The Analog Mixing Console For 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: YAMAHA 6-channel mixing console built-in digital effects MG06X
The MG06X is a 6-channel mixing console, with built-in digital effects and can be mounted on the optional BMS10A microphone stand adapter (sold separately). In addition, It features a metal chassis that is durable. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: BEHRINGER XENYX 1202FX
The Behringer Xenyx 1202FX mixer is a powerhouse of a mixer for the price. Additionally, with FX send control per channel, it's easy to route your mix to an external processor or effect unit. Read Review
3. Best Cable-free Audio: Pyle PMXU43BT Professional Audio Mixer Sound Board Console System
The PMXU43BT is a DJ mixer with total control, dynamic punch, and clarity. The simple controls make it easy to play/pause, skip tracks, and switch between modes. Read Review
4. Best Multi Devices Compatibility: Depusheng DT12 Studio Audio Mixer 12-Channel DJ Sound Controller
DT12 is the ultimate 12-channel DJ mixer. It's great for any house party, bar, or event. In addition, it is fully equipped to keep your party going thanks to wireless Bluetooth streaming and a built-in high-quality microphone. Read Review
Today’s recording studios are mixing setups more complex than ever, and digital mixing consoles have been updated to meet the challenge. Analog mixing console manufacturers have also responded by offering new designs and features while keeping their products affordable.
With so many options available, choosing a console that fits your needs can be challenging. To help you narrow your search, our team assesses these models over the years based on their outstanding features, such as multi-channel, studio-grade discrete class-A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuits. We believe that our YAMAHA 6-channel mixing console built-in digital effects MG06X will meet your requirements while hearing your favourite song.
Here are several things to consider when shopping for an analog mixing console.
RELATED: We've researched 2,286 customer reviews to create a list of 10 small studio mixer from well-known brands for you.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![YAMAHA 6-channel mixing console built-in digital effects MG06X]()
- Metal chassis designed to withstand wear and tear
- Mono/stereo switch allows channels 1/2 to be used with two mono sources or one stereo source
- Optional BMS10A microphone stand adapter (sold separately) allows mounting
- Premium ultra low-noise, high headroom analog mixer
- FX send control per channel for internal FX processor and/or as external send
- 4 state-of-the-art XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- Neo-classic "British" 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound
- Studio-grade 24-bit stereo FX processor with 100 awesome presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects
TOP Choice #3
![Pyle PMXU43BT Professional Audio Mixer Sound Board Console System]()
Best Cable-free Audio
Pyle PMXU43BT Professional Audio Mixer Sound Board Console System
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Wireless Bluetooth: The bluetooth wireless range is within 15 ft.Very easy to wirelessly stream all music tunes to the mixing board from Spotify or Pandora
- Multi Devices Compatibility：This portable 12-channel DJ mixer has Bluetooth for wireless streaming and use it as an input to mix signal with other input channels. It works with IOS, Android, Tablet and MP3 Player.
- Ultra-thin and Rugged Chassis: With only 1.6 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.【If there's any problem, please don't hesitate to contact us, we are very happy to help and strive for good customer service.】
- 12-CHANNEL DJ Mixer: The mixer is great for multiple devices connectivity because it has 12 channels,and one XLR microphone and 1/4’’ input each channel. Plus 2 Pair XLR outputs，2 1/4’’ (L/R) outputs, Each pairs RCA (L/R) inputs and outputs, 2 pairs 1/4’’ mono + stereo,1/4’’ Send + Return and 1/4’’ headphone jack
- High Accurate Led Lights and Power Supply:Delicate LED peak level indicator, and ultra musical 3 band EQ on all channels; For reliable power source, this DJ mixer comes with a +48V Phantom power supply. Includes a 3=pin power adapter cable and the stereo output level meter is 10-Segment (-24, -19, -14, -11, -8, -5, 0, +5, +8, +11)
5
![Soundcraft Notepad-8FX Small-format Analog Eight-Channel Mixing Console]()
Best Digital Signal Processing
Soundcraft Notepad-8FX Small-format Analog Eight-Channel Mixing Console
- Work seamlessly with your Mac or PC to record, edit, and play projects using your favorite audio software
- Designed for singer-songwriters and podcasters, the notepad Series provides a layout that’s familiar to audio professionals yet easy to learn for beginners
- Get legendary Soundcraft quality from professional microphone preamps
- 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
- Sweeten your mix with HARMAN digital signal Processing, including iconic Lexicon reverb, echo, and delay
6
![Soundcraft Signature 22MTK Analog 22-channel Multi-track Mixer]()
- Robust metal construction for tour-grade build quality and reliability
- Dual-engine Lexicon effects for studio grade reverbs, delays, Choruses and Modulations
- Iconic Soundcraft Ghost mic preamps with ultra-low noise performance
- Dbx Limiters (High-ratio Compressors) on input channels
- Renowned Soundcraft sapphire British EQ with sweepable mid-bands per channel
- The compact ZED range of mixers feature the same high-level audio and build quality as A&H’s large format touring consoles, with separate internal channel boards, Neutrik connectors and every pot fixed to the chassis.
