(Part 2) Best unpowered recording mixers according to redditors
We found 536 Reddit comments discussing the best unpowered recording mixers. We ranked the 64 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
First off, don't play around with splitters. You want to get a mixer. Something simple to start with like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Alto-Professional-ZMX862-6-Channel-Channel/dp/B004TM323C/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1485432445&sr=1-1&keywords=Alto+Professional
Then to get everything synced-up, you want to use a MIDI Quadra Thru:
https://www.amazon.com/MIDI-Solutions-Quadra-4-Output-Thru/dp/B0002GH8X4/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1485432544&sr=1-1&keywords=quadra+thru
Then you will just need to get some MIDI cables and then 1/4" to 1/4" audio cables for the Monologue and 1/8" to 1/4" audio cables for your Volca Beats and Monotron as well as one to go from the mixer to your speakers (or you can use headphones by plugging into the mixer).
For syncing everything you would use a MIDI cable out from the Monologue, to the MIDI In of the MIDI Quadra Thru box. Then connect a MIDI cable to one of the MIDI Thru's to the MIDI In to each of your other devices. Now I don't own the Monologue, Volca Beats or Monotron, so there may be another way...but it should work fine the way I described.
Make sure you know the diffrance between Dynamic and Condenser.
Dynamic - suppresses noise, max pickup range maybe 4feet or less.
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These 2 are studio quality mics but budget around $80 or less, you wont be dissapointed.
Both are the same, sound the same, have the same parts and tech, only the shell is different.
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To make the best out of it, use XLR analog output with Audio Mixer
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I have Audio Technica AT2005, its very good.
Please for the love of god do not buy a yeti, people that do not know about sound quality make the worst mistakes...
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Also Audio-Technica AT2020 is a condenser, I used it, it picks up noise 3 houses down the road, to use those mics you need sound insulated room, if you have that, its a really good studio mic...
You're not going to find S/PDIF since that requires a lot of expensive electronics (relatively) to make it work. Here are your options for ~20 quid
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UB502-Eurorack-Mixer/dp/B0002L05XY/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-MX400-Micromix-Noise-Channel/dp/B000KGYAYQ
http://www.amazon.co.uk/1aTTack-Stereo-Audio-Mixer-Housing/dp/B005N9D00K/
Would something like this work?
https://www.amazon.com/A4-4Channels-Console-Bluetooth-production/dp/B07MLGS622/ref=pd_cp_267_2/132-8076220-6597562?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07MLGS622&pd_rd_r=7dfcd6c7-756c-4173-9894-2a6e6c798f0f&pd_rd_w=4i9i9&pd_rd_wg=CGFrB&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=VNJDGZ0J5PXXGYK7QT93&psc=1&refRID=VNJDGZ0J5PXXGYK7QT93
At $49, I don't think you are going to beat the price for a small mixer with phantom power. It might not be the most convenient form factor, but will run off a USB power brick. I can't speak to the quality, but I would expect anything in the price range to yield about the same result.
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Ideally, something like this would be a better solution, but it requires phantom power.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT8681--audio-technica-at8681-unimix-2-to-1-microphone-combiner?gclsrc=aw.ds&&mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=1683539754&rkg_id=0&campaigntype=dsa&campaign=aaDSA&adgroup=1683539754:DSA+-+Product+-+Mics&placement=google&adpos=1t1&creative=282276642715&device=c&matchtype=b&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjwldHsBRAoEiwAd0JybUdfe6D1qGhfGXiJOgrZB111IF3WWqI-Euc4hlckJ-vPlO2L3LMKMBoCQmgQAvD_BwE
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For a bit more $, there is the Radial unit, which is passive (does not require power)https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Mix21--radial-mix-21?gclsrc=aw.ds&&mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=3280890796&product_id=Mix21&campaigntype=shopping&campaign=aaShopping%2520-%2520Core%2520-%2520Live%2520Sound%2520%26%2520Lighting&adgroup=Live%2520Sound%2520%26%2520Lighting%2520-%2520Live%2520Sound%2520Mixers&placement=google&creative=226299461195&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjwldHsBRAoEiwAd0Jybd03XqeNO6Lo8-FGlnS7JDLyZL2R5omY2-QRpOOsX3QkU-aAGWAIJhoCf_YQAvD_BwE
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As a rule, you do NOT want to use something like a y-cable for this due to impedance issues.
