An audio mixer may not be among the most basic equipment needed for starting your own podcast. However, as you progress, you’ll realize that it’s the best way to record from multiple sources. A podcast mixer becomes very useful when you decide to conduct an interview or add live music, both of which typically require their own tracks so you can fully refine each of them later on.
Aside from being used to combine and modify sounds, this electronic device can be used to clean up your tracks, clarify your audio, eliminate a few minor sound problems that podcasters typically face during recording, and create special effects that you can have fun with during post-production.
If you need any more convincing, check out our list of 10 of the best podcasting mixers that have passed the standards of many of today’s most successful podcasters.
What is a podcast mixer?
A mixer combines multiple signals and routes them to a common output for recording and/or broadcast. Signals include microphones, line-level instruments, and other sound sources like computers, phones, or tablets. A podcast mixer typically has specialized features that normal mixers don’t, like the ability to store and trigger sound effects and music, which are common elements of a well-produced podcast. Mixers can also provide effects like equalization to enhance the sound quality before post-production.
Why you need a mixer for podcasting
A podcast mixer performs many essential functions. In addition to combining and routing different sound sources, podcast mixers have built-in microphone preamps. Preamps amplify the quiet signal produced by a microphone so it’s loud enough to record or broadcast live.
Above anything else, most of today’s mixers act as an audio interface that connects to a computer or laptop over USB. This lets you record directly to your computer, and additionally, some podcast mixers even work as standalone recorders themselves — no computer required. A mixer consolidates a lot of standard audio production tools in a single piece of hardware.
Features to look for in a podcast mixer
Number of preamps
One of the first features to look for in the best podcasting mixer is how many preamps it has available. This can be very important depending on the number of people on the show. You may also want the opportunity to expand and add microphones later on, so you should look for a mixer with enough preamps/microphone inputs to suit current and future needs.
Recording capabilities
Another important feature is its recording capability. Does it interface with a computer via USB for recording into a DAW? Does it work as a standalone multitrack recorder? Or both? As a partial aside, standalone recording is particularly great for newcomers to audio who don’t feel comfortable getting their hands dirty in audio production software just yet.
Onboard effects
To springboard off of that, onboard effects are quality features to observe. Even a podcast, usually with simple mixing requirements, needs some extra love to clean up the sound and make it professional. If you don’t want to do post-production mixing in a DAW, having access to equalization, at the very least, will let you touch up your sound before you print it.
Storage
Finally, keep an eye on built-in storage that allows you to load your own sound effects and music beds. Where there’s storage specifically for that, there are normally also assignable pads to trigger those sounds from. All of these are important features to look for in the best podcasting mixer.
Best Podcasting Mixers
Similar to choosing your podcast microphone, headphones, and even your recording software, selecting a mixer requires a lot of thought. First, you’ll need to figure out which one best suits your podcasting type (solo podcaster/group interviews/music shows), which one is most compatible with your other hardware, how many mixer channels you want, the special effects you want to include, and most importantly, your budget.
With the following information provided for each product, we hope you’ll be able to find the perfect mixer that suits all of your unique podcasting needs.
TC Helicon GO XLR Mini Online Broadcast Mixer
The GoXLR Mini is a solo podcaster’s dream. It’s succinct and highly capable, with a variety of inputs and outputs controlled by four large faders on the interface. The primary input is a single XLR microphone preamp, and there’s also a 3.5mm unbalanced microphone input for use with 3.5mm mics. Built-in effects include EQ, compression, and noise gating to get studio quality sound straight from the mixer. PC-based creators will love how fun the GoXLR Mini is to use.
