The 10 Best Small Mixers (2023)

Small mixers are a great option for musicians, producers, and DJs that only need a limited number of inputs and outputs. If you want to get a mixer for studio use or live shows without sacrificing quality, there are several good options on the market today.

My main recommended small mixer is the Yamaha MG10XU. This mixer is great for musicians who want precise control and enhancement of their sound and is equipped with studio-grade discrete class-A D-PRE preamps.

My second recommended small mixer is the Mackie Mix8. This is a budget-friendly option with a low-noise design and flexible features for many settings. It has 8 channels, EQ, and phantom power for microphones.

To solidify the 10 best small mixers, I looked at the technical specifications, paying particular attention to the power and speed settings. I also looked at the different features and functions each model offered, such as mixing bowls, attachments, and accessories. Finally, I compared the prices of each mixer to make sure that they were good value for money.

The Best Small Mixers (2023) – At a Glance

Our Top Pick

Yamaha MG10XU

Transparent sound with class-A D-PRE preamps

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Budget Pick

Mackie Mix8

Low-noise design for great sound with flexible features

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Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

Legendary touring-grade mixer with studio-quality multi-FX

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Mackie ProFXv3 Series

Compact, affordable 6-channel mixer for professional use

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Let’s move onto the full list:

1. Yamaha MG10XU

Top Pick - Transparent sound with class-A D-PRE preamps

A 10-channel mixer with USB and digital effects, featuring high-quality preamps for natural and smooth sound.

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The Yamaha MG10XU is a versatile 10-channel mixer that works well with various audio sources. This flexibility is great for live shows, recording sessions, or permanent sound installations. Its technology, taken from high-end mixing consoles, ensures top-notch audio quality and clear sound, providing a consistently excellent listening experience.

A useful feature of the Yamaha MG10XU is its USB integration, which allows for easy computer connections for recording and playing back audio. This is perfect for musicians wanting to create professional-sounding demos or recordings in a home studio. With a reliable wired electric power source, you can concentrate on perfecting your mix.

The Yamaha MG10XU’s premium SPX digital effects make enhancing your mixes a breeze. These high-quality effects, such as Chorus, Flanger, Distortion, Reverb, and Delay offer great flexibility. Alongside studio-grade class A D-PRE preamplifiers, you can achieve a clear and natural sound across a broad frequency range.

Specs

• Channels: 10
• Equalizer: 3-Band
• Effects: Yes
• Phantom Power: Yes

2. Mackie Mix8

Budget Pick - Low-noise design for great sound with flexible features

A compact mixer with 8 channels that is extremely portable and has a microphone and line inputs with EQ for precise tone shaping.

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The MackieMix8 is a small 8-channel mixer with great mixing capabilities for its size. It can be used with various input sources, including two stereo inputs (1/4″ line), a high-quality mic/line input, and a stereo RCA input/output. Its versatility makes it a great choice for live shows, recordings, and small venues, providing a wide-ranging mixing experience.

A notable feature of this compact device is the excellent Mackie preamps built into it, which produce outstanding sound quality. I love how it has good sound, plenty of headroom, and minimal noise interference, ensuring clear and sharp audio during performances. The mixer can also support phantom power, allowing high-quality condenser microphones to be used for a professional touch.

The MackieMix8 is not only functional but also well-constructed with a metal casing, making it durable for life on the road or in busy venues. Its small and portable design allows for easy transportation and setup, and its compatibility with many devices ensures it will fit smoothly into your existing equipment.

Specs

• Channels: 8
• Equalizer: 3-Band
• Effects: No
• Phantom Power: Yes

3. Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

Legendary touring-grade mixer with studio-quality multi-FX

A 4-channel mixer with lots of effects and features, perfect for band use on the road.

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This mixer has 4 mic/line inputs as well as two high impedance inputs with 1/4” jacks. You can use them to connect guitars directly to the mixer without the need for an amplifier. This is really convenient if you’re recording and want to get a clear sound, with additional effects built-in.

The best feature of this mixer, however, is the effects. You can choose from 16 different effects, including various types of reverb, echo, delay, and chorus. You can also play with them and change them to best suit your style. This can be done through the mixer or through the AmpliTube X-GEAR software you get for free when you buy this mixer.

Each channel has its own MusiQ 3-band equalizer, giving you good control over each channel and instrument. The price is in the mid-range for this type of product, but this mixer’s price/quality ratio is unparalleled.

