As you can probably guess, not all audio mixers are the same. Depending on what you want it for, you will need to see what different models can offer. Some have a lot of inputs, while others have dozens of preloaded sounds to take advantage of. You should also be aware of if you want to use it mainly to record music or play music live because each item has different pros and cons. Some of the best audio mixers are large and weigh a lot, so you wouldn’t want to have to take them to your live shows, unless you had to. On the other hand, there are much smaller models that are able to do the same things, and weigh a lot less. Each audio mixer review below tells you what a mixer is appropriate for and what is special about each device. They all have multiple features and are suited to work well for a long time.
Best Audio Mixer List
1. Yamaha EMX5014C
$729.99 From Amazon
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This mixer has 12 different outputs, some of which are mono and others that are stereo. It also has feedback channel locator and two 500 watt amplifiers, so that the device will be able to work properly. The console not only looks professional; it also has a design that is sturdy and utilitarian. It even has cool digital effects built in, so it is able to produce a wide variety of sounds. There are many output jacks as well, since this item is versatile and is able to adapt as you get more into mixing and doing other things. It is able to accept speakers and other peripherals as you need them. It can be used by an amateur or a professional musician and it should last you a long time as well.
2. Mackie PROFX8V2
$199.99 From Amazon
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This 8 channel mixer is not only cool to look at, but it’s also colorful, as all the knobs are coordinated, so you won’t get confused while you’re figuring it out. It comes with low noise microphone preamps, and has sound effects included, so you can have reverbs and other fun sounds that people like to hear when they are listening to live music. You are able to record and play the music via USB, so you can have something already prepared or make your own mix on the spot. There are equalizer channels for monitors, and other channels that work well for things like keyboards. Of course, you can also plug your headphones in, so you can make sure everything sounds good before you play the music live for the crowd.
3. Allen & Heath ZED-10FX
$299.00 From Amazon
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This small mixer has knobs that are easy to keep track of, because they are in rows of the same color. The device itself has 2 stereo sources and you can plug an MP3 player into it, so you can mix previously recorded music when you need to. It also comes with sound effects and 4 microphone inputs, as well as a 3 band equalizer. It is small enough to take with you anywhere you go, so you will always have the tools you need to record or play the music you have created. The brand Allen & Heath has been around for many years and has been utilized by some of the largest names in rock, so it should be a welcome ally for you too. You can also import tracks from a PC or laptop to this device, so it is versatile and will come in handy in many situations.
4. PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2AI
$1,399.95 From Amazon
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This is a very large mixer that has plenty of knobs and slides. It can be used by anyone, but it is more appropriate for those that are professional DJs or musicians. It has 16 channels, Class A microphone preamps, and direct outputs, for great sound. It also has dual fat channel, which means it has clear sound, and is also powerful and professional sounding. Another cool thing about this mixer is that it comes with the software that you need to have in order to use it properly, so you won’t be at a loss as to what the buttons do or anything like that. This will also allow you to be able to add sounds and record music more easily. You don’t even need a computer because it can work with a tablet via an app. It also has an Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi connection, so you can use it any way you want; you don’t have to be sitting in front of your computer to take advantage of all it can do.
5. Peavey XR8600D
$699.99 From Amazon
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If you are familiar with Peavey merchandise, you know many of their products are powerful and built to last. This item is powered by dual 600W channel amps and has 10 input lines. It also has 8 microphone inputs, so it is able to do quite a lot of things. There is a dual graphic equalizer and you can personalize the amps to do what you want. It is a great item to use indoors, especially for bands performing at a small venue or at churches, especially since it is portable or relatively permanent, depending on where and how often you’re using it in a certain place. It only weighs around 30 pounds, so it isn’t all that difficult to move around when you need to. Besides that, it has an LED that tells you when things are happening and it is constructed in a sturdy way. People that use it say it can offer great sounds, especially when paired with speakers from the same brand.
6. Behringer XENYX 1202
$94.00 From Amazon
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This item has ultra low-noise and high headroom, which is something that not all models have. It also has 4 high tech microphone preamps, which allows it to mimic more expensive models of mixers. Moreover, it has a 3-band equalizer that gives it a warm and rich sound, no matter what type of music you are playing through it. Other features include a 24 bit stereo processor and 100 sounds that are programmed in. These sounds can add special touches to your music and live mixes, and are highly favored by people that like to attend live music events. This unit is said to be British because it has a sound that is reminiscent of some of the best times in music in the UK. However, the best part about this mixer is that it has a 3 year warranty. This lets you know that this product will last you a long time, and that you can use it as much as you want without having to worry.
7. BEHRINGER X AIR X18
$479.00 From Amazon
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Instead of having all the knobs and sliders you are used to when you see a mixer, this one has electronic buttons. This is mainly because the product is designed to be used with Android tablets or iPads, which is great for musicians that are always on the go and never know when they need to record or play live tracks. This one features 18 inputs, 16 mic preamps, and a special Wi-Fi router, so you won’t have to purchase extra equipment to get it to work properly. It also uses USB, so you can record everything live and the firmware can be upgraded from time to time, which makes the device even more relevant. The machine is also less than 10 pounds, so you can take it anywhere and everywhere you need to go. People that use it say it takes some getting used to when you’re setting it up, but once you get the hang of it, it works great.
8. PYLE PYD1964B Bluetooth
$124.99 From Amazon
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You can get a lot of use out of this machine, even though it is a bit tiny. It has Bluetooth technology, so you can share all the music you record with people nearby instantaneously. This is a really cool feature, especially if people near you are wearing Bluetooth headphones, since they wouldn’t need a music player and could actually be streaming live music. It also has a 10 band equalizer, 4 inputs, and cross faders, so you have all the knobs necessary to have fun and make music you can be proud of. Additionally, it has many LEDs that light up, so you can see it even in dark rooms, and it is lightweight, making sure you won’t have to carry around a heavy piece of equipment all the time. It also has sounds built in and offers updates on the model quite often.
