When your mixing console becomes the bottleneck in your sound system, it’s time to upgrade to the Midas MR18 18-channel digital mixer. This compact powerhouse combines the pristine preamps from Midas’s flagship consoles with modern wireless workflow, giving you the flexibility to mix from anywhere while delivering sound quality that makes audiences stop and take notice.
The Midas Sound That Launched a Thousand Tours
Sixteen genuine Midas Pro microphone preamps – not “Midas-designed,” but actual Midas Pro circuits – deliver the transparent, musical sound that’s been the secret weapon of top touring acts for decades. Engineers consistently report the MR18’s preamps sound noticeably smoother and more open than the Behringer X-series, with one pro describing testing an AKG C414 through the MR18 as “blown away.” These preamps offer exceptional headroom, ultra-low noise, and that indefinable warmth that makes vocals sit perfectly without excessive EQ.
Mix Like a Pro From Your Tablet
The integrated tri-mode Wi-Fi module transforms how you work. Walk the venue during soundcheck to hear exactly what the audience hears. Stand on stage to dial in monitor mixes with the performers. Sit in the sweet spot and perfect your FOH mix. Free control apps for iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux put complete console control in your hands – and many users praise the third-party Mixing Station app for even more customization options. Multiple devices can connect simultaneously, letting musicians adjust their own monitor mixes while you focus on the main mix.
Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
The MR18 packs the same DSP effects processing found in the acclaimed M32 console: four true-stereo effects engines delivering studio-quality reverbs, delays, chorus, and dynamics that would cost thousands in outboard gear. Every channel gets parametric EQ, gates, and compression. All six aux buses feature full dynamics processing and your choice of 6-band parametric or 31-band graphic EQ. One engineer noted, “the only reason to haul around tons of outboard gear” is if you don’t have an MR18.
Record Every Channel, Every Time
The built-in 18×18 USB audio interface turns the MR18 into a complete recording solution. Track all 18 channels simultaneously to your DAW for studio-quality multitrack recordings. Countless bands report using the MR18 to record gigs night after night with professional results. The integration with popular DAWs is seamless – just plug in via USB and you’re tracking.
Intelligent Mixing for Complex Scenarios
Panel discussions, conferences, and multi-presenter events become dramatically easier with Dugan-style auto-mixing. The MR18 intelligently manages microphone levels in real-time, automatically reducing gain on unused mics while maintaining consistent system levels. This eliminates the feedback, comb-filtering, and phase issues that plague traditional multi-mic setups – without the pumping artifacts of conventional gates.
Built to Last on the Road
The rugged rackmount stage box design features genuine Neutrik locking XLR connectors that prevent cables from pulling loose during transport or performance. At just 3U, the MR18 fits easily in standard rack cases alongside your other gear. Users report trouble-free operation after years of weekly gigs, with the robust metal chassis handling everything touring demands.
A Note on WiFi Performance
While the built-in WiFi works reliably for many users, several experienced engineers recommend adding an external dual-band router operating on 5GHz for mission-critical applications. This simple addition provides rock-solid connectivity in challenging RF environments and venues with heavy wireless traffic.
Who Will Love the MR18
Medium-sized bands needing professional preamps and wireless mixing, houses of worship upgrading to digital workflow, corporate AV professionals running conferences and presentations, recording engineers wanting a compact interface with stellar preamps, mobile DJs seeking flexible routing and effects, and any sound professional who values the legendary Midas sound quality without the premium console price.
