The Audio Mixing Desk For 2024
In any studio, the mixer is always on the lookout for the perfect pan, EQ curve, or effect. With so many different types of equipment and software available today, a good mixer must have an array of technical knowledge as well as keen ears in order to choose the right new piece every time. Mixing is the process of combining multiple sources (such as microphones or instruments) to produce a final output with volume that sounds balanced and natural.
The correct balance comes from setting each track’s level, EQ curve, pan position and other properties to achieve a seamless whole. While audio recording technology has evolved at breakneck speed in recent years, there are several common tasks that even a newbie can handle with ease. This article will cover everything from choosing a suitable desk to using its various features effectively.
You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 17 hours conducting surveys through 2,829 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is Alto Professional Bluetooth Total 2. And Professional Audio Mixer Sound Board Console Desk System Interface 8 Channel Digital USB Bluetooth MP3 Computer Input 48V Phantom Power Stereo DJ Studio FX 16Bit DSP Processor Pyle PMXU83BT is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.
RELATED: Everything you need to know about the 2 input audio mixer in 2024 on the market. We analyze and evaluate all of the top-scored products for your requirements.
Our Top Picks
- Simplified Stereo Playback - Wirelessly link two Bluetooth Total 2’s together for cable free Stereo Playback or to accommodate larger live sound PA speaker system setups
- Ready for any Scenario - Stable Bluetooth connectivity with 100 plus ft range, provides ample coverage for weddings, parties and DJ gigs where drop-out free pro quality audio is required
- Long Life Internal Battery - Built in rechargeable battery provides 6 plus hours of operation; micro USB port for computer USB or wall adapter charging
- Live Sound Essential - Mono XLR equipped Bluetooth receiver adds Bluetooth Streaming capability to any mixer or active PA speaker, for cable-free playback from devices including smartphones & tablets
- Effortless Integration - Universal compatibility with virtually any music mixer, USB mixer or active PA system with an XLR mixer input; easy-to-use Bluetooth connectivity for setup in seconds
- New Multi Voltage Power Supply : 100V 240V (plus/ 15V DC Power adapter) ideal for worldwide usage; Enjoy a value packed mixing solution today with performances that sound great each time
- Bluetooth Wireless Music Streaming : Hassle and cable free audio streaming ability directly to the console unit; Mix your iPad, iPhone, Android smart phone to your DJ session; This audio mixer makes it a breeze to wirelessly stream all your favorite music tunes to the mixing board easily from Pandora or Spotify
- 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
- Rugged Steel Chassis: With sealed rotary controls to resist dust and grime, this compact DJ mixer will provide total dynamic control for the ultimate in punch and clarity; This incredibly versatile mixer is great for high quality on stage performance, live gigs, and Karaoke; Effortlessly achieve premium quality crystal clear studio level quality musical playback
- MIC plus Sterero Line Inputs : Supporting XLR and unbalanced 1/4" plug with plus 48V phantom buttons, 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 for professional vocal and instrumental sound
- Included components: Power Cable
- 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.
- 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.
- MIC AND STEREO LINE INPUTS - Supporting XLR and unbalanced 1/4" Plug with plus 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 【AUX Send & Return Jacks】- The PEL switch allow you to monitor the channel that the PEL is turned "ON" only. AUX send & return jacks for connecting all kinds of effects from outside.
- 【Service Guarantee】- Our products are shipped from US warehouses, we will ship your order asap through logistics such as UPS/USPS/FedEx. If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us. We will try our best to solve your problem within 24 hours.
- 【Main Parameters】- Model: CT120S-USB; Color: Black; Material: Metal; Input: 100-240V AC 50/60Hz 0.23A; Output:15V DC48V; Item size: Approx. 34.5x 52 x4cm/13.6 x20.5 x1.6in; Package size: 56.9 x42.8 x10cm; Weight: 5.3kg
- 【12 Channels Sound Mixing Console】- 12 Channels mixing console with XLR, LINE inputs and 48V phantom power. Each channel has GAIN, 3-band EQ, AUX, EFFECT, PAN control knobs and volume control faders. EFFECT level and output MAIN Faders, REPEAT, EFF SEND, DELAY, SEND, RETURN knobs on the master section.
- 【Easy Operation & Monitoring】- With XLR(L/ R) & 1/4"(L/ R) stereo output jacks and REC(L/ R) & headset interfaces. With USB input interface and LCD display as well as control buttons. With power and output level indicator lights for easy monitoring and operation.
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![PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5" Near Field Studio Monitor (Pair)]()
- 3.5-inch woven composite drivers produce a more powerful bass response with a more accurate overall sound.
- Stereo aux input for your smartphone, headphone jack for private listening, volume, and power on/off are located on the front panel for your convenience.
- 50-watt Class AB amplification (25 Watts per speaker) provides plenty of volume and headroom for nearfield monitoring.
- The only monitors in their class with acoustic tuning. This enables you to get pristine sound quality in any room. Crossover frequency: 2.8 kHz.
- Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- The reviews speak for themselves!
- The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit.
- 1" ultra-low-mass silk-dome tweeters eliminate harshness and provide balanced high-frequency sound.
- Studio-quality industrial design. They look as great as they sound. Protection: RF interference, output-current limiting, over-temperature, turn-on/off transient.
