May 14

7 Best Digital Mixers: Top Picks in 2024

Digital mixers are quickly becoming the best choice for all sorts of audio setups, whether you are into live sound, recording, or even streaming. And honestly, it makes sense. The best digital mixers offer more features, greater flexibility, and better sound quality than the old-school analog ones.

But with so many choices out there, it is easy to feel a bit lost trying to figure out which digital mixer is right for you, especially if you are working with a specific budget. In this guide, we will break down the top digital mixers of 2024 so you can find the one that fits your needs perfectly. Let us help you skip the stress and make a confident choice!

Quick Summary of the Best Digital Mixers

Best Digital Mixers

Check out our top picks for the best digital mixers below:

Behringer X32 Digital Mixer

Best Overall
Behringer X32 Digital Mixer
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Guitar Center
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

This mixer is great for aspiring musicians and producers, offering a balance of affordability and top-notch features.

Pros

  • 32 gain-programmable mic preamps
  • 25 motorized faders
  • Virtual FX Rack

Cons

  • Slightly heavy at 63 pounds
  • Might be overwhelming for beginners
  • No wireless control option

The Behringer X32 Digital Mixer provides a wide range of options, allowing users to create and tweak their sound with ease. The 32 gain-programmable mic preamps and 25 motorized faders let you take full control of your mix. Plus, you can add various effects using the virtual FX rack.

However, keep in mind that this mixer isn’t exactly lightweight. At 63 pounds, you’ll want to make sure you have enough space to accommodate it. And while it comes packed with features, the learning curve might be a bit steep if you’re new to mixing. But don’t let that scare you off—with a little time and practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Overall, we think the Behringer X32 Digital Mixer is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for versatility and excellent sound quality. Whether you’re working on large projects or just want a mixer that offers a lot of options, this one is definitely worth considering.

Mackie DL32S Digital Rack Mixer

Best Rack Mount Digital Mixer
Mackie DL32S Digital Rack Mixer
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Guitar Center
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

You’ll love this mixer for its versatility, power, and convenience.

Pros

  • 32-channel digital mixer
  • Stage-friendly design
  • Built-in Wi-Fi networking

Cons

  • Requires external router
  • iPad not included
  • Master Fader app learning curve

The Mackie DL32S Digital Rack Mixer is a powerhouse with 32 channels and a Built-Like-A-Tank design, making it ideal for both small and large gigs.

What really makes this mixer special is the built-in Wi-Fi networking, which lets you control your mix from anywhere in the room using the Master Fader app. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to buy an external router and an iPad to use this feature.

While the Master Fader app might seem a bit tricky at first, don’t worry. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. If you’re looking for a mixer that combines versatility with convenience, the Mackie DL32S is definitely worth a try.

Midas M32 LIVE 40-Channel Digital Mixer

Best Digital Mixer for Live Sound
Midas M32 LIVE 40-Channel Digital Mixer
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Guitar Center
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

A must-have for musicians in live performances and studio recordings, thanks to its versatile features.

Pros

  • 40 simultaneous input channels
  • 16 Midas PRO microphone preamps
  • 25 phase-coherent mix buses

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • No SD/SDHC cards included
  • Reports of poor customer service

First off, we appreciate the extraordinary 40 simultaneous input channels available in this Midas M32 mixer. This feature lets you manage and produce fantastic music, making it an excellent companion for live performances and recording sessions.

What really stands out is the 16 award-winning Midas PRO microphone preamplifiers. These little gems are key to delivering top-notch audio quality, helping you produce some truly high-quality tunes. We also love the 25 time-aligned and phase-coherent mix buses. This cool feature helps create a well-balanced audio output for your recordings.

However, if you’re just getting started, it might take some time to get comfortable with all the features and make the most out of them. Plus, if you’re planning to use it for live recording and playback, you’ll need dual SD/SDHC cards—just keep in mind that they aren’t included in the box, which is a bit of a bummer.

Overall, the Midas M32 Live Unpowered Mixer is a great option for those who need a versatile mixer for live performances and studio recordings.

Zoom LiveTrak L-20 Digital Mixer

Best Digital Mixer for Home Studio
Zoom LiveTrak L-20 Digital Mixer
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Guitar Center
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

We highly recommend it for its versatility and great sound quality in both live and studio settings.

