The Audio Mixer Hardware For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
TC Helicon GoXLR Revolutionary 4-Channel Mixer
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: TC Helicon GoXLR Revolutionary 4-Channel Mixer

Featuring a sophisticated audio engine with a range of effects and DSP options, this easy-to-use device has everything you need for the perfect mix. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Pyle PMXU128BT 12-Channel Studio Audio Mixer

This personal mixer supports all common digital audio file types and has a USB soundcard and audio interface for recording and connecting to MAC or PC. It can be used for studio professionals as well as beginners. Read Review

3. Best LCD Design: Tascam DP-24SD 24-Track Digital Portastudio Multi-Track Audio Mixer

The DP-24SD Digital Portastudio has a 24-track recorder that allows eight simultaneous tracks. The built-in mixer includes everything you need for a professional-sounding mix, from EQ and reverb to amp simulation and multi-band mastering effects. Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Soundcraft Ui16 Remote-Controlled 16-Input Digital Mixer

Ui's Snapshot recall tool allows you to create the perfect mix for any show or individual song and then save the settings so that they can be recalled whenever needed. Advanced password-protected access limitations allow you to limit the functionality that users can change. Read Review

If you have ever watched a live broadcast, such as a music concert, or played video games with an online connection, you must have noticed the mixing consoles or audio mixers in the background.

These devices are responsible for combining multiple sound inputs and outputs into a single output. A mixer is an audio device that combines multiple audio inputs with different volume levels into one output stream. They are used in various applications and setups such as school projects, concerts, gaming setups, broadcasting studios, and many more.

