We’ve chosen our favorites from basic plug-and-play setups for a solo performer in a coffee shop to vast multi-input desks for larger venues and ensembles to help you sound as unique as you can. Before the pandemic, we were all likely guilty of taking live music for granted. Let’s not repeat that mistake. View our best picks in the list below.
1. Behringer X AIR XR18
A price that is incredibly low and has an extensive feature set. The XR18 is a rackmount device (that you may also set on a tabletop) without any onboard controls. Using the free X AIR control software from Behringer, you can make adjustments on an iPad, an Android tablet, or a computer running Mac, Windows, or Linux.
2. Miktek MX4
This small 4-in-2-out mixer combines two 1/4″ instrument impedance inputs (numbered 3 and 4) with a small jack stereo input (2), a phantom-powered XLR mic input, and other uncommon features to create a truly portable device (1).
3. PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2 USB
A product that has been thoughtfully created to provide you with all the mixing and processing capabilities you need for live sound, live recording, and studio recording. The 16.0.2 USB features two master results processors that offer reverb and delay effects that you may adjust and are accessed via two effects sends for each channel (permits you to route audio from a track to the master effects).
4. Zoom LiveTrak L-20
Specifically for live recording and live performance, the LiveTrak L-20 offers a wealth of well-designed capabilities. Musicians can build a band’s PA system around the largest LiveTrak model (16 mic/line, two pairs of stereo lines, and L-12 and L-8 variants are also available from Zoom). Each input channel has a 3-band EQ and a single-knob compressor to produce effects.
5. Keith McMillen K-Mix
This choice is intriguing and incredibly portable because of its colorful style, astonishingly small size, and affordable pricing. You may make a double-take when you first watch K-Mix. Instead of faders, it contains backlit touch strips that can be utilized as channel faders or level controls for aux sends, input trims, and reverb sends, as per your selected mode. The LEDs visible via the translucent faders may indicate their positions or serve as VU meters.
6. Zoom PodTrak P4
A complete, user-friendly podcast production studio that you can have in your palm is the PodTrak P4. The P4 could be a revelation if you want to create a podcast but need more experience or studio equipment. The portable plastic chassis of this little mixer houses four XLR mic inputs with gain knobs and switchable phantom power.
7. Yamaha MG16XU
Therefore, the Yamaha MG16XU is the best option for a live mixing console because it guarantees total transparency over your sound. With 16 inputs, you may connect a wide variety of sources, and there are many knobs for EQ, effects, and other settings.
8. Mackie MX12FX
Instances, where a practical, low-profile mixer is required to combine a few signals are the primary target market for Mackie’s Mix Series live mixer line. You also receive eight EQ-free stereo channels and four mic/line channel strips with three-band EQ and 75Hz low-cut filters.
9. Presonus StudioLive AR16c
The desk’s 16 analog inputs are more than adequate for most bands, and the Bluetooth 5.0 support on its 17th and 18th channels lets you play back music straight from your phone.
10. Notepad-5 By Soundcraft
Its five inputs are set up as two stereo channels (one line level with phono inputs and one with 1/4″ jack inputs) and one mono mic/line/instrument channel. A top-notch Soundcraft preamp, a basic 2-band EQ, a low-cut filter, a Hi-Z switch, and a peak level meter are all included in the mono input. Additionally, each channel has its monitor level.
