The Analog Mixer With Daw Control For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Soundcraft Signature 22MTK Analog 22-channel Multi-track Mixer
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Soundcraft Signature 22MTK Analog 22-channel Multi-track Mixer

Soundcraft's signature 22MTK includes Soundcraft's legendary Ghost mic preamps. These preamps are directly taken from top-of-the-line consoles by Soundcraft to provide exceptional audio quality, high headroom, and outstanding clarity, as well as a remarkable signal-to-noise ratio. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Samson Mixpad MXP144FX 14-Channel Analog Stereo Mixer

The Samson MixPad MXP144FX 12-channel mixer includes high-quality built-in effects to give your mix the finishing touch. Even better, a built-in USB connection makes it simple to record your mixes to your computer's DAW software. Read Review

3. Best Control: QConPro G2 8-channel universal DAW control surface with Mackie Control

The Icon Pro Audio icon Pro G2 is an eight channel universal control surface that supports most major DAWs via Mackie Control and HUI emulation. The Icon Pro G2 gives you intuitive tactile control over your session, whether you're tracking or mixing. Read Review

4. Best Performance: PreSonus StudioLive AR12c 14-Channel USB-C Hybrid Digital/Analog Mixer

StudioLive AR12c is an audio interface and analog mixer that integrates with cutting-edge recording software. This will help you achieve your creative vision. PreSonus' Capture live recording software allows you to record multitrack live performances in just one click. Read Review

Today’s home studio is tomorrow’s commercial recording space. Digital audio workstations and virtual mixing have redefined what makes a great studio, but the analog gear has always been at the heart of great sound. Mixers are the perfect example of this—while there are many digital mixers on the market, most top-end studios still use analog mixers to record vocals and instruments.

Analog mixers remain popular for their warm signal path and detailed sound. While digital mixers can be fantastic for high-end home studios, an analog mixer gives you more options in terms of expansion and futureproofing your investment. This article takes a detailed look at different types of analog mixers with daw control, their pros and cons as well as some useful buying tips if you’re thinking about investing in one.

With Soundcraft Signature 22MTK Analog 22-channel Multi-track Mixer, you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! To help you find the best fit for your needs, we've put up a purchasing guide and also shown other great options for you to consider.

Before finalizing your selection, our staff advises that you look into these additional important resources. They may help narrow down your selection and clarify things to locate the right fit. Look no further than Samson Mixpad MXP144FX 14-Channel Analog Stereo Mixer since you're seeking the budget-friendly option. Our top models are equipped with features to meet every requirement. 