Key Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 4
- Preamps/Mic Inputs: 1x Balanced XLR Input with Midas Preamp, 1x Unbalanced 3.5mm
- Effects: EQ, Compression, Noise Gating
- Recording Quality: 24-bit/48kHz to computer via USB
- Includes Line In/Out and Optical connections for various sound sources
TC Electronic Helicon GoXLR 4-Channel USB Streaming Mixer
The full-sized GoXLR is an intuitive controller for PC-based podcasting and content creation. It offers four channels and a variety of analog inputs and outputs for most solo podcast needs. Advanced control comes from the GoXLR PC application, allowing users to assign sound effects and drops to the mixer’s RGB-backlit buttons and pads. Also included are a wide variety of creative vocal effects, such as reverb, pitch-shifting, hardtuning (think “Auto-Tune”), and more.
Key Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 4
- Preamps/Mic Inputs: 1x XLR Input with Midas Preamp, 1x Unbalanced 3.5mm
- Effects: EQ, Compression, Noise Gating, Reverb, Echo, Pitch-Shifting, Formant, Megaphone, Robot, Hardtune
- Recording Quality: 24-bit/48kHz to computer via USB
- Offers four rotational encoders and a total of 24 buttons to control primary functions
Rode RODECaster Pro Integrated Podcast Production Console
Rode has been a trusted name in the audio industry for decades. Amongst their many impressive products are some of the best podcasting mixers available. Everything about the Pro Integrated console is designed to simplify the production process, even for those who have no previous experience in audio. It includes everything we love about a great mixer, including four mic preamps, programmable pads for jingle/effect playback, phone connectivity for call-in guests, standalone recording, and multiple effects for top-to-bottom mixing and clean-up.
Key Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 8
- Preamps/Mic Inputs: 4x XLR Mic Inputs
- Effects: Aphex Big Bottom and Aural Exciter for post processing
- Recording Quality: 24-bit/48kHz to computer via USB or to microSD as standalone device
- Incredibly versatile and easy to use
Rode RODECaster Pro II Integrated Audio Production Studio Console
The highly capable RODECaster Pro II is the best podcasting mixer for anyone who wants premium sound quality and a ton of powerful features in an intuitive, all-in-one solution. This nine-channel mixer has six physical faders and three virtual ones controlled through Rode Central software. The large 5.5” touchscreen makes navigating the mixer a breeze, and the included VoxLab processing allows anyone to mix like an absolute pro. If there were a singular mixer to purchase for podcasting, this would be it.
Key Specifications:
- Number of Channels: 9
- Preamps/Mic Inputs: 4x Neutrik Combo XLR/TS Inputs
- Effects: VoxLab Multieffect Processing, Aphex Processing, Reverb, Delay, Robot
- Recording Quality: 24-bit/48kHz to two computers via dual USB-C outputs or to microSD as standalone device
- Large, easily navigable touchscreen, programmable pads, a full suite of effects, and best-in-class podcast power
Behringer XENYX X1204USB
As the upgraded version of the X1202USB, which was hailed as one of the best affordable mixers around half a decade ago, the X1204USB has become a favorite among new and aspiring podcasters. A notable improvement is the use of sliders (or faders) instead of knobs for easier and more precise adjustments of channel volume levels.
For the X1204USB, you can support up to 12 audio channels, have four Xenyx mic preamps, the same familiar single-knob compressors, and an integrated USB audio interface—this time, also for Linux operating systems.
Key Specifications:
- Built-in USB Audio Interface
- 12 Channels, 2 Bus Outs
- Four (4) Xenyx Mic Preamps
- Built-In Single Knob Compressors
- 3-Band British EQs
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
Behringer XENYX X1832USB
The Behringer XENYX X1832USB is another favorite among seasoned podcasters and veteran music producers. Although it pretty much uses the same integrated single knob for its compressors, 3-band British equalizers, and 12 channels, this premium mixer includes six XENYX quality preamps—two more than the X1204USB—and four stereo channels for convenient signal-level management.
Use it to record and mix your tracks at home or in the studio—wherever your podcasting takes you. Simply connect it to your audio sources and use any podcast recording software on your Mac, Linus, or Windows computer and you’re all set!
