Home studio mixers

Compact 16-channel desktop mixer with high-resolution multi-channel USB 2.0 audio computer interface

Review: The Alesis MultiMix 16 USB 2.0 mixer provides USB 2.0 technology for ultra-fast, low-latency, 24bit/44.1-96 kHz (with high-end A/D & D/A conversion) multi-channel audio recording straight to your computer.

Designed with low-noise analog electronics, the MultiMix 16 USB 2.0 mixer lets users take advantage of 100 studio-grade 28bit digital effects. Whether used for mobile or studio recording, the MultiMix 16 USB 2.0 mixer makes recording high-quality audio to your computer fast and easy.

The MultiMix 16 USB 2.0 mixer is also bundled with award-winning Cubase LE software for instant creativity right out of the box.

4-channel desktop mixer with USB digital audio interface

Review: The MultiMix 4 USB mixer is a 4-channel desktop mixer with a USB digital audio interface built in. This compact mixer is perfect for using in basic computer-recording setups, video editing and production studios as well as portable podcasting setups. It outputs not only line-level analog audio, but also stereo 16bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio over USB for low-noise and easy computer connection. You can also monitor back from your computer through the same USB connection.

The MultiMix 4 USB mixer has 4 input channels, all of which can accept a 1/4" line input. You can plug XLR microphones into channels 1 & 2, including condensers thanks to the mixer's switchable 48V-phantom power supply. You can also plug a guitar or bass directly into channel 1 switchable high-impedance input.

Channels 1 & 2 offer switchable high-pass filtering at 75Hz to eliminate low-frequency rumble, handling and wind noise. Each channel has an independent pan control and channels 1 & 2 provide high and low-shelving EQs. Channels 1 & 2 have independent gain trims, while channels 3 & 4 are configured as a stereo pair at the level and pan controls.

The MultiMix 4 USB has a 2-channel 5-stage multicolor LED meter for visual monitoring the main output level. A stereo 1/4" headphone output has its own level control.

8-channel mixer with effects & 24bit recording + FREE 6-in-1 cable tester

Review: Mix & Record with the MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX. This compact, 8-channel mixer with built-in effects doubles as a multi-channel recording interface, sending each of the 8 input channels plus the 2-track input separately to your Mac or PC for use with virtually any DAW or other software.

Whether you are mixing a band or sub-mixing a group of inputs such as a drumset, the Alesis MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX is easy to use, rugged and packed with features. Offering microphone inputs with phantom power, guitar-direct inputs and line-level inputs for connecting everything else, plus a selection of stage-ready effects, the MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX delivers clean audio to your PA and recording systems.

The MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX features four XLR inputs with independent gain pots on channels one through four. These XLR inputs also have a switchable phantom power option to accommodate both dynamic and condenser microphones. TRS Line inputs are also available on all eight channels of the MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX.

A high-impedance input on channel two enables direct connection of a guitar or bass - a great convenience for singer/songwriters looking to get a clean, hot signal. A 2-track stereo input is also included adding the ability to mix in audio from other sources such as a CD player, iPod, or sampler.

The MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX contains a complete USB recording interface. Where this mixer differs from others in the lineup is in its USB 2.0 technology. This enables you to send 10 channels (8 input channels plus the 2-track input) individually to the computer, at up to 24bit/96 kHz resolution. Because each channel is sent individually, you can use virtually any DAW or other music software for mixing and editing the incoming audio.

The MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX enables bidirectional stereo signal, so musicians can record the stereo Main output into their computer and listen back using the mixer as an interface from software to headphones and monitoring loudspeakers.

Each channel features multi-band EQs, with channels 1 & 2 featuring sweepable, parametric midrange control for perfectly tailoring the sound of microphones. The MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX includes an internal effects processor to quickly and easily add new colors to your mix. Reverb/delay/phaser can be dialed up simply by adjusting the pre- or post-fader knobs located within each channel strip.

The MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX also contains AUX output and stereo returns, as well as insert jacks on channels 1 & 2 to allow for audio to be processed by external effects engines. The MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX gives you an impressive amount of routing options in such a compact size.

Enlarged knob-to-knob spacing improves ergonomics and in-use efficiency compared with the first generation of MultiMix mixers. The MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 FX incorporates new, removable endcaps, which can be helpful for squeezing into smaller spaces in tightly packed setups.

In addition to its improved signal-to-noise ratio specifications, the mixer consumes 36% less power than its predecessor for reliability and energy efficiency.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=poaF04QtsqE

Make sure every cable in your arsenal is in good working order with the invaluable Behringer cable tester CT100. This incredibly portable audio solution is a must-have for sound engineers and musicians alike.

The CT100 accepts every type of cable you might use in a recording or live performance situation: XLR, mono and TRS phone (1/4", 1/8", TT), RCA and even MIDI. Choose from three modes: cable test mode, installed cable tester mode and tone mode. The CT100 can check for continuity, intermittency, phantom power presence and grounded shields. Because this handy tool runs on 2 x AA batteries, you can carry it in your pocket and be ready to troubleshoot at a moment's notice.

The cable tester CT100 is the smart, portable and unbelievably affordable way to ensure your next show or recording session runs smoothly.

Multipurpose DJ mixer with FX

Review: The Allen & Heath ZED-10FX mixer is an amazing little desk for small band mixing. It is ultra portable for carrying to the gig, and can be used for recording live or in the studio. It comes with configurable USB audio in/out making it easy to capture stereo recordings.

Guitars can be plugged in directly to the mixer using the specially designed high-impedance inputs, while the mixer has two stereo inputs for MP3/CD players or keyboards. Equipped with professional XLR stereo outputs and a flexible monitoring section with headphone and speaker feed outputs. We've added a set of fabulous effects to give shimmering reverbs and enhance your sound.

The ZED-10FX is bundled with IK Multimedia's AmpliTube X-GEAR software, giving access to superbly modelled amps and effects.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4fOIHO1p4M

Multipurpose mixer for live sound & recording

Review: The Allen & Heath ZED-10 mixer is an amazing little desk for small band mixing. It is ultra portable for carrying to the gig, and can be used for recording live or in the studio. It comes with configurable USB audio input/output making it easy to capture stereo recordings.

Guitars can be plugged in directly to the mixer using the specially designed high-impedance inputs, while the mixer has two stereo inputs for MP3/CD players or keyboards.

Equipped with professional XLR stereo outputs and a flexible monitoring section with headphone and speaker feed outputs. The ZED-10 is bundled with IK Multimedia's AmpliTube X-GEAR software, giving access to superbly modelled amps and effects.

Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED-10 is super-flexible and super-easy. No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED-10, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it. CD quality audio to and from your PC or Mac. Switches and connection through jack socket terminals provide different send/return configurations.

Multipurpose DJ mixer with FX

Review: The ZED-12FX is ideal for groups who need to travel light. Even with its small footprint, the 12FX squeezes in 4 auxiliary channels and swept semi-parametric EQ on top of the already impressive feature set including configurable USB audio in/out makes it easy to capture stereo recordings.

Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED-12FX is super-flexible and super-easy. No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riHecxZjkHE

3-channel microphone, instrument and line mixer/computer interface

Review: The ART USB Mix 3-Channel Microphone, Instrument, and Line Mixer/Computer Interface is a compact versatile audio interface for your computer that converts analog signals from a variety of audio sources to USB audio. The USB Mix provides a great starting point for personal home studio recording or for anyone wanting to do mobile location recording.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvLuOL6HSrA

5-input mixer with XENYX mic preamp and USB/audio interface

2-channel USB mixer

Review: The MINI:MIX1 is an amazing 2 channel mixer which doubles up as a sound card for a computer or laptop. Simple plug and play via the USB makes setting up extremely easy. The USB acts as both an input and output, with 2 x RCA inputs on each channel. This mixer can play from a variety of music sources such as CD players, MP3 players etc. The 6.3mm microphone jack input has its own channel with a volume control slider. With the USB output you can record your mix or create your very own podcast.

