Best Analog & Digital Audio Mixers
Introduction
Gone are the days when audio mixing required massive mixer consoles. Mixing technology has advanced rapidly, and now you can find digital mixing software that lets you blend audio inputs, process them, and route the sound wherever you need—whether that’s to PA systems or other destinations.
Still, despite the availability of digital audio workstations (DAWs), many home studio owners and performing musicians prefer hardware mixers with real knobs, buttons, and faders.
The right mixing console for your home studio (or any modest recording environment) can dramatically expand your recording capabilities. Mixers handle signals from multiple instruments and vocals, allowing you to combine them into a single output.
Today’s market offers a wide range of digital and analog mixers. Some feature analog/digital hybrid designs, while others are great low-budget options for summing. You’ll also find mixers with ultra-transparent or richly colored preamps.
Live sound mixers are often called sound system mixers or PA mixers. If you’re a performing musician looking for a digital audio mixer for live sound, check out the following highly recommended digital mixers for live performances.
Options To Look In Digital Mixing Console
Digital mixing boards are often lightweight and portable, making it easy to take them to different venues and events. They also let you create and save presets. Choosing a mixer depends on your personal preferences and, of course, your budget.
There are plenty of digital mixing boards available at affordable prices that come with all the essential features you need. When shopping for a digital mixing console, be sure to consider our suggestions below, as they might help you make a better decision and give you more flexibility and customization when creating music. You might also want to check out other musical gear, like guitar amplifiers and multi-track recorders, for your studio. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Inputs and Channels
A digital mixing console should include all the essential features on a single board, such as channel strips, inputs, EQ, AUX sends, mute and solo buttons, channel faders, outputs, and a digital screen for displaying all the information you need. Channel strips are used to control panning, dynamics, and advanced routing options for your audio signals.
Flexibility
Midas digital mixers are known for their flexibility and compact size. The mixer should offer you both channel equalizers and graphical EQs with powerful processing capabilities. You can easily save different settings for various bands and musicians, which is extremely helpful when multiple acts are performing back-to-back.
A mid to high-end digital board should allow you to create and save your own tones, and software updates should enhance features like routing and mix busses. You can pre-configure your effects using software on a tablet or laptop via USB, so your channels and routing are always ready to go.
Noise Reduction
Digital mixers generally produce less noise compared to analog mixers and make it easy for operators to group channels quickly without the need for rewiring. They also provide smooth, flexible group assignments with layered faders, so choose a system that offers more configuration options.
Ready-To-Go
Digital mixers should allow you to save, edit, copy, or recall presets, which is incredibly useful during live shows or events and provides innovative ways to speed up your workflow. Modern boards are often modular, with separate controls for the surface, processor rack, and stage I/O box, giving you flexible options without needing to replace the entire digital system.
Just a quick note: We’ll be listing these audio mixers in no particular order. The list will be randomized, as we don’t want to rank them from best to worst.
Listed here are our Top 10 Audio Mixers:
1. Yamaha MG16XU
The Yamaha MG16XU mixer stands out as the top choice in the MG-XU series, offering high-quality Digital SPX multi-effects at a budget-friendly price. Today, let’s explore why the Yamaha MG16XU 16 Channel Mixer is better than many other mixers on the market.
This Yamaha MG16XU series mixer features a variety of premium effects like Reverb, Delay, Phaser, voice changer, and more. It is also equipped with 8 mic inputs, each with gain controls and phantom power.
The inputs are well-designed with high-quality switches for frequency changes, allowing you to connect any type of input—such as condenser mics, guitars, effect processors, or music keyboards.
The audio output delivers 24-bit / 192 kHz recording quality. The mixer also features 2-in/2-out USB audio capabilities. With USB connectivity, you can send two channels in and two channels out to your computer at up to 24-bit / 192kHz.
This mixer is ideal for recording live performances, demos, and more. Channels 1-8 are each equipped with D-PRE mic preamps, 3-band EQ, pan control, and a high-pass filter.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
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Yamaha MG16XU |
- Type: Analog
- Channels: 16
- Computer Connectivity: USB (2 x 2)
- Faders: 16 Faders
- Inputs – Mic Preamps: 8 x XLR/TRS Combo, 2 x XLR, 4 x TRS
- Phantom Power: 12
- Inputs – Line: 4 x TRS
2. Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX
The ZEDi mixers are an excellent choice for any small home studio, especially if you’re just getting started. They’re compact and very easy to use.
