While producing outstanding podcasts without a mixing desk is doable – even simple — investing in one of the finest podcast mixers included in this guide will undoubtedly make the recording and mixing process much easier. USB microphones are fantastic, but a good mixer will serve as the centre hub of any recording operation, whether it’s music, voice, or broadcast, and will provide far more flexibility than merely connecting a mic into a computer.
If you want to record many sound sources at the same time, you’ll need a good mixer that gives you tactile control over the separate levels. If you’re new to studio equipment, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a podcast mixer. Some of the questions you’ll want to ask yourself are how many connections you’ll need and what functionality is useful for podcasters.
In this tutorial, we’ll go over some of the features to look for when purchasing a podcast mixer. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate newbie, we’ll assist you in finding the best podcast mixer for your needs.
Table of Contents
PreSonus StudioLive AR8c 8-Channel USB-C Hybrid Digital/Analog Performance Mixer
- 8x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2. 0 (over USB-C connection) audio recording interface; record every channel plus...
- 2x2 SD recorder (record main mix); supports SD and SDHC formats up to 32 GB
- 8-channel analog mixer with 4 balanced mic inputs with XMAX mic preamps, 2 instrument/line inputs, 2...
An audio interface will probably eventually be a part of your setup if you plan to use a computer to edit and improve the audio you record. The Presonus StudioLive AR8c might be the perfect solution because it combines an eight-channel analogue mixer with a top-notch audio interface.
The StudioLive also boasts a variety of fascinating features including Bluetooth 5.0 and digital effects to enhance your music, and the mic preamps are very accurate and clean. In our opinion, the Presonus StudioLive AR8c is a good choice if you’re a podcaster looking to enhance an existing setup.
RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio
- Whether you are new or a seasoned broadcast pro, the RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio is all you...
- 4 high-quality mic channels power studio condenser mics and conventional dynamic mics and feature...
- 8 programmable sound effects pads allow instant triggering of SFX, music, and more; record audio direct...
Rodecaster Pro is an awesome mixer which includes bluetooth for phone calls, soundpads to integrate pre-recorded sounds, automatic compression, many other awesome audio equipment features. You get 4 headphone outputs, 4 XLR inputs, faders, 8 soundpads, a touchscreen with tons of features, a built-in microSD card slot, and more. The wide range of podcast-compatible features that sets the Rodecaster Pro apart. For example, it has a built-in sound card in which you can store intro music, sound effects, etc. and read them throughout your podcast episode. The device is also able to connect to your phone via Bluetooth, thus leaving your recorded phone calls live from listeners. Another major advantage of the Rodecaster Pro is that it eliminates the need for an external recorder. The built-in memory can easily record and store your audio files. With such versatile features, this is the best audio mixer designed with the needs of podcasters in mind today.
The Rode RodeCaster Pro is, in one fell swoop, the ultimate mixer for podcasters because it was designed specifically for the medium. And it’s amazing; Four high-quality mic preamps ensure that every voice is heard clearly including usb microphones, while we especially appreciated the Bluetooth functionality that lets you record phone interviews directly. Eight programmable pads on the unit also let you trigger pre-recorded sounds – perfect for adding a splash of applause. Unlike some of the other mixers on the list, the RodeCaster Pro is actually an all-in-one recording solution specifically for podcasting. Everything is captured at source and stored on an SD card, so you can relax and focus on recording your show.
But its true strength is a bevy of features focused squarely at the podcasting sector. Consider the sound cart buttons, which allow you to incorporate music and sound effects into your performance WITHOUT the use of an external device. Instead of using an iPad, load them onto the machine itself. Then, marvel at the smartphone bluetooth connection, which allows you to record calls (or anything else!) directly into your show, no cords required. Finally, the Rodecaster functions as a digital recorder, with memory card capture built in. So, if you’re frequently on the road recording performances, that’s one less piece of gear to bring with you.
Yamaha MG10XU 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,...
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a...
Yamaha MG10 10-input stereo mixer is quite likely the best mixer for podcasts. This unit provides four channels with XLR input and mic prompt. Each of the three additional channels has two inputs that can be used individually or combined for stereo inputs. It has an impressive three-band EQ section for each channel as well as an auxiliary output section. This feature can make MG10 the best mixer for podcasting if you need extra flexibility to monitor your channels.
