Sound mixers, sometimes known as recording consoles, digital mixers, or mixing boards, a key piece of equipment for many artists, producers, and recording studios. This device combines two or more different sound signals and then provides one or many outputs.
Mixing boards are used for various projects, from recording music to movie sound production. Audio mixers are also used by many different people – many people consider a sound mixer board the centerpiece of their operation.
What Do Sound Mixers Do?
Think about the last time you went to a concert or watched music performed live. The sound mixer or audio engineer was in charge of making sure all the different sounds came together harmoniously. Anyone can do this by using a sound mixer.
Sound mixers also play an important role when it comes to recording audio in a studio. If a track includes loads of instruments, most of the frequencies of each instrument need to be adjusted so they can blend cohesively. The same process will need to be done if a song includes many vocals as well.
Equalization (EQ) is a major part of sound mixing and this is often part of the process that many home recording musicians find hard to do. EQ is essentially altering the balance of varying frequency components in an audio signal. EQ is the device sound mixers use to manipulate the frequency of the mix so that the sound is clear.
After this has been done, the sound mixer will also remove unwanted noises. Even removing glitches caused by the instruments can be done through a production audio mixer. Adding in signal processing to improve each track is also a job carried out by the sound mixer or sometimes the sound editor/ daw software in the studio.
In movie/TV production the sound mixer’s role is to modify sound levels on every audio file. Dialogue, sound effects, sound design, foley effects, theme music, etc. all need to be adjusted to perfection by the sound mixer.
Why Do You Need A Recording Console?
Not only do sound mixers enable you to mix sound, but these consoles also allow you to enhance sounds with EQ and effects and record a variety of mixes. Picking the right sound mixer is paramount!
We have made a list of the best sound mixers so far!
Sound Mixers: Tascam Model 24
The TASCAM Model 24 was developed to be one of the easy-to-use sound mixers. This 24 Channel Multitrack Recorder includes 100mm faders allowing for precise control over volume. There is also no need for menu diving as it has a full set of familiar EQ and Auxiliary knobs. Unlike most audio recorders, all the input/output connections on Tascam Model 24 are on the surface for quick and easy access.
You can also directly record sound to an SD card and you can playback 22 tracks simultaneously from an SD card.
This is one of those sound mixers that are also highly connected – you connect to your favorite DAW via USB. Using Bluetooth you can also connect your smartphone to stream audio.
Other key features:
- 22-channel analog
- 16 high-grade TASCAM mic preamps
- 24bit/48kHz resolution that can capture up to 24 tracks simultaneously
- Dedicated stereo channel 1/8”, dual RCA and Bluetooth
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | May not be suitable for large live performances |
| Reasonably priced (£650 -£700) |
Touchmix 16
Famed for its light feel and compactness, TouchMix-16 includes many high-quality features found in much larger consoles. Despite including 22 mixing channels and 12 outputs, Touchmix 16 is so small it can fit in carry-on luggage!
If you are a musician that’s always on the go and wants something that is very portable and still does the job, then add Touchmix 16 to your list.
This console also includes top-notch specs such as class-A microphone preamps, Anti-Feedback and Room Tuning Wizards, and a real-time analyzer (RTA).
The touch-and-turn interface of TouchMix gives the sound engineer or musician more tactile control over fader and mixer parameters while also providing a hardware connection to the mixer.
Sound mixers functions and displays are duplicated via iOS® or Android® phones and tablets over Wi-Fi, providing both portable and wireless connectivity as well as further control of the mixer function.
Other key features:
- Capacitive touchscreen
- 120 presets that provide real-world live sound settings
- Touch-and-turn interface
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact | May take a while to get used to |
| Can be used in a variety of settings | |
| Large LED display |
Yamaha MG10XUF
The MG10XUF features 10 input channels, with 4 channels with D-PRE mic preamps, independent 3-band EQs, 1-knob compressors, pad switches, and switchable +48V phantom power. The simplistic and Intuitive layout of Yamaha MG10XUF is made for daily use in any busy music environment.