My employer has asked me to start a podcast. I was hoping I could get a few questions answered here!
Thank you!
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My suggestion is to get a stereo mini mixer; Rolls makes a number of different models but other brands are out there. Read reviews, but definitely buy a self-powered (not passive!) model. Trust me on that one. The advantage of the mixer over a switch is that you can turn on whatever source(s) you want without being limited to only one at a time. I have two MacBooks, my Asus Laptop, and an aux cord for my iPhone connected to Rolls MX44s; works great! (Edit: I just grabbed the first Amazon link that popped up; I didn’t buy all that extra stuff...)
If you want to step it up even more; I use a Rane SM82 stereo line mixer in my home studio rack with connections for my PC, laptop, DirecTV, PS4, X32 core, and controller/mixer, and a couple spare channels for future expansion.
Whatever you choose, then just buy patch cables at whatever length you want with the appropriate terminations (connectors, such as XLR-F to RCA).
Slightly higher than what you said you wanted to spend, but this is what I use and it's freakin' fantastic. I can control my mix from my ipad without getting up from behind the kit.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JMYNDN0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1YR1BAO1OSTJZ&coliid=I3PWGWMYFXV2EQ
Ok, Thank you. Here is a similar setup to what I use. My personal one is a bit more sophisticated but nonetheless, these items will certainly get you started and aim you in the right direction.
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Let's start with the Mixer:
Your mixer will be your new interface. Rather than plugging one microphone into your computer you'll plug all your microphones into one mixer which then will be connected to your computer via USB.
Microphone - Mixer - Computer
Here is a good starter at a decent price. It'll be your most expensive single piece of equipment (unless you decide to get top tier microphones). You'll be able to EQ and set levels to each microphone hooked up to the mixer before sending it to Audacity (or Audition, Reaper). You can also hook up more than 3 mics, a guitar, your phone, maybe you want to hook your computer up to it to play a sound, basically anything that sends one signal to another, you'll be able to do it with this and record it.
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Next Microphones:
If you're able to hook up a mic cable (XLR) to your Blue Yeti, you can still use that microphone, too. Obviously, switch your polar pattern to cardioid that way it's more directional and doesn't pick up as much room noise. Also, try to point it away from your AC unit. Regardless, since the Blue Yeti is a condenser microphone, it'll pick up more room noise because it's much more sensitive. That's why in broadcast situations you'll always see dynamic microphones such as the Electrovoice RE20 or Shure SM7b. For your own sake, I would do some research on condenser vs dynamic but any website you shop at (or if you go to Guitar Center in person) you can filter microphones by condenser or dynamic. I highly recommend buying yourself 3 dynamic microphones to reduce room noise.
Here are my microphone recommendations:
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Finally, your Accessories:
You'll need 3 XLR's to hook 3 microphones up to the mixer. I recommend purchasing them from monoprice.com - very cheap cables that last a long time if you learn to wrap your cable correctly.
Same with your microphone stands:
Most microphones you buy will come with the mount for it. If you get the Behringer XM8500 or the Shure SM58 you might need one of these if it doesn't come with it:
Also, for both of those mics I definitely recommend buy either a pop filter or wind screen to put over top to reduce plosives. If you don't know what plosives are, google it. You wont need to worry about plosives if you purchase the Rode Procaster or RE20.
One very last thing to mention is headphones. Through the mixer, there is a headphone jack where you can plug headphones in to monitor the mix. However, there is also something called "Main Out" or "Control Room Out" - you can send your vocal mix to an external Headphone Amplifier/Splitter that way you and your friends can all listen to the mix in real time.
