As podcasters, many of us start with little more than the voice recorder on our phones. As audiences grow, however, so do expectations and the audio quality becomes critical. There’s no faster way to turn new listeners away than offering subpar audio quality that’s hard to hear or loaded with unwanted sounds. If you’re getting serious about your podcast, then it’s probably time to think about some serious gear. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey in search of the best mixer for podcasting.
Mixers can be a critical part of podcasting production, especially for shows with multiple speakers and guests. With a mixer, you not only have the power to bring multiple voices together in one place but also make sound adjustments that can save valuable time during post-production. The right mixer can also give you the flexibility to record other events like live music, lectures, and plays. This can open a world of possibilities for your podcast you’d never be able to achieve with just a phone or handheld recorder.
While mixers can seem intimidating and over complicated, it may surprise you how simple they are to run and how much flexibility they can add. Sure, there are people that spend years learning how to run massive audio consoles for recording and live sound, but the mixers we’re covering are small, simple to use, and, in most cases, portable. What’s even better is that there are tons of affordable options out there in today’s marketplace.
With so many high-quality brands and different models on the market, it can easily get confusing trying to decide which is the best mixer for podcasting. Throughout this article, we’ll help you better understand why a mixer could be the best choice for your budding career as a podcasting star, and what you should look for if you’re new to mixers. So, if you’re ready to step up your game with some pro-grade gear, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s roll!
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Comparison Table
Product FAQ
1. What Is a Mixer for Podcasting?
2. Will a Mixer Work with My Computer?
3. What Should You Look for in a Podcasting Mixer?
4. Do You Really Need a Mixer for Podcasting?
5. Who Makes the Best Mixer for Podcasting?
How We Reviewed
For this review, we selected podcasting mixers from a range of brands with different prices and features. We compared factors like price, ease of use, versatility, warranty, and availability. We also broke down a few quick pros and cons to serve as a reference as you shop. Finally, we chose one overall top pick from the bunch. As we’ve already noted, there’s no holy grail of podcasting mixers perfect for everyone out there. With that said, our top pick offers a tremendous balance of quality, performance, and price that we think makes it a superior value.
Overall Price Range
There is a wide range of prices for small mixers today, but this article will focus on products ranging between around $ and $$$. Lower-end mixers usually have fewer inputs and fewer features like effects and signal routing. High-end mixers are usually offered by very trusted brands and can offer many inputs, a range of digital effects, and more advanced signal routing options for things like monitor mixes and stereo feeds.
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What We Reviewed
Behringer Xenyx Q502USB
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- State-of-the-art, phantom powered XENYX Mic Preamp comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- Studio-grade compressor with super-easy "one-knob" functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound
- Built-in stereo USB/Audio Interface to connect directly to your computer. Free audio recording, editing and podcasting software plus 150 instrument/effect plug-ins downloadable at behringer.com
- Neo-classic "British" 2-band EQ for warm and musical sound
Features
The Behringer Xenyx Q502USB has excellent quality and is a highly affordable, five-input, two-output mixer. This unit has one dedicated XLR input and four 1/4″ cable inputs. These can also be combined together as two stereo channels. With a simple one-knob compression and two-band EQ, you’ll get just enough sound sculpting capability to keep things fresh on your podcast without unused features. This Xenyx also features a USB output, so it could be the best mixer for podcasting if you need a simple and light mixer/interface in one.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
This mixer offers a few simple features that will be nice for podcasting but not overwhelming.
Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer
- 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
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
- 1 Knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, Residual output noise 102 dBu
Features
The Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer is a sleek and powerful mixer that could be a great option for podcasters who need a lot of inputs. This unit offers four channels with XLR inputs and mic preamps. Three additional channels each have two inputs that can be used separately or as combined stereo inputs. The MG10 includes an impressive, three-band EQ section as well as an auxiliary output section for each channel. This feature could make the MG10 the best mixer for podcasting if you need extra flexibility for monitoring each channel.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
This unit offers a lot of ins and signal routing in a very simple package.
Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 Hybrid Compact Mixer
- 2 in/2 out USB audio interface (24-bit/96kHz)
- Cubase LE software included; Cubasis LE app included
- 2 mic/line inputs with separate XLR and TRS jack sockets; 2 stereo inputs with TRS jack sockets
- 2 Guitar DI high impedance inputs, eliminating the need for DI boxes
- Lo-cut filter for cleaning up unwanted low frequency noise; 2 band EQ for easy creative and corrective tonal shaping
Features
The Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 Hybrid Compact Mixer/USB Interface offers premium quality features in an affordable and compact unit. This mixer offers eight total inputs with two XLR ins and six 1/4″ cable ins. Channels three and four on this mixer each have two inputs that can be used individually or as stereo pairs. The ZEDi-8 stands apart from other USB mixer/interfaces because channels one and two can also be used as direct inputs for instruments. This means you’ll get an extra 20dB boost at the flip of a switch.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
This unit is backed with a one-year warranty.
