Best Small Studio Mixer Of 2022: Buying Guide & Reviews

By, Tim Powers
Updated 08 Jun 2022 03:27

The Rundown

Best Overall: YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer

"This is a compact and easy-to-use mixer with plenty of high-tech settings for live performance and studio recording." Read Review

Best Bang For The Buck: Numark M6 USB 4-Channel Mixer

"This four-channel USB mixer provides the freedom to create and perform in whichever way you choose." Read Review

Best For Mixed Usage: Behringer XENYX X1204USB Premium Mixer

"This mixer brings along some useful applications that are perfect for podcasting as well as mixing music." Read Review

Best For Podcast: Rode RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Mixer

"This compact mixer is excellent for multi-person live shows or streams on social media." Read Review

Finding the appropriate mixer for your home studio is a struggle, especially for a music producer, as you need to be extremely particular in determining what sort of feature is required for your music production workflow. For artists, producers, and DJs who just require a few inputs and outputs, small mixers are an excellent choice. Having a mixer in your home studio will not only provide you with a more flexible approach to recording, but it will also help you with live streaming, podcasting, and monitoring.

In this article, we'll go through a variety of analog and digital mixers to make sure you can record many sources simultaneously. Whether you prefer conventional simplicity or clever tactics in a mixer, our list of the best small studio mixers has it all.

Products Suggest

TOP Choice #1 YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer

Best Overall
YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer

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Our Score:

9.9

Brand: Yamaha

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The Yamaha MG10XU is a well-designed and compact mixer. It boasts solid construction and outstanding engineering that is reminiscent of Yamaha's top-of-the-line consoles.

The built-in effects give you flexibility in terms of customization. Overall, this is an excellent choice for a low-cost mixer with excellent capabilities that is well-suited to singer-songwriters for both live performance and recording.

TOP Choice #2 Numark M6 USB 4-Channel Mixer

Best Bang For The Buck
Numark M6 USB 4-Channel Mixer

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Our Score:

9.8

Brand: Numark

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This is a mixer from Numark with an old-schooled and retro design. With a modest price tag, the Numark M6 is a high-quality mixer with valuable features compared to other models from the same range.

On top of that, this gadget provides pro-level connectivity possibilities for users. For example, the M6 USB can effortlessly connect to any DJ gear of your choosing.

TOP Choice #3 Behringer XENYX X1204USB Premium Mixer

Best For Mixed Usage
Behringer XENYX X1204USB Premium Mixer

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Our Score:

9.7

Brand: Behringer

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The Behringer XENYX X1204USB mixer is a fantastic versatile analog mixer with a lot of features at a very affordable price. It comes with several built-in features, especially for microphones and instruments, that make it a good choice for small and simple settings.

Plus, its USB capabilities make it ideal for music recording and podcasting.

Best For Podcast
Rode RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Mixer

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Our Score:

9.5

Brand: RØDE Microphones

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The Rodecaster Pro is a complete podcasting mixer in a portable package. This is a unique piece of audio gear since it was created specifically for podcasting.

Every control dial, slider, and pad is well labeled, so you’ll be able to operate all of the connections without instructions. All in all, this device excels its performance when you're recording live, especially in a distant area.

Budget Option
Mackie Mix8 8-Channel Compact Mixer

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Our Score:

9.3

Brand: Mackie

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This small mixer is extremely economical as it is particularly intended for situations where a small, low-profile mixer is required to blend a few signals, such as in a simple live or studio environment. The mixer's uses are quite broad with a simple design for the cost.

Generally, it's a well-made, low-noise, small mixer that performs exactly how it's supposed to.

Best For Neophytes
Pyle PMXU88BT 8-Channel Bluetooth Studio Audio Mixer

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Our Score:

9.1

Brand: Pyle

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Pyle PMXU88BT is a portable Bluetooth-enabled 8-channel audio mixer with multichannel mixing capabilities. The overall exterior quality is durable and sturdy.

Besides, the device is simple to install and use, even for newbies. We were impressed to see lots of functions that we expected to only find in more expensive models. Therefore, this little machine will be of great help for both beginners and professionals.

Best Performance
Mackie 1642VLZ4 16-Channel Audio Mixer

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Our Score:

9.0

Brand: Mackie

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Aside from sounding excellent, the Mackie 1642VLZ4 mixer is a reliable piece of hardware. It has a rock-solid construction with the capability to enhance sound quality.

There are tons of knobs and buttons on this compact mixer to give you free control and ultimate audio customization. With this device, your recordings will sound fantastic with minimal noise and a natural tone.

Best Mini Mixer
Yamaha AG03 3-Channel Mixer

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Our Score:

8.8

Brand: Yamaha

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Easy control and pro sound with 1-TOUCH COMP/EQ, EFFECT and AMP SIM processing.
Includes Cubase Al (downloadable version) recording/midi-sequencing software.

Also Great
Mackie ProFXv3 Series, 10-Channel Professional Effects Mixer

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Our Score:

8.6

Brand: Mackie

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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.
With 24 different FX options, from reverbs to delays, adding some drama to your sound is easy easy. easy. easy (delay, get it?).

Our Pick
Zoom LiveTrak L-12 Digital Mixer & Multitrack Recorder

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Our Score:

8.5

Brand: Zoom

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Scene saving function, up to 9 scenes saved at a time
14 -in/4-out USB audio interface connectivity

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How Could You Recognize Whether Best small studio mixer Suit With You Or Not?

Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the Best small studio mixer, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in Best small studio mixer. You are expected to count on our expertise in Best small studio mixer to make the right choice.

Along with these factors, we also include some questions concerned by many customers. It’s beneficial for you to look through these:

What are the practical benefits this product brings about?
Which line of this product is most loved in the market?
Where if for you to ask for help with product problems?
Why should you invest in this product? Does its value worth it?
How can you choose the best one? Which factors?

Nowadays, Best small studio mixer is among the most valuable items users tend to collect. The information sources on the Internet are also essential and available for you to get consulted. The proliferation of many websites and forums helps you have access to the buying guides more straightforward.

So now we move on to the significant factors related to Best small studio mixer you must keep in mind:

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

The list of Best small studio mixer is frequently updated whenever new data becomes available. Please take more time to visit our website to stay up-to-date with changes in the product.

You are supposed to be free to get in touch with our customer support. All of your problems or challenges with the Best small studio mixer will be carefully considered.

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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment reviewer and the editor of TheAudioCritic.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.

Read Tim's full bio