Hi folks, We've been busy researching Audio Mixers to help you figure out what you need
to make your best audio and video content and stay on budget.
An audio mixer is an electronic device that lets you alter and control different digital
audio signals.
They can be used in an array of activities like music production, broadcasting, or film-production.
Links to all the products in the review are in the description box below, where you'll
find current pricing for your region wherever possible.
The video has timestamps so that you can jump right to the mixer that interests you the
most.
Now before I move on, we'd love to hear what Audio Mixer you're using right now and what
you think of it.
Let us know in the comments!
Okay, let's get into it!
Here are the top five best Audio Mixers.
The fifth product on our list is the Behringer Xenyx 502.
The Behringer Xenyx 502 is a compact audio mixer with an affordable price tag.
It has a portable design at 1.3 pounds or half a kilogram, perfect for studio and live
applications.
With this unit, you get fantastic sound.
It boasts a high-quality analog mixer that gives you ultra-low, distortion-free sound
along with high headroom.
There's also the phantom-powered mic preamp that you can use alongside the 2-band EQ.
With the EQ knobs, you get traditional sounds partnered with a unique tone.
It also lets you adjust the gain to a maximum of 60 decibels.
If you're looking for an impressive range, you'll love the Xenyx 502's frequency response,
which starts from 10 Hertz and reaches up to 200 kiloHertz.
This range covers every note that you might use so that your music always sounds terrific.
This Behringer unit boasts five channels.
The first is a dedicated channel for your mic, which can also be used for instruments.
The next two are line inputs that double as four separate mono channels.
You can use them by balancing the knob between left or right.
The onboard EQ does wonders for your vocals.
This is a feature that DJs and studio producers will appreciate.
Here’s something you should know before buying the Behringer Xenyx 502:
It works better in smaller setups where it does a few things perfectly.
Overall, if you're looking for an affordable and portable audio mixer, Behringer's Xenyx
502 is a solid choice.
The fourth product on our list is the Mackie ProFX10.
The Mackie ProFX10v3 is a 10-channel audio mixer with a simple layout that makes it easy
to navigate.
This device has a compact design with an angled top panel that gives you a great view of all
the knobs and sliders.
One of this board’s best features is its onboard effect capabilities.
The GigFX engine gives you two unique chorus effects and a plethora of delays like double,
echo, and ping-pong.
If you want to add some grit and noise texture to your track, the overdrive and distortion
effects have your back.
All in all, there are 24 effects, including a wah and flange option.
They're easy to turn on and off.
You also get pedal connectivity as a hands-free operating option so you can toggle your effects
on the fly while playing.
If you're looking to record vocal tracks, the ProFX10 gives you access to four of them
simultaneously using the Mackie Onyx mic preamps.
The first two channels are designed for handling high gain instruments such as acoustic guitar
pick-ups with their combined jack and TRS connections.
The following two are standard XLR connections for microphones.
These channels all give you up to 60 decibels of gain.
Each channel also has dedicated gain dials, along with a three-band EQ and a 100-hertz
high-pass filter.
The Mackie ProFX10 is an audio mixer that gives you everything you need in a nice package.
It's perfect for beginners who are transitioning into music production or pros who want a portable
device.
Here’s what you should know before buying the Mackie ProFX10:
It does not feature Bluetooth, which can be a bit of a hiccup when you’re using several
devices.
The third product on our list is the Soundcraft GB8 48.
The Soundcraft GB8 is a fully-equipped audio mixer with 48 channels.
It has a solid construction with an angled top that gives you a clear view of the whole
setup.
You'll find all the connections on the back, giving you a non-obstructed view of your workspace.
You get four full-function stereo channels and four stereo returns, making the GB8 perfect
for instruments or vocal tracks.
It boasts dual-mode topology, making it perfect for monitoring.
This Soundcraft unit groups its controls.
There are eight mix groups, eight auxiliary groups and four mute groups.
You can switch every aux from pre to post-fade using the master section.
The four mute groups let you mute multiple channels in one go.
This is an excellent feature if you're working on a couple of tracks simultaneously.
If you want to create a stereo recording of your mix, you can use the limiter on the record
and alternate outputs.
The Soundcraft GB8 is a professional quality audio mixer that is perfect for studio use
or in performance venues.
It's a powerful tool that can take your music to the next level.
Here’s what you should know before buying the Soundcraft GB8:
This is not an Audio Mixer for beginners and the features may be overkill for casual musicians.
The second product on our list is the Allen & Heath Zed-12.
Allen & Heath's ZED 12 is an audio mixer that looks and sounds fantastic.
It boasts 12 channels, along with a stereo USB interface that can convert 24-bit 48 kHz.
You'll find all your connectivity inputs on the top portion of the front panel.
The first six channels are dedicated mic preamps with 48-volt phantom power.
Next to them are six stereo or instrument inputs on dual-mono jacks, perfect for connecting
various instruments.
Allen & Heath labels all the inputs and knobs clearly, so you won't get lost trying to navigate
the ZED 12.
There's a monitor output for your amp or speakers using a pair of RCA phono sockets.
If you need to record your track externally, there's a record output, or you can use the
USB socket.
Audio mixing is a breeze with the ZED 12.
Four mono channels feature a low-cut filter and three-band EQ.
The EQ includes high‑shelf, swept‑mid, and low‑shelf filters.
These are incredibly useful when you're dealing with vocals.
There's no end to what you can achieve with the Allen & Heath ZED 12.
It's an excellent option for music production and is worth every penny.
Here’s what you should know before buying the Allen & Heath ZED 12:
The manual provided can be a bit confusing, so it might take you some time to get used
to this mixer.
The first product on our list is the Yamaha MG20XU.
The Yamaha MG20XU is a compact and portable audio mixer with 20 channels.
This means you get 20 simultaneous inputs, perfect for live performances, band music,
or even lectures.
You get 12 mono mic or line input channels so that you can plug your instruments, microphones
and line-level audio gear in.
There are also four stereo line input channels which can double as a mic or line input.
If you want to record to your computer, you'll be happy to know that the MG20XU features
USB connectivity.
It also gives your computer two in and two out channels.
This provides you with 24-bit audio, which is fantastic for live performance recordings
or track demos.
You won't have to worry about poor mic audio with this device's D-PRE mic preamps.
All 20 channels have these pres, along with 3-band EQ, pan control and a high-pass filter.
For the 12 mono mic/line channels, you also get a sweepable midrange control.
You can use condenser and dynamic microphones without hassle because the preamps have switchable
48-volt phantom power.
On channels 1 through 8, you'll find a one-knob compressor that will help you tweak the dynamics
of vocals and instruments.
The MG20XU boasts XLR and TRS stereo outs for connecting to your PA system or speaker.
If you're monitoring the audio by yourself, you can use the quarter-inch headphone output.
The Yamaha MG20XU is a solid choice for an audio mixer.
With 20 channels, you get a diverse range of connections and features while keeping
your device travel-friendly.
Here’s what you should know before buying the Yamaha MG20XU:
The USB port can get hot when left plugged in for extended periods of time.
This can be an issue when using a lot of devices with the audio mixer.
And there you have it folks, the five Audio Mixers that got us excited this year.
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If you would like to see some more reviews from our team here at Gear Music Tech, here
are a couple that we think you’ll enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you back here on Gear Music Tech soon.
Bye for now.