Audio mixers are tools to use with sound. They help engineers and musicians in studios and concerts. An audio mixer takes sounds from different devices, adjusts them, and blends them together. This is important for live shows and music recording. Mixers come in various sizes and have different features like routing and signal monitoring. Choosing the right one is important. We’ll look at some top mixer options based on price, quality, and features.
Mackie 1642 VLZ4
The Mackie 1642 VLZ4 is a big sound mixer with 16 channels and really good microphone preamps made by Onyx. It’s got all the features you need in one package, handles loud sounds without distortion, keeps things quiet, and won’t damage easily. We made sure the VLZ4 is top for professionals, no matter what they’re using it for.
Developers strictly adhere to build quality standards. The Mackie 1642 VLZ4 best pa mixer contains all the best, and a multi-year quality guarantee is as honest as ever. The M80 operational amplifiers confirm this, along with the best bus architecture in its category. The design excludes the penetration of dust and dirt in any conditions.
It’s important to mention that there are some improvements like better blocking of extra radio signals (which is great for going live), power for certain types of microphones, a tool for adjusting sound levels in three different parts, a feature that stops really low sounds at 75 Hz from getting through the microphone, and other signs of better quality.
Features: 16 channels, Onyx preamps, M80 amplifiers, high degree of versatility
Pros: good materialsm high degree of durability, high degree of versatility
Cons: No effects unit and digital interface
Behringer qx1204usb
This top audio mixer is an excellent working tool with advanced features at a relatively low cost. Users note this as a quality workhorse for every day, which did not fail at a crucial moment.
Among the key functions and features of the device, it is worth noting an audio processor that allows person to use up to 100 different presets. Presets include reverb, delay, and pitch shift. You can tune the sound very precisely using the Pan/Bal knobs on each channel. Four microphone inputs have small preamps with a low noise figure. The USB-A connector allows user to connect two wireless ULM microphones.
Users can get a specialized program for working with the device from Behringer’s site for free. The program includes more than a hundred useful and diverse virtual tools and plugins.
Features: 150+ presets, Pan / Bal knobs per channel, USB-A connector
Pros: low cost, versatility for studio and concert work, flexible computer integration
Cons: imperfect noise reduction
Behringer 802
The Behringer 802 is a simple audio mixer designed for beginners, but it still has features that professionals might find useful for easy tasks. It stands out from other similar models because of its quality and advantages.
For instance, a smooth system in every volume button accurately adjusts how loud the sound is. The device is made with tough materials to stop accidental damage from happening and to reduce scratches and marks.
The mixer gives you two types of outputs: PCA and TPC. The cover of the housing holds the plugs tightly, so they won’t move around and cause bad connections. Each input has controls for adjusting the bass, midrange, and treble separately. You can also turn on phantom power if needed. There’s a button with a light to turn the mixer on and off. The amplifier can handle up to 150 ohms of resistance and can produce really quiet sound, about -130 dB.
Features: PCA and TPC outputs, LED indication, 3-band equalizers for each input
Pros: compactness / high functionality, stylish appearance, high durability
Cons: external power supply with a non-standard connector, the relative complexity of the working setup preparing
Yamaha 01V96i
Recently, they updated the legendary classic of digital mixers. So, the instrument retained its trademark advantages and adopted the spirit and needs of the present.
The device has really good sound quality and a way to connect digitally. It gives professionals a lot of freedom to work and has lots of options for input and output. It also has special controls for volume that are quiet, a bunch of inputs right on the desk, and can work with different programs.
Users note high sound quality, flexible routing capabilities, and high quality integrated effects. This model ranks among the best in the studio category, offering full features.
Features: 24-bit sound resolution, S / PDIF, 16 input and output channels, motorized faders with silent control
Pros: Convenient for everyday use, nice design, high durability
Cons: No remote control
Yamaha MGP24X
Meet the new 20-channel mixer designed for professionals. It’s the top choice in its price range and perfect for studio use. Compared to similar mixers, it’s cheaper but still packed with great features like noise reduction and microphone preamp. Users love its excellent quality for the price.
In total, the system presents 16 analog stereo outputs and 4 mono outputs, complemented by a 3-band equalizer and master compressor. The device allows an engineer to work with a large number of equipment at the same time, mixing and adding sound effects instantly. It is important to note the absence of a monitor for outputting levels and effects, which is usually not a difficulty for a specialist. Build quality and materials are at the level you would expect from Yamaha brand products.
