The 10 Best Studio Mixers Of 2024, Researched By Us

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Mackie Mix Series, 8-Channel Compact Mixer Studio
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Mackie Mix Series, 8-Channel Compact Mixer Studio

The 8-channel compact mixer with proven high-headroom, low-noise performance, 2 stereo 1/4" line inputs and Mackie's patented low-noise design offers you a new choice for small mixers for your home studio. Read Review

2. Best Powerful: Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Podcast Recorder, Digital Mixer and Recorder

Zoom LiveTrak L-8 makes it easier than ever to mix, monitor, and record professional-sounding Podcasts and music performances in one portable, affordable package. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Behringer XENYX X1222USB Premium 16-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer

The Behringer XENYX X1222USB Premium 16-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer is a compact, yet extremely powerful mixer for live performance and recording. With its ultra-low noise design, this mixer ensures that the finest details are captured with pristine clarity. Read Review

4. Best Performance: 8-Channel Bluetooth Studio Audio Mixer - DJ Sound Controller Interface

This personal mixer features a USB soundcard, audio interface and audio recorder to record to MACs or PCs, and also has universal digital file compatibility. It can be used for studio professionals as well as beginners. Read Review

A good mixer is a must-have for any recording studio. Some may feel that it’s not such an important piece of equipment, but they couldn’t be more wrong! A mixer can make or break the sound of your final track and can give you the edge over others. So how do you choose the best mixing console for your studio? There are quite a few things to consider before making the final decision. Let this blog serve as the best studio mixers and your quick guide to picking the right one for your needs.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent hours conducting surveys through real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is Mackie Mix Series, 8-Channel Compact Mixer Studio. And Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Podcast Recorder, Digital Mixer and Recorder is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Mackie Mix Series, 8-Channel Compact Mixer Studio
Our Score:
9.8
Mackie
  • 8-channel compact mixer with proven high-headroom, low-noise performance
  • 1 aux send with stereo 1/4'' returns
  • 3-band EQ on all channels with clean, precise tone shaping
  • 2 stereo 1/4" line inputs
  • 2 mic/line inputs with studio-level audio quality, pan, level and overload indication and phantom power for studio condenser mics
  • Mix-minus function preventing audio feedback from dial-in guests
  • Battery operated with four AA batteries or a USB power supply
  • 6 assignable sound pads, with 13 preset sounds
  • 12-Track simultaneous recording, 10-track playback
  • 8-Channel digital mixer ( 6 combo, plus 2 TS inputs )
TOP Choice #3 Behringer XENYX X1222USB Premium 16-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer
Our Score:
9.5
Behringer
  • New studio-grade fx processor with 16 editable presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter, multi-effects, tap function and storable user parameter settings.phantom power : plus48 v phantom
  • Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
  • 4 studio-grade compressors with super-easy "one-knob" functionality and control led for professional vocal and instrumental sound
  • Speaker type: Outdoor
  • Neo-classic "british" 3-band eqs for warm and musical sound"
  • 4 state-of-the-art, phantom-powered xenyx mic preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
  • fdescripRECORD 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
  • 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
  • +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)
  • 8-CHANNEL MIXER: The device caters multiple device connectivity because it has 8 channels. It has 2 1/4’’ (L/R) outputs, 4 XLR microphone inputs, 2 pairs RCA (L/R) inputs, 2 pairs 1/4’’ mono + stereo,1/4’’ Send + Return and 1/4’’ headphone jack
  • BLUETOOTH: This portable 8-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
  • +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)
  • 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
  • BLUETOOTH: This portable 4-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
  • 4-CHANNEL MIXER: The device caters multiple device connectivity because it has 4 channels. It has 2 1/4’’ (L/R) main outputs, 2 XLR/14’’ combo audio line or microphone inputs, 1/4’’ Mono + Stereo Inputs, 1/4’’ Send + Return Inputs and 1/4’’ headphone jack
  • MIC AND STEREO LINE INPUTS - Supporting XLR and unbalanced 1/4" Plug with +48V Phantom button, highly accurate LED Peak Level Indicator and Ultra-musical 3-band EQ on all channels ultra-low noise, high headroom mixer with super easy functionality
  • USB/FLASH READER/MP3 COMPATIBILITY - Connect your external USB, computer PC, flash drive or Bluetooth device to mix & record Use the built-in controls to play/pause, skip tracks and switch between modes
  • BLUETOOTH WIRELESS STREAMING - Hassle and cable-free audio streaming ability directly to the console unit This audio mixer can wirelessly stream music tunes from iPad, iPhone and Android Smart Phone with mixing board from Pandora or Spotify
  • NEW MULTI-VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY - 100V-240V (+/-15V DC power adapter) ideal for worldwide usage. Enjoy a value packed mixing solution today with performances that sound great each time
  • RUGGED STEEL CHASSIS - With sealed rotary controls to resist dust and grime, this compact DJ Mixer will provide total dynamic control This incredibly versatile mixer is great for high quality on stage performance, live gigs and Karaoke
  • 12 mono input channels with award-winning MIDAS microphone preamplifiers
  • 2 aux sends with pre/post fader switching
  • Live performance and studio recording analogue mixer with 16 input channels
  • 2 electronically-balanced stereo line input channels on 1/4" TRS connectors
  • 3 band EQ on mono channels with swept mid band
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
  • Studio-grade compressors with super-easy “one-knob” functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound
  • Ultra-high quality KLARK TEKNIK FX processor with 100 presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects
  • 2 state-of-the-art XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
  • 4 INPUTS: Aside from bluetooth connectivity it also has a USB audio Interface for pc/flash drive reader connection, (2) XLR/14" combo audio LINE/mic inputs, 1/4" (6.35mm) mono/stereo input. Works w/ smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer
  • 4 CHANNEL: 4 channel mixer digital studio DJ mixing system has the ability to mix microphone audio and instrument like guitar/keyboard into one output signal. It features BUS audio control sound routing, MP3 digital audio file compatibility
  • BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE: Hassle-free audio streaming ability directly to the console unit. Mix your iPad, iPhone, android smartphone music to your DJ session. This audio mixer allows you to wirelessly stream music tunes from pandora/spotify
  • INDEPENDENT AUDIO CONFIGURATION: Equipped w/ rotary knobs and LED indicator lights to easily adjust the gain, high, low, fx/send, pan tone of each channel. Also has an LCD digital display w/ ID3 tag readout that displays song title / artist
  • +48V PHANTOM POWER: For a reliable power source, the portable audio mixer USB has a +48V phantom power and comes w/ a wall power adapter. The mixer is great for professional DJ studio use, audio recording, on-stage performance, live gigs, karaoke
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best studio mixers?

Upon looking for the perfect best studio mixers, a lot of things should be taken into account. Each item has its own challenge of purchasing.  As a result of the formation, we're here to help, advise, and provide answers to these problems.

Please keep in mind the following points to select best studio mixers that fit you most:

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The list of best studio mixers will be regularly updated to be included in additional data by our editor's team. Please keep an eye around for any amendments made to our website.

Our consultants could support you with problems related to best studio mixers and other things as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need advice.


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.