Top 10 Best Mixers And Audio Recorders August 2015
1. BEHRINGER EURORACK UB1202FX
Price: $2,819.60
- Ultra-low noise design, highest possible headroom, ultra-transparent audio
- 4 state-of-the-art, studio-grade IMP “Invisible” Mic Preamps with 130 dB dynamic range for 24-bit, 192 kHz sampling rate inputs
- Integrated digital stereo FX processor with 100 awesome presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects
- Effective, ultra-musical 3-band EQ plus switchable low-cut filter on all mono channels
- Clip LEDs on all mono channels
They say, “Never change a winning horse”, but we just couldn’t resist. Already an absolute best-seller, our UB1202 12-input, 2-bus mic/line mixer now also features a stellar 24-bit/40 kHz multi-FX processor with 100 great-sounding presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and more. Also packed into this compact mixer are the same state-of-the-art Invisible Mic Preamps, ultra low-noise design circuitry and a 3-band EQ plus switchable low-cut filter on all mono channels – the features that have made the entire UB series so successful. The UB1202FX is a versatile mixer with possible applications ranging from connecting a DAT recorder and monitor speakers to running permanent video and audio installations.
2. Mackie PROFX12 12-Channel Compact Effects Mixer with USB
List Price: $359.99
Price: $279.99
You Save: $80.00 (22%)
- Professional 12-channel compact Mixer with onboard effects and USB I/O
- Six low-noise, high-headroom Mackie mic preamps with easy LED metering
- 32-bit RMFX processor with 16 Gig-Ready reverbs, choruses and delays
- Precision seven-band graphic EQ for tuning Mains or Monitors
- USB I/O for recording shows and music playback via Mac or PC
The ProFX12 is the perfect choice for smaller performing acts, solo performers or for small venues that don’t have the budget or space for a ton of outboard gear. The ProFX12 has everything needed to make your gig sound great and is really easy to operate. Plus, USB I/O lets you record the show or stream music straight from a laptop. The ProFX12 is loaded with six Mackie high-headroom, low-noise mic preamps, 3-band EQ, a built-in DI for direct connection of a guitar or bass, integrated “Gig-Ready” effects, precision 7-band GEQ and more. All the right tools, housed in an ultra-tough enclosure with additional impact-resistant sidecheeks, protecting your investment from the rigors of the road.
With all the right tools for the job, the ProFX12 allows you to create memorable mixes, but even with all those features, portability is paramount and you can’t be burdened with lugging around additional equipment. No worries, integrated USB I/O takes the pain out of recording. Just connect the ProFX12 to a laptop, start up your included copy of Tracktion 3 Music Production Software (or almost any DAW software out there) and you can record the whole mix. You can even stream music from your laptop during breaks. Once you get home, record more tracks or use the ProFX12 to playback some tunes during your next party. Unless you’re anti-social, don’t have the right kind of place for a party or are just sick of buying food and beverages for everyone. In that case, you can play back whatever talk-radio show you listen to when alone.