Features: 20 channels (16 stereo + 4 mono) with band equalizer and master compressor, additional sound functions
Pros: smart compressors with LED indication, convenient integration with a computer, 16 advanced digital effects with editable parameters
Cons: crowded control surface
Roland MX-1
Roland is famous for making recording equipment. Every year, they surprise users with new and cool ideas to improve sounds and recordings. This 18-channel mixer is a perfect example of top Japanese engineering. What’s awesome is that Roland squeezed many features into a cheap design without sacrificing reliability or sound quality.
This equipment is used for mixing sounds. It can work separately with drum machines. The drums are output to one or more channels with the ability to customize an individual effect setup in each channel. Flexibility is provided by the huge console library.
This is a management console with the ability to perform several functions in parallel. There is a function to automatically add effects and reset instruments. An important role is played by a flexible interface for interacting with a computer.
Features: 18 channels (analog, digital, and AIRA sources), Master FX, 48 types of master effects
Pros: high reliability and functionality
Cons: fader inaccuracy in some cases
Pioneer DJM-750MK2
A compact audio mixer by the famous Japanese brand, which is focused on DJ tasks. This is manifested in everything from functional filling, and to the combination of portability with high durability of the case. This model feels great on the road and is immune to most external mechanical and atmospheric influences.
If the device is connected to laser or vinyl players, it can also work directly with four instruments for undemanding tasks of a sound engineer. A number of sound conversion tools are available. This is one of the best live sound mixer solutions in its “weight category” for working with sound.
Among the interesting features, it is possible to note the ability to connect mobile devices to synchronize with effect libraries. Also, the user can use the effects from a smartphone or tablet directly when connected. Mixer interface is intuitive at the same time.
Features: 4 channels, Magvel crossfader, Sound Color FX, Beat FX
Pros: full set of tools for DJs, high durability for the on the road everyday use, useful tools for simple 4-channel mixing, intuitive ease of use
Cons: limited opportunities for non-DJ (studio) tasks
Soundcraft EPM6
A high-performance professional-grade analog high quality mixer that is universal in the context of setting a work task. The capabilities of the device are best indicated by its functions.
It uses faders (60 mm) with a smooth ride and precise response. On each channel, a regulator is installed to change the strength of the signal to an external effects processor. The amplifier is equipped with a convenient signal strength indication. The scale consists of 10 paired LEDs for accurate visualization of sound conditions. The robust design of the buttons is resistant to constant mechanical stress. Each channel of the mixer has a pan setting. With one knob, the user can adjust the balance between the right and left channels.
Features: Led indication, 3 microphone inputs,
Pros: smooth use faders, quite high functionality with high portability
Cons: limited functionality for complex professional tasks
Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX
This is a really good option from a company you can trust, and it’s cheap too. It’s great for anyone who wants good sound without spending too much money. It can handle good audio and connects easily to your computer. Plus, it has a bunch of features like special preamps and effects built right in. It’s perfect for people who want to do music stuff at home. You can plug in four microphones or instruments, and there are also inputs for other devices.
GSPre preamps are very quiet with plenty of headroom. It is also worth noting that the microphone inputs are equipped with a low-pass filter up to 100 Hz and a three-band equalizer with a fixed frequency. Build quality is high.
Features: new GSPre microphone preamps, two DI instrument inputs for connecting a guitar or bass, 4-channel USB audio interface 24 bit / 96 kHz for Mac, PC and iOS devices
Pros: portability, studio / concert versatility and full functionality
Cons: –
Behringer Micromix MX400
Behringer MICROMIX MX400 Review
The Behringer MICROMIX MX400 is a budget-friendly, compact 4-channel audio…
This mixer is the most basic and cheapest one available. Even though it’s cheap, it’s made by a reputable company and works really well. It has four channels and volume controls, with a stylish and durable design. It’s perfect for everyday use because it’s small and tough. Plus, it reduces background noise. It’s mainly for home use and connects to a small amplifier.
Features: 4 inputs, volume controls, noise reduction
Pros: high durability for everyday use, very low price
Cons: minimal functionality
Conclusion
The scale of the categories and subcategories of audio mixers is enormous, which is confirmed by this sample. Users can find models from several tens to several tens of thousands of dollars. And this slice should help everyone sort out what they need in order to carry out further searches by category.
Choosing an audio mixer can feel great, like picking what to put on your pizza. Each mixer has its own unique features. From the versatile Mackie 1642 VLZ4 to the cheap Behringer Micromix MX400, there’s a mixer for every taste and budget. These mixers not only give you more sound options but also make it easier for engineers and musicians to do their work.