Mix Your Sounds with the Best Audio Mixer

With 14 channels to play with and 800 watts of power, the Behringer Europower PMP2000 is a powered mixer that can easily handle most mid-sized rooms. The PMP2000’s Class D technology allows this thing to heat up sound wise, but always remain cool physically (a dichotomy that's important for people who want to sound good but don’t want their equipment to melt). However, melting faces off is a completely different story, and using the unit’s 100 built-in 24-bit stereo effects can help to do just that, including presets for reverbs, delays, chorus, echo, and more. Dual 9-band graphic EQs also help to enhance the mixing experience.

All six of the Peavey PVi 6500’s channels are equipped with Silencer microphone preamplifiers, giving this powered mixer a clean and pristine sound. A nine band graphic EQ helps you to adjust the character of your signal to fit the room you’re working in. Built-in 24-bit effects can easily be triggered via a footswitch, giving your mixing process a definitely more performance-like quality. Additionally, a Kosmos-C audio enhancement module allows you to punch up dull signals and grant them more clarity. Connecting this unit to the 21st century even further, the PVi 6500 also offers Bluetooth wireless audio to allow you to stream signal from portable Bluetooth music players.

Behringer’s Europower PMP500M powered mixer provides five mono channels coming out with a total power of 500 watts. The unit’s Class D technology is designed to run very cool, so there is no risk of overheating. Built-in FX enable you to create great sounds, adding delays, reverbs, pitch-shifters, modulations, and multi-FX to incoming signal. A seven band graphic EQ not only helps you sculpt the sound you send out, but it also comes quipped with a feedback detection system. This feature detects the unwanted signal and alerts users via an LED light above the offending channel, giving you a perfect cue to turn down the slider and eliminate unwanted noise.

The Peavey PVi 8500 powered mixer provides eight channels that are all equipped with Silencer microphone preamps. A feedback locating system which makes finding (and eliminating) feedback onstage an easy task. This unit comes equipped with built-in 24-bit effects that can be muted and turned back via a footswitch. Because mix engineers are also responsible for playing music between bands/acts, the PVi 8500’s ability to support SD card/USB flash drive audio playback makes this affordably priced unit particularly noteworthy. Additionally, you can play back streaming audio from portable Bluetooth music players thanks to the unit’s Bluetooth capability.

The QSC TouchMix 16 digital mixer is only the size and weight of a small laptop computer, but that doesn’t mean that this piece of gear can’t compete with some of its bigger brothers. Its portability is definitely a big selling point, so much so that the unit also comes with a padded carrying case as if to drive the point home that this truly is the best tool for mixing on the go. But the actual mechanics of this mixer are really where it shines.

The unit features a Simple Mode which operates in a way that is not unlike the “Auto” function on a DSLR camera, going with quick and generalized settings to get you on your feet and moving instantly. The Advanced Mode relinquishes all control to the user and gives them the ability to truly tweak the sound to their liking. And there’s plenty of tweaking to do, thanks in no small part to four stereo DSPs containing a full selection of professional digital effects, a gate and compressor on all input channels, and a 1/3 octave graphic EQ, amongst other cool amenities.

The caliber of processors and features that the PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2AI digital mixer brings to the table definitely makes it stand out from many of its peers, especially when placed in the live arena. The 24 Class A XMAX preamps in the unit make the signal sound clear and pristine. Fat Channel processing provides each of the mixer’s 24 tracks with a 4-band, fully parametric EQ, in-depth dynamic parameters, and more. A massive library of 32-bit, stereo DSP effects include reverbs, delays, and other time-based effects really add depth and character to the sound that you run through the StudioLive. in fact, these effects not only offer great-sounding presets, but they're programmable and can easily be stored/recalled for later use.

On its own, the Behringer X Air XR18’s 18 inputs and 16 MIDAS-designed mic preamps would make it a digital mixer that is impressive in its own right. But what really sets this device apart is that users can mix remotely using their tablet, phone, or other mobile device via a WiFi connection. This unit is also stocked with four effects engines, giving you full access to high-end simulations of legendary studio effects like the Lexicon 480L and PCM70, along with reverb effects such as the EMT250 and Quantec QRS. Separate effects racks containing high-end compressors, EQs, and even a sub-octaver can help give you even more creative tools to work with, whether you are enhancing a live performance or adding effects to a recording session. The XR18 also comes with a three year warranty, so you can rest assured that any issues that could potentially pop up will be covered by the manufacturer.