3. BEHRINGER XENYX X1832USB
Price: $499.98
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- 6 state-of-the-art, phantom-powered XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- 6 studio-grade compressors with super-easy “one-knob” functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound
- Neo-classic “British” 3-band EQs with semi-parametric mid band for warm and musical sound
- New studio-grade FX processor with 16 editable presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter, multi-effects, Tap function and storable user parameter settings
Premium 18-Input 3/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps Compressors, British EQs, 24-Bit Multi-FX Processor and USB/Audio Interface
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- 6 state-of-the-art, phantom-powered XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- 6 studio-grade compressors with super-easy “one-knob” functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound
- Neo-classic “British” 3-band EQs with semi-parametric mid band for warm and musical sound
- New studio-grade FX processor with 16 editable presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter, multi-effects, Tap function and storable user parameter settings
- Built-in stereo USB/Audio Interface to connect directly to your computer. Free audio recording, editing and podcasting software plus 150 instrument/effect plug-ins and ultra-low latency driver downloadable at www.behringer.com
- 9-band stereo graphic EQ allows precise frequency correction of monitor or main mixes
- Revolutionary FBQ Feedback Detection System instantly reveals critical frequencies
- Breathtaking XPQ 3D stereo surround effect for more vitality and enhanced stereo image
- Voice Canceller function for easy-to-use sing-along applications
- Channel inserts on each mono channel for flexible connection of outboard equipment
- 3 aux sends per channel: 1 pre fader for monitoring, 1 pre/post fader switchable for monitoring/FX applications, 1 post fader (for internal FX or as external send)
- Clip LEDs, mute, main mix and subgroup routing switches, solo and PFL functions on all channels
- 2 subgroups with separate outputs for added routing flexibility and 2 multi-functional stereo aux returns with flexible routing
- Balanced main mix outputs with ¼” jack and gold-plated XLR connectors, separate control room, headphones and stereo rec outputs
- Control room/phones outputs with multi-input source matrix; rec inputs assignable to main mix or control room/phones outputs
- “Planet Earth” switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 – 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving
- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
- Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany
Sonically Superior Mic Preamps – All XENYX mixers have one thing in common – great-sounding, high headroom XENYX mic preamps. These state-of-the-art mic pres represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology – and they can easily hold their own, even when compared to the most expensive stand-alone mic preamps. XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to well above 200 kHz. Armed with these outstanding mic preamps, XENYX mixers provide such transparent, crystal-clear performance you just might think someone upgraded your mics while you weren’t looking.
Sublimely Musical British EQ – The British consoles of the 1960s and ’70s changed the sound of rock and roll – without them the British Invasion might not have happened. Those legendary mixing desks soon became the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The channel EQ on our XENYX mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Even when applied generously, these equalizers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality.
One-Knob Compression – Ask professional sound engineers what their favorite piece of external processing gear is and the majority response will be virtually unanimous – dynamic compression. What is compression? We’re glad you asked. Compression essentially limits the dynamic range of a signal, lowering the level of loud sounds and turning up softer sounds, to achieve sonic balance. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate, sound techs have great difficulty mastering. Our “one-knob” compression is available on all mono channels and is easy to operate, even for entry-level users. With this one knob, you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity. This is indeed a rare feature for products in this class – but standard on all XENYX USB mixers.
Effective FX – All XENYX USB Series mixers (except the 1204USB) feature our new 24-bit dual engine FX processor, with 16 editable, studio-grade presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. Complete with a highly accurate input meter, these effects can be altered to your personal taste via the Parameter control. Time-based functions can be entered manually by pressing the Tap button in tempo with the music.
Recording Bliss – There was a time when the recording process called for lots and lots of expensive gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio – and that time was pricey indeed. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. How do you get all that music flying around your brain into your computer? That’s where XENYX USB mixers come in. Thanks to the built-in, bi-directional stereo USB audio interface, you can connect any of these mixers directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the mixer can be recorded directly to your hard drive.
4. Peavey XR8600D 8 Channel 1200 watt Powered Mixer
List Price: $900.00
Price: $585.00
You Save: $315.00 (35%)
- Peavey POWERED MIXER DUAL 600W PER CH
The XR 8600D features eight ultra-low-noise mic preamps and ten line inputs, with 16 built-in DSP effects, monitor send and effects send on each channel, 7-band graphic EQ with patented FLS Feedback Locating System and two 600-watt power amps that can run in parallel in Dual Main mode-making the full 1,200 watts available to the main output-or used independently in Main/Monitor mode.
The XR 8600 powered mixer include many of the latest technological developments from Peavey engineering. Incorporating a pair of 600 Watt amplifiers, dual 7-band EQ, digital effects, FLS (Peavey’s award-winning Feedback Locating System), DDT speaker protection and a host of other features, these compact powered mixers are perfect for any application.
