- Looking for the best small mixer for live performance?
- We list the top picks on the market today for all budgets.
- Need a refresher on the terms? Read the differences between audio interfaces, preamps and mixers
One of the essential pieces of audio equipment for performing live is a mixer or an audio interface that can act as a mixer on stage.
Ultimately, the “best mixer for live band performance” is largely going to be dependent on your individual needs.
Before even considering our list, ask yourself:
- How many channels of audio do you need? It’s always a great idea to get a mixer with a few more channels than you require. This way, if you have a session with a guest feature, or you want to add a new piece of equipment down the track, you have the channels to expand.
- Analog or digital? Some love the simplicity and raw tone that analog mixers offer. However, digital mixers offer extra features like saving presets and instant recall. Decide on whether you need those added features. Hybrid offers the best of both worlds.
- Is portability a factor? If you’re touring nationwide in a small van, an 80-pound Midas M32 is a bad idea. These are best suited as permanent fixtures in venues or studios. Smaller can be better, but at the expense of features.
- Do you need multitrack recording? Most modern mixers offer multitrack recording capabilities for better recording flexibility. However, this is not always a given.
What Are The Best Mixers & Consoles For Live Performance?
The PreSonus StudioLive AR16c checks all of the boxes. The hybrid nature gives you the best of both worlds: the warmth and character of analog sound, combined with the flexibility and convenience of digital technology, and is our top pick for the best mixer/console for live applications.
In this article, we cover 5 of the best mixers for live performance:
- Presonus StudioLive AR16c
- Behringer X32 Compact
- Mackie Mix12FX
- Soundcraft Notepad-12FX
- Zoom LiveTrak L-12
| Mixer Model | PreSonus StudioLive AR16c | Behringer X32 Compact | Mackie Mix12FX | Soundcraft Notepad-12FX | Zoom LiveTrak L-12 |
| Analog Inputs | 16 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Analog Outputs | 4 | 16 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Digital Inputs/Outputs | USB 2.0, Bluetooth 5.0 | AES50, USB 2.0 | N/A | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| LED Display | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Motorized Faders | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Multi-track Recording | Yes, to SD card or USB drive | Yes, to USB drive | No | Yes | Yes, to SD card or USB drive |
| Price Range | High | Mid to High | Low to Mid | Low | Mid |
| Analog/Digital/Hybrid | Hybrid | Digital | Analog | Hybrid | Hybrid |
1. Presonus StudioLive AR16c
Features
- Includes a 24-bit 18-track recorder
- 3-band EQ
- Comes with the Studio One Studio Magic plugin suite
Review
For small bands to medium-sized bands who want a portable mixer that they can take from the studio to the stage, the Presonus StudioLive AR16c delivers.
The Presonus StudioLive AR16c features Class A microphone preamps that are known for their high-quality sound and low noise. And as a hybrid mixer, you get the best of both worlds: analog preamps, EQs, and compressors, while having all the digital luxuries of saving presets, and using USB+Bluetooth connectivity.
Additionally, the AR16c features a touch-sensitive motorized fader, which can be used to recall the last-used settings for a given channel or group of channels.
The AR16c also comes with its own bundled software that allows you to save and recall presets, as well as adjust various settings on your computer. Via a connected laptop, the software provides a visual representation of the mixer’s controls, making it easy to see the current settings and make adjustments as needed. The software is compatible with both PC and Mac, which is great to note.
It not only functions as a 16-channel mixer but can also be used as an 18-in/4-out USB audio interface that can record your live mix on the fly.
You can record to an SD card and connect via Bluetooth to stream music from any Bluetooth-capable device.
The included Studio One software will help your mixes sound professional, and you also get access to the Studio One Studio Magic plugin collection.
2. Behringer X32 Compact
Features
- 40 inputs and 16 mix buses
- USB connectivity turns it into an audio interface compatible with any DAW
- 16 programmable mic preamps
Review
Not only is this mixer great for bands who want total control over their backing tracks and onstage instruments, but it’s also a solid option for live sound engineers who need something portable.
If you would rather provide your own gear than use the venue’s mixer, the compact version of the Behringer X32 is the way to go (there’s also a rackmount version available).
You get 16 programmable mic preamps, eight XLR outputs, six line-level I/Os, and a talkback section.
You can even connect two pairs of headphones. This mixer also comes with a 48-channel digital snake to complete your live sound rig.
As for built-in effects, the FX Rack gives you eight multi-effects processors, including graphic EQ, reverb, delay, and chorus.
The mic pres aren’t the best in the business, but they are perfectly acceptable. Overall, the price-to-performance of the Behringer X32 is hard to ignore.
3. Mackie Mix12FX
Features
- High-quality analog Onyx microphone preamps.
- Built-in analog effects processing for creative control over the mix.
- Compact and portable design for easy transport and setup.
Review
Mackie has been a go-to for value-packed live sound mixers for years, and it’s easy to see why. The Mackie Mix12FX strikes a good balance of features and affordability, with 12 channels, four low-noise mic/line inputs, a high-pass filter, and a 3-band EQ. In total, you get 12 onboard effects, plenty to sculpt the tone just the way you like.