Audacity is a good program but I recommend getting familiar with Reaper The trial version is free version and I think after the 60 day evaluation you're still allowed to use it although it may press you to buy it. I personally use Adobe Audition but that requires a subscription. If Audacity works fine for you, then by all means.
I apologize for the long post and I hope it's not too overwhelming. Mixer, Microphones, Cables, Stands, and headphone splitter is basically what this whole post is about! Feel free to ask questions.
If all else fails just find a podcasting kit to purchase from somewhere and go from there http://www.bswusa.com/Podcasting-Packages-BSW-Internet-Radio-Going-Pro-Kit-Dual-P10534.aspx
My current setup is quite a "make do while I have little money at the moment" setup. I managed to spend a bit of money and got myself an Audio Technica LP120. I'm using the built in preamp and going out to an ALTO ZMX862 mixer. (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004TM323C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fVpbzbFMXDBVB). From there, it goes to my Presonus Eris E4.5. The mixer is temporary, but I'm not entirely sure if it works as an amplifier. I want to get this soon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EMGU3TA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_f0pbzbT1K8HEM), but I'm not sure if this is what I need. Hopefully someone can help.
Also, a second question I have. I recently bought Pearl Jam's 'Ten'. It is a coloured vinyl, but it gets really static, even when I've used the anti-static brush. If anyone knows why this might be, I'd be grateful. Thank you.
Sorry for late reaction. (something with living in Europe and it was night) That won't work, unfortunately every channel is mono. So you'll have to add at least 1 more channel to get stereo sound for 3 devices. You might want to take a look at Xenyx802.
Personally I use a UB1002 Since I use 8 Channels (2 channels per device) and I used to have 2 sets of speakers.
But again, this is a set up for more control. If you are willing to spend the money on it. This problem could be solved by a splitter. Plug everything into it, and plug the splitter into the speakers.
As much as I prefer Mackie for build quality, these guys have a frequency-sweepable midrange EQ, which can save your bacon when trying to avoid feedback (I can elaborate further if needed). Mackie only has this feature on larger, pricier models.
Allen & Heath ZED-10 Four Mono Mic/Lines with 2 Active D.I. and 3 Stereo Line Inputs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003T74O8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6cS4ybVVFHPD3
I'd also get a travel bag for the mixer. Gator bags are nice. Easy to get dust in the faders, etc.
Don't forget cables. XLR mic cables for the mic and each powered speaker (so 3 total of whatever distance you want to put the mixer away from the stage less height to run up the stand, probably 50' minimum).
And get at least one roll of Gaffers tape. Tape cables down. People drag their feet, don't watch where they're going, etc. I've seen people trip and yank speakers down from stands before, not good.
Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 would work, USB taps before the EQ - I don't see that as a problem, because I mix from the DAW into mixer and then back into the DAW if I want the analog EQs into the DAW. Roland MX-1 could also work - and it also has those fancy beat based effects.
Used the wrong link. This one should be what you’re looking for. Can’t vouch for the quality, but it’s 3.5 mm ins and outs and passive so inexpensive.
I'm using this mixer:
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UB502-BEHRINGER-EURORACK/dp/B0002L05XY/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1463786458&sr=1-1&keywords=behringer+eurorack+ub502
and i'm using 1/4" cables.
What's weird is that i haven't had this problem before, using the same set of cables, and if i plug something into the right channel ONLY, it will go through to the right monitor. It's only when I plug in both L and R that i lose signal. maybe it's the mixer?
Thanks for replying!
Thank you! That is great. I also have this mixer sitting storage that I will use:
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UB1002-Eurorack-Mixer-Inputs/dp/B000BNRYUA
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Can anyone think of anything else I might need?
I bought my mixer, a Behringer X1832USB, with a similar setup in mind. It has a main and a sub output, which each input can be assigned to independently. In my setup, my Audacity mix is my main channel, which I can output to my PC via the on-board USB. My headphones are connected to the Phones jack on my mixer, which is assigned to my sub channel mix. For your Google Hangouts mix, you can use one of the two Aux Sends.
