BillFitzmaurice.info

Hey everyone,

I’m a sound tech and part-time DJ. Last year, I picked up a used dbx DriveRack 260 mainly to handle hard limiting for my passive sub amp, and it’s been useful for its feedback suppression as well.

I also recently got a Behringer XR18 with a GL.iNet Slate router—my first digital mixer. I’ve been using it for live bands and ceremonies, and overall it’s been pretty impressive.

That said, I’m starting to notice some overlap in what these two units do. I’m thinking about simplifying my setup by replacing both with a Behringer X32 Rack. I understand it doesn’t have built-in automatic feedback suppression (so I’d have to manage that manually through EQ), but it seems to offer a lot more flexibility and capability compared to the XR18. From what I gather, it covers everything the XR18 does and then some.

I’ve also noticed more X32 units popping up for sale as people move to the Wing Rack, which makes it feel like a good opportunity to make the switch.

Curious to hear your thoughts or experiences—does this seem like a smart move?

Edit : I don't think the X32 has crossover functionality which is critical for bfm Subs

Keep the driverack. You need the dedicated crossover and limiting. Even if the mixer could do it all, you would still stand the chance of changing to a scene that doesn't have the proper processing and blow it all up. Not worth the chance.

But, I don't think the mixer can do the brickwall limiting you need to protect the subs.

Bruce Weldy wrote: ↑Wed Apr 01, 2026 8:19 am Keep the driverack. You need the dedicated crossover and limiting. Even if the mixer could do it all, you would still stand the chance of changing to a scene that doesn't have the proper processing and blow it all up. Not worth the chance.

But, I don't think the mixer can do the brickwall limiting you need to protect the subs.

Gotcha, appreciate the insight.

Bruce is right.

I absolutely love the XR18 and I'd only recommend you step to a X32 if you are running out of inputs on the 18. I had one show I did that used every single input of the XR18, so I bought a 32 channel... never used more than 18 channels... spent money I didn't need to spend. There's not really too much the X32 does that the XR18 won't, other than inputs. There's a few things, but core functionality and capabilities are the same.

As far as using either of them in leu of a Driverack, they do have crossover capability and EQ capability, but what they don't have is a proper brick wall limiter on the output's. There might be a creative signal routing solution to use a channel's compressor as a limiter. But, it's a work around, not the professional and dedicated solution your system requires. 100%... keep the DriveRack and don't get the 32 unless you need the inputs.