Are you looking for an analog mixing console for your home studio? Perhaps to connect your many synthesizers, or just to record yourself?
Maybe you are looking for a USB mixing console for streaming, or to manage a web radio?
Or for a small home cinema?
Perfect, you have come to the right place!
Indeed, even though by default I recommend using audio interfaces, there are all sorts of situations where a mixing console can be useful in a home studio context or similar.
But which one to buy?
Which model to choose? Which brand? What features should you pay attention to?
We will answer these questions in this article, including a selection of what I consider to be the best analog mixing consoles in a price range of approximately 50 to 1200 euros.
Here is the summary of the article:
- How to choose a mixing console?
- The best analog mixing consoles
- Comparison table of the best mixing consoles
How to choose a mixing console?
Before looking at my equipment recommendations, here are some tips to keep in mind when making your choice among the various mixing consoles available on the market, whether it’s a beginner’s console or a professional mixing console.
Number of Channels & Connectors
The most important thing is the number of channels.
Simply put, this corresponds to the number of audio sources.
The number of inputs, if you will.
If you have 7 synthesizers, but your console only has two input channels, it won’t work: you obviously won’t be able to connect everything.
Note: keep in mind that stereo inputs are usually counted as 2 channels
However, the number of channels alone does not provide a comprehensive understanding of what you will be able to connect or not to your mixing console.
Indeed, this number generally includes specific channels such as the talkback microphone input or RCA inputs for connecting audio equipment like a CD player.
Moreover, not all channels offer the same connectors: there may only be 4 microphone inputs on the mixing console for 8 line inputs.
It is also common for the same input to serve both for a microphone and as a line input (for a synthesizer, for example). But of course, you cannot connect both at the same time.
It is therefore essential to carefully look at the connectors and the types of inputs available simultaneously on the mixing console models that interest you.
Feel free to draw a diagram to ensure that everything can be connected without issue.
In fact, user manuals can sometimes help you understand where to connect your equipment, as shown in this image extracted from an Alesis mixing console manual:
Auxiliary Channels
In a number of situations, you will need to have several different “mixes”.
For example, you may want to send a certain sound to a headphone output, but not to the main output with the speakers.
This is quite common, especially when recording vocals; and it will likely be useful if you plan to use your mixing console live.
Depending on the size of the console, you may sometimes have access to multiple auxiliary channels that will give you this possibility.
USB Interface
Most (but not all!) of the mixing consoles recommended in this article also serve as a sound card via a USB connection.
This allows playback of tracks present on the PC and especially recording from the mixing console to the computer.
If your need is specifically for recording, be aware that not all consoles allow recording of all channels.
That is to say, some USB mixing consoles are multi-track, and others are not.
Sometimes, especially on the most entry-level models but not exclusively, only the overall mix of all channels can be recorded, which can be uncomfortable.
In other cases, fortunately, each channel can be recorded individually.
Note: if you see the notation “4×2” on a USB mixing console, it means that it can record 4 channels (it will therefore be multi-track) but can only retrieve 2 audio channels from the computer.
Built-in Effects
Finally, something to consider but which is probably not the most important criterion: effects.
Often, reverb or delay effects are activatable on one or more channels of the mixing consoles.
However, in a home studio context (or home theater, for that matter), this is very little useful: one will often prefer to use external effects that will be of better quality — and in the context of recording, the takes will often be dry, with effects added only during mixing.
The Best Analog Mixing Consoles
To guide you in your search, here is a selection of the best analog mixing consoles for home studios, but also completely suitable for use in streaming, home theater, or small radio stations.
1. Behringer Xenyx Q502USB
Brand: Behringer
Channels: 5
USB: yes (2×2)
I always find it hard to recommend equipment from Behringer.
Sure, not everything is to be thrown away, but we are still dealing with very entry-level products with uncertain longevity.
But hey, if you need a super-basic little mixer to mix together a few inputs, with the added possibility of recording via USB, it must be said that the Xenyx Q502USB can play this role.
We will also appreciate that the console is really mini-sized, which makes it easy to carry with your laptop.
After that, don’t expect something of high quality: we are talking about a mixer that is just functional and basic, although it does have a one-button compressor and phantom power.