What really sets them apart for home studio use is that, unlike most affordable mixers, these come with a built-in audio interface. This means you can record all the mono inputs directly into your DAW as individual tracks.
The ZEDi-8 lets you record 2 tracks at the same time, while the ZEDi-10 and 10FX allow you to record up to 4 tracks simultaneously. This is something you can do with any audio interface if you have enough channels, but with the added benefit of having all the extra controls a mixer provides.
The ZEDi-10FX offers 4 mono mic/line channels (with phantom power), which are the ones you can record separately into your DAW, plus two stereo inputs, as well as built-in effects like delay, reverb, chorus, doubler, flanger, and more.
Another great feature is that this mixer comes with free software to help you start recording and mixing right away, so you don’t have to spend extra money.
The included software is Cubase LE and Cubasis LE.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX |
- Type: Analog mixer with USB interface
- Channels: 10
- Computer Connectivity: USB (4 x 4)
- Faders: 1 x 60mm Main Mix fader
- Inputs – Mic Preamps: 4
- Phantom Power: 4
- Inputs – Line: 4 x 1/4″ TRS (2 x instrument high impedance)
3. Yamaha TF1 Digital Mixer
Who knew a console could unleash your creativity? With the Yamaha TF1 16-input digital console, the fluid TouchFlow Operation lets you respond to the music onstage with incredible speed and freedom, ensuring nothing stands in the way of your inspiration.
Whether you’re an experienced engineer or a total beginner, the TF1’s level of refinement is truly impressive, making it remarkably easy to achieve a great mix. And when you hear the TF1’s outstanding D-Pre mic preamps, you’ll agree that this comfortable, smooth-operating, compact digital mixer doesn’t compromise on sound quality either.
Setting up gain, compressor, and EQ on the Yamaha TF1 16-input digital console is a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned FOH engineer or just volunteering to run sound at a worship service, the TF1’s simple 1-knob operation gives you the confidence to adjust compressor and EQ settings effortlessly.
With just a twist of a knob, you can use the compressor to bring a guitar to life, add punch to the bass, tighten up a snare, or make vocals stand out in the mix. Plus, the TF1’s finely tuned EQ helps you achieve excellent results with minimal effort, and in the shortest possible time.
You also get a Vocal Mode for clear, well-defined vocals, and an Intensity Mode for easy control over EQ curves. Finally, the TF1’s GainFinder feature optimizes your gain setup, so you can get top-tier sound quality with very little effort.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Yamaha TF1 Dig |
|
- Type: Digital
- Channels: 16 – expandable to 40 input mixing channels (32 mono + 2 stereo + 2 returns)
- Inputs – Mic Preamps: 16 x XLR-1/4″ combo
- Phantom Power: 16 x Channels
- Inputs – Other: 2 x Stereo (RCA), 1 x 1/4″ (Footswitch)
- Outputs – Main: 16 x XLR
- Aux Sends: 8 x mono, 6 x stereo
4. Behringer XENYX 1202FX
The compact XENYX 1202FX mixer makes it easy to achieve premium-quality sound, thanks to its four onboard studio-grade XENYX Mic Preamps and ultra-musical “British” channel EQs. Add in the 24-bit, twin-engine FX processor with 100 outstanding presets—including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter, and various multi-effects—and the 1202FX becomes an extremely versatile mixer for your live performances.
The XENYX 1202FX gets its name from the legendary, high-headroom XENYX mic preamps, which have been praised by audio engineers all over the world. These state-of-the-art mic preamps represent a major step forward in audio technology—and they easily hold their own, even when compared to much more expensive stand-alone preamps.
XENYX preamps deliver an impressive 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that stretches from below 10 Hz to well above 20 kHz. With these excellent mic preamps, the XENYX 1202FX provides such transparent, crystal-clear performance that you might just think someone upgraded your microphones when you weren’t looking.
The 12-input, 2-bus XENYX 1202FX features four XENYX mic preamps with +48 V phantom power, allowing you to use up to four dynamic or condenser microphones. The three-band British EQ is renowned throughout the audio world for its warm, musical sound.