Features
- 10 line inputs
- 3-band equalization on each channel
- Monitor send on each channel
- 25 dB pad: channels 1-6
- Dual main or main/monitor power amp mode switch
- Dedicated 7-band EQ for main/monitors with FLS(tm)
- DSP-based effects
- 16 presets with parameter control
- Dual 600 Watt per channel internal power amplifiers
- DDT speaker protection with activity LED
- Mute switch for input channels 1-8
- Signal/clipping indicator on each channel
- 48 Volt phantom power
- 8 improved, low-noise, mic preamps
- Weight Unpacked: 25.13 lb(11.4 kg)
- Weight Packed: 31.31 lb(14.2 kg)
- Width Packed: 17.5″(44.45 cm)
- Height Packed: 25″(63.5 cm)
- Depth Packed: 17″(43.18 cm)
5. BEHRINGER XENYX 1202FX
List Price: $164.99
Price: $99.99
You Save: $65.00 (39%)
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- 4 state-of-the-art XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- Neo-classic “British” 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound
- Studio-grade stereo FX processor with 100 awesome presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects
- FX send control per channel for internal FX processor and/or as external send
Premium 12-Input 2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps, British EQs and Multi-FX Processor
The compact XENYX 1202FX mixer allows you to effortlessly achieve premium-quality sound, thanks to its 4 onboard studio-grade XENYX Mic Preamps and ultra-musical “British” channel EQs. Add to this our 24-Bit, dual engine FX processor with 100 awesome presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects – and the 1202FX becomes an incredibly versatile mixer for your live performances.
6. Allen & Heath ZED-10FX Four Mono Mic/Lines with 2 Active D.I., 3 Stereo Line Inputs and Onboard Effects
List Price: $329.00
Price: $299.00
You Save: $30.00 (9%)
- Multipurpose mixer with FX for live sound and recording
- 4 mic/line inputs, 2 with Class A FET high impedance inputs
- Includes Neutrik mic XLR and Neutrik 1/4 Inch jacks
- 3 band EQ with MusiQ
- 2 stereo sources with MP3 player compatibility
Built by Allen & Heath, ZED-10FX is an amazing little desk for small band mixing, complete with onboard effects. It is ultra portable for carrying to the gig, and can be used for recording live or in the studio. Guitars can be plugged in directly to the mixer using the specially designed high-impedance inputs, while the mixer has two stereo inputs for MP3/CD players or keyboards. Equipped with professional XLR stereo outputs and a flexible monitoring section with headphone and speaker feed outputs. ZED-10FX is bundled with IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube X-GEAR software, giving access to superbly modeled amps and effects. Allen & Heath is known for building high quality mixers for the last 40+ years. At any time of day or night, across the globe, there is an Allen & Heath mixer out there working hard, sounding great and making life a little easier for the person at the controls. Back in the early 1970s Allen & Heath hand-built consoles in a tiny factory in London for elite bands like Pink Floyd and The Who. These days Allen & Heath customers are spread across almost every environment imaginable, including touring, theatres, churches, nightclubs, TV and radio stations, recording studios and countless other places where great sound matters.
Key Features
- 4 mic/line inputs, 2 with Class A FET high impedance inputs
- Neutrik mic XLR and Neutrik 1/4 inch jacks
- 3 band EQ with MusiQ
- 2 auxes
- Sound image pan
- Illuminated PFL indicator
- Stereo returns & playback
- All inputs with level control
- 12 bar meters
- Responsive 3-band, swept mid EQ with MusiQ
- 2 stereo sources with MP3 player compatibility
- Separate 2-track record outputs
- Stereo playback input for 2-track replay
- XLR main stereo outputs with inserts
- Comprehensive monitoring
- Configurable USB stereo audio in/out
- Stereo monitor outs
- 48V microphone phantom power
- DI level switching for sub mixing
7. Yamaha MG06 6-Input Compact Stereo Mixer
List Price: $129.00
Price: $99.99
You Save: $29.01 (22%)
- D-PRE” Mic preamps with an inverted Darlington circuit
- Metal chassis with XLR balanced outputs
- +48V Phantom power
For more than a century, Yamaha has been building a legacy of superior craftsmanship and innovation exemplified in all of our products, from an unrivaled catalog of world-class musical instruments to touring-grade professional audio. Now in its third incarnation, the MG Series embodies this pursuit of design excellence, and incorporates some of the same technologies developed for use in high-end professional consoles, including studio-quality preamps, powerful digital processing, and a rugged, reliable construction. With an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, the MG Series boasts an extensive lineup of compact mixing consoles with models ranging from six to twenty channels, suitable for a diverse range of users and applications. For installed, recording, or live music settings, the solid construction and flexible design of these consoles lets you shape your sound with confidence, continually delivering peak performance and a level of sound quality and reliability unrivaled in its class.