Objectively, there is nothing cheaper, and it works! 🙂
► Compare prices for the Behringer Xenyx Q502USB at: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
2. Soundcraft Notepad-8FX
Brand: Soundcraft
Channels: 8
USB: yes (2×2)
Soundcraft is a more interesting brand that has been around for a long time.
Among the various mixing consoles they offer for sale, the Notepad series is of course entry-level consoles but are not bad at all.
This time, we find two mono microphone/line inputs with one instrument input (for a guitar), a 3-band equalizer, and 6 other channels.
Typically, this Notepad-8FX is a good choice for podcasters with a relatively tight budget, as the number of inputs will allow for use in interviews.
We will also note the presence of effects designed by Lexicon, including a ducking feature that lowers the volume of music when you speak over it or allows for karaoke.
► Compare prices for the Soundcraft Notepad-8FX on: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
3. Yamaha MG10XUF
Brand: Yamaha
Channels: 10
USB: yes (2×2)
With Yamaha, I find that we start to move to slightly more qualitative analog mixing consoles.
First of all, you will notice the presence of faders rather than rotary knobs to manage the volume: this is preferable, more precise, and especially easier to manipulate simultaneously.
And on top of that, it looks more professional visually… 😉
On the MG10XUF, we find 4 microphone/line channels but no instrument input to plug in a guitar (a bit of a shame, but you can use a DI to compensate for this issue if needed).
In addition, there are 3-band equalizers on the first 4 channels and 2-band on the others that sound quite good, a compressor on the first two channels, and a host of built-in audio effects.
Diverse connections (especially at the line level) further extend the possible usage scenarios of the console.
Finally, we will note the presence of PFL (Pre-Fader Listen) options on all channels, which is handy in live situations to have the sound of a channel in the monitoring bus but not in the main output.
In short, a medium-sized mixing console that will do the job very well in a home studio.
► See prices for the Yamaha MG10XUF on: Thomann
4. PreSonus StudioLive AR8c
Brand: PreSonus
Channels: 8
USB: yes (8×4)
The StudioLive AR8C from PreSonus is certainly an analog console above all, but it is somewhat hybrid in its design.
First of all, there are 4 microphone inputs with a 3-band equalizer, 2 of which can serve as instrument inputs for your guitar or bass.
Additionally, the mixing console includes a Bluetooth receiver (which will allow you to send sound from your smartphone) as well as an option for recording to an SD card, without a computer, which can be very convenient on the go (especially since the console weighs only 3 kilograms)!
We will also note that the software package provided includes Studio One Artist (worth about €100), an excellent DAW that I use daily in its full version.
In short, a good little console with great sound for home studio use but also for portability.
► Compare prices for the PreSonus StudioLive AR8c at: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
5. Allen & Heath ZED-14
Brand: Allen & Heath
Channels: 14
USB: yes (2×2)
Allen & Heath is a brand that manufactures really interesting equipment, with analog mixing consoles that offer good value for money.
The Zed-14 has 14 channels including 6 line/microphone inputs equipped with powerful +69 dB preamps, but it does not have a Hi-Z instrument input.
On most channels, there is a 3-band equalizer with adjustable frequency (120 – 4000 Hz) for the mid band.
Of course, we appreciate the presence of faders, mute buttons to silence each channel, PFL options on each channel as well, and various signal routing possibilities with 4 auxiliary outputs.
There are no built-in effects, but that’s normal: here, you are not paying for a multitude of additional features, but rather for a true quality product.
A practical tool for home studios, or for example in a small radio/web radio that would need a quality console with more than 1 or 2 inputs.
► Compare prices for the Allen & Heath ZED-14 at: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
6. Tascam Model 16
Channels: 16
USB: yes (16×14)
Tascam is a well-known brand (and we still talk about their famous cassette multitracks today, which are now highly sought after).
Here, we have a powerful analog mixing console that includes a USB audio interface as well as a Bluetooth input to send sound from a smartphone or computer.
You also have the option to record directly in multichannel on an SD card that can be plugged into the machine.
In total, with the Tascam Model 16, you have 14 inputs, including no less than 10 mic preamps and two instrument inputs, plus a compressor on the first 8 channels.
Additionally, there is a 3-band equalizer on most channels and a 4-band EQ on the master — really handy for finalizing the frequency balance.