This Yamaha 10-channel analog mixer is one of the best devices for newborns with budget constraints. It has 4 mono XLR inputs and 3 stereo inputs. Also, it has an outlet that lets you easily create a mix-less configuration. Priced at just ড 150, the Yamaha MG10 offers a variety of features that feature high-end blends. The 3-band equivalent, as well as the feature-rich mixer, has a high-pass filter and one-button compressor. Also, it has top-of-the-line operational amps and mic input preamps in the D-PRE class. All of these features ensure crisp and clear audio quality.
This podcast mixer has a compact size. It’s just as good for events and concerts as it is for a home podcasting studio setup. You can easily travel with it without worrying about potential damage. The only catch mixer does not have a USB interface, and it cannot be connected directly to any computer. Also, you need additional equipment such as an XLR microphone and wires before you can start using this mixer.
Because of their dependability and transparent sound, these compact, feature-rich mixers for podcasting setup may be found in venues and practice rooms all over the world. The Yamaha MG10XU would be an excellent pick for a podcaster. It has ten input channels, including four XLR inputs, and several effects, including a nice one-knob compressor that worked well for us. If we were to be fussy, we would have preferred that the USB output deliver individual tracks rather than a summed stereo mix, but the MG10XU is a very strong choice.
Aside from that, these have high-quality preamps and are a fantastic choice for a USB mixer. They also include built-in sound effects, giving you a plethora of live mixing choices. If you wish to capture spoken audio plus instruments, this is a great mixer to use. When purchasing one of these Yamaha mixers, keep in mind that the version without built-in effects does not feature a USB connection.
Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer is the best mixer for podcasting in 2023.
Behringer Xenyx 802 Premium
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- State-of-the-art, phantom powered Xenxy Mic preamp comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- Studio-grade compressor with super-easy “one-knob” functionality and control LED for professional...
The Behringer Xenyx Q802 USB is a classic favorite among podcasters, producers, and composers. This mixer for podcasts is a low noise, high headroom mixer that ensures low distortion and cleaner audio sources signals. It has two Xenyx mic preamps with a built-in button for easy volume reduction for your studio quality USB mix and compressors. The xenyx mic preamp results in a smoother mix of voices and more cleaner, more piercing instrumental sounds.
The Q802 USB works with Windows and Mac computers and can be easily connected via its integrated USB interface. By supporting up to 8 channels and 2 bus outputs, you can be sure of convenient small group recordings and great podcast audio quality. One of the best things about the Q802 USB mix is that it is fairly easy to use and basic. It doesn’t matter if you want to use it with PC or Mac via USB, just plug in the podcast mix, and you’re ready to play the mixer. It can integrate both condenser and a dynamic microphone. These mixers work well with any streaming software for podcasts. It is economical, so ideal for beginners.
A better top-notch mixer like the Behringer Q802 USB Podcast Mixer can work wonders for you when mixing multiple sounds or recordings in your home. Savings, its own and the best add-ons for podcasts, etc. are some of the interesting features and benefits of this fantastic choice. That’s why many music and podcast enthusiasts prefer to buy the Q802USB for better sound mixing and better output quality. Other great options include behringer xenyx q502usb, behringer xenyx 1002b and behringer xenyx 1204usb.
Behringer XENYX Q802USB is one of the best budget Mixers For Podcasting in 2023.
Mackie ProFX8v2
- 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
Mackie ProFX8v2 is a podcasting mixer that comes with high quality Mackie Vita preamps, a powerful effects engine, a unique graphic counterpart, and USB recording/playback. It has two microphone inputs and four line inputs, which makes it great for small live setups.
This is best audio mixer for podcasting. If you are looking for the best quality, then you need to get it. It becomes much more expensive and temporarily accustomed, but it delivers the product, and you can be sure of its quality. It has 4 low-chaise preamps that spice up your voice and make it clear. It comes with its Ready FX engine, which is full of useful effects like reboot and delay. It comes with a 3-band EQ button for easy processing to cut very unwanted frequencies, which is very effective if you want to create some post-product effects where you have recorded.
This 8-channel mixer is a Mackie mixer that will help you dramatically improve the audio quality of your podcasts. Equipped with four low-chair Mackie Vita preamps and a 7-band graphic equivalent, the ProFX 8V2 is one of the best podcasting mixers priced at less than 200. Also, it has an output to help you set up a mix-minute in a short amount of time.
Another unique feature is the ReadyFX effect engine with 16 sound effects. This allows you to manipulate the audio in real-time. This podcast mixer comes with a 3-band equivalent, low-cut filter, and a USB interface. It has a high-Z input that lets you plug musical instruments directly into the mixing console.