Samson Mixpad MXP124FX Compact MIXER
- Compact 12-channel USB mixer with five faders and digital effects
- Four Mic/Line channels with professional quality Mic preamps
- 99 digital effects with FX level controls on each channel
- Four Stereo channels with balance controls, Peak level LED"s
- Onboard phantom power
Features
The Mixpad MXP124FX from Samson could be the best mixer for podcasting if you need an affordable option that has lots of inputs and also features some onboard effects. This mixer has four XLR ins with another eight 1/4″ inputs spread across eight channels. Though this is a value-priced unit, it offers some impressive digital effects including echoes, reverb, tremolo, and a flanger. Channels one and two also feature a simple compressor and a three-band EQ is included on channels one through four.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
This mixer is backed by a limited two-year warranty.
Behringer Xenyx 1204USB
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- Neo-classic "British" 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound. Maximum input level+12 dBu @ +10 dB gain Maximum input level 30 dBu
- Faders: 9 x 60mm Throw
Features
The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer picks up where the Xenyx Q502 mixer starts, but it adds a lot of power. This is a 12-input mixer with four XLR ins. It has a full complement of onboard digital effects, and all four of the XLR inputs have built-in compression that is controlled with a simple knob. With a mix of stereo routing and auxiliary knobs for monitoring, this could be the best mixer for podcasting if versatility is crucial.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
Behringer backs this unit with a limited three-year warranty.
Mackie PROFX8V2 8-Channel Compact Mixer
- 4 low-noise Mackie Vita mic preamps add life to any input
- ReadyFX effects engine with 16 effects including reverbs, delays, and choruses
- 7-band graphic EQ for tuning mains or monitors. Operating Temperature: 0 ̊ - 40 ̊C
- Aux output for monitor mixes, venue 70-volt systems, and more
- 3-band EQ and 100Hz low-cut filter on all channels.Power Consumption:20 watts
Features
The Mackie PROFX12V2 12-Channel Compact Mixer with USB and Effects is in the running as the best mixer for podcasting for those who need premium quality and tons of features. Unlike the other 12-input mixers on this list, the PROFX has six XLR inputs. Each of these boasts Mackie’s Vita mic preamps along with a three-band EQ and range of digital effects.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
Mackie covers this mixer with a limited three-year warranty.
Peavey XR1212 Powered Mixer
- Peavey MIXING BOARD
- 12 improved, low-noise mic preamps
- 48V phantom power
- 3-band EQ, monitor send and effects send on each channel
- Signal and Clip indicator on each channel
Features
If you’re looking for the ultimate in versatility, then the Peavey PV 14 AT Mixer may be the best mixer for podcasting you’ll find. This board would be an especially good choice for podcasters who plan to record music or who have podcasts that focus specifically on music. With eight dedicated XLR inputs, this mixer is ready to handle full-band recordings and large podcast groups. What truly sets this mixer apart, however, is the digital effects. The first four channels offer high-end Antares Auto-Tune build right in.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
Peavey covers this unit with a limited five-year warranty.
PreSonus StudioLive AR8 USB
- 8-channel mixer
- 2 mono and 2 stereo channels, each with: Level knob; Pan; PFL solo
- 1 stereo Super Channel (Ch. 7/8)
- 1 monitor bus with PFL solo
- 1 stereo effects bus
Features
The PreSonus StudioLive AR8 USB 8-Channel hybrid Performance and Recording Mixer is an ideal choice for podcasters who only want to bring one high-quality piece of hardware out on their recording sessions. This premium-grade mixer offers an onboard recording console that can accept both SD and HCSD cards right on the front of the mixer. This means you can mix and record audio as a digital file directly on the unit with no computer at all.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
This mixer is covered with a one-year limited warranty against defects.
Soundcraft EPM8 High-Performance
- True, professional +48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- Professional insert points for external processing
- 6, 8 and 12 mono input channel frame sizes, each with two stereo inputs
- 2 Aux sends, each globally switchable pre or post-fade
- Has GB30 Mic amps, featureing high-resolution adjustment over a wide gain range of 55dB, providing +22dB headroom through the console
Features
The Soundcraft EPM8 High-Performance 8-channel Audio Mixer is another premium-grade mixer for podcasters who want a lot of power and have extra cash to spend. What sets this mixer apart is the combination of high-end digital effects by Lexicon and the option to run three separate monitor mixes.
Pros
Cons
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Warranty
This unit is covered with a one-year limited warranty.
The Verdict
Our top overall pick as the best mixer for podcasting is the Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer. What we love about this mixer is that it offers a superb sound quality at a low cost. By scrapping add-ons like digital effects and compression, Yamaha has offered up a rock-solid unit that offers everything a podcaster needs while keeping the price low. Finding the best mixer for podcasting is ultimately up to your personal tastes and needs, but this unit is a simple and great sounding option that’s definitely worth considering.
