The 10 Best Daw Mixers For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Best Daw Mixers
Best Daw Mixers

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: PreSonus AudioBox 96 Mixer

The PreSonus Mixer is a value-packed 2-channel USB 2.0 audio interface for personal and portable recording. It comes with the Studio One Artist DAW recording software, making it ideal for professional-grade recording. Read Review

2. Runner Up: PreSonus FaderPort 16 Mixer

The PreSonus Mixer is the perfect production controller for any audio engineer or producer. This 16-channel mixer provides precise tactile control over your DAW application of choice with its 100 mm touch-sensitive motorized faders. Read Review

3. Best Efficient: Behringer XR18 Digital Mixer

The Behringer Mixer is the perfect digital mixer for the studio. It is controlled via an iPad or Android tablet and offers 18 inputs for efficient mixing. It features a bidirectional USB interface for direct recording on your iPad or other device. Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Mixer

The Zoom L-8 Mixer is a powerful and versatile podcast recording and music production tool. It features a 12-in/4-out audio interface and a built-in EQ and effects. It is also battery-powered, making it ideal for on-the-go recording. Read Review

5. Best Performance: Steinberg UR22C Mixer

The Steinberg Mixer is a powerful and versatile audio interface with the highest sound quality for recording, editing, and mixing. It features two inputs and two outputs, allowing you to connect any microphone, instrument, or audio source. Read Review

Are you a music producer looking to take your production game to the next level? Your mix and sound quality are crucial to creating impressive tracks. But what is the best way to get the most out of your music? The answer is simple – one of the best DAW mixers currently available. A DAW or digital audio workstation mixer is essential for any music producer. It enables you to mix and balance multiple audio tracks and apply effects to transform the sound of your music.

The best DAW mixers can provide complete control over every aspect of your mix, allowing you to create detailed and professional-sounding recordings. In this article, we will explore the top DAW mixers on the market and discuss the features you should look for when choosing the best one for your needs. We will also provide you with an overview of the pros and cons of each mixer so that you can make an informed decision. So if you’re ready to take your music production to the next level, read on to learn more about the best DAW mixers available today.

We think the highly recommended product for the best daw mixers is PreSonus AudioBox 96 Mixer. This 2-channel USB 2.0 audio interface features two high-quality microphone preamps, MIDI I/O, and Studio One Artist DAW recording software. You may explore the following if you need more alternatives and in-depth guidance.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 PreSonus AudioBox 96 Mixer
Our Score:
9.9
PreSonus

The PreSonus Mixer is a powerful and compact audio interface, making it ideal for personal recording that can also be taken on the go. This unit includes a copy of Studio One Artist DAW recording software already installed, making it an exceptionally well-rounded purchase option. In addition to MIDI, it offers two high-headroom instrument inputs so you can record guitar, bass, and any other line-level devices of your choosing. You can monitor without latency using a Mixer control to establish a custom blend between the inputs and playback.

This product has two channels of USB 2.0, so you can connect microphones, instruments, and other audio sources straight to your computer. This feature gives you a lot of flexibility. As a result of its mic preamps' low noise, significant headroom, and zero-latency monitoring, you can be confident that your performance will be recorded with the highest possible degree of clarity and precision. However, headphones are mono only, so synth input in stereo cannot be heard.

TOP Choice #2 PreSonus FaderPort 16 Mixer
Our Score:
9.8
PreSonus

The PreSonus is a professional 16-channel mix production controller that makes mixing and controlling your favorite DAW application quick and easy. It provides precise control over your mix by giving smooth and accurate fades. Its 16 touch-sensitive motorized faders have a travel distance of 100mm. In addition, the FaderPort has buttons exclusively for Mute, Solo, Record, and Select, enabling you to swiftly manage your mix without requiring you to move your mouse.

This device features an integrated talkback microphone and a headphone amplifier, making it possible to communicate with talent and other engineers. It offers complete control over the recording transport, general session settings, navigation controls for markers, channel controls, and automation controls. Thanks to its user-friendly interface and workflow, any digital audio workstation would benefit significantly from adding the FaderPort 16. Unfortunately, it has minimal functionality with Adobe Audition.