Specs

• Channels: 10
• Equalizer: 3-Band
• Effects: Yes
• Phantom Power: Yes

4. Mackie ProFXv3 Series

Compact, affordable 6-channel mixer for professional use

A 6-channel mixer with built-in effects, built-in USB interface, and Onyx mic preamps.

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The Mackie ProFXv3 Series comes with two high-quality Onyx preamps that provide up to 60dB of gain while minimizing background noise. It captures the true sound of vocals and instruments with clear audio quality. I appreciate the compact size combined with great sound, making it great for musicians wanting top-notch recording or live performance sound.

This mixer has a USB recording feature, offering superb quality and zero-latency monitoring. This is essential for both home studios and professional setups. Easily combine the mixer’s output with your computer’s audio for hassle-free monitoring, allowing you to concentrate on making music.

If you’re concerned about versatility, this 6-channel mixer has 24 built-in effects. You can select from various reverbs and delays to improve and expand your sound. With custom mix creation and single-dial compression control, you have all you need for a polished, professional audio output in each session.

Specs

• Channels: 6
• Equalizer: 2-Band
• Effects: Yes
• Phantom Power: Yes

5. Pyle PAD20MXU

Portable, budget-friendly 5-channel mixer with USB interface

A compact, low-noise 5-channel mixer with USB compatibility for recording and connecting to your computer or laptop.

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The Pyle PAD20MXU is a 5-channel mixer with a compact design that’s battery-powered, making it easy to connect multiple devices. Its lightweight design and built-in 500mAh lithium-ion battery mean you can take it to gigs or recording sessions with ease.

This mixer stands out with its high headroom and low-noise design. It is a great choice for beginners and those on a budget who want a decent mixer with 5 channels. The LED indicators and audio signal clipping provide precision throughout the recording or live broadcasting process, removing worries about losing audio clarity.

This versatile device combines customization with ease of use. Independent channel balancing, high/low-frequency adjustments, and a 2-band EQ and Pan on each channel give you full control over your sound. Its 18V phantom power source is reliable in powering condenser microphones as well. The result is total control over your audio.

Specs

• Channels: 5
• Equalizer: 2-Band
• Effects: No
• Phantom Power: Yes

6. Yamaha AG06 Mk2

Compact 6-channel mixer for the road and use for live streaming

A device with two phantom-powered mic inputs for condenser microphones and a flexible range of inputs.

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This 6-channel mixer is great for live streaming, easily handling multiple sound sources, and is designed for various streaming situations. Its built-in LOOPBACK feature allows for continuous streaming by smoothly integrating audio playback from USB-connected devices. The mixer also has two phantom-powered microphone inputs, perfect for using condenser mics.

Connecting is simple with the USB audio interface, letting you record and stream audio directly when connected to a computer. Its small size and lightweight design make it perfect for portable recording setups or fitting in tight spaces.

There are no EQ knobs available on the mixer, but you can use the Yamaha 1-touch system of four buttons, giving you automatic EQ, amp simulation, and two effects. Additionally, the Yamaha AG06 Mk2 includes Cubase AI for music production and WaveLab Cast for streaming audio production and editing.

Specs

• Channels: 6
• Equalizer: Automatic
• Effects: Yes
• Phantom Power: Yes

7. Behringer Xenyx 1202FX

Compact, 12-channel mixer with 100 built-in effects presets

A 12-channel mixer with built-in effects and four Xenyx mic preamps.

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The Behringer Xenyx 1202FX’s four Xenyx mic preamps offer excellent audio quality. With these premium preamps, your recordings will be clear and detailed, making it easy to capture small details in your voice or instrument. I appreciate its flexibility and great sound quality, allowing your creativity to flourish without sacrificing audio.

This mixer has 12 channels, making it adaptable and easy to use with various sound sources. You can connect a range of instruments and vocals, making it great for mixing keyboards, guitars, and multiple mics.

This mixer has a vast library of effects presets. You can choose from different reverbs, echoes, flangers, and choruses to add a unique touch to your sound. The FX/Aux send on each channel makes it simple to route effects or create custom monitor mixes.

