Best Recording Consoles
Introduction
A recording console is an essential part of any audio recording studio. In fact, it’s one of the most important pieces of equipment you can own. No matter what your engineering style is, the quality of your recordings is greatly affected by your recording console.
With the flexibility, fidelity, and power of digital audio—plus the option to use real analog gear (or analog emulations)—recording and mixing have become easier than ever. First, let’s cover some basics about recording and mixing consoles. Then, we’ll look at some of the key features found in the most popular brands and models.
What Is A Recording Console?
You connect your incoming audio sources to a console, which acts much like an audio interface. This means it comes with built-in preamps, but you can also route your audio through external preamps before it reaches the console. One of the standout features of a console is the set of faders and knobs that let you control your DAW directly from the hardware.
A mixing console is an electronic device designed to mix and control sound. These consoles are used in broadcasting, live events, post-production for film and television, and music recording—basically, anywhere audio needs to be managed.
The main job of a mixing console is to organize, control, and shape audio signals. Let’s take a closer look at some key features you’ll find on a mixing console so you can get a better sense of what they do.
Most people picture recording studio mixing consoles as large desks covered in faders. Each of these faders, or “channels,” controls a different part of the audio. In a studio, each instrument or sound is usually assigned its own channel on the mixer.
Recording studio consoles often have automation features that allow certain sections of a song to stand out at specific moments, helping to shape the listener’s experience.
Some mixing consoles have audio inputs and outputs built right in, which let them receive and send audio signals directly. Others are designed mainly as remote control units for a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), letting you manage your software from the hardware itself.
Do You Need One?
If you’re serious about music production and work with high-end clients who demand the best results, we recommend investing in a recording and mixing console.
A console will make the recording and mixing process much easier, but be prepared: there are several other components you’ll need to get your console up and running. This includes AD/DA converters, patch bays, a ton of cables, and some additional outboard gear to complement the console you choose.
If you’re just starting out as an engineer, you can begin without a console and opt for a simpler setup to learn the craft. There are other essential pieces of gear to prioritize before moving on to a recording or mixing console, though there are some more affordable options out there with excellent price points.
As the title of this article suggests, we’re focusing on the high-end consoles found in the world’s largest and most iconic recording studios. These are made by legendary manufacturers that are synonymous with top-tier audio gear. Let’s dive into our selection.
We’ll also provide links to vendors where you can purchase these consoles and find more details. Here, we’ll briefly highlight each unit’s main features.
1. Solid State Logic Origin 16-channel Analog Studio Console
SSL’s analog workflow and top-tier production capabilities remain highly sought after. No matter your budget or area of expertise in the audio industry, space and energy limitations are common challenges.
The ORIGIN 16 is a compact console designed to meet a wide variety of needs, from large-scale projects and educational environments to production rooms, professional studios, and smaller mixing or recording setups.
Despite its smaller footprint, it still delivers 56 inputs, including 16 mono in-line channels, 16 track buses, and 8 stereo subgroups. Thanks to SSL’s analog summing and flexible routing options, you get exceptional versatility whether you’re tracking or mixing.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|
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Solid State Logic Origin 16-channel Analog Studio Console |
2. Neve 8424 24-channel Analog Mixing Console
Neve once again combines its renowned analog and digital technologies with the release of the 8424 24-Channel Analog Recording and Mixing Console. This 24-channel analog console can serve as the heart of a hybrid studio, giving you the hands-on feel of a large-format desk for your workflow.
The desk features 16 input channels on the left and eight more on the right, with a classic console master section positioned in the center. A third channel strip input allows the Neve 8424 to handle up to 48 mono signals simultaneously, with 24 switchable channel inserts available on each channel. Marinair transformers on the Mix, AFL, and Cue busses deliver the iconic Neve sound.
The Neve 8424 also includes two handcrafted 1073 preamps built to original specifications. The Neve 1073 is famous for its thick, warm presence, mid-forward character, and smooth top end, making it one of the most beloved mic preamps in recording history. You can also hard patch the 1073s to any channel on the 8424 console.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | For US Customers |
For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
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Neve 8424 24-channel Analog Mixing Console |
3. API The Box 2 Summing Mixer and Recording Console
In addition to its unique sound, The Box 2 offers the ease and flexibility of 500 series processing combined with the distinctive character of analog summing. With eight input channels, eight 500 Series processor slots, and 24 analog summing channels, The Box 2 delivers an unprecedented level of versatility.
