Are you looking for an analog mixing console for your home studio? Maybe to connect your many synthesizers, or just to record yourself?
Perhaps 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 from about 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 is a console for beginners or a professional mixing console.
Number of Channels & Connections
The most important thing is the number of channels.
Simply put, it 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 most of the time stereo inputs are 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 to connect audio equipment like a CD player.
Moreover, not all channels offer the same connections: 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 connections and the type of inputs available simultaneously on the mixing console models that interest you.
Feel free to make a drawing to ensure that everything can be connected without any issues.
In fact, user manuals can sometimes help you understand where to connect your equipment, as shown in this image extracted from an Alesis 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 handy 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 precisely to be able to record, be careful that not all consoles allow recording of all channels.
That is to say, some USB mixing consoles are multitrack, and others are not.
Sometimes, especially on the most entry-level models but not only, 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 find the notation “4×2” on a USB mixer, it means it can record 4 channels (it will therefore be multitrack) 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 can be activated on one or more channels of the mixers.
However, in a home studio context (or home cinema for that matter), this is very little useful: we 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 being added only during mixing.
The Best Analog Mixers
To guide you in your search, here is a selection of the best analog mixers for home studios, but also completely suitable for use for streaming, home cinema, or small radios.
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 ability to record via USB, it must be said that the Xenyx Q502USB can play that role.
We will also appreciate that the mixer is truly mini-sized, making it easy to carry with your laptop.
After that, don’t expect something of high quality: we are looking at a mixer that is just functional and basic, with 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 mixers they offer for sale, the Notepad series are 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, since the number of inputs allows for an imagined use for 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 at: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
3. Yamaha MG10XUF
Brand: Yamaha
Channels: 10
USB: yes (2×2)
With Yamaha, I find that we start to move towards slightly higher quality 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, there are 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).
Additionally, it features 3-band equalizers on the first 4 channels and 2 bands on the others that sound quite good, a compressor on the first two channels, and a bunch of built-in audio effects.
Various connections (especially at the line level) further extend the possible usage scenarios of the console.
Finally, it is worth noting the presence of PFL (Pre-Fader Listen) options on all channels, which is handy live 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 at: Thomann
4. PreSonus StudioLive AR8c
Brand: PreSonus
Channels: 8
USB: yes (8×4)
The StudioLive AR8C from PreSonus is indeed an analog console above all, but it is a bit hybrid in its design.
First of all, there are 4 microphone inputs with 3-band equalizers, 2 of which can serve as instrument inputs for your guitar or bass.
But also, the mixing console includes a Bluetooth receiver (which will allow you to send sound from your smartphone) as well as an SD card recording option, without a computer, which can be very handy on the go (especially since the console weighs only 3 kilos)!
We will also note, in the provided software package, the presence of Studio One Artist (worth about €100), an excellent DAW that I use daily in its full version.
In short, a good little console with good 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 in a home studio, 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 major brand (and we still talk about their famous cassette multitracks, 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 to be plugged into the machine.
In total, with the Tascam Model 16, you have 14 inputs including no less than 10 microphone preamps and two instrument inputs, with a compressor on the first 8 channels.
In addition, there is a 3-band equalizer on most channels and a 4-band EQ on the master — really useful for finalizing the frequency balance.
Overall, this Model 16 is indeed quite nice, but it offers a lot of different features: a very good mixing console to put in a home studio, but it will also fit well in a small concert or rehearsal room.
► 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, particularly 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 in size, but it is a condensed version of features and a very high-quality mixer.
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 positive point is that 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 sonic cohesion and punch.
Additionally, you can also sum up to 12 channels using the connections at the back of the mixer — handy for achieving the texture of analog summation, provided you have the appropriate converters or audio interface to take advantage of it.
On top of this, there are numerous audio signal routing possibilities: two Stereo Cue buses with level and pan adjustments to send individualized mixes to artists, PFL on all channels with faders, and
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 cinema, 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 my other home studio equipment recommendations 🙂