TOP Choice #3 Behringer XR18 Digital Mixer
Our Score:
9.6
Behringer

The Behringer Digital Mixer is excellent for recording studios and live sound environments. Because of its rapid and thorough 18 x 18 channel, the XR18 is an astonishingly potent digital mixing solution that can record directly to your iPad or computer. You can adjust the ideal monitoring mix with effects and zero latency while simultaneously transmitting up to 16 microphone signals and the keyboard player's MIDI notes to your digital audio workstation (DAW) to record them.

This unit has a bidirectional USB interface for direct recording on iPad and other capabilities like four internal stereo effects engines, 6-band EQs, compressors, and much more. You can also control your mix from a distance using Behringer's free control app, which enables you to adjust the levels, EQs, and more. The Behringer XR18 Digital Mixer is ideal for recording studios and live sound environments. The only issue is that the built-in wireless signal lacks security.

4 Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Mixer
Our Score:
9.4
Zoom

The Zoom LiveTrak is the most advanced podcast recorder and digital mixer available, making it ideal for artists and audio professionals. This powered mixer also has a phone input and sound pads in addition to its battery-powered design, four headphone outputs, a 12-in/4-out audio interface, built-in EQ, and effects. With the L-8, you can record as many as ten discrete tracks in addition to a stereo mix directly to an SD card at resolutions reaching up to 96 kHz and 24 bits. You will have no trouble punching in tracks or adding overdubs, and you will then be able to transfer your work to the DAW of your choice to fine-tune it.

This product works well for live concerts, recording sessions, rehearsals, and other musical endeavors. Its user-friendly interface makes it simple to adjust the EQ settings, apply effects, and modify levels. Its mix-minus capability eliminates the possibility of audio feedback from dial-in visitors. You have the best tool with the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 for creating high-quality audio mixes. The only issue is that its setting is a bit confusing. While it is a great unit, it should have USB-C instead of micro USB.

5 Steinberg UR22C Mixer
Our Score:
9.3
Steinberg

The Steinberg UR22C Mixer is a highly effective and flexible audio interface that offers the finest possible sound quality for recording, editing, and mixing. You can attach virtually any microphone, instrument, or audio source because it has two inputs and two outputs. The audio resolution of this unit can reach up to 32 bits at 192 kilohertz, thanks to the converters that are among the most advanced in the market. Its Dspmixfx application provides zero-latency monitoring together with effects for every DAW.

This product has a Super Speed USB 3.1 Gen 1 port and a USB-C port, allowing for a reliable and quick connection to any Mac or Windows computer. Additionally, it comes with Cubase AI and Cubasis LE, two audio production and recording programs. Steinberg Plus gives you free access to a wide variety of our top-of-the-line Virtual Studio Technology (VST) instruments and VST sound and loop sets. Unfortunately, it is a bit difficult to install on Mac.

6 Zoom LiveTrak L-12 Mixer
Our Score:
9.2
Zoom

The Zoom LiveTra Mixer is a robust and adaptable system that can be used for live music, podcasting, and various other applications. While simultaneously mixing your live show, you can record 12 tracks audio tracks to 24-bit/96 kHz WAV onto an SD card with a capacity of up to 512 GB. You have the option of mixing and overdubbing your final project. Alternatively, you can transfer the individual tracks to your digital audio workstation (DAW) and continue mixing and editing. It also includes effects and an equalizer built-in, making it simple to fine-tune your mixes to perfection.

This device has a USB audio interface with 14 inputs and four outputs, a 12-input and 14-channel SD recorder, and five powered headphone outputs. You can record audio from a wide variety of sources and mix it in real-time with the help of this mixer. It is the ideal piece of gear for musicians, podcasters, and live streamers who are looking to put up a recording and mixing setup that is of a professional caliber. The only drawback is that it doesn't work with AMD.

7 Tascam Model 12 Mixer
Our Score:
9.0
Tascam

The Tascam Digital Multitrack, a mixing and recording studio, is ideal for the artist, producer, or engineer in today's music industry. This competent mixer, USB audio interface, and DAW workstation controller give you 12 inputs and ten outputs, enabling you to connect your recording and production equipment. It provides a complete range of capabilities, such as a 4-band equalizer, compressor/limiter, and a built-in DSP effects engine. The interface of this product is an intuitive touchscreen. Furthermore, the device offers a 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution, providing the best fidelity audio recordings and audio playback.

