching.
tonymckenziecom no problem, I enjoy your unique approach to reviews. I bought a Bluguitar Amp1 after watching your review. Have you done one one the Headrush?
That's a good piece of gear I think with some very good tones. I did look at the Headrush pedal but after taking a look I decided (for now) to wait a while to allow that company (just my opinion) to get it right with the software and maybe better tones. It looks great but I was not impressed enough to buy one for review at the time. The guys in the shop seemed to not like it too much either.
tonymckenziecom you should do yourself a favour and check it out, the tones are amazing but the user interface is by far the best on the market. From what I've seen, most retail shops employees know absolutely nothing about it cause they are too bust being Line6 fanboys. If I listened to them, I never would have bought the Amp1! I have had zero software issues and have done 94 shows to date with mine since I bought it!
Interesting indeed. When the Headrush first came out I looked at it (and I don't ever ask the shops about how to use something ;-) but it sounded rather raw at the time (like what I would expect from gear that is 'so so' - very thin as I remember. The interface has always 'looked good' and that was one thing that made me look at that time. I had always expected that the unit should improve (as I do with the GT-1000) but I have not got back to it yet... maybe I'll take another look because if you're using it like that then its probably improved.
Thank you for a very well presented demo..in a very natural rock n roll manner.
Glad you liked it... this is an interesting subject to review too... I enjoyed doing this one. Thanks for watching.
Very well explained, thank you.
And thank you so much for watching. It was a great piece of gear.
👍🍻
Well done Tony..very useful.
Thanks Ivor... I was very surprised about how good this was... a bit awkward at first, but it improves once you use it a bit. Thanks for watching.
Your a great guy who gives honest, concise review. I totally agree about Presonus. I WANTED to LOVE it. But nope. So many troubles, I returned mine as well. I am a Drummer , I have a X32 for my studio/live. I’m looking into this unit for a dedicated Drum mixer/recorder. This Soundcraft unit gets rave review everywhere .... Thanks for taking the time and making this video . Would like to keep in touch and discuss equipment. Cheers from Orlando FL USA. ....
Thank you so much for those kind words. Dare I say this.... later I did go back to studiolive 32 series and networked audio. Hard work for sure and coming from an Yamaha O2R96 and Mackie HD it was all a pain. The biggest things for me on that type of gear is you can't find anything from one version of the software to the next :) I guarantee just as I find a feature I can't then find it on the next version :) Sound familiar? :)
This Soundcraft unit was really great value… and in the USA you could buy new for about $775.00 if you pushed them at the time of course (plus TAX). This unit again does take a little bit of time to get used to, but once you get past that it was really nice. Thanks.
Can do 2 track recording & multitrack recording at the same time? ?
Sorry I sold this a while ago after the review and honestly that I don't remember. I only used it in multi track recording mode... great question though and if anyone can contribute... Thanks for watching and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial thanks
Hi Tony, brilliant and fun review as usual, wanted to ask you about latency while connecting to a DAW via USB, how's listening to recorded tracks through the UI24R while recording a new track from an instrument or vocal connected to it? Any issues, particularly with latency? I've been searching for information on that aspect of this thing and can't find it anywhere. Thanks!
Hi Deny, There is generally going to be some latency that you will hear with most gear (maybe some of the Presonus is different with their specific monitoring - I hear nothing on that stuff and I have lots of that in the studio). However I can't be specific on the UI24R as far as your question in that as I only ever used the unit for demo purposes and that was back in 2017! I had the cans plugged in the unit. I don't remember it having bad latency issues or I would have said so in the review for certain as I don't like latency problems either. But overall this was (and is) IMO still a cracking piece of gear for the money. I'm sorry I can't answer this today but do check the posts below and I'm sure that someone like Richard Green will tell you how he finds it these days. There's a V3 firmware came out in January too!.
Do you still have it? Any issues?
Hi, No I don't have it now, it was purchased for the review really. I used it a little while after but to be honest personally I don't really have a use for it - I have a complete Presonus setup. But from the time I did use it, once you 'get your head' around the screens it was not bad. I really liked the incredibly strong wireless setup. I would still recommend it. Hope it helps and thanks for watching.
tonymckenziecom I just bought one. I LOVE it. Your review was helpful thank you!
@@aaronshortmusic Good to know. When I was looking for something to review there really was little other than the sales videos about... hence I decided to make an overview and the unit never disappointed really. Thanks Aaron.