The Mackie ProFX 8 is a professional level kit; something you want to do with the best quality and reliability can be a very good kit if you have the budget.
Mackie ProFX8v2 is the best mixer for podcasting in 2023.
Samson MXP124FX
- 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
The Samsung MixPad MXP124FX is good for new buyers and home users due to its price, functionality, and general design. The interface is powerful and portable, even for a 12-channel mixer. In terms of audio quality, it’s has a neutral and quiet sound. The usb mixer has 12 channels, 5 faders, and 99 digital effects. There is a deep focus here, making each one a highly practical and portable device.
Mic/line with integrated 48v phantom power for 4 micro lamps out of 12 channels, so it is ideal for multiple guests as it has phantom power. Stereo with other 4 channel balance controls. If more channels are required, other models include 12, 12 with FX, 14 with FX, and 14. The slight downside of the MSP 124FX is the lack of multitrack recording options, which means you can’t split each channel to record audio individually, but it’s not a big stop for the mixing console. Bright elsewhere. It has an integrated low noise digital bit rate. These give you the ability to add effects (reverb, etc.) to your audio while recording. There is an on / off button to activate the effects mode, and each has a wheel to switch between.
Samsung’s Mixpad MXP124FX can be the best mixer for podcasting if you need an affordable alternative that has plenty of input and some built-in effects. This mix has four XLR inputs along with the other eight / 1/4 ″ inputs distributed over the eight channels. It’s an affordable unit that delivers impressive digital effects, including Echoes, Reverb, Tremolo, and Flanger. Channels one and two have a single abbreviation, and three to three-band equivalent channels include one to four.
One of the best cheap mixer for podcasting in 2023.
Soundcraft Signature 12MTK
- High-performance 12-Input small format analogue mixer with onboard effects and multi-track USB recording...
- 14-In/12-out ultra-low latency USB playback and recording interface
- Iconic Soundcraft Ghost mic preamps with ultra-low noise performance
Soundcraft Signature 12MTK is a high-end 12-channel mix designed specifically for professional podcasters and radio broadcasters. Mike Pramps of the famous Soundcraft Ghost ensures that the quality of the audio remains at first-rate. Also, the mixing console records each channel on a separate track, giving you more control and flexibility.
The Soundcraft Signature 12MT is an award-winning mixer known for its Lexicon Effects engine, which delivers impressive sound quality for repetition, delay, chorus, and modulation. MTK stands for Multitrack Mixer, which means you can record each track individually with separate audio inputs and mic inputs. It has many interesting features, such as routing and USB connectivity to manage laptops on the site laptop or home computer.
The best mixing board for podcasting is designed to provide flawless sound with 8 XLR inputs with mic preamps with its 12 channels, so there’s plenty of room to expand your setup. The low-delay USB interface perfectly captures each channel, which can be mixed or transferred to a digital audio workstation for post-production or final mixing. There is also an equalizer and a limitation for in-flight processing, which saves time after processing.
There are 10, 12, 16, and 22 channel options available. If you don’t need a multitrack, you can opt for the regular version to save some money. But, you won’t get the added benefit of recording your tracks individually. Overall, MT has a rock-solid build quality that offers very low noise and great, crisp, colorless sound.
Eight XLR microphone inputs allow you to connect easily to your professional microphone and maintain good audio quality. Reliable 3-band Safi’s EQs further enhance the audio. Additionally, you have access to the Lexicon Effects engine, which has an impressive collection of revisions, delays, modulations, etc. It comes with a free downloadable podcast recording software called Ableton Live 9 Lite.
Soundcraft Signature 12MTK is one of best mixers for podcasting in 2023.
Allen & Heath ZEDi-10
- The compact ZED range of mixers feature the same high-level audio and build quality as A&H’s large...
- GS-Pre XLR microphone preamps, developed from those featured in the highly acclaimed GS-R24 studio...
- A 100Hz High Pass Filter on every mono input allows unneeded low frequencies to be removed, then the...
Allen and Heath’s podcast mixers are well known for their design. The JDD series is their best affordable solution for small home studio installations Allen and Health JDD-10. It comes with a built-in 4 × 4 USB audio interface and allows you to connect up to 2 microphones with 2 devices with its GSP mic preamps without the need for separate DI boxes. Get 2 additional stereo channels for your other line-level sources such as Synthesis and Electronic Percussion. Record and play audio tracks up to four 24-bit / 96 kHz channels via USB with JDI-10 only. Given its many features and benefits, this usb mixer is incredibly compact, allowing you to get anywhere.