Key Specifications:
- Built-in USB Audio Interface
- 12 Channels, 2 Bus Outs
- Six (6) XENYX Mic Preamps
- Built-In Single Knob Compressors
- 3-Band British EQ
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
Samson MXP124FX
The MXP124FX from Samson is an analog stereo mixer that supports up to 8 channels (with 8 bus outs), offers a range of high-quality effects, four clean mic preamps with phantom power for your dynamic or condenser mics, two single-knob compressors, and also a built-in USB interface. With 3-band equalizers on every channel, you only get great-sounding vocals and music.
Simply connect it to your computer and to your digital audio workstation (DAW) software to start recording. You can even record audio from Skype calls, in case you’re conducting online podcast interviews.
Key Specifications:
- Analog Stereo Mixer with Built-in USB Connection
- 8 Channels, 8 Bus Outs
- Four (4) MDR Mic Preamps
- Built-in Dual Knob Compressors
- 3-Band EQs
Behringer Xenyx Q502USB
We simply can’t get enough of Behringer mixers. And for our last feature for the brand, we have the small but powerful Xenyx Q502USB. It has only 5 channels, 2 bus outs, one XENIX mic preamp, and 2-band British equalizers. However, it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac and is very suitable for beginner podcasters with tighter budgets who plan to focus more on one-on-one or micro group interviews.
Key Specifications:
- Built-in USB Audio Interface (2-In/2-Out)
- 5 Channels, 2 Bus Outs
- One (1) XENYX Mic Preamp
- 2-Band British EQ
- Built-in Single Knob Compressors
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Soundcraft Signature 12MTK
Judging from its price range, the Soundcraft Signature 12MTK is aimed at more professional podcasters and radio broadcasters. The MTK stands for “multi-track mixer,” which means it can record each track from 12 channels individually. It also has eight 3-pin XLR mic inputs, with Soundcraft Ghost mic preamps and 3-band Sapphyre EQs that allow you to effortlessly achieve premium-quality sound.
As a bonus, the mixer also comes with a free download of the podcast recording and music production software, Ableton Live 9 Lite.
Key Specifications:
- Analog Audio Mixer with Built-in USB Connection (14-In/12-Out)
- 12 Channels, 12 Bus Outs
- Eight (8) Ghost Mic Preamps
- 3-Band Sapphyre EQs
- Switchable XLR and Hi-Z Inputs
Allen & Heath ZEDi-10
Another smart small-format studio mixer that provides excellent sound quality is the Allen & Heath ZEDI-10. It comes with a built-in 4×4 USB audio interface and allows you to connect up to 4 microphones to its GSPre mic preamps as well as 2 instruments without the need for individual DI boxes. You also get 2 additional stereo channels for your other line-level sources, such as synths and electronic percussions.
Record and play back audio tracks from up to four 24-bit/96kHz channels via USB with just the ZEDI-10. Considering its many features and benefits, this mixer is amazingly compact, allowing you to conveniently bring it with you to any location.
Key Specifications:
- Built-in Audio USB Interface (4-In/4-Out)
- 10 Channels, 3 Bus Outs
- Four (4) GSPre Mic Preamps
- Two (2) High-Impedance Guitar Inputs
- 3-Band EQs
Allen & Heath ZED-12FX
Last but not the least is the ZED-12FX from Allen & Heath, which boasts of a lot of features including 6 mic/line inputs, 4 aux sends, a USB input and output with the sonar software, 100mm professional faders, and 3-band equalizers. It also has specialized DuoPre preamps that are clean and easy to use, as well as many other innovative features for the experienced and everyday podcaster.
This top-quality podcast mixer assures clean mixes and good quality output for every podcaster and audio/music enthusiast. As the best mixer under $500, it certainly gives you more than what you pay for.
Key Specifications:
- Built-in USB Audio Interface
- 12 Channels, 2 Bus Outs
- DuoPre Preamps
- 3-Band EQs
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Being aware of these and other premium mixers help make shopping for the right podcast mixer easier for you. Make sure to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each while you consider your podcast recording requirements. Finding the appropriate mixer for your needs and skill level will help ensure that you’ve made the right investment for creating great podcast shows.
