The Best Mixer For Synths In 2024

Piers Anthony By, Piers Anthony
Updated
TC-Helicon DJ Mixer (Go XLR Mini) with USB/Audio Interface
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: TC-Helicon DJ Mixer (Go XLR Mini) with USB/Audio Interface

Go XLR Mini is a compact, lightweight, powerful and portable DJ mixers which gives you the power to mix on the fly. It includes 3-step setup that also includes a simple interface and one app to rule them all. With 12 sound cards, Go XLR Mini will improve your mixing experience on the go. This powerhouse preamp combo includes an EQ, compressor, and gate built in so you can get creative with your mixes. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: YAMAHA MG06X 6-Input Compact Stereo Mixer with Effects

The MG06X 6-Input Compact Stereo Mixer with Effects from Yamaha is a durable, portable, and versatile solution for any professional or home recording project. With its six mic input channels and extensive effects, the MG06X is perfect for everything from live sound to studio recording. Read Review

3. Best Sound Quality: Audio Interface with DJ Mixer, Maonocaster Portable ALL-IN-ONE

The Maonocaster Portable Audio Interface All-in-One is a professional audio interface with DJ mixer, and it's easy to use. It's equipped with 8 line inputs and 8 outputs, as well as 4 high quality microphone preamps. With the included 64bit DSP software, you can mix your tracks for a club-ready sound. The Maonocaster is also compatible with most operating systems. Read Review

4. Best Style: YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects

Yamaha has created the MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects to help musicians produce their best sound. This mixer features a high quality sound op-amp, EQ and filters for a professional sound. It also comes with a compressor and SPX digital effects for a more polished sound. Read Review

If you’re a musician who loves working with virtual instruments and software, chances are that you’ve also got a collection of vintage synths stashed somewhere in your home. After all, you can never have too many synth sounds! While adding some retro goodness to your tracks is great fun, it can take a bit more technical know-how to get the best from this gear. It doesn’t matter how good your synths are if you don’t have an analog mixer that can help bring out the best in them.

Analog mixers are an essential tool for any music producer or engineer. They manage signal levels and EQs as well as adjust gain, impedance, and phase response to perfection. While most producers and engineers probably use digital mixers at home, there’s still a place for these specialist devices in studios too. For example, when used with the right software plugins, they can bring out the best in any virtual instrument or another type of audio source. Here we take a look at the best mixer for synths available today so that you can find yours!

We think TC-Helicon DJ Mixer (Go XLR Mini) with USB/Audio Interface is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting YAMAHA MG06X 6-Input Compact Stereo Mixer with Effects as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