Therefore, in this blog post, we will guide you through each of our favorite models for the best audio mixer hardware and help you find the one that fits your situation. If you love high-tech and smart products, then our TC Helicon GoXLR Revolutionary 4-Channel Mixer is perfect for you. This is a modern digital audio mixer with tons of sound features for music recording, streaming, broadcasting, and more.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 TC Helicon GoXLR Revolutionary 4-Channel Mixer
Our Score:
9.7
TC-Helicon
  • Multi-channel mixer: Motorized faders let you control mic, game, music, chat, and more for the perfect Broadcast mix
  • Officially supported on Windows 7, 8, 10, 11. No official Linux support. No macOS support.
  • Sampler: Record samples on-the-fly or load your own audio files to engage and entertain your community
  • GoXLR Windows app: You’re in control with basic and advanced audio parameters, sample import, and voice FX preset library. App required for functionality.
  • Voice FX: Add reverb, echo, pitch shift, megaphone, Robot, and hard tune to your voice in real time
  • Studio quality MIDAS preamp: Make your XLR mic sound great with 48V phantom power, equalizer, compressor, limiter, de-esser, and Gate
TOP Choice #2 Pyle PMXU128BT 12-Channel Studio Audio Mixer
Our Score:
9.5
Pyle
  • BLUETOOTH: This portable multi channel DJ sound controller has Bluetooth for wireless streaming and use it as an input to mix signal with other input channels. It works with iPhone, Android, iPad, Tablet and MP3 Player. The wireless range is 15 ft
  • LED INDICATOR LIGHTS: The recording mixer has LED indicator lights and rotary adjustment knobs for user convenience. It has input selection, master volume controls, independent channel balance and high, plus, low frequency adjustment
  • RECORD AND CONNECT TO PC: This personal mixer has a USB soundcard and audio interface to record and connect to MAC or PC and it has universal digital audio file compatibility. Can be used by beginners or studio professional applications
  • 12-CHANNEL MIXER: The device caters multiple device connectivity because it has 12 channels. It has 2 ¼” (L/R) main outputs, 4 XLR 14” combo audio line/MIC IN, 2 pair RCA inputs, 2 pair ¼” mono+stereo inputs, ¼” send+return inputs, ¼” headphone jack
  • +48V PHANTOM POWER: For reliable power source, this DJ mixer comes with a +48V Phantom power supply. Includes a 3-pin power adapter cable and the stereo output level meter is 12-Segment (-30, -20, -10, -7, -4, -2, 0, +2, +4, +7, +10, CLIP)
  • Tascam 24-Track Digital Portastudio
  • Cross-platform compatibility with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux devices
  • Use up to 10 control devices (tablets, phones, PCs) simultaneously
  • Legendary Harman Signal Processing from dbx, Digitech, and Lexicon.Real-Time Frequency Analyser (RTA) on inputs and outputs
  • Tablet/PC/Smartphone Controlled Digital Mixer
  • Integrated Wi-Fi
  • 14 -in/4-out USB audio interface connectivity
  • 12 discrete channels (8 mono plus 2 stereo) with XLR or 1/4-inch connectivity
  • Frequency characteristics 44.1 kHz:-1.0 dB: 20 Hz - 20 kHz,96 kHz: -3.0 dB: 20 Hz - 40 kHz.14 -track Simultaneous recording, 12-track playback
  • Scene saving function, up to 9 scenes saved at a time
  • 5 powered headphone outputs, each with a customizable and savable mix
6 YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer
Our Score:
9.0
Yamaha
  • 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
  • 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)
  • MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
  • 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
  • 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
7 Rockville RPM1870 Powered Mixer
Our Score:
8.8
Rockville
  • Rockville RPM1870 6000 Watt powered mixer, 7 band EQ, 24-bit effects, USB, Bluetooth, and 48V phantom power. 18 channel mixer section: 16 mono channels, 1 stereo channel. 18 high-quality Xdr2 mic preamps with switchable +48 V phantom power for condenser microphones. Xdr2 mic preamps are low-noise and low distortion. These are some of the best sounding mic pre’s on the market
  • Each channel has gain, aux control, FX control, pan control, volume control. Peak LED indicator has a red LED that indicates a signal level that is 5dB below clipping. Dual stereo 7-Band Graphic EQ allows for precise frequency correction of monitor and main outputs (with EQ kill switch)
  • 24 bit digital effects processor with 16 preset Digital effects including (reverb, chorus,, delay, chorus, Phaser, Flanger and various multi-effects). effects level control can adjust signal level of each effect. Effects mute button. Fx footswitch input lets you turn your effects on or off. 4-Band EQ (high, high-mid, low-mid, low) per channel. Each channel is equipped with pad, mute, and solo buttons with LED’s
  • Rockville RPM1870 18 Channel 6000W powered mixer w/USB, effects/16 Xdr2 mic pres
  • Built in USB allows you to play songs from your computer or a thumb drives. Built in recording - allows you to record your main mix on to a USB drive. Usb supported formats are MP3, WAV, WMA. Built in advanced Bluetooth wireless audio streaming with the most reliable Bluetooth chip on the market
8 Mackie ProFXv2 Audio Mixer
Our Score:
8.6
Mackie
  • 4 low-noise Mackie Vita mic preamps add life to any input
  • 7-band graphic EQ for tuning mains or monitors. Operating Temperature: 0 ̊ – 40 ̊C
  • Aux output for monitor mixes, venue 70-volt systems, and more
  • 3-band EQ and 100Hz low-cut filter on all channels.Power Consumption:20 watts
  • ReadyFX effects engine with 16 effects including reverbs, delays, and choruses
  • Perfect Capture: Class compliant (Mac & PC) USB audio interface records at 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz resolution and sends computer audio to powered loudspeakers and headphones
  • Built in Studio Effects: 15 DSP effects with channel FX Sends and Master FX return level to adjust the volume of MultiMix 4 USB FX’s internal FX processor
  • Professional Software Suite Included: ProTools | First Alesis Edition, AIR Mini Grand, DB 33 and Eleven Lite
  • Home Studio Recording Essentials: XLR inputs with gain trim and switchable high pass filters; Dual band EQ on channels 1 4; Multicolour LED metering for real time, visual level feedback
  • Portable, Feature Packed Mixing Desk: 4 channel mixer with 1/4inches line level inputs, a high impedance input / switch for electric guitar and bass (DI), plus XLR inputs with 48V phantom power
  • Connects to all Your Studio Equipment: Stereo (2) 1/4inches outputs connect to active monitors, amplifiers and recording devices; headphone output with independent level control
10 Depusheng DT12 Studio Audio Mixer
Our Score:
8.4
Depusheng
  • High Accurate Led Lights and Power Supply:Delicate LED peak level indicator, and ultra musical 3 band EQ on all channels; For reliable power source, this DJ mixer comes with a +48V Phantom power supply. Includes a 3=pin power adapter cable and the stereo output level meter is 10-Segment (-24, -19, -14, -11, -8, -5, 0, +5, +8, +11)
  • 12-CHANNEL DJ Mixer: The mixer is great for multiple devices connectivity because it has 12 channels,and one XLR microphone and 1/4’’ input each channel. Plus 2 Pair XLR outputs,2 1/4’’ (L/R) outputs, Each pairs RCA (L/R) inputs and outputs, 2 pairs 1/4’’ mono + stereo,1/4’’ Send + Return and 1/4’’ headphone jack
  • Multi Devices Compatibility:This portable 12-channel DJ mixer has Bluetooth for wireless streaming and use it as an input to mix signal with other input channels. It works with IOS, Android, Tablet and MP3 Player.
  • Ultra-thin and Rugged Chassis: With only 1.6 inches thin design, sealed rotary controls to resist dust, great experience of touching to use this mixer. This compact mixer provides total dynamic control, is great for high quality on stage performance,premium quality crystal clear studio level quality audio playback.【If there's any problem, please don't hesitate to contact us, we are very happy to help and strive for good customer service.】
  • Wireless Bluetooth: The bluetooth wireless range is within 15 ft.Very easy to wirelessly stream all music tunes to the mixing board from Spotify or Pandora
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How to choose a good model of audio mixer hardware

Choosing the audio mixer hardware to buy might be difficult, but it is critical to locate a reputable brand that provides high-quality goods. This article will assist you in determining which is the greatest brand to purchase for high-quality items.

Before purchasing the audio mixer hardware for your needs, there are several aspects to consider. The intended usage of the product is the most significant aspect. To avoid harming customers, the finest goods must be ensured on production materials. Here are some suggestions for purchasing the audio mixer hardware.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

We hope that our helpful advice has assisted you in locating the audio mixer hardware for your requirements. If you still can't locate one, contact the Behringer XENYX X2442USB Premium 24-Input 4/2-Bus Mixer. If you encounter an issue, please contact us as soon as possible; we would be pleased to assist you with any questions or concerns. Now is an excellent moment to purchase!


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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.