Recording Mixers

Whether you have a home recording studio for creating beats or you’re outfitting an auditorium with a comprehensive sound system, your recording mixer is one of the most important components of your setup.

Recording Mixers

A recording mixer—also known as an audio mixer, a soundboard, or a mixing console—is a piece of equipment that manages audio inputs and outputs so you can adjust sound quality, volume, and levels to suit your performance space or recording.

Mixing consoles come in a range of sizes and configurations. There are simple components for personal use, as well as complex components designed for balancing sound levels for live theater performances, orchestras, and bands.

Digital vs Analog Mixers

When shopping for a recording mixer, your first consideration is whether to choose a digital or an analog model.

Analog mixers are often simpler to use and require less programming while digital mixers are much more customizable. If you tend to work with the same instrument inputs or do most of your recording in a DAW (digital audio workstation), then a digital mixer offers many advantages.

If you need a mixer for running live sound without complicated programming, then an analog mixer is a more straightforward option.

Audio Console Features

Some audio consoles are compact and appropriate for smaller bands or recording scenarios. If you’re a content creator or a home podcaster, these mixers are usually sufficient. For professional applications, you’ll need a robust console with plenty of inputs, channels, and outputs.

How Many Channels Do You Need?

A soundboard can have anywhere from one or two channels, to more than 75. In most cases, each channel corresponds to a different track in your recording. For example, you may have one channel for each microphone, one for the keyboard, one for drums, and so on. The more channels you have, the easier it is to isolate instrument levels for fine-tuning your overall mix.

How Many Bus Outs Do You Need?

Most recording mixers have between two and 48 bus outs. Bus outs send your audio signals to other equipment like headphones, speakers, interfaces for recording, and other studio components.

Finding the Right Recording Mixer for You

When it comes to selecting an intuitive, well-designed recording mixer, it’s always a good idea to select a model from one of the top brands in the audio and recording industry. Mackie, PreSonus, Tascam, and Behringer are among the best in the business for reliability and sound quality.