Specs

• Channels: 12
• Equalizer: 3-Band
• Effects: Yes
• Phantom Power: Yes

8. XTUGA TS7

Pro-grade sound with 99 DSP effects

A professional audio mixer with 7 channels, a 7-band EQ, and 5 MIC Mono inputs.

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The XTUGA TS7 has excellent features and an affordable price. It offers users the ability to experience wireless audio through Bluetooth streaming, easily connecting to smartphones or tablets. This modern function combines traditional mixing techniques with current technology.

A key aspect that stands out to me is the inclusion of the 99 DSP effects processor. This strong feature lets you create amazing soundscapes for your specific needs, resulting in a unique audio environment ideal for memorable performances and recordings.

The 7-band equalization control emphasizes precision and sound clarity. It allows for adjusting audio frequencies and achieving a good balance. This ensures all details, from deep bass to clear treble, are showcased in the best possible way, providing excellent audio quality.

Specs

• Channels: 7
• Equalizer: 7-Band
• Effects: Yes
• Phantom Power: Yes

9. Mackie 402VLZ4

Affordable mixer with a rugged construction

A compact mixer with 2 microphone inputs and a high-quality and reliable build.

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The Mackie 402VLZ4 has premium Onyx microphone preamps that provide amazing sound clarity. With a wide 60dB gain range, a huge 128.5 dB dynamic range, and extended frequency response, these preamps ensure top-notch audio quality for both recording and live performances.

This mixer combines durability and efficiency through its “Built-Like-A-Tank” construction. The tough steel chassis with a powder-coat finish and the sealed rotary controls offer remarkable sturdiness. I appreciate the blend of a durable and compact design, excellent sound quality, and low noise.

If you’re always on the go, this compact and portable design is a good choice. This mixer is ideal for various settings. Whether in a home studio or at live performances, this lightweight gem is battle-tested and has excellent longevity so it is a great consideration.

Specs

• Channels: 4
• Equalizer: 2-Band (Channels 1 and 2)
• Effects: No
• Phantom Power: Yes

10. Pyle PMXU63BT

Professional studio applications made easy

A 6-channel Bluetooth studio mixer with universal digital audio file compatibility and supports XLR inputs and an unbalanced 1/4

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The Pyle PMXU63BT has USB/Flash connectivity, making it simple to connect to external devices like computers and flash drives. I appreciate its good sound quality and various input options, which increase your mixing and recording possibilities. Plus, with MP3 and WAV file compatibility, file format issues are a thing of the past.

Thanks to wireless Bluetooth streaming, this console offers even more convenience. Imagine controlling your mix directly from your iPad, iPhone, or Android smartphone – now, it’s possible with this clever feature. No more tangled wires or searching for the ideal spot for your device.

Proper equalization is crucial for accurate sound control, and this mixer’s advanced 3-band EQ delivers. All channels have high-quality adjustments, ensuring your mix is always perfectly shaped. The +48V Phantom Power feature lets you easily use both dynamic and condenser microphones, resulting in a more refined and professional-sounding performance.

Specs

• Channels: 6
• Equalizer: 3-Band
• Effects: Yes
• Phantom Power: Yes

Key Features and Specs to Look For in a Small Mixer

When choosing a good small mixer, the number of inputs, built-in effects, and EQ controls are just a few things that are a must to consider.

Number of input channels

When considering the best small mixer for your needs, it’s crucial to focus on the number of input channels offered by the mixer, as this will have a direct impact on the number of instruments, microphones, and other audio sources you can connect simultaneously.

For instance, the Yamaha MG10XU boasts 10 input channels, making it a versatile option for various live settings and recording sessions. On the other hand, the Mackie Mix8 offers 8 input channels, while the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX features 4 mic/line inputs, 2 stereo channels, and 2 USB audio inputs, providing a balance of flexibility and compactness.

Built-in effects and EQ capabilities

Built-in effects and EQ capabilities can make a significant difference when looking for the perfect small mixer. They allow for greater control over the tonal quality and ambiance of your recordings or live performances, providing a tailored result.

For example, the Yamaha MG10XU offers SPX digital effects, including chorus, flanger, reverb, delay, and distortion, with fully adjustable parameters. On the other hand, the Mackie ProFX6v3 is armed with 24 built-in FX, 192kHz/24-bit 2×4 USB recording, and Onyx mic preamps, offering both professional effects and sound quality.