Tony, thank you for your recent reply. I tried the mixer over the weekend out at a gig, now, i absolutely lovethe features, everything worked fine, i have a ui16, and i have this weird problem that maybe a firmware update can fix? There’s a loud hissing coming from the preamps. (Again, i just bought this mixer and im not all updated on what it could or can’t do but looking online, a lot of people reported the same problem.. any idea how to fix it?
Hi, its a bit hard to guess from here! But I would be looking at something cranked on the input side or something like some aux return turned up etc. Usually the unit by default is very quiet - actually the one I have is... but you have a different model so its anyone's guess and of course could somehow be software. Obviously hard to guess but hissing from the preamps says cranked input somewhere... in any case hope it helps (it might not of course) but if you find the problem then do come back and post it on here as it would probably help others.
Thank you for the amaizing review, really helped me :)
I am a noob in what comes to sound engineering , and I want to ask a simple question :
I know that a mixer sends a signal, that signal it's not powered up and I need an amplifier to boost up that signal and transform it in a cristal clear sound of whatever is connected on a channel of the mixer.
My question is: this mixer for outputing the sound I must use active speakers or it has into it an amplifier ? Theoretically I need an amplifier or active speakers, but I am asking for putting my knowledge togheter better :)
The output of this mixer needs an amplifier... and of course speakers if you use a stand alone amplifier. However, active speakers have amplifier in each speaker, so in that case you can simply connect the outputs of this mixer right in to the speakers :) Thanks for the kind words and for watching.
Nice review thanks. I've had an RCF M18 for 2 years gigging which has usb playback and record from a single thumb drive, interface is limited though it has guitar FX and Amp sims never used by myself live though but a good backup. I've switched to the Behringer XR18 which has the multi-track but NOT the vital usb playback and no bluetooth so you essentially need a PC or hardwire a device to play back audio. The USB playback factor is a major convenience necessity when setting up playing instruments and running around after Brides at a wedding, one less thing to think about. So I do not recommend the XR18 if you are running a wedding or function band.
The price of the XR18 was reduced to 389eur down from 666eur.
I will be getting rid of it and upgrading to the Soundcraft UI24 which is currently 720eur, asap.
Thanks for the support BTW - I saw his comments. Thing is, I'm not perfect but I try hard to show what I can. I buy the gear so at least they are real reviews. I don't know the RCF gear but saw the Behringer XR18... never used one though. Thanks for these points you raised about the gear you have used because as a user there is nothing better to post - all genuine comments and I think anyone who posts stuff on gear as you have shows the often misplaced 'truth' of some of this stuff. It's all helpful to guys that are interested in the subject matter - there's nothing like making an informed decision. The UI24R is a pretty good bit of gear, its not hyper cheap but it does have some nice features... you just have to get used to these types of units (you will know what I mean) as they do from what I see, have a few 'funnies' in the operation. But this one also had some great stuff like high powered wireless that can really be useful. Thanks Tone Ranger... and stay safe out there!
@@tonymckenzieofficial Hey Tony, RUclips often brings out the best and worst in people (as seen below 😁), you're a great example of the positive side.
Really enjoy your reviews and insight, I was lugging big racks and speakers, heavy hot parcan lights 20+ years ago around every corner of the country, and don't even start me on the drum traps case. These digital mixers, LED lights and super portable speakers are just a quantum leap in technology and convenience, I don't even use an amp live anymore for weddings I go straight 2 x XLR from my floorboard. Now if only we could get all drummers to go digital the world would be a better place.
You've actually inspired me to do my first review of the M18 v the XR18 Tony 😊 Keep your own reviews coming you have quite a following and thanks again 👍
Indeed I can do that, but often guys simply don't like what I see then report. I understand that. I could imagine buying a product for $2000, then seeing a video that shows major issues with the unit I just bought... sure, I would feel bad. But the truth is, really I just show what I see - good or bad - and I'm no more an 'expert' than anyone else, I'm no 'snowflake', but when I see junk I know what that looks like. I just was going to review an amp by a VERY FAMOUS maker (not English BTW) and had to stop and I returned the amp because it was absolutely horrible inside... supposedly made in the USA. Sure, that would 'irk' some people, but it might be better harassing the people that made it and let it out without a care in the world... until I got it. I dislike 'telling' when I find bad stuff because honestly, I know what will be coming. People are like that especially on the internet. In the worst case I have been threatened in many ways. It seems that RUclips and/or others (including the makers in some cases) care.