Yamaha has always strived to provide sound engineers with the purest possible signal instead of added processing or color to give it a “signature” sound, and the MG Series is no exception. Embracing this philosophy of transparent sound, these mixing consoles deliver a level of sonic purity and sound quality that is unmatched in their class. Everything you do as a sound engineer is dependent on the quality of your preamps, which determines the direction your mix will take, and ultimately how good it is going to sound. MG Series mixing consoles feature Yamaha’s studio-grade discrete class-A D-PRE preamps, which utilize an inverted Darlington circuit comprising two cascading transistors in a configuration that provides more power with lower impedance.
For gigging, recording, and installed applications alike, your console can be subjected to a wide range of environmental conditions and hazards. Excessive humidity, unstable power supplies, and the rigors of road travel in general can take a serious toll on a mixing console, often causing expensive, time-consuming repairs, and reducing its lifespan. The MG Series has been redesigned with an emphasis on durability, incorporating practical features that offer greater flexibility while ensuring peak performance for many years to come.
8. Yamaha MG20XU 20-Input 6 Bus Mixer
List Price: $929.00
Price: $699.99
You Save: $229.01 (25%)
- D-PRE” Mic preamps with an inverted Darlington circuit
- Metal chassis with XLR balanced outputs and internal universal power supply
- Built-in SPX digital effects, bi-directional USB, one-knob compressors
For more than a century, Yamaha has been building a legacy of superior craftsmanship and innovation exemplified in all of our products, from an unrivaled catalog of world-class musical instruments to touring-grade professional audio. Now in its third incarnation, the MG Series embodies this pursuit of design excellence, and incorporates some of the same technologies developed for use in high-end professional consoles, including studio-quality preamps, powerful digital processing, and a rugged, reliable construction. With an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, the MG Series boasts an extensive lineup of compact mixing consoles with models ranging from six to twenty channels, suitable for a diverse range of users and applications. For installed, recording, or live music settings, the solid construction and flexible design of these consoles lets you shape your sound with confidence, continually delivering peak performance and a level of sound quality and reliability unrivaled in its class.
Yamaha has always strived to provide sound engineers with the purest possible signal instead of added processing or color to give it a “signature” sound, and the MG Series is no exception. Embracing this philosophy of transparent sound, these mixing consoles deliver a level of sonic purity and sound quality that is unmatched in their class. Everything you do as a sound engineer is dependent on the quality of your preamps, which determines the direction your mix will take, and ultimately how good it is going to sound. MG Series mixing consoles feature Yamaha’s studio-grade discrete class-A D-PRE preamps, which utilize an inverted Darlington circuit comprising two cascading transistors in a configuration that provides more power with lower impedance.
For gigging, recording, and installed applications alike, your console can be subjected to a wide range of environmental conditions and hazards. Excessive humidity, unstable power supplies, and the rigors of road travel in general can take a serious toll on a mixing console, often causing expensive, time-consuming repairs, and reducing its lifespan. The MG Series has been redesigned with an emphasis on durability, incorporating practical features that offer greater flexibility while ensuring peak performance for many years to come.