The mixer also features Mackie’s renowned Onyx microphone preamps, which are known for their high-quality sound and low noise.
Bear in mind, that this is a fully analog mixer. Don’t expect to have the luxuries of being able to save presets or perform instant recall. It makes up for that in its price and performance, though.
A more important dealbreaker to consider about the Mackie Mix12FX is the lack of ability to multi-track record.
All-in-all, the Mackie Mix12FX is the perfect solution for performers and bands looking for a ‘no-frills’ mixer solution that trades the bells and whistles for what matters most — price-to-performance.
4. Soundcraft Notepad-12FX
Features
- Four analog mic preamps
- Built-in Lexicon effects, including reverb, delay, and chorus
- USB connectivity so it can be used as an audio interface
Review
Cheap, cheerful, and highly portable. This 12-channel analog mixer from the legendary Soundcraft has four analog mic preamps with individually controllable 48-volt phantom power, 3-band EQ, and 100hz high-pass filter, as well as plenty of gain and headroom to handle even the heaviest-hitting drummers.
It also has four additional stereo inputs, so you know you’ll have enough for the whole band.
On channels 1 and 3, you can plug in an instrument-level signal directly, so you won’t need a DI box for your guitar or bass.
You can plug in all sorts of input sources, from XLR to 1/4″ instrument to RCA.
The Soundcraft Notepad connects via USB to your computer, so you can record straight to your DAW with four inputs and four outputs.
You have five basic effects to play with, and the level of control/flexibility around them leaves a little to be desired (especially when compared to the others on this list). That said, it’s nice that they were even included, for the price this mixer comes in at.
5. Zoom LiveTrak L-12
Features
- 12 channels, including 8 mic/line combo inputs
- 16 built-in effects, including reverb, compression, delay, and more
- Built-in metronome and slate mic
Review
The Zoom LiveTrak series lets you easily record your entire band from rehearsal to performance.
Not only that, but you get five separate headphone mixes, so each band member can hear what they need to hear.
It records to an SD card that can be transferred via USB to your computer for editing in your DAW.
The mic/line combo inputs give you your choice of XLR or 1/4″ and each input has 60db of gain and 48-volt phantom power.
Additionally, you can apply 16 different effects to each channel separately.
Channels 3-8 have a -26db pad to roll off excessively loud signals.
Once you’ve got everything set up the way you want it, you can save nine different scenes for instant recall and even set the LiveTrak up to record two seconds ahead of time or when the volume reaches a certain level.
FAQ
Which Mixer Has The Best Effects?
Our best pick, the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c, comes with the Studio Mix and Studio One effects suites. The ability to save presets and have instant recall for different songs is a real delight as well.
As a runner-up, the Mackie12FX deserves a strong mention. Digital effects have their place, but Mackie12FX’s entirely analog circuitry results in some excellent-sounding effects that impart their own unmistakable ‘color’.
Is A Digital Mixer Better Than Analog?
While many assume that “analog is better” due to “analog warmth,” the only difference between the two is the way the audio signal is processed and the (lack of) available features.
Depending on your goals and workflow, costs can add up quickly if you need to purchase separate bits of gear to do certain extra things. That’s where digital shines — even though an analog mixer might be cheaper, digital/hybrid solutions can save you money in the long run.
Analog mixers tend to have a simpler workflow with fewer built-in features and, therefore, are more affordable. You might appreciate the simplicity, especially if you’re a beginner (or don’t see yourself needing any of those extra bells or whistles).
Bear in mind that analog mixers also tend to be limited regarding the number of external devices you can connect and the amount of noise you can cancel out, so they might not be for you, depending on where you’re recording or mixing.
Digital mixers usually cost a little more but have more built-in effects and capabilities and are better at cutting out unwanted noise in your audio signal.
They’re also programmable, so it’s easier to recall your previous settings and automate your workflow.
However, the learning curve can be steep, and the downside of each channel being adjustable is that you have that much more work to do to get your settings right. Fortunately, once you do get it right, you can often save those settings for future sessions.
In short, it depends on your needs, budget, and prior experience.
Does A Mixer Improve Recording Sound Quality?
If you’re used to recording shows or rehearsals with your smartphone or a handheld mic recorder, you’ll likely find that a mixer will improve the sound quality of your recording.
You’ll have a greater degree of control over individual volume levels of instruments and effects and better noise reduction.
You’ll also be recording each instrument or vocal track as a separate source rather than capturing an overhead recording of everything in the room.
Using a mixer can improve the sound quality of your recordings.
As for performances, if you’re relying on the venue’s sound system and sound engineer, you might find that your band’s sound will improve if you can create your own mix.
Especially if you have a lot of instruments in your band or use backing tracks, if you mix your own sound, you’ll get more consistency from one performance to the next, regardless of the venue. This way, you’ll be able to give each band member more options for their own mix.