This audio recorder also allows mixes to be recorded directly into your DAW and playback of 24-bit/192kHz audio.
If you are just starting in the world of music production or thinking about setting up a home recording studio, definitely consider buying this console. Although it does not contain all the features of many high-end consoles, it still includes 10 input channels – enough to get you started!
Other key features:
- Mono Inputs: 4 x Mic/Line
- Stereo Inputs: 3 x Line
- On-Board Effects: 24 x SPX Algorithms Effects
| Pros | Cons |
| Simplistic, classic design | Features are limited |
| High-efficiency amplifiers. | |
| Very affordable price – £215 |
Soundcraft Signature 12MTK Multi-track Mixer
The Soundcraft Signature 12MTK incorporates Soundcraft’s renowned Ghost mic preamps to give extraordinary audio quality with high headroom, wide dynamic range, and exceptional resolution and clarity with a superb signal-to-noise ratio.
This sound mixer board includes a wide variety of built-in Lexicon studio-grade reverb, chorus, and other sound effects and DBX limiters on the input channels. Soundcraft Signature 12MTK also includes a multi-track USB audio interface allowing any VST/AU/AAX/TDM/RTAS plug-ins to be inserted on any input channel, allowing studio plug-ins to be seamlessly integrated with live performances.
Soundcraft Signature 12MTK is designed to provide pristine recordings. With an ultra-low-latency USB interface that flawlessly captures every channel, this console’s features allow you to mix or transfer audio to a DAW for further mixdown and production. This audio mixer offers XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs that enable basses and other instruments to be connected directly.
Other key features:
- High-Performance 12-input small format analog mixer
- Renowned Soundcraft® Sapphyre British EQ with sweepable mid-bands per channel
- Hi-Pass Filters and 48V Phantom Power on all mic channels
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy design | Reported channel bleed between channels (could be a manufacturer defect though) |
| Built-in PSU improves portability |
Behringer XENYX 1202FX Mixer
Praised by audio engineers throughout the world, the Behringer XENYX 1202FX Mixer includes 4 onboard studio-grade XENYX Mic Preamps, ultra-musical “British” channel EQs, and a 24-Bit, dual engine FX processor.
XENYX preamps offer a stunning 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that reaches from below 10 Hz to well above 200 kHz. Equipped with these outstanding mic preamps, the XENYX 1202FX offers the such transparent, crystal-clear performance you usually see on many high-end, more expensive consoles.
The Behringer XENYX 1202FX Mixer also includes over 100 digital effects presets such as delay, chorus, and reverb that can be applied to any channel.
This console is aimed at those who have little or no experience with sound mixing desks. If that’s you then this is the console you want!
Other key features:
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- Neo-classic “British” 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound
- 4 state-of-the-art XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
| Pros | Cons |
| Low-priced – £80- £109 | None for its value |
| Straight forward design |
Allen & Heath ZED 12FX
The Allen & Heath ZED-12FX has often been referred to as one of the best live sound mixers around for performances. Allen & Heath has crafted 16 separate effects into the ZED-12FX mixer including many delays and reverbs, ready for every type of live music material.
The ZED-12FX is equipped with DuoPre pre-amps, modeled on the proven pre-amps of Allen & Heath’s phenomenal PA series. The DuoPre pre-amps use a two-stage design that controls the amount of gain in each stage, a large gain range of 69dB is evenly distributed across the gain control thus allowing you to make precise adjustments to the signal level.
Most of the audio gain is harvested from the first stage which keeps unwanted noise down to a minimum.
Other key features:
- Inserts on all mono channel strips
- Includes a free copy of SONAR LE recording software for PC
- 12-channel mixer with 6 mic/line inputs and 3 stereo line channels
- 4 auxiliary sends: 2 pre, 1 post, and 1 post/FX
| Pros | Cons |
| Awesome sound performance | Minor compatibility issues |
| Compact design | |
| Beautiful styling |
Bose T1 Tonematch Audio Engine
Using any Bose L1 portable PA system, this console has been created to enrich the sound of musicians. The Bose T1 ToneMatch also features many high-quality effects and proprietary Bose technology to give you amazing sound. If you are a solo singer then this mixer is recommended for you.