The Box 2 Console features eight input channels, each equipped with a built-in mic preamp, so you can record with dynamic, condenser, or ribbon microphones. Every input channel also provides a line input for recording or mixing line-level signals, along with a high-pass filter to eliminate unwanted low-end frequencies. Each channel includes a dedicated direct output, making it the perfect choice for recording in a fully analog environment.
Mix down sterile digital productions with up to 24 channels, or record up to 16 tracks at a time. The onboard stereo bus compressor brings your mixes together with the legendary API sound. With a variety of monitoring options, a talkback system, and a stereo program bus with an insert, The Box 2 provides everything you need for an efficient and cost-effective analog recording experience.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | For US Customers |
For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
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API The Box 2 Summing Mixer and Recording Console |
4. Audient ASP4816-HE 16-channel Recording Console – Heritage Edition
With the Audient ASP4816-HE Heritage Edition, audio professionals can capture the mojo of large-frame consoles in a more compact package. This fully analog, in-line recording and mixing console delivers all the features and functionality of a large-format recording desk without taking up too much space.
The ASP4816-HE features a four-band equalizer that can be split, offering two parametric bell-curve bands ranging from 50Hz to 20kHz. Alongside these, you’ll find low-frequency and high-frequency shelving bands with a minimal signal path, which can be set at either 50Hz or 100Hz, and 10kHz or 18kHz, depending on whether the Air switch is engaged.
This setup is a great way to add body and air to your material. By combining the parametric bands and the enveloping effect, you get a highly musical sculpting tool that helps you quickly achieve the sound you want.
Built from the ground up with David Dearden’s legendary analog circuitry, this console offers a host of features in the Heritage Edition, including a vintage mix bus processor, John Hardy Op-amps, and a powerful new addition to the mix bus compressor, among other notable upgrades. The ASP4816-HE is, without question, the perfect centerpiece for any production studio.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|
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Audient ASP4816-HE 16-channel Recording Console – Heritage Edition |
5. Trident Audio Developments Trident 78 16-channel Analog Mixing Console
Designed for engineers, studio owners, educational facilities, and live sound applications, Trident Audio’s 32-channel Series 78 is a cost-effective, professional split/inline mixing console. With its split/inline design, channels are organized into four-way panels. The console features eight subgroups and six auxiliary sends, offering extensive routing options for versatile setups. All connections are made via DB25 connectors, while XLR pairs handle the speaker and main outputs.
Thanks to the console’s 80B EQ, the sound is polished, professional, and instantly recognizable. The Series 78 provides a wide range of summing and mixing options, delivering uncompromising sonic quality in a compact footprint, with selectable channel inserts and discrete preamps driving the inputs.
The input module accepts both microphone-level and line-level signals. This allows users to access a discrete, Class A microphone preamp with up to 60 dB of gain. The Trident EQ features four bands, including fixed high and low shelving and variable mids. Every channel includes a monitor input, with the option to swap the entire EQ between the input and monitor paths.
The 78 comes loaded with features that make it a straightforward and powerful package, but it’s the sound that truly sets it apart. No matter the style, preference, or recording method, a console must handle demanding sessions and deliver a big, impressive sound. The legendary Series 80 consoles were known for this, and the 78 proudly carries on that tradition.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|
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Trident Audio Developments Trident 78 16-channel Analog Mixing Console |
Conclusion
For top-tier studio recording, a recording and mixing console is essential. While you can still achieve quality recordings with more affordable gear, these consoles represent the best of the best.
We’ve already created an article featuring both analog and digital mixers at more budget-friendly prices. If you’re interested, you can check it out at this link. The biggest advantages of the consoles listed above are their full channel strips, excellent mic preamps, high-quality mic inputs, and premium components.
If you have any questions about this topic or about any of the models mentioned in this article, please let us know in the comment section below. We’ll be more than happy to help!