Overall, this Model 16 is certainly quite attractive, but it offers many different features: a very good mixing console to have in a home studio, but it will also fit perfectly in a small concert or rehearsal space.
► Compare prices for the Tascam Model 16 at: Thomann Amazon
7. SSL SiX
Brand: SSL
Channels: 6
USB: no
The SSL SiX is a bit of an outsider on this list, mainly because it does not offer USB interface functionality.
The price is a bit high, and you pay a bit for the brand (SSL is one of the biggest brands of mixing consoles for professional recording studios).
It may seem small, but it is a condensed package of features and a very high-quality console.
First of all, there are two channels with mic preamps (+66 dB) and built-in DI, each with a compressor and a 2-band equalizer.
A big plus, the SSL SiX also includes a two-button version of the famous SSL bus compressor that you can activate across the entire mix to add sound cohesion and punch.
Moreover, you can also sum up to 12 channels using the connections at the back of the mixing console — handy for achieving the texture of analog summation, provided you have the appropriate converters or audio interface to take advantage of it.
Additionally, there are numerous audio signal routing possibilities: two Stereo Cue busses with level and pan control to send individualized mixes to artists, PFL on all channels with faders, “mute” buttons that send the signal to a “Bus B” (useful for example in radio to monitor a signal and then suddenly add it to the mix)…
In short, while the SSL SiX may not suit all uses given its size, it is a high-quality tool that is truly complete in terms of features.
► Compare prices for the SSL SiX at: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
8. Dynacord CMS 600-3
Brand: Dyancord
Channels: 12
USB: yes (4×4)
Again, the price positions this mixing console in the high-end range (at least for this format).
The Dynacord CMS 600-3 offers 6 microphone/line inputs, each with a 3-band equalizer, a mute button, and a PFL option.
Two effect channels are available (with 100 factory presets and 20 user presets), controllable via the MIDI connections at the back of the console.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, I generally recommend using third-party effects with mixing consoles, but in a rehearsal or small concert context, having such flexibility can be very practical.
We also note the presence of a 9-band equalizer on the master to adjust the frequency balance of the entire mix.
One downside, however, for this very good mixing console: the audio interface will only allow recording of 4 channels, which is a bit limiting…
► Compare the prices of the Dynacord CMS 600-3 on: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
Comparison table of the best mixing consoles
To help you with your choices, I have gathered all the recommended mixing console models above in the table below.
Tip: you can scroll horizontally through the table using the scrollbar (on PC) or by dragging it left and right (on smartphone).
| Behringer Xenyx Q502USB | Soundcraft Notepad-8FX | Yamaha MG10XUF | PreSonus StudioLive AR8c | Allen & Heath ZED-14 | Tascam Model 16 | SSL SiX | Dynacord CMS600-3 | |
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Channels | 5 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 14 | 16 | 6 | 12 |
| Microphone Inputs | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 6 |
| Line Inputs | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 4 | 8 |
| Hi-Z Inputs | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Auxiliary Sends | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| EQ | 2 bands on channel #1 | 3 bands on two channels | 3 bands on 4 channels, 2 bands on 3 stereo channels | 3 bands on 2 mono channels and 2 stereo channels | 3 bands on 6 mono channels, 2 bands on 4 stereo channels | 3 bands on 14 channels + 3 bands on master | 2 bands on 2 channels | 3 bands on all channels + 9 bands on master |
| USB | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes |
| Channels available via USB | 2 inputs (master) / 2 outputs | 2 inputs / 2 outputs | 2 inputs / 2 outputs | 8 inputs / 4 outputs | 2 inputs / 2 outputs | 16 inputs / 14 outputs | – | 4 inputs / 4 outputs |
| See price on | Thomann Amazon Woodbrass | Thomann Amazon Woodbrass | Thomann | Thomann Amazon Woodbrass | Thomann Amazon Woodbrass | Thomann Amazon | Thomann Amazon Woodbrass | Thomann Amazon Woodbrass |
Conclusion
There you go, you now know all my recommendations for buying your next mixing table for your home studio, home theater, radio, or streaming setup.
Feel free to post your questions in the comments, of course: I will be happy to answer them.
► Keep reading by checking out my other home studio equipment recommendations 🙂