The 10 Best Mixing Console Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
YAMAHA 6-channel mixing console built-in digital effects MG06X
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: YAMAHA 6-channel mixing console built-in digital effects MG06X

Make your recordings sound professional with the new Yamaha MG06X mixer. It features a built-in SPX Digital Effects, EQ and High-pass Filters for professional audio quality and 4 mic/line inputs. The 1-knob compressor (MG06) is also built-in, giving you enhanced sound quality with a simple touch of the control knobs. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Soundcraft Notepad8FX Small-format Analog Eight-Channel Mixing Console

The Notepad8FX is a compact, high-performance and versatile analog 8-channel mixing console with pristine audio quality. The Notepad8FX's sleek design and eight interchangeable channels, work seamlessly with your Mac or PC and its intuitive layout makes the Notepad8FX surprisingly familiar. Incredibly powerful and easy to use, the Notepad8FX delivers professional sound quality in a compact package. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Use: Neewer Mixing Console Compact Audio Sound 4-Channel Mixer

Never miss a beat with the Neewer Mixing Console. This compact and portable audio mixer features four high quality mic/line inputs, one input with a built-in headphone amplifier, and an incredible sound performance. The mixer is compatible with all types of microphones and instruments via phantom power. What’s more? It also has four XLR/TRS combo outputs to connect professional mixers. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: Professional Audio Mixer, Phenyx Pro PTX-15 Mixing Console, 4 Channels

The PTX-15 is a professional mixing console featuring four flexible channels, Bluetooth® wireless technology, USB compatibility and stereo graphic equalizer. It offers studio monitoring function as well to ensure that every musician can hear their performance in the best possible conditions. Read Review

If you’re just getting into music production, or you’re a seasoned veteran and need to upgrade your setup, then a great entry-level mixing console is probably top of your list. But choosing the right one isn’t always that simple. Thorough research needs to be done and there are so many different aspects to take into consideration: price, specifications, plug-ins support, features, build quality, and more.

Thankfully we’ve done the legwork for you with this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect entry-level mixing console. Read on and discover what kind of features are most important when choosing the Best mixing console as well as our recommendations for the best options in each price range.

You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the YAMAHA 6-channel mixing console built-in digital effects MG06X as our top product. Or you can check the Soundcraft Notepad8FX Small-format Analog Eight-Channel Mixing Console as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

  • Metal chassis designed to withstand wear and tear
  • Optional BMS10A microphone stand adapter (sold separately) allows mounting
  • Mono/stereo switch allows channels 1/2 to be used with two mono sources or one stereo source
  • Designed for singer-songwriters and podcasters, the notepad Series provides a layout that’s familiar to audio professionals yet easy to learn for beginners
  • Work seamlessly with your Mac or PC to record, edit, and play projects using your favorite audio software
  • Sweeten your mix with HARMAN digital signal Processing, including iconic Lexicon reverb, echo, and delay
  • Getting a great mix is easy with a familiar channel strip layout that Includes EQ, aux send, master fader level and rotary headphone volume control
  • Get legendary Soundcraft quality from professional microphone preamps
TOP Choice #3 Neewer Mixing Console Compact Audio Sound 4-Channel Mixer
Our Score:
9.3
Neewer
  • Portable and Compact Design: Weighs only 680 grams; Compact structure and sturdy metal housings; easy to carry around, can be used in different locations.
  • 48V Phantom Power: on/off Phantom Power, the power source used for condenser microphones and direct boxes.
  • High Headroom Anolog Mixer: Has ultra-low noise (Equivalent noise of main output) is -103dB and of a subsidiary, the output is -90dB)
  • Great Performance: Features 2-band EQ and knob to control volume, for warm and musical sound; Great for indoor use, like family karaoke music appreciation or guitar play performance etc
  • Note: if connect with Mac, need use 6.35mm to 3.5mm Headphone adapter cable. This item no USB port.
  • 4-INPUT, 3 BAND EQ, +48V Phantom Power: This professional ultra-low noise discrete mic preamp has 4 mono input channels with gold plated XLRs and balanced line inputs. Ultra-musical 3-band EQ on all channels to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. +48V phantom power selection enables mixer to be used with condenser microphones and wired mics.
  • DEVOTED SERVICE: Genuine Phenyx Pro audio products come with 12-month manufacturer assurance and supportive customer service. Welcome to come to us for troubleshooting or replacement of discontinuous/defective parts.
  • HIGH QUALITY SOUND, VERSATILE USE: Extremely high headroom to offer more dynamic range. This audio mixer provides accurate, crisp and clear sound quality. The extra clean sounding effect makes it ideal for live mix in occasions like live gigs, shows, stage performance, DJ events, and karaoke. Besides, users can press ‘SOLO” button to monitor pre-fader unprocessed signal before output.
  • STEREO GRAPHIC EQUALIZER, 16 ECHO EFFECTS: Sturdy construction to ensure greater durability. Built-in sound effects processor provides 16 echo/delayed effects, with detailed documentation to provide a better personal mix. This 4-input audio mixer also equipped with stereo graphic equalizer provides tone control and precise high-quality sound over different frequencies.
  • USB/BLUETOOTH FUNCTION: Compatible with USB/flash reader/MP3, allowing users to stream music into the mixer and record to USB stick or Windows PC . The Bluetooth function enables users to wirelessly stream music in from iPad and smartphone to mix music. Built-in controls to play/pause/switch between modes.
  • 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.
  • 6 Music Modes: natural, P0P, rock, jazz, classical, country music,equivalent input noise -122dbu, residual output noise < -90dbu.
  • Audio Mixer: 3 stage equalization regulate,by adjusting knob to adjust the reverb depth and delay effect.
  • Intelligently Compatible Various Equipment: It has complete functions and can be connected with various electronic equipment with audio input interface, and can be used for more large, medium and small occasions.
  • Mono/Stereo Channel Input:With +48V Phantom Power Supply, Support Wired/Wireless/Capacitive Microphone Input, High Quality Microphone Amplifier.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • +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
  • built-in analog effects with LED display
  • each channel 3 segment equalization
  • USB input, with lyrics display, 7-Bit LED display.
  • can be connected to digital effects peripherals
  • 8 channel mono input with 48V phantom power supply.
8 Yamaha MGP32X Mixing Console
Our Score:
8.5
Yamaha
  • 2 Matrix out - 1 Mono out
  • 32 Line Inputs (24 mono and 4 stereo)
  • 24 Mic Inputs with 48V Phantom Power and HPF per Channel
  • 6 AUX Sends + 2 FX Sends
  • 4 GROUP Buses + ST Bus
  • 🍀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.
  • 🍀Effect level and output MAIN Faders, REPEAT, EFF SEND, DELAY, SEND, RETURN knobs on the master section.
  • 🍀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.
  • 🍀With power and output level indicator lights for easy monitoring and operation.
  • 🍀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.
  • 【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.
  • 【High quality】16 mono microphone/line channel inputs, 1 stereo input, with microphone balanced input jacks. With +48V phantom power supply.
  • 【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.
  • 【Mode】Nature/Pop/Rock/Jazz/Classical/Country
  • 【Feature】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.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best mixing console?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

FAQs

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We decide facts since we are product consulting professionals with extensive expertise. Even so, we maintain and update the list of best mixing console so the information is correct and up to date.

After reading this article, you should discover that selecting a best mixing console that is both handy and economical to you is not difficult. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require assistance.


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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.