Ease of use and portability

Ease of use and portability are key factors to consider when choosing a small mixer, as these qualities will save time and energy during setup and transport. Compact mixers like the Yamaha MG10XU and Mackie Mix8 are designed with simplicity and convenience in mind, ensuring a user-friendly experience without sacrificing sound quality.

Quality of preamps and sound

As a musician, the quality of preamps and sound are crucial factors to consider in selecting the best small mixer. High-quality preamps ensure that your audio input signals are amplified without adding unwanted noise or distortion, guaranteeing pristine sound quality for your performances and recordings.

For example, the Yamaha MG10XU mixer includes studio-grade discrete class-A D-PRE amps with an inverted Darlington circuit, delivering a natural, fat sound with soaring highs and smooth bass. Similarly, the Mackie ProFX6v3 mixer comes with Onyx mic preamps, providing up to 60 dB of gain and ultra-low noise performance.

Budget and value for money

When considering the right small mixer for your music production needs, budget and value for money are essential factors to keep in mind. There is a wide range of mixers available with varying features and prices, so it’s crucial to strike a balance between affordability and effectiveness.

For instance, the Yamaha MG10XU offers a plethora of features and excellent sound quality, making it a fantastic value for its price. On the other hand, if you are on a tighter budget, the Mackie Mix8 provides high-quality sound and essential features at a more affordable price point.

Buyers Guide

Small mixers are essential tools for home studio owners, live performers, and musicians who require a reliable and high-quality audio mixing solution. With the vast array of mixers available on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one to suit your specific needs.

Understanding Mixer Types

There are several types of mixers suitable for both home studios and live performances. These include analog mixers, digital mixers, USB mixers, and powered mixers. Analog mixers offer a more traditional mixing experience and are typically simpler to use due to their streamlined interface.

Digital mixers have more advanced features, such as onboard effects, routing options, and saving/recalling presets. USB mixers are ideal for those who need an easy interface with their computer for recording, while powered mixers provide onboard amplification for speakers.

Analog vs. Digital Mixers

Analog mixers, such as the Behringer Xenyx 1202FX, tend to be more affordable and user-friendly. They offer a warmer, more natural sound but tend to have fewer features and routing options. Digital mixers provide more advanced capabilities, such as onboard digital effects, recallable presets, and expanded routing options, but can come with a steeper learning curve and higher price tag.

Additional Considerations

When selecting a small mixer, take into account compatibility with your audio equipment, expandability for future needs, and ease of use. Options like the XTUGA TS7 offer expandability with its 7-channel audio mixer and Bluetooth capabilities, while options with USB interfaces, such as the Pyle PMXU63BT, provide easy compatibility with your computer.

Caring for Your Mixer

To maintain your small mixer’s performance and longevity, follow good cleaning practices, store it safely, and carry out regular maintenance. Make sure to keep your mixer free of dust, protect it from moisture, and periodically check connections and cables for wear or damage.

FAQs

What inputs and outputs should I look for in a small mixer for home studios and live performances?

Look for a mixer that can accommodate all of your sources, including microphones, instruments, computers, and phones, and has outputs for your speakers, headphone outputs, and recording devices.

What are the key features to consider when choosing a small mixer for home studios and live performances?

Features to consider include the number and type of channels, EQ and effects options, USB connectivity, and portability.

How many channels do I need in a small mixer for home studios and live performances?

The number of channels you need will depend on how many instruments and sources you will be using. A good starting point is 8 channels which allow for a full drum kit and several other instruments.

Do I need a mixer with built-in effects for my home studio and live performances?

It’s not necessary, but having built-in effects can be a convenient and cost-effective way to add reverb, delay, and other effects to your mix without needing additional equipment.

Can I use a small mixer for both home studio and live performance?

Yes, many small mixers are designed for both studio and live performance use. Look for portable mixers that have sufficient inputs and outputs, and can be used with a variety of instruments and sources.

Conclusion

With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to begin, but I hope this list has helped you narrow down your search. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your gear, any of these products will serve you well.

My main recommended small mixer is the Yamaha MG10XU. This is a great mixer for musicians who want precise control and enhancement of their sound. It comes equipped with studio-grade discrete class-A D-PRE preamps.

My second recommended small mixer is the Mackie Mix8. This is a budget-friendly mixer with a low-noise design and flexible features for many settings. It has 8 channels, EQ, and phantom power for microphones.