Don't worry about the complexity, your setup is pretty standard for Skype/Hangouts recordings. The only thing I do differently is that I have my laptop dedicated to the conversation, with my desktop recording.
I'd definitely recommend the X1832 for your setup. The only thing that I've found it lacks is direct outputs for each channel, which is handy when live mixing multi-track recordings. If that's something you may be interested in, the X2442 has direct outputs while ditching some of the X1832's features like the 9-band graphic EQ.
Finally, if Behringer isn't your thing, the Mackie ProFX16 is capable of the setup I described, even including the on-board USB output.
That would probably have to be this.
I play/record music, and recording drums is really hard without at least 5 mics. The quality isn't as good and certain drums and cymbals sound distant. This soundboard allows for a huuge amount of audio inputs as well as a wide variety of leveling options. Probably the thing I need most on my wishlist.
Edit: also happens to be the most expensive thing, so if this was a contest, which it totally isn't, this wouldn't be considered an entry.
something like this cold have my headphones and speakers right?? https://www.amazon.com/LyxPro-MRB3-3-Channel-Audio-Mixer/dp/B0786Q5GCL/ref=pd_sbs_267_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0786Q5GCL&pd_rd_r=M8C6PP0APZ0G1080A28Z&pd_rd_w=9fRJ6&pd_rd_wg=1Bz1F&psc=1&refRID=M8C6PP0APZ0G1080A28Z
I don't think it would make that much of a difference (if any) if you were to use either the PS4 or TV SPDIF.
 
I have my PS4, XBOX, TV, etc. going to my powered monitors via a mixer.
This is connected to my TV. - SPDIF DAC
Which goes to this. But you don't really need it unless you have multiple sources you want to easily switch to. - RCA Switch
Switch is connected to this. - USB Mixer
Or you can get the smaller version.
Or one cheaper without the USB.
I just got one of these and I'm very happy with it. Great price, nice tube warmth, simple controls, smallish footprint for smaller home studios.
ART TubeMix 5-ch Mixer w/USB and Assignable Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074WG5TCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bs5SCbP7SN5NW
Some recording stuff:
5-year-old FirePod (Firewire/USB interface for 8 XLR inputs, etc.)
Equally-old BEHRINGER XENYX 10-XLR input mixer. Same specs as this but the coloring is a little different.
They've been sitting under my bed for a while and I just hate watching them go to waste. My dog has tried to help me move them by chewing off a few of the knobs, but they can be easily replaced.
$100 each or $175 for both. Both include power cables and I'll throw in some firewire/converters, since the Firepod uses an older type Firewire connector.
PC, I have a Sony Vaio laptop that has a port that looks like this.
My price range... as you can probably tell with the choice of Mics and my drum set, as low as possible. This is really just a hobby, not looking to make these recordings professional but I may one day start doing Youtube covers. So yeah..
After a little googling today, I found this. Is there anything like that except cheaper? The company does also make a 4 input mixer...
Well honestly it's difficult to get decent quality 4 input with phantom power at that price range. The equipment in that price range like the behringer stuff is pretty low quality and probably won't hold up in the long run.
I'd consider two options, one going EVEN cheaper knowing that this is going to be a 'disposable unit' that is going to just 'get you by' while you save up for something decent, or hold off now till you can get something decent.
If you want to go extreme budget, practically disposable here it is: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11503&cs_id=1150301&p_id=615808&seq=1&format=2
The quality gear I'd recommend is the A&H Zed 10FX: http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Heath-ZED-10FX-Onboard-Effects/dp/B003T77ZJU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_MI_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0WJA9H332W9JCZG5N2FB
Note that with either one you'd probably need a amp for all 4 headphone outputs, here is one: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150404&p_id=615220&seq=1&format=2
So your total on the high end would be $330 + tax and shipping - only a bit over budget. Can you see if your compadres in this endevour can chip in some more or hold off just a little longer?