9. Alto Professional ZMX122FX 8-Channel 2-Bus Mixer with 16 inputs and Zephyr Mic Preamps
List Price: $219.00
Price: $119.99
You Save: $99.01 (45%)
- Compact mixer with built-in Alesis effects for live sound, mobile A/V, DJ and home studio use
- (16) total inputs including a wide range of XLR, 1/4-inch and RCA jacks
- RCA inputs & outputs for connectors for seamless integration of A/V gear
- Aux sends and returns on 1/4-inch jacks for easy integration of outboard processors and more
- Ultra-low noise discrete mic pre with +18V Phantom power; compatible with condenser and dynamic mics
The ZMX122FX is an eight-channel, two-bus mixer with all the inputs, outputs, routing, EQ, and effects you need for more intimate live performance reinforcement situations. It features four microphone inputs with balanced TRS jacks (two with Phantom Power), a three-band EQ and two AUX sends on each of the four mono channels and the two stereo channels, and even two-track inputs for integrating audio playback devices. The ZMX122FX is a perfect, take-anywhere professional mixer.
Features for Any Gig
- 16 total inputs including XLR jacks with Phantom Power on channels 1 through 4
- 4 mic input channels with gold-plated XLR and balanced line inputs
- 2 stereo input channels with balanced TRS jacks
- Extremely high headroom offering extra dynamic range
- 3-band EQ on each channel
- On-board digital effects processor and 3-shelf EQ on each mono and stereo channel
- Footswitch input for effects bypass/activation (footswitch not included)
- 2 aux sends pre-fader for external effects and monitoring
- 2-bus design with Main and Control Room 1/4” stereo outputs
Regardless of what you’re mixing, give your mix a professional edge with 256 onboard 24-bit DSP effects designed in partnership with Alesis, a coveted creator of sound-shaping digital effects that has been setting standards for DSP technology for nearly three decades. Choose from room and space delays, small and large hall acoustics, plate and spring reverbs, flangers, chorus effects and more. The ZMX122FX offers 16 variations of 16 professional Alesis effects from which to build, tweak, and dial in your sound. There’s even a footswitch input so you can bypass all effects hands-free (footswitch not included).
The ZMX122FX packs an enormous amount of features into a very compact space, but we took a no-compromise approach where the purity of your mix is concerned. This compact mixer brings the same standard of quality to your performances as our top-of-the-line models. All Alto Professional ZMX mixers are designed with high headroom and ultra low-noise, discrete mic preamps so you always get the full dynamic range of your mix every time. Pristine sound. No compromises.
The ZMX122FX is the swiss army knife that your creative life needs. Not only can you can plug dynamic, condenser, and wireless microphones into the first four channels, but you also get two stereo channel inputs for keyboards, drum machines, and other instruments. Plus, you can easily plug in your MP3 player, CD player, or audio from a DVD player into the CD/TAPE inputs. You also have two AUX sends that you can use to send streams of audio from your mixer to a digital effects unit, stage monitor, or any number of sources. Choose the ZMX122FX as the audio central command for your live performances, home studio, or video suite.
We designed every ZMX mixer with your performance in mind. Oftentimes venues are dark and it can be hard to see what you’re working with. Alto Professional solves this problem by not only color coding each section of the mixer, but also by using brightly colored knobs so that you can easily find what you need to adjust before you ever lay a finger on the mixer. Our blue, red, yellow and white pots are instantly easy to identify in dim lighting. LED indicators for output level, peak, and phantom power also assist in making sure that you have multiple visual cues that compliment everything you’re hearing. Includes: ZMX122FX Mixer, Power Cable, User Guide, Safety & Warranty Manual
10. rolls MX51S Mini Mix II 2 1/4 & 3 RCA Mixer
List Price: $66.00
Price: $62.55
You Save: $3.45 (5%)
- For mixing a microphone XLR input with up to three RCA input signals^Four channels total^Line / Headphone output level
The MX51s Mini Mix 2 is small four-channel mixer with individual volume controls, and a headphone / line output. The unit has one XLR input along with an 1/8” input and 3 sets of stereo RCA inputs. It has enough gain and output level to connect to a power amplifier, with either RCA or 1/8” jacks. The MX51s is powered by an included ROLLS PS27 12 VDC adapter.
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Copyright 2015 Kelly Downing