7 Best Audio Mixers for Podcasting and Streaming

My short version: a simple interface is usually better for one microphone. A mixer starts earning its space when you need several live sources, hands-on routing, or multiple monitor mixes.

Seven of the Best Audio Mixers for Streaming and Podcasting

Mackie 402VLZ4

The Mackie 402VLZ4 is the smallest analog option here. It has two mic preamps, four line inputs, a two-band EQ, and no USB interface. I would use it for a compact analog submix, not as the center of a computer-recording setup.

Check the Mackie 402VLZ4 listing

Manufacturer specs

Yamaha MG10XU

The Yamaha MG10XU is the easiest all-around analog pick in this group. It has four mic/line inputs, three stereo line channels, two-in/two-out USB audio, onboard effects, and one-knob compression on the first two channels. The catch is that USB records the stereo mix, not every input as a separate track.

Check the Yamaha MG10XU listing

Manufacturer specs

Behringer XENYX Q802USB

The Behringer XENYX Q802USB is a small budget mixer with two mic preamps, two stereo line channels, simple channel compression, and a stereo USB interface. It makes sense when you only need a stereo mix in the computer. It is not an eight-track USB recorder.

Check the Behringer XENYX Q802USB listing

Manufacturer specs

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is the analog choice I would compare when separate USB channels matter. Its four-in/four-out USB interface is more flexible than the stereo-only USB path on many small mixers, and the FX version adds a useful onboard effects bank.

Check the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX listing

Manufacturer specs

PreSonus StudioLive AR16 USB

The original PreSonus StudioLive AR16 USB is discontinued, so treat current listings as used or old stock. It can record its inputs over an 18x4 USB connection and can capture a stereo mix to SD. If you want this workflow new, compare the current AR16c before buying.

Check the PreSonus StudioLive AR16 USB listing

Manufacturer specs

Soundcraft Ui16

The Soundcraft Ui16 is a browser-controlled digital mixer built around remote mixing, recall, processing, and multiple monitor mixes. Its USB recording path is two-channel, so I would choose it for live or remote control—not for isolated multitrack podcast recording.

Check the Soundcraft Ui16 listing

Manufacturer specs

Behringer X AIR XR18

The Behringer X AIR XR18 is the multitrack and multi-mic option in this list. Its 18x18 USB interface can send individual inputs to a DAW, and app control keeps the hardware compact. It is powerful, but it asks you to be comfortable mixing from a computer or tablet.

Check the Behringer X AIR XR18 listing

Manufacturer specs

The History of the Audio Mixer

The audio mixer has been around for more than a century and is an essential tool in recording and mixing sound.

Audio mixers are used to adjust the volume and tone of different audio sources, including microphones, instruments, tapes, CDs and digital files.

The first audio mixing boards were developed in 1909 when inventors sought to combine multiple pieces of recorded audio into one cohesive sound.

In the early days, audio mixers were bulky and had limited options for controlling levels.

As technology progressed, engineers began to refine the design of audio mixing boards to provide more control over the sound.

One of the earliest commercially successful mixing consoles was developed by Les Paul in 1952. This console allowed two channels of audio to be mixed together and was used by top recording studios around the world.

Today, there are many types of audio mixers available on the market. These range from small, compact mixers perfect for home studios, to extremely powerful and feature-rich consoles that are designed specifically for professional use.

Audio mixers come with a variety of features such as EQ, panning, limiters and compressors.

Different types of audio mixers are designed for specific tasks such as live sound reinforcement or recording in the studio.

A good understanding of how to use an audio mixer will help you create better mixes and get the best possible results from your recordings.

Thanks to advances in technology, today’s mixers are more powerful and feature-rich than ever before.

There are many options available to suit any budget, so finding the right audio mixer for your needs shouldn’t be an issue.

Whether you’re a professional sound engineer or just looking to create some great music at home, there is an audio mixer out there for you.

With the right mixer, you can take your audio mixes to a whole new level and achieve amazing sound quality.

Why Do I Need a Podcasting Mixer?

Mixers are a crucial component in any podcast recording or streaming setup.

They allow you to control and balance the levels of multiple audio sources, such as microphones, music tracks, and sound effects.