I want to bring up one more option though, since they are obviously all going to be in the same room have you considered going with two room mics instead of four individual? Unless you have a dedicated studio space this is going to use a lot of cabling and be kind of a mess.
Anyone have any experience with the Mackie ProDX mixers? I'm doing a small upgrade to a system in a stadium club lounge that will be used by experienced techs and standard laypersons for conferences and basic music playback. I like that the input volumes can be changed without a device; perfect for my scenario I think.
Mackie ProDX4 4-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B1JHTGG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RBBSDbA1YTX1P
Looks like Mackie has something that will fit the bill with a few adapters
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-ProDX4-4-Channel-Wireless-Digital/dp/B01B1JHTGG
I'm betting it's actually the QX1202USB but it could be running into a UCA-222 or something similar. Neither changes anything though if it's the latter, OP could install the compressor on the analog stereo out prior to the USB interface and just compress the final product.
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-QX1202USB-12-Channel-Mixer/dp/B00CTKI5QA/
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Wow, that's super interesting. I understand why you have the sound routed as you do and I didn't realize the limitations of the various recording softwares when combined with screen readers. I gotta say, that makes for an interesting challenge. Man...
Since you have a setup that works and all you really are looking for is to replace the mixer, I'd suggest something like this Yamaha MG10XU board. That one will set you back about $200, and while I don't have any personal experience with it, I like Yamaha stuff. Another I'd suggest, and this one may be even better for you, is the Soundcraft EPM8. Now, this is a little more expensive at $250, but this is a nice mixer, especially at the price point. I had one for a couple of weeks, but ultimately I didn't keep it because it's an analog mixer. Because you're recording directly to SD and don't need the USB connection back to the computer for data transmission, this may be a better choice. I recall it having a nice pre-amp as well.
If you're looking to spend less than either of those, I'd suggest instead of buying a new X, Y, or Z, look at used gear. While I like "new" stuff as much as the next person, often times in the music/audio world you can find quality used gear at good prices. My microphone you'd never know I bought used, and I saved $100 versus buying new.
For a last couple of other options, maybe an Allen & Heath ZED-10 or a Peavey mixer, though I'm having trouble finding a specific one I think might work for you. Just the same, Peavey makes good stuff.
Good luck.
Around $100-$200, I've been told to get this: Alto Professional ZMX52
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004TM323C/ref=twister_B01MYZE087?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm confused on how to change my setup to only use the compressor/limiter/gate on channel 1 (or use both channel 1 & 2) of my mixer.
I have a A&H ZED-10FX, dbx 166xs, and a focusrite solo.
Currently I have the mic going into channel 1 XLR of the mixer, the main L & R XLR out going into channel 1 XLR of the dbx 166xs, and channel 1 XLR out to the focusrite XLR in and then out to USB to the computer.
I know this is not the proper way to set this all up but it has worked for a few months okay now.
Now I want to isolate the compressor/limiter/gate so that it only works on channel 1 of the mixer so that I can add in another input to it that isn't affected by the dbx.
I would prefer to only use 1 channel on the dbx if that's possible to avoid.
It looks like the mixer does not have a single insert per channel, but I do see a L & R 1/4" main mix insert. I think I need to somehow utilize that for the dbx and then just output to usb recording on the mixer and ditch the focusrite. I tried reading the manual for the mixer but it went way over my head as I'm pretty green to this kind of audio equipment.
Yeah, you could get a mixer (like this): Soundcraft Mixer - Unpowered, 8 + 2 channels (EPM8) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TSEFKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Py5hDbSZAG4X7
However, it’s not ideal because your mix becomes permanent
I'm really close to picking this up (or the one without the FX, it's $30 cheaper and I doubt I'd use them anyway).
Mixers aren't particularly exciting to me TBH, so its difficult for me to part with a lot of dough on that front. Are there any sub-$200 USB mixers out there that have more than one FX send?