Our Top Picks

  • Dual-engine Lexicon effects for studio grade reverbs, delays, Choruses and Modulations
  • Robust metal construction for tour-grade build quality and reliability
  • Renowned Soundcraft sapphire British EQ with sweepable mid-bands per channel
  • Iconic Soundcraft Ghost mic preamps with ultra-low noise performance
  • Dbx Limiters (High-ratio Compressors) on input channels
TOP Choice #2 Samson Mixpad MXP144FX 14-Channel Analog Stereo Mixer
Our Score:
9.7
Samson
  • 12-channel USB mixer with 11 faders and digital effects
  • Six Mic/Line channels with professional quality mix preamps
  • 99 digital effects with FX level controls on each channel
  • Four stereo channels with dedicated Balance, Gain knobs and high pass filter button
  • Onboard phantom power
  • Large backlit LCD to display channel name, control values etc. For each channel
  • 9 touch-sensitive motorized faders
  • Illuminated buttons for each channel including rec-enable, solo, mute, select and monitor
  • Universal DAW control surface with Mackie control and HUI
  • Includes free recording software, such as Harrison 32C Vocal Intensity Processor, a “greatest hits” collection of features from Harrison’s analog console heritage, Harrison AVA plugins and Mixbus32C workstation; Tracktion DAW Essentials, a collection of 16 contemporary FX plugins for use with any DAW; Dotec Audio plugins for streaming, podcasting, recording and mixing; and Bitwig Studio 8-Track, the trim and effective digital audio workstation to start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro, all available via download upon purchase and registration
  • Presets and overlays for Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, studio One, digital performer, FL studio, amplitude, Reaper, Bitwig, Reason, Sonar, and Audition
  • 2x2 SD recorder (record main mix); supports SD and SDHC formats up to 32 GB
  • Complete recording solution: Includes Capture live-recording software and Studio One Artist DAW for Mac and Windows
  • Global +48V phantom power
  • 14x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2. 0 (over USB-C connection) audio recording interface; record every channel plus the main mix
  • 14-channel analog mixer with 8 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps plus two instrument inputs, 12 balanced line level inputs, 2 insert points, Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 13/14) with Bluetooth 5. 0 wireless, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback, Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch jack.
  • 3-b EQ
  • 10-channel Mixer with 5 x Mic Preamps
  • 1 Pre-fader/1 Post-fader Auxiliary Send Per Channel
  • Battery-powered Capability
  • 1 x Stereo Channel
  • 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
  • Note: Please refer to the user manual before use
  • 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
  • MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
  • Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
  • Dimensions(W×H×D): 244 millimeter x 71 millimeter x 294 millimeter (9.6x2.8x11.6 inches)
  • 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
  • BORN FOR LIVE STREAMING: MAONO DJ mixer controller supports up to 2 person, 4 devices and 4 platforms to stream simultaneously. Highlights of this set, you can change your voice to the male, female, girlish, robot. Two mic inputs, One Accompaniment input, and real-time monitoring, good noise reduction effect after pressing DENOISE button. It is compatible with IOS and Android systems.
  • ALL IN ONE and EASY TO USE: Works as a USB sound card plus mixing station. Integrating audio mixing equipment into 1 comprehensive solution. It delivers superb sound quality and offers intuitive and full control to optimize vocal and sound effects. The S1 Bundle comes with a condenser microphone that lets you start podcasting or live to stream easily in no time. Start recording when you plug into the smartphone or PC.
  • START YOUR OWN CONCERT: 10-step reverb & 12-step electronic music & 3 modifiable tones (Treble, mid-range, bass) make this audio interface more entertaining and meet more live recording needs.
  • PACKAGE LIST: 1* MIC, 1* Mic Cable, 1* Mic tripod, 1* windscreen muff, 1* Audio interface mixer, 1* Charging cable, 2* 3.5mm TRRS Audio Cable, 1* User manual. We provide a 12-Month warranty. For a better user experience, please download more instructions below and read user manual before setting up. Maonocaster Lite AM200 only supports 3.5mm microphone input and does not support phantom power. The included microphone is forbidden to be used with phantom power.
  • SPECIAL EFFECTS: Four user recordable, eight Built-in special audio effects, and various adjustments available for your creation. Fixed audio effects like APPLAUSE, LAUGHTER, CHEERING...Note please record your own audio effects you like to audio interface according to the instructions.
  • All the essential features: bass/filter, Hot cue modes, loop, FX, Sampler, pressure sensitive jog wheels, etc.
  • Control the back, lights on the base: RGB and strobe effects
  • Built-in sound card to pre-listen to the headphones and speaker outputs
  • Compact and easy to carry wherever you want
  • The perfect DJ controller to introduce you to DJing, with Serato DJ Lite included
  • Universal DAW Remote Control for Studio and Live applications
  • 8 dynamic LCD Scribble Strips for instant overview of track names and parameters
  • 9 fully automated and touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized faders
  • Supports HUI* and Mackie Control* protocols for seamless integration with every compatible music production software
  • Ethernet interface for RTP (Real-Time Protocol) MIDI and future BEHRINGER X32 remote control
  • Update V1.21 firmware with the use of any MIDI SysEx dumper software to fix USB issues
  • Single touch-sensitive, 100 mm long-throw, motorized fader
  • Over $1,000 of computer recording software and plug-ins – Studio Magic Software Suite
  • Transport and innovative Session Navigator controls make mixing and controlling DAWs quick and easy along with seamless, native support for Studio One (Studio One Artist included) and compatible with Logic Pro X, Cubase, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools via MCU and HUI
  • 2 transparent XMAX Class A mic preamps to capture every detail plus 2 high-headroom instrument/line inputs to record guitar, bass, and your favorite synths
  • DAW Recording Software Included – Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a analog mixer with daw control?

The analog mixer with daw control is influenced by a multitude of factors, including all those stated below. Depending on the sort of product, the learning process differs. We'll be ready to aid you and propose solutions since we're here to support you.

It's necessary to remember the following factors before selecting analog mixer with daw control:

Buses

Mixers can transmit at most one mix to the stage. Auxiliary buses, also known as "aux buses", are used to do this. Every channel has a level controller for each aux send. By setting individual aux-send levels on any channel you wish to hear in your mix, you can build your own monitor mix. An aux bus output can be used to connect an in-ear or stage monitor. You can make a number of different monitor mixes if you only use aux busses for monitoring. Aux buses can be mono so two aux buses will be required to create a stereo mix of monitors for your in-ear system. Consider your requirements.