You can use the world-class onboard stereo FX processor, or connect your favorite external effects through the FX Send jack. The built-in RCA CD/Tape Inputs (main mix or control room/phones assignable) and Outputs let you play music between devices and record your signal to external recording equipment, respectively.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
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Behringer XENYX 1202FX |
- Type: Analog
- Channels: 8
- Faders: 60mm Master Fader
- Inputs – Mic Preamps: 4 x XLR
- Phantom Power: 4
- Inputs – Line: 12 x TRS
5. QSC TouchMix-8 Compact Digital Mixer
The QSC TouchMix 8 is an ultra-compact, lightweight, and ergonomic live mixer that gives you a transportable unit without sacrificing any of the control options you’d expect from larger desks. Its touch interface means that all the knobs and controls you’d find on a traditional mixer appear on an intuitive display screen instead. The TouchMix 8 also comes with a padded carry case to keep it protected when you’re on the road.
You’ll have access to EQ, Compressor, Gate, Reverb, Delay, and many other effects, so you can really enhance live mixes and tailor instruments to suit specific venues or spaces.
With 4 XLR inputs, 4 XLR/Line inputs, and 2 stereo line inputs, this mixer is perfect for small venues or bands looking for a compact mixing solution for gigs. It’s loaded with plenty of output options, including 4 aux channels, main L/R outputs, and a headphone output, making signal routing easy.
Don’t worry about where you place it, either—the entire mixer can be controlled remotely through a free iPad app using the included Wi-Fi dongle.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store |
|---|---|---|
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QSC TouchMix-8 Compact Digital Mixer |
- Type: Digital
- Channels: 14
- Inputs – Mic Preamps: 4 x XLR/TRS Combo, 4 x XLR
- Phantom Power: 8 channels
- Inputs – Line: 2 x 1/4″ (TRS, Stereo)
- Inputs – Other: Stereo USB / MP3 playback
- Outputs – Main: 2 x XLR
6. Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Live Sound Digital Mixer
The Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Digital Live Sound Mixer with Lightning Connector lets you manage your entire live sound mixing strategy right from your iPad. The DL1608 features 16 high-quality Onyx microphone preamps, 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, powerful internal DSP processing, and an iPad docking faceplate.
Simply connect your Lightning Apple iPad to complete the setup and enjoy a live sound mixing experience that takes full advantage of your iPad’s touchscreen controls and wireless capabilities.
Use Mackie’s Master Fader app to mix live audio and access the DL1608’s internal processing, including 4-band EQ, compression, gate, delay, reverb, and a 31-band graphic EQ. Add a wireless router (not included) to mix remotely with your iPad from anywhere in the venue, hall, and beyond. The DL1608 fully leverages your iPad’s flexibility, with handy features like Channel Images that let you take photos of band members and use them as channel markers for easy reference.
The Mackie DL1608 also includes downloads for ProTools | First and Waveform software, plus the Musician’s Collection plug-in bundle, featuring 23 high-quality plugins such as BBD Delay, Level Lite, 304E EQ, and 304C Compressor. To authorize the software, simply enter your mixer’s serial number on the website.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mackie DL1608 |
- Type: Digital
- Channels: 16
- Inputs – Mic Preamps: 12 x XLR, 4 x Combo
- Phantom Power: Switchable
- Inputs – Line: 12 x XLR, 4 x Combo
- Outputs – Main: 2 x XLR
7. Roland Go Mixer Pro
With the Go:Mixer Pro, Roland made great improvements over the earlier model to create a complete solution for mobile content creators. If you need multiple audio inputs on your mobile device, the Go:Mixer Pro is your answer.
A full band could stream directly to Facebook or YouTube using just the Go:Mixer Pro and a phone. It even has a built-in stand for your device. Plus, it’s not limited to live video—anyone using a phone to capture video can enjoy better audio with the Go:Mixer Pro.
The Go:Mixer Pro offers all the popular inputs you need and lets you mix and monitor them, all while recording video from your smartphone. It has plenty of inputs for almost any situation. The XLR input also doubles as a ¼-inch tip sleeve (TS) input. There are two instrument inputs that work together for stereo input. There’s also a ⅛-inch headphone output.
Finally, it has some handy switches, like center cancel, loopback, and phantom power on/off. Even if phantom power isn’t needed, having it on won’t harm most microphones. However, if you ever use a ribbon mic, leaving phantom power on can damage it.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Roland Go:Mixer Pro-X (this is the latest updated version) |
- Type: Mixer for Smartphones
- Input Channels: 9
- Output Channels: 2
- Analog Inputs: 2 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (guitar/bass), 1 x 1/8″ (smartphone), 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic), 2 x 1/8″ (line)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8″
- USB: 1 x Type Micro-B
8. Presonus StudioLive AR16c
Building on the success of the unique AR16-USB, the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is an 18-channel hybrid performance and recording mixer, perfect for a wide range of uses—including mixing and recording live shows, studio productions, band rehearsals, podcasts, and more.