For its price, the Soundcraft Ui16 digital mixer is something of a real steal. Never mind the fact that this unit can be used to connect with and control any device via WiFi or Ethernet, but each of its 16 channels also has its own 4-band EQ, compressor, de-esser, and built-in Lexicon, dbx, and DigiTech signal processing. The Ui16 also fights against feedback, thanks to its included dbx AFS2 feedback suppressor. Drawing from an updated version of dbx’s Advanced Feedback Suppression algorithm, this feature listens to and anticipates problematic frequencies before feedback is even present, and removes the culprits before they can spoil the mix. The unit also is a compact tool that is ideal for use in small venues or studios, weighing in at just under eight lbs.

The 12 channels available in the Behringer Europower PMP6000 powered mixer would normally be enough for most mix engineers, but the amount of bells and whistles that come in this unit are just the added icing on the cake. Two built-in FX processors provide you with the ability to really take your sound in a new direction, with a wide variety of delays, reverbs, modulations, pitch-shifters, and multi-FX. All of these effects can easily be selected via a non-latching footswitch.

There are also a few mixer modes to choose from outside of the standard L/R stereo setup as you can also go with Dual Mono, which is optimal for working with passive stage monitors, or a Bridged Mono Mode that combines the signal from both outputs to deliver a 1,600 watts-strong powerful mono mix. The PMP6000 also comes with a dual 7-band graphic EQ, complete with a feedback detection system that will alert you via LED light when feedback occurs and give you the cue to make the necessary adjustment.

Don’t let the size mislead you, the Mackie Mix-5 mixer is one tough little cookie. Offering up five channels to work with (along with a single mic preamp that includes a 2-band EQ to help sculpt tone), this unit weighs less than two lbs and is ideal for artists or performances who want a simple solution to tracking or performing. The aforementioned preamp also provides +15V of phantom power, which is necessary for some condenser microphones. The unit also offers a tape RCA I/O for playback or recording. A headphone output has its own separate volume control, which is great for when you’re recording and might want to make adjustments without making noise. Because of its small size, this unit is the ultimate in portability; simply stick it in your backpack and take it with you anywhere you’d like.

Unassuming as its size may make it appear, the Behringer Xenyx QX1002USB mixer is the gear equivalent to a magician’s hat that just keeps revealing how much is stored inside of it. To start things off, the unit contains two Xenyx mic preamps that are comparable to some stand-alone preamps, helping to make signal sound clearer and cleaner. The Xenyx’s compressors employ the popular “one-knob” functionality that takes a lot of the guesswork out of mixing as you simply twist and go. The unit also features neo-classic British 3-band EQs that can make your signal sound more warm and musical. To top it all off, there are 100 presets inside this mixer (courtesy of a 24-bit Klark Teknik FX processor) for adding reverb, flanger, delay, chorus, pitch shifter, and more to your audio. This piece of gear can also double as a stereo USB/audio interface to link up directly with your computer.

Whether you’re looking to record or perform with signal stemming from microphones, line instruments, or anything in between, the Alesis Multimix 8 USB FX is a mixer that can help get the creative juices flowing. As its name implies, this unit features eight channels, four of which are XLR inputs that have their own gain trim, switchable high pass filter, and 48V phantom power. A 3-band EQ offers sweepable parametric mids to give you a greater control of your sound. The unit’s multicolor LED meters give a much-needed visual slant to the mixing process, which is especially important if you’re using this in a setting where you can’t hear as well as you’d like. The Multimix 8 is also stocked with 16 built-in DSP effects that can be turned on and off via a footswitch bypass control.

