While recording a podcast, a podcast mixer is a piece of hardware or software used to mix multiple audio sources and control each source’s levels, Equalization, and effects. It records and mixes sounds from microphones, music tracks, sound effects, and other audio inputs. The levels and processing of these sounds can change to make a final recording that sounds balanced and polished. In this blog, we will discuss some audio mixers for podcasting, their benefits, and what things to consider when buying a mixer for podcasting.
Ten best audio mixers for podcasting
Here are the ten best audio mixers for podcasting:
Zoom LiveTrak L-12
It has 12 inputs that can connect various microphones, instruments, and other audio sources. It comes with effects like reverb, delay, and compression, and it can connect to a computer via USB for easy recording. It’s great for listening to podcasts on the go because it’s small and easy to carry.
Pros
It’s portable, has 12 inputs, effects built in, and USB connectivity
Cons
It doesn’t mix automatically, and it can’t mix with more expensive models.
PreSonus StudioLive Series III
This professional-grade mixer has a lot of options for inputs, processing, and effects. It has 16 built-in XMAX preamps and works with Dante network audio protocols, making it perfect for podcasting setups with many users.
Pros
It’s made for professionals, has 16 inputs, built-in effects, and works with network audio.
Cons
It costs a lot and is hard to use.
The Behringer Xenyx X1204USB
It has cheap with four microphone inputs and USB connectivity, which makes it easy to record on a computer. It also has effects like reverb, delay, and compression built right in. Si it is easy to use in different podcasting setups because it is small.
Pros
It’s cheap, has four mic inputs, built-in effects, and a USB port.
Cons
There are fewer inputs than on more expensive models, and mixing is pretty simple.
Mackie ProFXv3 Series
It has a variety of inputs and built-in effects, such as reverb, delay, and chorus. It can connect to a computer via USB, which makes it easy to record, and it has Onyx preamps for high-quality audio production.
Pros
It’s small, has built-in effects, connects to USB, and has Onyx preamps.
Cons
There are fewer inputs than in bigger models.
Yamaha AG06
It is a small mixer with two microphone inputs, USB connectivity, and built-in effects like reverb, delay, and compression. It’s great for podcasting on the go because it’s small and easy to carry.
Pros
It’s portable and has two mic inputs, built-in effects, and a USB port.
Cons
There are fewer inputs than there are on bigger models, and mixing is pretty simple.
Roland GO: MIXER PRO
It has a variety of inputs and built-in effects, such as reverb, chorus, and delay. It also has a small, battery-powered design and USB connectivity for easy recording on a computer.
Pros
It’s portable, has built-in effects, and works with USB.
Cons
There are fewer inputs than there are on bigger models, and mixing is pretty simple.
Tascam Model 16
This small mixer has 16 inputs, uses USB, and has built-in effects. It is great for many podcasting setups because it is easy to use and has many inputs.
Pros
It has 16 inputs, built-in effects, and a USB port.
Cons
Compared to more expensive models, it can’t mix as well.
Behringer UFX1604
It is a professional-grade mixer with 16 inputs, USB connectivity, and various effects. It also has DSP built in and works with Dante network audio protocols, making it perfect for podcasting setups with many users.
Pros
It’s made for professionals, has 16 inputs, built-in effects, and works with network audio.
Cons
It costs a lot and is hard to use.
Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2
It has two mic inputs, a USB port, and built-in effects. It’s great for podcasting on the go because it’s small and has Onyx preamps.
Pros
It’s small and has two mic inputs, built-in effects, USB connectivity, and Onyx preamps.
Cons
There aren’t as many inputs as with
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
A portable audio interface with two mic preamps and USB connectivity.
Pros
It’s small, easy to use, and cheap.
Cons
There are a few ways to mix, and the mic preamps could be better.
Podcast mixer for beginners
Several simple and inexpensive audio mixers have enough features to make high-quality audio for people who want to start podcasting. Here are some
Behringer Xenyx Q802USB
It has two microphone inputs, USB connectivity, and built-in effects like reverb, delay, and compression. It’s cheap and easy to use, so it’s a great choice for people just starting with podcasting.
Mackie PROFXv2 Series
It has USB connectivity and built-in effects and is easy for new podcasters to use. It’s cheap and has a lot of different inputs, so it’s a good choice for people just starting.