First, let's define what a mixer is.

Simply put, a mixer is an audio device that combines multiple audio signals into a single output.

It allows you to control the levels of each individual audio source and adjust them in relation to one another.

Mixers come in a variety of formats, including standalone units, digital software, and even built-in features on certain audio interfaces.

Audio mixers for podcasting are particularly useful because they allow you to control the levels of multiple microphones.

For example, if you're recording an interview with a guest, you'll want to make sure that both your voice and your guest's voice are at the same level.

A mixer makes it easy to adjust the levels of each microphone so that they're balanced and easy to hear.

Another advantage audio mixers for podcasting is that it allows you to add sound effects and music tracks to your recording.

For example, you can use a mixer to fade in background music at the beginning of your podcast and fade it out at the end.

This can help to create a more professional-sounding podcast and add an extra layer of production value.

How I’d choose a podcast mixer

Start with the number of microphones. Leave room for one more guest or source than you use today, but do not pay for a large console just because the channel number looks impressive.

Then check the USB recording path. A stereo USB feed records your live mix as one left-right file. Multitrack USB records separate inputs, which is much easier to fix in post.

Finally, check monitoring and routing. Headphone outputs, aux sends, mix-minus routing for remote guests, and easy mute controls matter more in daily use than a long effects list.

If I were building a basic two-person show, I would keep the setup small. For a panel, live stream, or production with several isolated tracks, I would move to a true multitrack mixer.

Important Audio Terms to Know

If you don't have a degree in audio production or you're not a pro audio engineer, there might be a few terms that leave you scratching your head.

Here are a few:

High Pass Filters - These filters allow frequencies above a certain point to pass through, while blocking lower frequencies. It is used to remove low-frequency rumble or mud in the signal which can muddle up the clarity of your audio.

Compression - Compressors reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal by turning down loud sounds and amplifying quiet ones, making the overall signal level more consistent.

Limiting - This process is similar to compression, but it takes it a step further by preventing levels from going above a certain threshold. It’s used when you want to prevent distortion and clipping.

Equalization - Equalizers are filters that allow you to boost or cut certain frequencies to shape the tone of your audio. It’s used to adjust the frequency balance in a signal and make it more pleasing to listen to.

Reverb - Reverb is an effect that adds natural-sounding reverberation or “echo” to a sound, which gives the impression of being in an acoustic space. It can be used to create a sense of depth and texture to a recording.

Noise Reduction - Noise reduction is a process that reduces or eliminates unwanted background noise in audio recordings. It is often used in post-production to clean up dialogue tracks, music recordings, and other audio sources.

Dithering - Dithering is an audio processing technique that adds a low-level noise to the signal in order to reduce quantization distortion. It's often used when converting between different bit depths or sample rates, such as from 24-bit/48kHz to 16-bit/44.1kHz.

Audio Mixer FAQ

Do I need a mixer for a one-microphone podcast?

Usually not. A straightforward audio interface is simpler when you only need one or two microphones and do not need live routing, sound effects, or several headphone mixes.

What is the difference between a mixer and an audio interface?

A mixer combines and routes several sources. An audio interface gets audio into and out of the computer. Some products do both, but the USB side may record only a stereo mix instead of separate channels.

Why does stereo USB versus multitrack USB matter?

Stereo USB sends the finished left-right mix to the computer. Multitrack USB sends individual microphones or channels, which gives you much more control when editing the podcast later.

Which mixer is the best fit for a small podcast?

The Yamaha MG10XU is a practical choice when you want hands-on analog controls and a stereo USB mix. The ZEDi-10FX is worth the step up when four-channel USB recording matters. For larger multi-mic sessions, I would look at the XR18.

Can I use these mixers for live streaming?

Yes, but check the exact USB routing first. The mixer needs to send the program mix to your streaming computer without creating a feedback loop from computer audio.

What should I check before buying?

Count microphone inputs, decide whether you need stereo or multitrack USB recording, check headphone and aux outputs, and confirm whether phantom power is global or per channel. Those details matter more than the total channel number on the box.

If you are comparing compact analog options, you can also check the Q802USB listing and Mackie 402VLZ4 listing.