Pros

  • 20 discrete channels for recording
  • 6 customizable headphone outputs
  • 22-in/4-out USB audio interface

Cons

  • A bit heavy at 11 pounds
  • Wireless control requires optional adapter
  • Learning curve for new users

The Zoom LiveTrak L-20 is a game-changer for creators who want flexibility and control. Whether you’re mixing, monitoring, recording, or streaming, this mixer makes handling even the most complex productions feel like a breeze. With 20 discrete audio channels and the ability to record 22 tracks, it’s perfect for those larger, more ambitious projects.

You’ll find 6 individual custom monitor mixes on this digital mixer, along with a dedicated engineer’s output. Plus, it has 20 built-in effects with adjustable parameters that can be applied to any channel via two dedicated EFX busses. This means you can add a touch of creativity to your mix.

When it comes to connectivity, the L-20 features a 22-in/4-out USB audio interface mode, making it easy to route inputs to DAW or streaming software. You can even record to an SD card simultaneously. For wireless control, you’ll need to use the free iOS app and purchase an optional BTA-1 adapter.

Overall, the Zoom LiveTrak L-20 Digital Mixer is a solid choice for any artist, producer, or singer-songwriter looking to upgrade their mixing capabilities. Just keep in mind that you might need some time to get familiar with all its features, and it’s a bit on the heavier side at 11 pounds.

Allen & Heath SQ-5 Digital Mixer

Best High-End Digital Mixer
Allen & Heath SQ-5 Digital Mixer
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Guitar Center
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

This mixer is perfect for aspiring musicians who need a versatile, high-quality digital mixer.

Pros

  • Low latency and 96kHz processing
  • 48 Input channels, 12 Stereo mixes + LR
  • Touchscreen and automatic mic mixing

Cons

  • Can be complex for beginners
  • Multi-tracking may require troubleshooting
  • Heavy and bulky

The Allen & Heath SQ-5 delivers impressive low latency and a 96kHz XCVI FPGA core. This means you’ll get clear, accurate sound from your instruments and microphones in real-time.

With 48 input channels, this mixer gives you all the flexibility you could ask for. It also comes with 12 stereo mixes and an LR output, so you can fine-tune your music to perfection.

One feature that sets the SQ-5 apart is its 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. It’s super responsive and makes navigating through settings a breeze. Plus, the automatic mic mixing is a huge plus when you’re working with multiple vocalists—saving you time and hassle.

On the flip side, the SQ-5 may be a bit complex for those just starting out with mixers. Make sure to read the manual and watch some tutorials to get the most out of this device.

Lastly, be aware that the SQ-5 is a bit on the heavier side. You’ll want to consider its size and weight when setting up your studio. Despite this, the mixer’s high quality and advanced features make it a solid investment.

Behringer FLOW 8 Digital Mixer

Best Budget Digital Mixer
Behringer FLOW 8 Digital Mixer
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Guitar Center
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Definitely consider this mixer for its ultra-low noise, affordability, and convenient setup.

Pros

  • Great value for the price
  • Wireless remote control
  • Compact and sturdy design

Cons

  • Lacks advanced EQ
  • Learning curve for navigation
  • Needs better preamps

The Behringer FLOW 8 is a fantastic pick if you’re on a budget. It’s a digital mixer that delivers ultra-low noise in a compact design, making it a great fit for small gigs or home studios.One of the coolest things about this mixer is the FLOW App, which lets you control everything right from your phone or tablet. This means you can tweak your setup on the fly, giving you a lot more flexibility. Plus, the 60 mm channel faders and master rotary control with an LED collar are nice touches that add to the overall ease of use.Of course, it’s not without its drawbacks. The preamps could be a bit better, and the EQ/compression options might not be enough for more advanced users. Also, the navigation takes some getting used to, so be prepared to spend a little time learning the ropes.All in all, the Behringer FLOW 8 8-Input Digital Mixer is a solid choice for the price. It might not be perfect, but it offers reliable performance and handy features that are hard to beat in its price range.

Soundcraft Ui24 Digital Mixer

Best Value for Money
Soundcraft Ui24R Rack-Mountable Digital Audio Mixer
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Guitar Center
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

This mixer is perfect for musicians who want superior sound and wireless control.

Pros

  • Wireless control with up to 10 devices
  • Studer-designed preamps and Lexicon effects
  • Multi-track recording capability

Cons

  • Learning curve for beginners
  • Manual not always included
  • Potential Wi-Fi connectivity issues

We’ve been using the Soundcraft Ui24 Digital Mixer, and it has really changed our mixing experience. With this mixer, we can control the sound from anywhere in the venue, using multiple devices. This means we can collaborate on mixing without being glued to a single spot.

