Desktop audio mixers have come a long way in recent years. From simple four-channel units to powerful 16-channel beasts, there is now a desktop mixer to suit any need. Many manufacturers offer their take on the perfect desktop mixer. However, it can be tough to know where to start.
Do you need analog or digital? Are you looking for a hybrid solution? How many channels do you need? Do you prefer onboard effects, or would you rather use the mixer to route audio to external effects?
Hybrid mixers with built-in multitrack recorders have grown in popularity for musicians who wish to record without using a DAW. Some can offer considerable advantages over analog mixers—and you'll see a selection of the best audio mixers for DAWless recording below. However, you may want an all-analog mixer with many channels and buses to maintain a pure analog signal path.
Whether you want to record your next record or just want a good live mix, we've got you covered in this list of the top desktop mixers available in 2022.
The Yamaha MG12XU Analog Mixer is a 12-channel mixer with a built-in 24-bit USB audio interface. With six mic inputs and phantom power, this mixer is perfect for live performances or recording sessions. The one-knob compressors on each channel make it easy to get the perfect sound, while the 24 SPX effects add depth and texture to your mix. In addition, the interface is fully class-compliant, meaning you can use it with your iPad or laptop for ultimate flexibility.
Why are digital mixers so popular? Just look here. With eight mono and two stereo channels, each with EQ and effects, you'll have everything you need to get your mix right. Plus, the L-12 also comes with a built-in recorder that lets you record up to 12 tracks of 24-bit/96 kHz audio to an SD card while simultaneously mixing, which is incredibly useful for live performances or full-band recordings. And with five monitor outputs, everyone can have their own custom mix.
The Mackie ProFX series offers mixing consoles that are well suited for those who want it all: analog and digital. It features seven Onyx microphone preamps that will offer strong, clean gain for a variety of mics and applications. But then there's also a built-in effects engine with 24 effects, an integrated USB audio interface that offers 24-bit/192 kHz recording and playback with zero-latency monitoring. Need more or less than 12 channels? Check out others in the ProFX lineup.
The Model series includes digital mixers that feature Tascam's critically acclaimed multitrack recorder along with a fully functional USB audio/MIDI interface. The Model 12 has a dozen inputs and 10 outputs. It's class-compliant, so it works with laptops, mobile devices, and standalone hardware. Akai MPC users in particular have widely praised these Tascams. You can also route DAW tracks back through it for ten channels of hands-on control. The Model series includes 16- and 24 channel versions too.
For those who don't need the bells and whistles of other mixers and simply want a home base to connect numerous mics and instruments at once, the trusted quality of a Midas mixer is what you want. The DM 12 is an easy, solid choice for these very reasons. This no-frills mixer is built to last, with eight Midas preamps and additional balanced stereo inputs. The three-band channel strip EQ provides quick sound-shaping capabilities, and the two AUX sends with pre/post fader switch make it synch to add effects.
The PV 14 is a sleeper. It's a very flexible mixer with eight preamps and direct outputs that can handle everything from music-making to multi-guest podcasts. But it also has some next-level niceties. Its Bluetooth input allows you to wirelessly stream music from a mobile device, and when you need a little more help nailing those sweet harmonies, this mixer includes an Auto-Tune effect alongside Peavey's Kosmos audio enhancement effects.
The MTK mixer includes DBX limiters on each input channel, Soundcraft's Ghost microphone preamps, and switchable Hi-Z inputs that allow guitars, basses, or effects pedals to be connected directly. What's extra cool is that the consoles' multi-track USB audio interface lets you insert software plugins from your DAW into the mixer's channels, granting a fully hybrid and integrated approach to recording and mixing.
This unique and powerful hybrid mixer is designed by renowned engineers Greg Mackie and Peter Watts in collaboration with Korg. It has eight bus tracks for recording and parallel external processing and mute groups with save-able states that can be recalled. The channels feature HiVolt microphone preamps with Velvet Sound analog-to-digital converters. This mixer also includes an LCD for viewing all settings and utilizing the paragraphic EQ and spectrum analyzer, which are valuable tools for getting a complete look of your soundscape. Also available as the 24-channel MW2408.
Allen & Heath's Qu series includes behemoth mixing desks, with even this 16-channel version perhaps stretching the definition of "desktop mixer." Its fully motorized faders make recall as easy as pushing a button, and there's a wealth of mix presets to work with. The built-in touchscreen provides access to channel strips and effects settings, although you can also use the iPad app for complete remote control. Record your shows and rehearsals with the Qu-16's built-in hard drive or use it as a USB audio interface with your DAW.
The Big Six includes SSL's renowned Superanalogue circuitry for superior sound quality, eight dual input Mono Line channels, an SSL Stereo Mix Buss with external summing and inserts, and Insert Send/Returns on all channels. This mixer can also be connected via D-Sub cable to other mixers in the same series to increase the number of available inputs. Built as a premium option for home and project studios, you'll likely not be disappointed, if you can afford it.