Yamaha’s MG20 mixer comes equipped with D-PRE discrete Class-A mic preamps to ensure that any signal being routed through the board sounds impeccably professional. Just plug in and you’ll already be impressed by the sound that this mixer provides from the jump. However, if you’re looking to tweak some more, have no fear, as this mixer is set up to get you great results fast. Yamaha’s one-knob compressors make dialing in the perfect vocal, guitar, or drum tone as simple as twisting a single element. This mixer also hosts equalizers on all of its mono channels which gives you plenty to control as you get closer to the perfect mix. The whole operation is held inside a sturdy metal chassis designed to protect with an unparalleled degree of durability.

Soundcraft’s LX7II mixer features premium mic preamps to make all 32 of the unit’s channels sound impeccably clean. Taking a page from their high-end MH series’ EQ section, the 4-band EQ offers high and low shelving sections that have been specified to reduce mid frequencies as well as unwanted muddiness. Every frequency band has a 15dB cut or boost; you can A/B the results in a snap thanks to a dedicated bypass switch. Six auxiliary sends open up the possibilities for routing signal between monitor or effects oriented mixes.

Avid’s S6 is more than just an unpowered mixer; it’s a console, it’s a DAW controller, it’s a new way to mix. With as little as 24 faders or as many as 64, there are versions of this unit for every type of scenario. While the S6 is specifically designed to interface with Pro Tools, it can also control other DAWs like Logic, Sonar, and Cubase. Multiple modules allow you to automate and improve upon some of your routine processes; the Fader Module offers 32-part LED meters per channel, along with a set of eight hot keys along the bottom of the section to give you handy shortcuts for your workflow. The Process Module allows you to control what each channel’s knobs correspond to whether EQ or dynamics parameters.

The Toft Audio ATB24 mixer utilizes the same EQ that was featured in their classic Trident Series 80 boards. This 4-band equalizer is regarded as one of the best in the industry, and can really make a difference that you’ll hear in the mix. A master control section might not be something you’d expect to see in an item priced this relatively low, but it’s here on the ATB24, providing you with accurate LED meters, multiple ways to route your signal, a talkback function, and an eight-bus mix down section. Inline monitoring for every input channel strip gives you the ability to tightly oversee every nuance of your project. The unit’s rear allows you to connect all of your favorite outboard gear and plug it into the recording process.

The DLive S7000 live mixer from Allen & Heath takes its cues from our familiarity with the common tools of the digital age (tablets and phones) and translates that experience into a mixing board. You’ve got two 12 inch touch screens that intuitively respond to the types of gestures that we use every day (including pinch, swipe, drag, and drop) to carry out all of the necessary functions. The unit also features its own dedicated multi-mode EQ view, which gives you a wide space to really focus on one of the most important aspects of live sound mixing. Despite the digital electronics built into this thing, the DLive S7000 is built like a tank, using high grade metal on its sides and folded steel in key areas of the build to make this gear road-ready.

On its own, the Behringer X Air XR18’s 18 inputs and 16 MIDAS-designed mic preamps would make it a digital mixer that is impressive in its own right. But what really sets this device apart is that users can mix remotely using their tablet, phone, or other mobile device via a WiFi connection. This unit is also stocked with four effects engines, giving you full access to high-end simulations of legendary studio effects like the Lexicon 480L and PCM70, along with reverb effects such as the EMT250 and Quantec QRS. Separate effects racks containing high-end compressors, EQs, and even a sub-octaver can help give you even more creative tools to work with, whether you are enhancing a live performance or adding effects to a recording session. The XR18 also comes with a three year warranty, so you can rest assured that any issues that could potentially pop up will be covered by the manufacturer.

For its price, the Soundcraft Ui16 digital mixer is something of a real steal. Never mind the fact that this unit can be used to connect with and control any device via WiFi or Ethernet, but each of its 16 channels also has its own 4-band EQ, compressor, de-esser, and built-in Lexicon, dbx, and DigiTech signal processing. The Ui16 also fights against feedback, thanks to its included dbx AFS2 feedback suppressor. Drawing from an updated version of dbx’s Advanced Feedback Suppression algorithm, this feature listens to and anticipates problematic frequencies before feedback is even present, and removes the culprits before they can spoil the mix. The unit also is a compact tool that is ideal for use in small venues or studios, weighing in at just under eight lbs.