The Best Compact Live Mixers  ·  Source: Unsplash / Alexey Ruban

Whether you’re working with an electronic live act or a classical ensemble – a compact mixer is essential both on stage or in the rehearsal room. With the endless options available, it’s difficult to know where to start. So to get you started we’ve picked out the best compact live mixers.

You will find a few older models in this list, however, this is the nature of analogue equipment that doesn’t need to compete with the ever-changing tech formats. In this price range, the digital features mostly include built-in interfaces and effects. So check out the different features and let’s find something that suits your setup.

Soundcraft’s Notepad series of compact mixers are lightweight but well built and affordable. The Notepad-12FX gives you four mono input channels with XLR/jack combo sockets for microphone and line signals including phantom power. In addition, there are four stereo inputs, one of which is intended for RCA.

The mono channels also feature Hi-Z switches for instruments such as guitars, a 100 Hz low cut, and a 3-band EQ. Built-in Lexicon effects include delay, chorus, and reverb. There is also a Tap Tempo feature, which is useful. The audio interface provides 4-track recordings at 48 kHz and the master outs are XLR with a handy LED level meter.

The super-compact GigMix 4-1 is a 4-input digital mixer. This gives you four TRS and one XLR input, which unfortunately doesn’t carry phantom power. However, there are ways around this. Each channel has aux sends and access to the internal effects such as noise gate, compressor, EQ, reverb, and delay.

A useful touch is that you can save and recall up to ten preset mixer configurations, making it easy to switch between songs. Overall, the GigMix 4-1 is a versatile portable tool that fits into any backpack. This is a worthy choice for electronic musicians and instrumentalists who can easily mix their own performances without any hassle.

The Xenyx X2222 USB brings incredible value for the price. A total of 22 input channels, with 8 mic inputs that each have inserts, a 3-band EQ, and a compressor. In addition, channels 9 to 16 process stereo signals, with four stereo returns and 3 aux sends. This should be more than enough inputs to accommodate a small band setup.

The X2222 USB also has an integrated USB audio interface and a multi-effects system. Meanwhile, the included rack kit makes it road ready, allowing you to mount the mixer into your favourite 19-inch rack case.

The ZED-14 has been around for what seems like an eternity, however, that means that it’s a tried and trusted tool. Its six mono inputs are mic/line ready with phantom power, while it also has four stereo inputs and four aux sends. It’s equipped with inserts on every channel (including stereo channels) which are a useful feature, and the mono channels have 3-band EQ.

This gives you a decent amount of control, with sweepable mids and a 100 Hz low cut. In addition, the ZED-14 also has XLR master outs, stereo record outs, and alt stereo outs. For a small format mixer, it gives you flexibility, and the 100 mm channel faders are great to work with.

The Soundcraft Signature series of popular analogue mixers give you an impressive feature set at a decent price point. With Soundcraft’s Ghost preamps, a built-in audio interface, and Lexicon effects you have enough tools to get going on smaller projects, without needing extra gear.

The Signature 12MTK has eight mono inputs with three aux sends per channel. Apart from the dbx limiters on channels one and two, what sets the MTK apart is the fact that you can assign channels to a subgroup. Although the knobs aren’t the best quality, it’s still one of the best options in this price range.

With a good bang for buck ratio, the Live 1604 has ten mono inputs each with DNATM mic pres and switchable phantom power. There are inserts on the first eight channels and compressors on the first six. Channels 9 through 12 can be used in either mono or stereo and there are two additional stereo inputs as well.

In addition, there are four aux sends and each channel has a 3-band EQ. You also get 100 Alesis DSP effects and an integrated audio interface with 16-bit, 44.1kHz recording. For your master outs, you have the option of XLR or jack and there are four subgroups. Overall, the Live 1604 is a versatile desk with plenty of inputs.

Mackie is renowned for building mixers in this end of the market, and the ProFX16v3 has lived up to expectations. It has a total of eleven mic inputs and eight of these have inserts and basic button-activated compressors. You can also use channels 9 to 14 as stereo line inputs, which adds flexibility.

The integrated GigFX and USB interface gives you enough basic tools to take care of rehearsals or small live shows. What makes Makie mixers great though is the layout, which makes them a pleasure to use.

The PreSonus StudioLive AR12c mixer has a great balance of everything: features, design, and decent build quality. There are eight mic/line inputs, four of which can also be used in stereo. Each channel has a 3-band EQ, while channels 1 to 4 have a parametric mid and high-pass filter.

The built-in effects and USB 2.0 audio interface are useful, giving you 24-bit, 96 kHz recording capabilities. Meanwhile, there are also some neat features like a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver and an SD card recorder, but this only offers stereo recordings in 24-bit, 44.1 kHz.

Although it falls slightly outside of the price range of mixers on this list, some of our readers pointed out that the Tascam Model 12 was worth mentioning. The Tascam Model series of analogue and digital mixers bring together a pro feature set into a well-built frame.

The Model 12 gives you eight mic pres with combo inputs and each channel has a compressor and 3-band EQ. Sub-mix assignment is a useful feature and you can record up to 48 kHz 24-Bit onto SD card, or use the built-in USB-C audio interface.

Tascam Model 12 Tascam Model 12 Customer rating: For 639.00 € buy at

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Originally published on Gearnews.de by Dirk.

How do you like this post?

The ‘best’? Or is this really an advertorial for what Thomann wants to shift?

Nope, these recommendations are from the writer with some help from readers. They are the best within the budget of €500. If you’re looking for ‘THE BEST’ I would check out Dynacord or SSL.

What about the Tascam Model series?

Tascam Model 12/16/24 are good options, too.

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