10 best mixing consoles

A small studio analog mixer with a modest set of inputs / outputs.There are 3 balanced XLR and 3 stereo RCA inputs with adjustable level and metering, a master output control and an Effects loop. But even despite the small functionality, this remote control is able to produce clear sound without extraneous noise, squeak: the sound is cleared of interference, the tone is evened out. In addition, the device is easily placed on a small table or counter, takes up little space and is very quickly configured. In general, the mixer is quite good, but the clearly overpriced cost, coupled with limited functionality, does not add to its attractiveness. Hence the low rating.

Affordable console with 32 digital effects and 24-bit Lexicon processor. On a compact case fit sections with a control unit, mono and stereo inputs, 8 microphone preamps.Users have the ability to save settings in one click and quickly turn off the sound using the Mute function. The status of the mixing console is indicated by LED indicators. The Soundcraft EFX8 has a 3-band EQ, TRS, XLR/6.35mm jacks and headphone out, stereo AUX return. The device is easily built into a mounting rack. It performs well both during live performances and in studios.

Mixer with 32 channels and 24-bit/48 kHz sample rate. It has good technical characteristics at a fairly low price. This device is considered the most affordable among digital mixing consoles. A relatively budget gadget easily connects to a PC and iPhone, is controlled using buttons and a touch screen, as well as through a special application. In addition, here the user has access to 12 adjustable balanced outputs, 16 universal XLR/Jack microphone inputs with preamps, 4 line inputs and 2 USB, as well as an Ethernet connector.The mixing console is equipped with two HD FX processors with independent settings, each of which has 12 sound effects available to the user.

The German mixer is among the budget ones, but at the same time it produces a clear sound, has many settings. The user is given the most precise control tools. The main advantage of the remote control is the low level of noise and interference when working in acoustically difficult studios. It has 4 mono, 2 line stereo 2-channel jacks, 2 RCA inputs and 6 mic inputs. Mono channels filter low frequencies. The processor knows 16 editable effects, quickly processes signals from the clipping and volume buttons. In addition, there is a color indication and a function for saving user settings. The device is loved by users for its durability and abundance of functions. Yes, it is reliable, but still, due to frequent use in the heat, the faders of the device quickly fail.

A model that teaches how to mix tracks is the best solution for young musicians. Yes, the device itself does not have much in common with the usual mixing consoles, but in DJing, especially at the initial level, it is indispensable. Pioneer has practically no competitors in this price segment. The device with an equalizer, mixer and two decks has one mini-Jack 3.5 mm input, through which you can connect speakers + smartphone / PC or headphones + phone using a branched cable. The model is omnivorous: it works equally stable with any gadgets from Android and Windows to iPhone and Mac. By itself, a DJ controller with a mixer is used only for mixing; it is not suitable for recording sound and instruments: there is no sound card and the necessary functionality.

A semi-professional budget mixing console made popular by its built-in Alesis processor and low price. The eight-channel device is equipped with 4 XLR microphone inputs, 2 stereo inputs, a footswitch jack and a processor for 256 DSP effects. In addition, the device has a three-band equalizer, which makes the sound clearer and warmer. The mixer performs well both when working in a home studio and in live performances. It can be used separately and in conjunction with other musical equipment. The only drawback of the remote control that you need to pay attention to is marriage. Defective devices are rare, but users still recommend carefully checking the mixer before purchase.

Compact, convenient and extremely easy to use budget mixing console. It is considered the best solution for beginner musicians. And for good reason: you can perform live with it and write music in your home studio. There is a KLARK TEKNIK FX processor with 100 effects, as well as a USB audio interface that allows you to easily connect to a PC. Each microphone input of the device is equipped with a proprietary Xenyx preamp and FX send control. According to the responses, there are no serious problems with the operation of the remote control. True, some users complain about heating during prolonged use and the appearance of extraneous noise. The last problem is "treated" by installing drivers from the official site or by recording the voice separately from the instruments.

Small rackmount mixing console with Ethernet/LAN and Wi-Fi connection. Suitable for live and studio sound recording, controlled by native app from Windows/Mac/Linux PC, Android devices, iPhone, iPad. The mixer has 4 microphone inputs with MIDAS PRO preamps, a built-in Wi-Fi router, 4 effects processors, and detailed equalizers. There is also Dugan automatic mixing, 2 TRS Aux and 2 XLR outputs, monitor headphone jack. The mixer is easy to control, but for some users who are not previously familiar with the device's software, the interface seems complicated and a little raw.

One of the top models in YAMAHA's MG line with a HPF filter, 10 mic inputs and an SPX processor with 24 editable digital effects. The mixer is far from budget, but in comparison with other semi-professional consoles, it looks quite profitable. There are XLR/Jack jacks with clean-sounding mic preamps, 4 AUX and GROUP buses each with a stereo bus, and an attenuator on the mono inputs. The mixing console can be connected to both a PC and an iPad from the 2nd generation via a USB adapter: no “dancing with a tambourine” is needed for this. True, until 2020 there were problems with updating drivers, but now everything is working properly. Some users complain that the case heats up, but this process is described in the manual and is considered normal.

The mixing console from the German brand was not in vain in the top 10. This device pleases with an affordable price (for the professional segment) and an abundance of functions.The mixer is equipped with 16 programmable mic preamps, matrix and mix buses with inserts, USB 2.0 and FireWire audio interface. The device is easily controlled from the iPhone/iPad through free branded applications, the mixer is connected to the PC via Ethernet. The console is also equipped with a 40-bit DSP-processor, providing a dynamic range without overloads. According to reviews, the sound quality when working with the X32 PRODUCER is high. And for any use case. True, before you get good results from the mixer, you will have to tinker with the settings notably.