This unit features a one-of-a-kind Click Output compatible with TAP TEMPO, making synchronizing drums and other percussion parts simple. In addition, it comes equipped with onboard MIDI functionality, which paves the way for easy interaction with other hardware and software instruments. You will also have the flexibility to tune the sound to your precise preferences thanks to the Model 12's built-in 1-knob compressor and 3-band EQ, which are fitted on all input modules and come standard with the unit. However, it is a bit complicated to use at first, but you will get used to it after some time.

20 discrete channels (16 mono mic/line plus 2 stereo) offer up to 22 tracks of recording (up to 24-bit/96 kHz)

22-in/4-out USB audio interface mode lets you route inputs to DAW or streaming software, even while recording to an SD card

20 built-in effects with adjustable parameters that can be applied to any channel via two dedicated EFX busses

9 PreSonus StudioLive 16 Mixer
Our Score:
8.5
PreSonus

4 auxiliary buses (pre/post-fader send) and 2 internal FX buses

2 stereo 32-bit digital effects processors

Fat Channel signal processing on all channels and buses, with 3-band semi-parametric EQ, compressor, downward expander, and limiter

10 Mackie ProFX16v3 Mixer
Our Score:
7.9
Mackie

Lay down your tracks in incredible 24-bit/ 192kHz quality for the cleanest recordings possible 2x4 USB I/O allows you to create two custom mixes on your computer to send back in to the mixer, great for situations when you need to monitor specific tracks during playback in addition to the full mix.

Equipped with 11 Onyx mic press offering up to 60dB of gain and ultra-low noise performance. Perfect for microphones popular with content creators that require high-gain preamps.

This Mackie ProFX16v3 16-Channel Unpowered Mixer comes with all the manufacturer accessories and a Mackie 1-year USA warranty along with a 21-piece bundle which includes 4x Mophead 10' TRS balanced male to male 1/4" cable, 4x 10' XLR male to XLR female cable, 2x TRS 1/4" stereo to 3.5mm TRS adapter, 10x cable ties and Circuit City microfiber cloth.

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To Choose The best daw mixers, What Criteria Do You Need To Study Before?

Almost all buyers are anxious about getting best daw mixers. Whenever creating multiple purchases, various issues need to be resolved. Our market expertise will give you help to make the best shopping selection.

Please consider the following factors before selecting best daw mixers:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

FAQs

What is a DAW Mixer?

A DAW Mixer is a digital audio workstation mixer, which is used to control sound levels and other aspects of the audio signal within a digital recording setup. It typically provides a variety of controls, such as EQ, panning, and effects, as well as metering and monitoring functions. DAW mixers are typically used to mix multiple audio signals together for use in a recording or live performance.

How does a DAW Mixer Work?

A DAW mixer works by providing a variety of controls that allow the user to manipulate the audio signal within the digital recording environment. These controls typically include EQ, panning, and effects, as well as metering and monitoring functions. By adjusting these parameters, the user can shape the audio signal to create the desired sound.

What are the Benefits of Using a DAW Mixer?

The main benefit of using a DAW mixer is that it allows the user to easily control the sound of their recordings without having to manually adjust each individual track. This makes mixing and mastering faster and easier, while also providing a higher overall quality of sound. Additionally, DAW mixers can also provide additional features such as automation, which can help further improve the sound of the mix.

What Features Do DAW Mixers Have?

DAW mixers typically provide a variety of features, such as EQ, panning, effects, and metering and monitoring functions. Additionally, DAW mixers may also provide additional features such as automation, which can help to further improve the sound of the mix.

Since merchandising consultant pros have a wide variety of expertise, the information above is presumed to be accurate. The data of best daw mixers is also updated on a regular basis. You may feel confident that the data is current and accurate.

Please report any problems with best daw mixers so that we can improve your experience. We'll work even harder to improve our quality as a consequence of your favorable comments!


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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.