The AR16c features several updates, such as a USB-C connection, Bluetooth 5.0, and a refreshed layout and design. Packed with versatile analog connections and powerful yet easy-to-use digital tools, this mixer offers Class-A preamps and a 3-band EQ.
With the StudioLive AR16c, you can record with or without a computer. Multitrack recording and backing track playback are available through its 24-bit / 96 kHz USB-C audio interface, or you can record and play back a stereo mix using the built-in SD digital recorder.
Additionally, the mixer includes a Super Channel, allowing you to connect four stereo analog and digital sources at once. This makes it easy to use modern devices, like smartphones and tablets, for wireless Bluetooth streaming. The StudioLive AR16c comes with a power cord, USB-C cable, rackmount kit, Studio One 3 Artist production software, and Capture recording software.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Presonus StudioLive AR16c |
- Type: Analog Mixer with USB Interface
- Channels: 16
- Computer Connectivity: USB (18 x 4)
- A/D Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
- Faders: 17 x 60mm
- Inputs – Mic Preamps: 12 x XLR
- Phantom Power: Global
9. Soundcraft 40-Channel iPad Control Digital Mixer
The Soundcraft Si Impact is a compact digital console designed for live sound. It’s highly effective yet easy to use, featuring intuitive controls, constant color-coded feedback, and quick parameter access. With analog, MADI, and USB I/O as standard, motorized faders, the Assignable Channel Strip (ACS), tOTEM quick mix access buttons, and VCAs, you can instantly access any aspect of your performance. The Si Impact gives you analog-style control over its entire feature set.
The Soundcraft Si Impact is a 40-input digital mixing console and a 32-in/32-out USB audio interface that supports remote iPad mixing using a dedicated app. The console is designed to be as straightforward as an analog mixer, while offering workflow improvements like the FaderGlow system, which lights up each fader in different colors. This provides clear, at-a-glance information about exactly what each fader is controlling.
With studio-grade reverbs, delays, and modulations from Lexicon, dbx dynamics, and BSS graphic equalizers, the Si Impact is fully equipped to mix anything from rock bands to theater productions. Plus, with its 32-in/32-out USB audio interface, the Si Impact mixer delivers professional digital recording to your DAW, and even includes a free download of Ableton Live Lite 9.
- Type: Digital
- Channels: 40 Input Channels, 80 Mix Channels (via Si Impact Firmware update)
- Inputs – Mic Preamps: 32 x XLR
- Phantom Power: 32 x Channels
- Outputs – Main: 16 x XLR
- Outputs – Digital: 1 x XLR (AES/EBU)
10. Tascam DP-24SD 24-Track Digital Portastudio
Usually, when you get your hands on a brand new piece of equipment, there’s a sense of familiarity—and that’s exactly what happened here. As we started exploring the DP-24SD, we were surprised by how much came back to us, and just how similar it feels to use. Honestly, it’s very similar.
In fact, it’s so similar that, as far as we can tell, the only real difference is that it doesn’t include an optical disc burner. So, if you want to know about the DP-24SD, you’re in the right place!
The DP-24SD 24-Track Digital Portastudio from Tascam lets you record hands-on, without needing a computer. You can record up to eight sources at once and play back up to 24 tracks. It features 8 combo XLR/TRS mic preamp inputs, with the eighth input also supporting Hi-Z instruments like guitar and bass.
To give you full control over your mix, the unit comes with 19 faders (including the master fader), plus a selection of EQ, compression, and guitar effects to help you shape your sound.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tascam DP-24SD |
- Simultaneous Rec Tracks: 8
- Simultaneous Play Tracks: 24
- Sample Rate: 44.1/48kHz
- Bit Depth: 16-bit/24-bit
- Effects: Yes
Conclusion
We think we’ve put together a great list of digital, analog, and smartphone audio mixers to suit your needs. With these options, you’ll be able to get your work done easily—no doubt about it.
If you think we missed any excellent models that deserve a spot on our list, please let us know. We’ll be happy to create a part 2 featuring the mixers you suggest!