The sound quality is superb, thanks to the Studer-designed preamps and Lexicon effects. We have noticed that our mixes have more depth, warmth and clarity with this mixer. Plus, the built-in multi-track recording feature is extremely useful, allowing us to record directly to a USB drive or connected computer.

That said, there’s definitely a learning curve if you’re new to digital mixers. We had some initial struggles with the setup and controls, but after spending some time with it, we got the hang of it. We recommend checking out online tutorials or getting tips from others who’ve used this mixer for some guidance.

Overall, we’re really happy with the Soundcraft Ui24 Digital Mixer and would definitely recommend it to fellow musicians who need top-notch audio quality, flexibility, and wireless control.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Digital Mixer

Picking the right digital mixer can make all the difference in your live performances and studio recordings, giving you better control over your sound. There are a few key factors to consider that can impact how well a mixer works for you and how easy it is to use. Let’s break down what you should keep in mind.

Number of Channels

The number of channels in a digital mixer refers to the inputs and outputs available. Depending on what you’re using it for, you’ll need a different number of channels:

  • Live sound: Think about the number of microphones, instruments, and playback devices you need to mix, such as when comparing a small band to a large orchestra.
  • Studio recording: Consider how many microphones, instruments, and audio sources you’ll record simultaneously.
  • Podcasting: Typical setups include microphones, guest lines, and sound effects.

Some mixers also let you expand the number of channels with external units, so keep that in mind if you think you might need more in the future.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is a big deal when it comes to mixers. Here are a few things to look out for:

  • Sample rate and bit depth: Opt for mixers with industry-standard rates like 48kHz/24-bit for better audio fidelity.
  • Preamp quality: High-quality preamps provide clean, transparent amplification to weak microphone signals.
  • Converters: Look for mixers featuring top-notch analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters for better signal quality.

Built-in Effects

Most digital mixers come with built-in effects like reverb, delay, compression, and EQ. These can enhance your mixes and save you from needing extra gear. Check out the variety and quality of effects each mixer offers—some even allow you to edit effect parameters for customization. If you’re after a specific sound or a broader range of effects, though, you might still want to use outboard processors.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface is a must, especially if you’re just getting started. Here’s what to look for:

  • Layout: A clear, intuitive layout with well-labeled knobs, buttons, and faders is crucial.
  • Learning curve: Think about how quickly you can get the hang of the mixer’s basic functions and find your way around its features.
  • Control surface: Check out the physical controls (knobs, faders, touchscreens) and see how easy they are to use.
  • Automation features: If you plan to automate your mixes (like saving and recalling settings), make sure the process is straightforward.

Portability

If you’re going to be moving your mixer around for live sound or mobile recording, portability is key. Here’s what to consider:

  • Size and weight: Think about how often you’ll need to transport the mixer and whether its size and weight make that easy.
  • Ruggedness: A durable mixer is essential for mobile use. You’ll want something that can handle the bumps and scrapes of travel.
  • Power supply: If you’re working in places without easy access to power, look for mixers that can run on batteries or other alternative power options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a digital mixer?

A digital mixer is a device we use for combining and processing audio signals. It lets us adjust levels, EQ, and effects, all within a digital setup.

What is the difference between a digital mixer and an analog mixer?

Analog mixers rely on physical controls like knobs and faders, while digital mixers use a screen or software interface. The big advantage with digital mixers is that you can save and recall settings, which is not possible with analog mixers.

What is the difference between a digital mixer and a digital audio interface (DAW controller)?

A digital audio interface captures and sends audio signals to and from a computer, while a digital mixer mainly processes and mixes audio signals. A DAW controller, on the other hand, controls the functions of a Digital Audio Workstation. If you want to learn more, check out our guide on the difference between an audio interface and a mixer.

Do I need an audio interface if I have a digital mixer?

Not necessarily. Many digital mixers have built-in audio interfaces. If your digital mixer doesn’t have one, you might need an audio interface to connect to your computer.

Related Buying Guides

 


Tags

best digital audio mixer, best digital mixer for home studio, best digital mixer for live sound, best digital mixers, best digital mixing console, good digital mixer, top digital mixers


You may also like

Leave a Reply
{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Join the Newsletter and I'll email you my 10-step Release Plan.