Tascam DR-05X
This portable audio recorder is easy to use and has built-in stereo condenser microphones. It can connect to a computer via USB, which makes it easy to move music files to a computer. This option is great for podcasters just starting and wanting a small, all-in-one way to record.
Roland GO: MIXER
This small audio recorder is portable and easy for new podcasters because it runs on batteries. It has built-in effects, can connect to a computer via USB, and is easy to use.
These audio mixers are good for podcasters who are just getting started and want a cheap but high-quality resolution.
What are the benefits of podcasting mixers?
There are several reasons to use an audio mixer for podcasting:
Better sound quality
With a mixer, you can adjust the levels, Equalization, and processing of each audio source. This makes the final recording more balanced and polished.
Flexibility
They have multiple inputs for different audio sources, like microphones, sound effects, and music tracks. This lets you make a dynamic audio production with many layers.
Easy to record
They have USB connections that make it easy to connect them to a computer and record directly into audio editing software. This eliminates the need for complicated analog-to-digital conversion setups. Mixers make it easier for people to work together during recording sessions because they have more than one input.
Recording on the go
Portable mixers can record sound anywhere, which makes them perfect for field recording or live events.
Increase creativity
They come with a variety of effects and processing options that let you give your audio productions more depth, character, and personality.
More control
It gives you control over each audio source to change the levels, EQ, and processing while recording.
Using mixers for podcasting can improve your audio production’s quality, flexibility, and creativity, letting you get the best sound for your podcast.
What to look for when buying a podcast mixer?
Getting the right mixers for podcasting setup requires you to consider several things and weigh your needs and preferences. Here are some steps that will help you decide:
Determined your input need
Figure out how many microphones and audio sources you will need for your podcast. Ensure it has enough input for all the audio sources you want to use.
Preamps
Look for mixers with good microphone preamps to ensure your recordings are clear and strong.
Consider effects and processing
What kind of effects and processing do you need for your audio production? Think about mixers with built-in Equalization, compression, and reverb for better audio production.
Look for USB connectivity
If you want to record directly into your computer, look for a mixer with USB connectivity to make recording easy.
Portability
If you want to record on the go, look for a small and portable one, or think about getting one that can run on batteries.
Ease of use
If you’re new to audio mixing, choose one that is easy to use and has a simple interface.
Price
It should be cheap or very expensive, so think about your budget and which features are most important to you.
compatibility
Make sure the mixer and the software you use to edit audio work with your computer.
Read reviews
Look for reviews and recommendations from other podcasters or audio professionals to find out how well it works in real-world situations.
Podcast mixer software
A podcast mixer is a computer program that lets users mix and edits audio recordings for their podcast episodes. It gives users a virtual mixing console that lets them change levels, add effects, and change how audio tracks sound. Some popular software for mixing podcasts is:
- Adobe Audition is professional software for editing and mixing podcasts. It has many tools for editing and mixing podcasts.
- GarageBand is a digital audio workstation also known as DAW made by Apple. It is easy to use and has a lot of tools for editing and mixing podcasts.
- Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor with many tools for editing and mixing podcasts, such as effects, noise reduction, and Equalization.
- Logic Pro X is a professional DAW with a large library of plugins and sound effects that can use to edit and mix podcasts.
- Pro Tools is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) used extensively in the music and audio production industries. It has a lot of tools for editing and mixing podcasts.
This podcast mixer software helps users to make high-quality audio recordings for their podcasts. This software gives them various tools and features to improve their audio recordings and make them sound more professional.
Podcast mixer USB
A podcast mixer with USB connectivity is an audio mixer that is connected to a computer with a USB cable. This lets audio recordings send from the mixer to the computer to be edited and processed. This mixer is perfect for podcasters who want to record audio straight to their computer.
Some of the most popular podcast mixers that can connect to USB are:
- Behringer Xenyx Q802USB
- Mackie PROFXv2 Series
- Tascam DR-05X
- Zoom H6 Handy Recorder
These podcast mixers with USB connections make it easy and quick for podcasters to move their audio recordings to their computer, where they can be edited and processed.
Podcast mixer for phone calls
Several audio mixers are made to handle multiple audio sources, including phone calls, so they can be used to record phone calls as part of a podcast. Here are some to think about:
- Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB
- Mackie PROFX12v2
- Tascam DR-40X
- Zoom H4n Pro
These are a good choice for podcasters who need to record phone calls as part of their episodes. They have the inputs and connections you need to record high-quality audio and many features for recording and mixing podcasts.