Generally speaking though, there are many great guys on RUclips and they appreciate the things I do with equipment etc. And as long as guys gain from what I find (as a paying customer for all the gear remember) then I will probably make videos for RUclips. Most people are not nasty, just the small number of them. On the recording stuff, I agree. You know, even in my studio there is a massive difference. I used to have an O2R96 desk (£13k new here), and a mackie SDR24 which I have to say never let me down in (it must have been) 20 years. But the truth is, that as the technology moved on and spares (even regular hard disks) became rarer I had to re-evaluate the whole system. At one time I recorded loads of bands etc. but as home stuff got better the bands decreased and I get that. Today my studio is mainly for RUclips and a few friends that are really good guitarists and I don't bother with the rest. But lugging the older gear (I used to do that too) up stairs that never ended along with the rest of the gear was never good... I never could find the drummer :) so I can equate to your comments. On my rack unit (being updated presently on video) I have a thing called a voodoo lab 'system mix plus' that was around since the early 90's also and that has a stereo out that could go right to the FOH stuff through 2 x XLR also. In its day there was little like it. Hey when you have completed the review send me a link or post it here and I'm sure that will help other guys too... and that's the idea really.
I liked the Soundcraft unit, as an all in one and if I had been gigging all the time that unit would likely have been a very good choice for that stuff. Thanks and stay safe.
tonymckenziecom Hey Tony, your reviews and insight are a very cool resource on RUclips, sorry to hear you have gotten hassle in the past, the truth hurts soimetimes :) Keep ‘em coming. That’d the beauty of these devices, they are future proof with firmware updates, that’s a stinging loss 13k on a desk but I’m sure it served you well. I’ll post the link to my review on the comments thread, many thanks and look forward to your future reviews.
Well you know what the internet is like... Ha I have been on here (the internet) since about 1997 and RUclips since 2009 but sometimes people can be not so nice. Especially if I find something that criticises a device in some way. To me that's the point of the review... if its good its good and if its bad... guys should know. The 02R96 was a brilliant desk but aged too much hence the 'upgrades'... but I have been messing around with BSOD on the computer for at least two weeks now... getting ready to format. :( and that's the main problem with DAW stuff using desks that have no real brains except in software I think. Painful! Thanks.... and stay safe.
Hi Tony, i just bought a UI16, and i thought it would come with an app.. but it doesn’t.. im very weary of using a broswer for my mixer and am just about to return it. While i love the soundcraft sound, i believe it’s a travesty that the UI Mixers dont have their own dedicated App!
Actually for me that was one of the biggest selling features - no install of programs and/or apps and INSTANT very fast communications much faster than any app I've ever used. Of course it probably does not suit everyone, but using a browser to get to the unit is not problematic - and you can set it up so its protected from others getting in to the mixer. In any case, thanks for the info and feedback - I always like to hear what other users think about the products under review and it helps many to decide one way or another from informed decisions. Thanks for watching.
I found peculiar that there is no MIDI control that addresses faders, pans, mutes, sends, and the amp sims. It's not like a guitarist would wanna just stick to one set of parameter settings.
Remember that this unit is not made SPECIFICALLY for a guitarist, but rather for recording a band and IMO they thought of lots of stuff for live work. But of course if the recordings are going in to a DAW then post recording you could do almost anything. Good points... thanks.
Hi Tony, how usable is the amp simulation?
Well average... think Line6 type of tones. Even having it in here is useful really but it's not really a tube amp :) Overall though a really useful piece of technology Raul and recommended for sure. Thanks for watching.
Do me that would :)
Yes this is one incredible piece of gear and you could play back the backings while recording multitrack and maybe 'clean up' the recordings later. The unit has a feedback eliminator in there (for each channel) so you can actually increase the volume of anything using a microphone. All in all a very useful piece of gear and hard to find anything like it for the money. Thanks Bobby for watching.
You lost me at, "You could hear it if there were speakers plugged in."
Plug in some damned speakers so we can hear it.
LAME review!
Strangely, you're about 117 to 13 against... so the good guys have it on this one. In any case David, its better than the review you did. Thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Too funny!
Muppet, Tony has litterally 1,000 times more subscribers to your "25", and FYI you wouldn't hear the "sound" with YT's compression. It's an honest opinion based on his experience of using it, if you don't like it Jog on you sad-case.