- GS-Pre XLR microphone preamps, developed from those featured in the highly acclaimed GS-R24 studio console, these provide exceptionally low noise, massive headroom and plenty of clean gain for a full, warm sound that brings the best out of any microphone. Two HiZ connections also allow direct connection of high impedance sources such as electric, electro-acoustic or bass guitars and most clip or stick-on pickups for acoustic instruments, without the need for a separate DI box.
- A built-in, high quality, 96kHz 4x4 USB interface makes it easy to capture or stream the whole mix or individual channels with ease. With options to route Aux and FX sends it can even be used to add FX and processing from a computer. It’s also class compliant and does not require drivers, meaning not just Mac and Windows computers can be connected, but also many mobile devices such as tablets or even smart phones.
- A 100Hz High Pass Filter on every mono input allows unneeded low frequencies to be removed, then the 3-band MusiQ EQ uses carefully selected frequencies to ensure your sound sculpting is always musical. Cut or boost high, mids and lows to get the tone you’re after without the fear of going wrong!
- A built-in, studio quality multi-FX unit provides 61 different, tweakable FX types including reverbs, delays and modulation with tap tempo to keep everything in time. These are not your average compact mixer FX either, using algorithms developed entirely in-house by our DSP experts and derived from those found in our flagship digital consoles.
- 4 x Mic/Line Inputs, 2 x Stereo ( 2 Left, 2 Right), 2 USB Audio
- 16 Mic Inputs with 48V Phantom Power and HPF per Channel
- 6 AUX Sends + 2 FX Sends
- 4 GROUP Buses + ST Bus
- 2 Matrix out
- 24 Line Inputs (16 mono and 4 stereo)
9
![Depusheng HT4 Bluetooth Compatible Professional Portable Digital DJ]()
- BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE: Hassle and cable-free audio to stream directly to the console unit. Mix all audios music from your iPad, iPhone, or Android smartphone to your DJ session. This audio mixer also allows you to wirelessly stream music tunes from Pandora/Spotify
- MULTI INPUTS and OUTPUTS:This mixer not only could use bluetooth connectivity but also via USB.The USB audio Interface easily controls pc/flash drive reader.Multiple XLR/1/4" combo audio LINE/mic inputs, 1/4" (6. 35mm) mono/stereo input and 1pair 1/4" AUX/EFFECT outputs.
- INDEPENDENT AUDIO CONFIGURATION DESIGN: It has an LCD digital display w/ ID3 tag readout that displays song title/artist. Also quipped w/ rotary knobs and LED indicator lights to easily adjust the gain, high, low, fx/send, pan tone of each channel,with reliable +48V PHANTOM POWER
- 4 CHANNEL: This mixer has 4-channel, 1 XLR microphone, 1/4’’ INSERT and LINE mic inputs in channel 1/2. The INSERT inputs provides the ability to mix microphone audio and instrument like guitar/piano/keyboard. It features all kinds of sound files very simplily to transport in this DJ mixer
- ULTRA-THIN and RUGGED CHASSIS:With only 1.3 inches thin design, sealed rotary controls to resist dust and grime, great experience of touching to use this mixer. This compact mixer provides total dynamic control, gives the audience high quality stage audio performance, premium quality crystal clear studio level quality musical playback. 【If there's any problem, please don't hesitate to contact us, we are very happy to help and strive for good customer service.】
- True 7-bus architecture
- Channel direct outputs
- 2 stereo inputs
- GB30 mic preamp and precision equalization circuitry
- 2 stereo returns
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What to Look For in a analog mixing console?
When selecting a suitable analog mixing console, a variety of factors have been found. Information sources are available in a wide range of forms. As a basis, we are doing it to support, inform, and solve your demands.
Please keep these things in mind before selecting the analog mixing console:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RELATED: Our staff and experts compiled a list of 10 best audio mixers in 2024 based on 5,680 reviews from customers.
FAQs
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.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 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.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.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.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.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.With new information arriving, our editor will usually update the analog mixing console frequently. Please constantly check our site for the most up-to-date material.
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