Channel Count

Frame size, also known as channel count, is the number of sources that can be attached to a mixer's input channels simultaneously. A 24-channel mixer, for example, will let you connect 24 sources simultaneously, but there might be other inputs such as Talkback and Tape. A few smaller consoles can provide stereo channels as well as mono channels. Even though they are part of the same channel, stereo channels count as two inputs. It is crucial to remember this when making your choice.

Analog Or Digital

There are generally two types of mixers: digital and analog. Analog mixers use electrical circuits and filters. Digital mixers convert the analog signal to digital audio data which is then sent to an onboard processing unit. The signal is then converted back into the analog domain and sent to personal monitor systems or speakers. Both mixers will offer basic levels and pan control. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to each type. An analog mixer is more cost-effective and easier to use, while digital mixers are more complicated but provide more functionality. This will be discussed in greater detail below.

Connection Types

It's not enough to be able to identify the sources that you will connect to your mixer. A mixer that has enough preamps for microphones is a good choice if you intend to connect them primarily. To reduce the number of direct boxes, ensure that your mixer includes at least one line input if you intend to connect line-level sources.

Compatibility

The mixer must be compatible with your software. You will have problems recording or running a live performance if the software is not compatible. To ensure that the mixer is compatible with DAWs, it's important to verify compatibility during the search. It must be connected to a USB port on your computer. Without a USB interface, your DAW might not function. Although it is unlikely, it is better to be safe that sorry.

Inserts And Direct Outputs

Channel inserts can be used to add outboard processors, such as equalizers or compressors, to channels. The channel insert point can be found right after the preamplifier in its signal flow. It may use individual send or return jacks, but only one 1/4" insert jack. This requires an insert cable. Direct outputs, on the other hand, send only a portion of the preamplifier signal from the board. This makes them ideal for individual feeds to external recorders or audio interfaces.

Portability

If you are looking to bring your mixers with you, portable mixers will be the best choice. Mixers that are too small may not be the most efficient. Larger mixers are also more portable. Mixers are often required to transport large shows between venues. You probably know exactly what mixer you require if you are looking for large and portable mixers.
A smaller mixer is more convenient and portable in most situations. A mixer that has less than 16 channels is best if you are concerned about portability. While 16 channels are not an exact rule, they represent the compromise between small and large mixers. Make sure your mixer is protected and has a strong chassis. Mixers can even come with knobs or faders that have very delicate settings. This is important!

EQ

A great audio mixer should have an equalizer section. A simple, three-band equalizer is fine. However, there are times when it is helpful to have more precise EQ options, e.g. when working with live music and nuances. A Graphic EQ, however, will help you achieve the best tone possible because it covers a wider range of frequencies.

FAQs

How Long Do Audio Mixers Last?

Audio mixers are expected to last between 3-5 years. They are able to return the money they invested. Audio mixers with a life expectancy of 5+ years are not considered obsolete. These mixers can last for a very long time, and they are easily scaleable to accommodate technological changes.

What Softwares Work Best With Audio Mixers?

It takes careful planning and consideration to find software that is reliable. The best softwares can be free or they can cost you money. Wondershare Filmore and Adobe Audition are our top picks.

Does A Mixer Improve Sound Quality?

An audio mixer's primary purpose is to mix and match sounds, as well as alter the bass, middles, and treble. The sum of all the input channels can be merged to produce better sound. A mixer can optimize sound but also filter it. The mixer improves sound quality at the input.

Do I Need A Mixer If I Have An Audio Interface?

A mixer is a great addition to your purchase if you find that you need more audio inputs than your existing interface allows.

Why Are Audio Mixers So Expensive?

They are worth every penny for their quality, functionality, and reliability. Mixers for audio require much effort, labor and are time-consuming. A well-balanced transformer is a costly and time-consuming task. Audio mixers can be a good investment.

Can You Get A Mixer With A USB Mic Input?

Professional mixers don't have either a USB input or interface. This is because USB mics don't have as strong a connection as 1/4" or XLR jacks. USB microphones are great options for those on a budget who need to connect directly to the computer. However, audio mixers have a greater capability. Some mixers include a USB interface.

Can A Mixer Replace An Audio Interface?

You can, to a certain extent... however, a stereo mixer will not work the same as a multichannel interfacing which allows you to simultaneously record different audio sources from multiple tracks.

What Is The Difference Between An Analog And USB Mixer?

A standalone analog mixer can mix audio from multiple sources. You can then output the audio to a PA system or speaker system. An USB mixer can do this same thing but also has an interface. You can also connect the USB mixer to your computer so you can record it in software.

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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.