- New Multi Voltage Power Supply : 100V 240V (+/ 15V DC Power adapter) ideal for worldwide usage; offering optional power supplies that give an amazing friendly user experience【If there's any problem, please don't hesitate to contact us, we are very happy to help and strive for good customer service.】
- Ultra-thin and Rugged Chassis: With only 1.4 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
- MIC + Line Inputs : Supporting XLR and unbalanced 1/4" plug with +48V phantom buttons, highly accurate LED peak level indicator,10-Segment Stereo Output Level METER and ultra musical 3 band EQ on all channels; Ultra low noise, high headroom mixer with super easy functionality for professional vocal and instrumental sound
- Bluetooth Wireless Audio Streaming : Cable free music streaming ability directly to the consoles; Mix all kinds of devices as smart phone to this audio mixer. Very easy to wirelessly stream all music tunes to the mixing board from Spotify or Pandora
- Multi Devices Compatibility : USB/Flash Reader /MP3 or Bluetooth device are very easy to connect this mixer to Mix & record; Built in built in controls provide friendly experience to play/pause, skip tracks and switch between modes
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- [High quality] 16 mono microphone/line channel inputs, 1 stereo input, with microphone balanced input jacks. With +48V phantom power supply.
- [Compatible] The tuner can be connected to various types of audio equipment, which is convenient for use in various occasions, such as power amplifiers, mobile phones/computers, microphones, electronic musical instruments, and influences.
- [Connection] Support wireless Bluetooth, USB access, built-in Bluetooth function, support most Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices wireless docking, fast docking, enjoy wireless, support mobile storage device U disk, can store songs in the U disk, insert For playback
- [Features] The LCD screen MP3 player can be directly inserted into the U disk to play the song files in it, with a blue-ray LCD screen, which clearly displays the working status in real time
- [Mode]/Nature/Pop/Rock/Jazz/Classical/Country
- Sampler: Record samples on-the-fly or load your own audio files to engage and entertain your community
- Voice FX: Add reverb, echo, pitch shift, megaphone, Robot, and hard tune to your voice in real time
- Multi-channel mixer: Motorized faders let you control mic, game, music, chat, and more for the perfect Broadcast mix
- Studio quality MIDAS preamp: Make your XLR mic sound great with 48V phantom power, equalizer, compressor, limiter, de-esser, and Gate
- GOXLR app: You’re in control with basic and advanced audio parameters, sample import, and voice FX preset library
10
![On-Stage WS7500 Series Wood Studio Workstation - Black]()
- Upper Platform Height 37.5" | Keyboard Tray Dimensions 15" x 27"
- Heavy-duty Z-frame base provides a stable foundation for reliable gear support
- Main Surface Dimensions 24" x 43" | Upper Platform Dimensions 17" x 39"
- Desktop provides plenty of space for mixing gear, synths, and MIDI controllers
- Tray keeps the keyboard within reach and slides under the desktop when not in use
- Weight Capacity 175 lbs.
- Dimensions: 43" Wide x 38" High x 23.5" Deep
- Keyboard Tray Height 25" | Desktop Height 29"
- Ergonomic setup for a computer, mixing monitors, and other studio equipment
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Are the Most Critical Aspects of audio mixing desk That You Should Concentrate on?
You must know the audio mixing desk to make a substantial purchase. There's a slew of additional issues which have to be looked at and assessed. Each commodity has its own set of difficulties. As a result, you can rely on us to give you comprehensive counsel and support.
Through AI and Big Data, this post offers properly reviewed and selected product information. The goal is to provide you with a reliable and accurate set of data.
You might quickly become overwhelmed on your quest for the audio mixing desk because there are so many models and features. Avoid being suffocated by an expensive item that only serves to take up room in your cupboard by following our advice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recording Options
Modern mixers offer integrated recording. You can record the main mix on two tracks or a multitrack track. This is possible with either an onboard or computer recorder. Look for the type of bus (USB/AVB/FireWire) when evaluating different computer recording options. Included software and the recording bit depth as well as sample rate and sampling rate. Modern mixers that have recording capabilities offer 24-bit recording at 44.1 KHz or more.
Functionality
Sometimes the most complicated mixers aren't necessarily the best. If you don't know what you want, it is best to choose something simple to use.
An easy-to-use user interface is essential for a sound mixer. If you don't want to be a professional engineer and use the mixer only for audio purposes, a simple interface is crucial. The ease of operation will allow you to understand what's happening and how you can manipulate it. If you want to be the next Dr. Dre then learn from others and dive into more complex interfaces.
An easy-to-use user interface is essential for a sound mixer. If you don't want to be a professional engineer and use the mixer only for audio purposes, a simple interface is crucial. The ease of operation will allow you to understand what's happening and how you can manipulate it. If you want to be the next Dr. Dre then learn from others and dive into more complex 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!
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!
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.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.Is It Possible To Send The Recorded Audio From One Mic To Two Devices At Once And Listen To Both Of Those Devices At The Same Time?
Mixers are usually one-way, even this mixer. You can either record audio and send it to two devices or receive audio via one pair of headphones. However, it is not possible to simultaneously do them both. You would have to split the signals from both the microphone and devices into separate signal paths.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.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.Can I Hear My Voice In Real Time? And Will It Record Directly On My Android Phone?
Any sound can be heard entering the mixer. You can also hear your voice through a microphone from the outputs. We recommend that you use the headphones output to hear your voice. Speakers will most likely cause feedback.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.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.After all, it's time for you to pick up your buddy based on the things above. Don't waste your time at any unreliable site. As mentioned above, our website includes not only interesting information but authoritative one, so that you should come to us as regularly as possible.
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