This was our first digital mixer. We opted for the higher quality preamps over the XR18 model. The only drawback here is that there are no Hi-Z inputs. This was not a concern of ours, and we use a DI box for our Bassist usually.
Firstly - If it hasn't been beaten into your skull yet - you need an external secure wifi router connected. I'm a technical nut - so I bought a cheap one and put OpenWRT firmware on it. This way I can easily bridge the house wifi (w/NAT) to our own personal band network which then gives our devices house internet access, AND secure access to the mixer control.
Second - Expect a learning curve. My mate has a degree in audio recording, and I am an electrical design engineer. It still took us hours playing around to understand the signal routing, aux bussing (for IEMs), and FX. It took about 4 rehearsals to have it figured out enough for gigging.
Third - I LOVE THIS THING, it has amazing sound, and is a 100% Linux compatible interface, class compliant (no driver needed). I multi-track record all of our gigs with great results! I use electronic drums, and also record the MIDI hits directly with the audio. I am using 100% FOSS software for this on Dell laptop. Fedora Workstation (w/ native pipewire!), Ardour (DAW), Carla (signal routing / onboard effects). The requirements of this system are stupid low. To test that, I was able to multitrack record on an ancient dual-core laptop with 4G of RAM, and a slow spinning rust HDD. (But you NEED to be running Linux for this - windows is too bloated)
Fourth - I haven't tested it yet (but will soon) - but apparently a midi control surface (like Mackie MCU Pro) can be used as a physical mixer interface. COOL!
We all use the Mixing Station App because it is very flexible, and I can customize my layout on my tablet. Its worth the $5. Also it is quite lovely being able to all have IEMs and control our own mixes.
In closing, this mixer is nothing short of amazing, and can easily find a place in your toolkit, be it in a home studio or on the road.
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