  • “Go live” desktop rig for online broadcasters gives you instant control over your audio
  • Studio quality EQ, compression and gating help your voice sound its best
  • PC app lets you control and recall all of your favorite settings
  • Flexible and intuitive USB-based mixing for all of your audio - simple, easy-to-use controls get you up and running quickly
TOP Choice #2 YAMAHA MG06X 6-Input Compact Stereo Mixer with Effects
Our Score:
9.7
Yamaha
  • Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
  • 1 Knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
  • 6 channel stand-alone mixer with onboard SPX digital effects (no USB); 48V phantom power
  • MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; LED level metering
  • 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
  • ALL IN ONE and EASY TO USE: Works as a USB sound card plus mixing station. Integrating audio mixing equipment into 1 comprehensive solution. It delivers superb sound quality and offers intuitive and full control to optimize vocal and sound effects. The S1 Bundle comes with a condenser microphone that lets you start podcasting or live to stream easily in no time. Start recording when you plug into the smartphone or PC.
  • BORN FOR LIVE STREAMING: MAONO DJ mixer controller supports up to 2 person, 4 devices and 4 platforms to stream simultaneously. Highlights of this set, you can change your voice to the male, female, girlish, robot. Two mic inputs, One Accompaniment input, and real-time monitoring, good noise reduction effect after pressing DENOISE button. It is compatible with IOS and Android systems.
  • PACKAGE LIST: 1* MIC, 1* Mic Cable, 1* Mic tripod, 1* windscreen muff, 1* Audio interface mixer, 1* Charging cable, 2* 3.5mm TRRS Audio Cable, 1* User manual. We provide a 12-Month warranty. For a better user experience, please download more instructions below and read user manual before setting up. Maonocaster Lite AM200 only supports 3.5mm microphone input and does not support phantom power. The included microphone is forbidden to be used with phantom power.
  • START YOUR OWN CONCERT: 10-step reverb & 12-step electronic music & 3 modifiable tones (Treble, mid-range, bass) make this audio interface more entertaining and meet more live recording needs.
  • SPECIAL EFFECTS: Four user recordable, eight Built-in special audio effects, and various adjustments available for your creation. Fixed audio effects like APPLAUSE, LAUGHTER, CHEERING...Note please record your own audio effects you like to audio interface according to the instructions.
  • 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
  • Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
  • MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
  • 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
  • Note: Please refer to the user manual before use
  • 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
  • Dimensions(W×H×D): 244 millimeter x 71 millimeter x 294 millimeter (9.6x2.8x11.6 inches)
  • Designed for maximum versatility making it perfect for live sound, home recording, content creation, and live streaming with included Pro Tools | First recording software and The Musician Collection of 23 plugins and instruments
  • Equipped with 4 Onyx mic press offering up to 60dB of gain and ultra-low noise performance. Perfect for microphones popular with content creators that require high-gain preamps
  • With 24 different FX options, from reverbs to delays, adding some drama to your sound is easy easy. easy. easy (delay, get it?)
  • With a single knob, you can blend between monitoring your computers output and a direct feed from the mixer. Great for recording overdubs alongside a pre-recorded track
  • Lay down your tracks in incredible 24-bit/ 192kHz quality for the cleanest recordings possible 2x4 USB I/O allows you to create two custom mixes on your computer to send back in to the mixer, great for situations when you need to monitor specific tracks during playback in addition to the full mix
  • 8-Channel mixer featuring Mackie signature high-headroom/low-noise design
  • Brand: Mackie
  • Improved RF rejection perfect for Broadcast applications
  • Product Code: 802VLZ4
  • 3 boutique-quality onyx mic preamps
  • TOUGH YET PORTABLE - Portable yet durable build with a smooth, intuitive design
  • MIXER WITH VERSATILITY - Mix audio/music from computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, Amazon Echo/Dot, mics and instruments
  • 3 OUTPUTS - 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphones, Output to speakers, and REC OUT stereo jacks for 3 simultaneous outputs
  • AMPLIFY SIGNAL - Powered by AC adapter, increase signals from MIC to LINE level to a max gain of 50 dB for each input
  • STEREO & MONO - 5 x 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo jacks with Mono to Stereo DM2S adapter included
  • HIGH-POWERED SOUND PERFORMANCE: Stage & Studio Solid Sound Design - 8 Ohm Impedance - Power Output: 800 Watt
  • MICROPHONE & PA PROCESSING: Mono Microphone Inputs with Mic Pre-Amp - Master EFFX Control - 5-Band Graphic EQ
  • WIRELESS BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth Music Streaming Ability - Connects with All of Today’s Latest Devices
  • POWERED AUDIO MIXING STATION: 8-Channel PA Mixer System - High-Powered Multi-Source Audio Channel Control
  • EXTERNAL DEVICE SOUND CONTROL: Digital Audio File Playback: USB Flash + SD Memory Readers - Aux (3.5mm) Input
  • Volume faders and Lo/Hi cut filter for superb performance
  • Powerful effects and control
  • Compact volca format four-channel mixer
  • Output and monitor capabilities for use on stage, plus stereo speakers for maximum portability
  • Master chain lets you control dynamics
  • Three Auto Switching modes: Video Follows Audio, Beat Switching, and Auto Scan
  • Add your own custom sound effects via USB memory
  • Voice Changer effect can be applied to the mic inputs, and each input has its own Voice Changer settings
  • AV streaming mixer with audio and video streaming capabilities
  • Purchase includes: AC adapter, power cord, and startup guide
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our buying guide to pick best mixer for synths for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best mixer for synths? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best mixer for synths for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider Roland Professional A/V VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


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About Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony is a freelance writer and computer expert who enjoys helping others get the most out of their technology. He has written extensively about laptops, soundbars, and other computer-related topics, and he currently serves as the editor of The Audio Insights website. When he's not writing or tinkering with his gadgets, Piers can be found spending time with his wife and family.