5 of the Best Audio Mixers for Every Budget

As the current rate of new podcasts appearing increases exponentially, so does the need for an audio mixer. Of course, they are not just for creating podcasts or online content, but should meet all facets of audio needs, for all budgets. We’ve picked five of the best audio mixers, so even if you’re just starting out, there’s something for everyone. Our budgets are distributed as follows: High-end between $600 and $1000; mid-range from $150 to $599, then budget for anything under $150.

As blenders get cheaper, it’s worth noting that some features will be lost and you’ll have to put in just a little elbow grease to get them to do exactly what you want. Some of these will act as digital audio interfaces or interact with audio software via physical controls. However, every aspiring creator will have a unique need at any given time, so be sure to do a little more research to see if it will perfectly suit your needs.

Rode’s material is ultimately worth the price of admission. That is, if you intend to use it fully. At $700, the Rodecaster Pro II is a high ask, but it’s an incredibly simple system built around a huge feature set. Some reviews have praised its simplicity, especially since it is quite a complex device under the hood. Besides physical inputs, like four XLR ports (which will provide better sound than USB in some cases), multiple input and output jacks, it can also support incoming Bluetooth connections and acts as a digital interface.

When connected via USB-C to a PC, it will take all incoming information and spread it across multiple tracks. The software provided by Rode will also allow you to modify the soundboard as you wish. It’s the big daddy of blenders for modern creators. This will work for all creative media, including music and live streaming, so there are no real restrictions. Rode alternatives include a smaller Rodecaster, the Duo ($499), which reduces inputs but brings the same high overall quality. The company has also branched out into video switchers, including the gaming-focused Streamer X (a handy HDMI capture card) and the Rodecaster Video series.

Similar in scope to the Rodecaster Pro 2, the DLZ Creator XS is a “cheaper” alternative, priced around $500. Equipped with two Onyx preamp XLR ports and two additional inputs via jack connection, it’s ideal for those running a podcast or other vocal-heavy content creation. There’s support for Ethernet control, USB-C for PC connection, and an SD card slot for recording the mix. The onboard screen gives all the information you will need and the different buttons activate sound effects.

Since everyone seems to get a podcast these days, the DLZ XS has three modes depending on your skills with hardware like this. Pro, Enhanced and Easy will modify the user interface depending on your ability to manage the mixer. Similar to the Rodecaster Pro 2, it’s loaded with lights and indicators to give you a clear idea of ​​what’s going on at a glance. As it is a Mackie mixer, it will also easily take any instrument for those who are more musically inclined. That said, if you want a more music-focused Mackie mixer, the ProFX12v3 is a $379.99 analog mixer with USB output, but it comes with some caveats if you want individual tracks.

Note that Mackie was bought by Rode in 2023.

With USB recording, 10-track support, and all in a tiny form factor, the Zoom LiveTrak L6 is a great option for those who need to save space. Mainly advertised for music, it also serves as an audio interface when connected to a PC via the top USB-C port. Similar in size to Blackmagic Design’s ATEM Mini video mixer, it’s a dense package that will handle almost any audio mixing task thrown at it.

The Zoom LiveTrak L6 costs $249.99, so while it’s not cheap, it punches above its weight class thanks to this dense set of features. There are sound pads for effects, MIDI support and each track is discrete. When you route the recording to an editor, all inputs involved will be editable in isolation. Complete stereo mixes can also be saved to a microSD card (which supports up to 2TB), so those covering live events or shows can record independently to another source.

For those working in music production, using Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, the Zoom LiveTrak L6 can also be a physical controller. Capture audio on the go? You’ll even need four AA batteries for portable recording sessions. Zoom also has its own software for deeper control.

Typically under $100, the Behringer XENYX 802S is probably one of the best all-in-one deals you can get if you’re just starting out or, as the price suggests, if you’re on a budget. It can handle eight different channels and can connect to a PC via USB, so outputs can be recorded digitally. However, you won’t be able to record tracks individually, another concession when you start to move down the price range.

To get around this, your outputs can be biased left and right when recording, so the stereo mix will have two tracks that can be edited in isolation. Behringer incorporates Xenyx preamps, which will give your microphones clear quality, and the most recent updates to the XENYX mixers aim to simplify the design for new users. Once you tweak the settings, this will make a great entry-level podcast or streaming mixer.

For those who need even less, the XENYX 502S is under $80 at B&H. This removes three channels, leaving you with just one XLR input and two fewer alternate connections. If you’re creating it yourself, this could be a good, relatively inexpensive alternative.

Once you start looking for budget options, sometimes you’ll have to make some concessions. At $99, Mackie also offers a solid 8-channel mixer, with support for two XLR inputs. However, it doesn’t have a USB port for easy PC connections, meaning you’ll need to wire it through the mixer’s RCA, Main Out, or AUX Send outputs. This is ideal for those who are not streaming content that requires isolation of multiple tracks. Live music, podcasts and streaming can be done on a budget, without sacrificing sound quality.

One solution would be to feed multiple outputs into the PC via multiple connections. Again, when it comes to budget-friendly equipment, you’ll need to put in some elbow grease. All things considered, the Mackie Mix8 will produce good, professional quality sound when paired with the right kit and mixed correctly. You can monitor it on the device, giving you a clear signal you can rely on, rather than it being recorded digitally by the PC. Just make sure you don’t run this through a USB hub with audio connections, as this could introduce electrical interference, which will be heard in the final mix.

I’ve combined my experience reviewing and working with audio equipment in a professional capacity, as well as third-party information from around the web to put together this list. This included gathering information from independent reviews, customer questions and reviews, and other coverage involving blenders. The different options were then broken down into budgets, from the sub-$100 Mackie range all the way up to the high end. Overtly expensive options that would typically be found in studios or DJ mixers have been omitted.