Small in size, the The MINI:MIX1 is easy to transport and easy to use.

Premium 12-channel compact mixer

Review: The Mackie 1202 VLZ3 is a serious professional compact mixer, with features that belie its small footprint. Ideal for home and project studios, the 1202-VLZ3 is equally at home on the road, on the stage, or in the recording studio. While it keeps all the features and functionality of its predecessor, the Mackie 1202-VLZ3 offers even greater headroom versus the original, a redesigned MixBus and highly musical 3-band active EQs. It has 4 of the latest XDR2 individual mic preamps with THD below 0.0007 and overall THD less than 0.0025.

The 1202-VLZ3 mixer is packed with premium features on every mic channel; 75Hz low-cut filters, 2 AUX sends, inserts, phantom power, constant-loudness pan controls and pre fader solo and since you can never have too many output options, Mackie provide a control room/phones source matrix, master AUX section with EFX to monitor, tape outputs, a high-volume headphone amplifier and balanced XLR and TRS outputs.

Professional features, along with solid-steel construction make the Mackie 1202-VLZ3 a popular choice for use on the road, on the stage, or in the studio. You'll find Mackie mixers everywhere you go, from video post-production facilities, to major artist tour buses, to duty as field mixers for news departments of all the major networks. Drummers and keyboardists use them to send submixes to front of house and monitor consoles. The VLZ3 compact mixers are the ideal choice for any situation requiring superior audio mixing, especially where space and budget constraints are an issue.

Review: The AM series mixers are compact and versatile with anywhere between 5 and 24 mono mic/line and stereo inputs. Ultra low noise pre-amps ensure high quality sound when used in project studios or sound reinforcement. Low-cut filters on mono channels eliminate unwanted sounds like stage rumble, pops, wind noise and low frequency recording studio room resonances. The multi-band EQ on mono channels gives you total control over your mix. The AM series also makes monitoring the mix easy with its dual multi-segment LED level meters and high volume headphone outputs.

Multi-purpose mixer

Review: In a world full of cheap compact mixers, Soundcraft has achieved something exceptional with the Soundcraft M series. Equally suited to recording and live sound applications, the Soundcraft M series delivers a great-sounding and reliable performance session after session, mix after mix.

Even before you plug in a Soundcraft M series mixer, you know it's something very special. The brushed steel side panels aren't just beautiful, they can withstand a weight of 60kg and are designed to leave the mixer with no sharp edges. Removing these panels is simple. Revealing a robust and integral rack mounting system which equips the Soundcraft M series instantly for a life on the road.

The Soundcraft M series is also exceptionally easy to use. The control surface will be immediately familiar to anyone who has used a mixer before and will quickly become second nature even to a novice. All inputs, EQ, auxes, panning and level controls are presented clearly, saving you time when creating your mixes and providing you with more time to spend on achieving the best sound. High quality 100mm faders combine with signal and peak LEDs on every channel and high resolution output metering places the operator in total control. You'll find no unsightly screw heads anywhere on the front panel to get in the way of your mixing, while a durable and multi-coat paint finish ensures that a Soundcraft M series console always looks as good as it sounds.

From raw component level through to cosmetic finishing, the Soundcraft M series has been built to last. Even the knobs are special, custom designed to our own exacting requirements. Soundcraft have ensured there is plenty of spacing between the controls, enabling you to comfortably achieve total control of your mix. The headphone jack is located at the bottom right hand corner of the mixer so a trailing cable will never get in your way. Just another example of the attention to detail which makes the Soundcraft M series the standard against which other compact mixing consoles must now be judged.