This console also comes with presets committed to specific microphones such as the Shure SM58. This will allow you to refine the sound to your exact liking.
Bose T1 Tonematch Audio Engine is also great for customizability. When you need to cut or boost specific frequency ranges for different instruments and microphones the intelligent zEQ on this console gives you the power.
Other key features:
- Mountable on a Cylindrical Radiator loudspeaker or a microphone stand
- LED display and illuminated controls for dimly-lit stages
- ToneMatch – Proprietary technology that optimizes system EQ to preserve the natural sound of specific instruments or microphones
| Pros | Cons |
| Good LED display | Need your own TRS or TS cable |
| Portable |
Soundcraft S1 Impact 32
With the unrivaled sound quality that Soundcraft is known for combined with the latest digital mix innovations, the S1 32 is an outstanding console packed with many high-quality unique features.
Although this console was designed to be as simple as an analog mixer, it includes workflow enhancements such as the unique FaderGlow™ system, massive DSP power, and a pristine 32-in/32-out USB audio interface.
This console also allows for remote mixing. The mix power of S1 Impact is accessible from anywhere in the venue, via the Soundcraft remote iPad app.
Other key features:
- 40 DSP input channels (32 mono inputs and 4 stereo channels/returns)
- 31 Output busses
- 4-band Fully Parametric EQ on each channel and bus
- 4 fully customisable Fader Layers
| Pros | Cons |
| Top-notch features for all music projects | Premium price – $2,199.00 – this does somewhat reflect its value though |
| It comes with built-in multi-effects | |
| Light-weight |
Mackie VLZ4 Series
From every input to every output, the VLZ4 has been designed to deliver professional-quality results in every setting. With a “Built-Like-A-Tank” construction this console is very sturdy ensuring it will last a very long time and endure pretty much anything from spills to drops.
VLZ4 benefits from years of performance improvements like transparent EQ, industry-leading negative summing bus architecture, and custom-designed op-amps to guarantee signal integrity from every input to every output, this is one of the best-sounding mixers.
Other key features:
- 16 great-sounding mic preamps
- RCA and 1/4″ inputs
- Sweep mid-EQ
| Pros | Cons |
| Professional-quality results | Setting it up may take a while |
| Affordable compared to other models with similar specs ($100) | |
| Durable |
Advice On Sound Mixers
We have listed many great options for audio mixers in this article however you need to choose one that is right for sound, the type of projects you work on, and your budget.
At just £179, the MG10XUF by Yamaha is the best audio mixer for those on a budget. Despite the low price tag, it still comes with some pretty impressive features. This is a must-buy if you are a beginner in audio mixing and want to get to grips with using a mixing board.
This is also a good console if you are purchasing one for the sole purpose of recording and mixing music and sounds for small projects.
Traveling from city to city and need something sturdy yet portable? We think Touchmix 16 will be the best console for you because of its sturdiness and lightness. It also features a wealth of effects and multiple inputs/outputs for larger projects. Although this mixing console usually retails at £1,100 many online sites are offering it at a discount. Hurry and purchase it while it’s still on sale!
Whether it is a large festival concert or mixing sounds for your next movie project the Allen & Heath ZED 12F is great for just about anything. This audio mixer is an all-around piece of music production equipment with numerous effects that will come in handy for most musicians, no matter what they are working on.
Conclusion On Sound Mixers
When deciding what audio mixer to purchase you should also consider whether you need any additional equipment to go alongside it. Some consoles come with items such as cables, stands, and bags to carry and store the digital sound mixers.
Other consoles come with nothing. Being aware of the warranty and any service fees is also important – imagine ending up with a faulty console with no option to get a free replacement or refund.
I hope this article has helped you with deciding which sound mixer is best for you. Good luck with your next audio mixing project!
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