It is combining solid construction and manual control of analog audio mixer with a premium USB interface. It’s a complete solution for musicians, artists, and casters who record and care for its good quality. There is also a 10FX model that comes with an effects processor.
Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 is one of the best usb mixers for podcasting in 2023.
Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder
- 4 high quality microphone inputs with phantom power
- 4 headphone outputs with individual volume control
- 4 programable Sound Pads + multi-track recording for all inputs and Sound Pads
The most popular type of field recorder is the Zoom PodTrak P4. This device, which was released in 2020, changed the way mixers worked. What a mixer performs is also done by the PodTrak P4, but in a more versatile package. So, it qualifies as a portable podcast recorder. Four XLR microphone inputs on this podcast recorder allow for multitrack recording. A mute button and a gain control are present on each input. Moreover, it includes 4 independent volume-controllable headphone outputs. Also, it contains 4 sound pads that you may utilize to improve your podcast as you’re recording it.
Nearly all of the RodeCaster Pro’s functions are offered by the Zoom PodTrak P4, which costs approximately half as much.
The Zoom PodTrak P4 is a terrific find because to its practical design and affordable price. You must frequently manage the listeners’ headphones’ volume levels if you host a podcast. You’re in luck since the PodTrak P4 still allows you to control the volume levels of each headset despite its small size.
Factors to consider before buying the best mixer for podcasting (Buying Guide)
Number of channels
The number of channels is becoming the key factor for buying the podcast mixer. How many microphones or input devices can be connected at a time is completely based on the available channels. If we talk about the basic uses of podcast mixer, then there are four channels available.
People those are considering the audio mixer for specific occasion or parties they need 5 to 6 channels. Before finalizing the decision, you should figure out the requirements first. Some individuals are interested in buying cheaper mixers. The biggest disadvantage of these types of devices is related to the inputs. You can see only 1 or 2 input points there. With it, the users need to face some restrictions, and all these factors are affecting the sound quality.
AUX out or FX send
For getting the satisfying outputs, you need to focus on lots of different factors. If you want to get a mix-minus setup, then you need some specific features. Mainly these features are FX send and AUX out. With these features, you can see a labeled socket for stereo output. The setup is available with some specific knobs for controlling the volume.
Types of controls
For getting better podcast mixing results, the individuals are required to focus on types of controls and so on. Mainly the podcast mixers are available with two types of controls such as – faders or knobs.
Both types of controllers are providing different types of advantages. If we talk about the cheaper mixers, then you can see knobs there. The knobs cannot be useful in all cases. It can be useful or advantageous when making changes during a recording such as – gain, pan, or EQ. In the case of faders, the users will get an option of sliding. The fader is offering better and good controls as compared to the knobs. Fader helps incorrectly setting the music levels. All these things are providing better recording outputs.
Advanced online processing features
Everyone wants to get better outcomes. All these things are becoming possible by choosing some specific settings and features. The online processing feature is providing lots of benefits and making things easier. It helps in assisting in reducing the post-production and getting fine control on the sound with
ease.
Equalization
Gain control
A lo-cut filter
With all these factors, some mixers are available with limiter or compression options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a podcast mixer?
Regardless of size, all audio mixers have the same basic function: they take sounds from many sources and combine it into one coherent output. Different mixers will have a variety of supplementary features, such as the ability to add effects or equalisation, as well as different ways to connect to your devices, but a mixer’s primary duty is to… well, mix. In the context of podcasting, this most often involves integrating many microphones, as well as music players or mobile devices, and allowing the user to set the volume levels of each individually.
Why do you need the Best Mixer For Podcasting?
When it comes to the audio recording, then the professionals need a mixer for different types of tracks sometimes. For such a task, the use of podcast mixer is considered and effectively applied. Mainly these types of equipment or products are considered for adding live music in an interview or other activities. With all these things, the audio mixer is useful for creating combinations and modifying sounds with ease. There are some other activities that can be performed with it such as –
Clarifying audio
Creating special effects
Eliminating minor sound a few problems
These activities can be possible if you have a good and top-quality podcast mixer. Now I’m going to mention some tips by which you can buy the top podcast mixer. These tips are of great help to the individuals who are new to the world of podcast mixer.