AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 19'' Rack Mixers for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Behringer MX882 V2 ($95). TASCAM MZ-123BT 3-Channel Rackmount Mixer with Bluetooth leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 27 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Size19"
- Weight1.7 kg
The MX882 V2 is a seriously clever little rack unit if you need flexible signal routing – think live loops, sending signals to multiple amps, or acting as a basic submixer. It's a no-frills solution for gigging musicians and small venues who need a versatile splitter/mixer on a budget.
Pros
- Flexible routing options for complex signal chains.
- Solid, if basic, 19-inch rackmount chassis for portability.
- Provides a cost-effective DI box alternative for multiple sources.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels budget-oriented and potentially fragile.
- Limited EQ capabilities; no per-channel EQ controls.
-
- Size19"
- Weight2.2 kg
The ZMX8210 V2 is a surprisingly capable little mixer. It's a solid, budget-friendly option for small bands, rehearsal rooms, or basic live sound reinforcement. The 3-bus routing is a nice touch for more complex setups, offering flexibility you don't often find at this price point.
Pros
- Solid build for the price, feels surprisingly robust for a budget mixer.
- The 3-bus routing provides flexible signal management options.
- Ultra-low noise preamps deliver clean signals, minimizing unwanted hiss.
Cons
- EQ is basic, lacking the finesse of higher-end consoles.
- Phantom power can be a bit noisy with certain microphones.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.8 kg
The RX1602 V2 is a surprisingly capable little monitor mixer. It's perfect for small bands, rehearsal spaces, or anyone needing a clean, reliable signal path without a lot of frills. For the price, you’re getting a lot of functionality and a decent level of performance.
Pros
- Excellent headroom for clean monitoring at higher volumes
- Solid build quality for a budget-friendly rack mixer
- Balanced inputs and outputs ensure pristine signal transfer
Cons
- Limited EQ capabilities; only basic level adjustments are available
- Plastic enclosure feels less robust than higher-end alternatives
-
- Size19"
The RX1202FX V2 is a surprisingly capable little rack mixer. It's a great grab-and-go solution for smaller bands, solo performers, or anyone needing a compact and affordable live sound or recording hub – just don't expect miracles from the EQ or build quality.
Pros
- Solid 60mm faders offer surprisingly precise channel level control.
- The built-in effects are usable, adding depth to live vocals or instruments.
- XLR inputs with 48V phantom power expand mic options significantly.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less robust than higher-end rack mixers.
- EQ is basic, lacking the finesse for complex tonal shaping.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight2.2 kg
You get an eight-channel mixer that fits a standard 19-inch rack in one unit of space. It takes both XLR and RCA inputs, has phantom power for condenser mics, and a master EQ with a Mid Sweep control. It suits you if you are setting up a small installed system or a compact rack setup and want a simple, rack-ready mixer.
Pros
- Eight combined mic and line inputs accept XLR and RCA connections
- Phantom power is built in for condenser microphones
- Master EQ with Mid Sweep gives you control over the whole mix
Cons
- Only a 6.3 mm headphone jack is provided, so you may need an adapter for other headphones
66AudioFu
Index↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$222 · Aug 17$217 now$217€194 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight3.4 kg
You get a 5-channel rack mixer with 3 zones, which suits a small installation where you need to feed a few separate areas. It has one mic input, seven line inputs, and two phono inputs, so you can connect a range of common sources. If you need a simple mixer to run a few speakers in a fixed spot, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Five input channels, with one mic input that accepts XLR or jack
- Three zones, so it can feed separate areas of a venue
- Master EQ lets you shape the overall output
Cons
- Only one microphone input, so it suits light setups with a single mic
70AudioFu
Index↓ 11.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$278 · Aug 17$247 now$247€221 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.9 kg
The Swissonic ZM 4 is a neat little mixer perfect for small venues, retail spaces, or anyone needing basic zoning and paging capabilities. It’s straightforward to use and surprisingly compact, making it a solid, affordable choice for simple audio routing – don't expect studio-grade features, though.
Pros
- Compact 19” rack design maximizes space efficiency in tight setups
- Phantom power supports condenser mics for higher fidelity recordings
- Priority mute function simplifies announcements and urgent calls
Cons
- EQ is limited to just two bands, lacking precise sculpting capabilities
- Construction feels somewhat plasticky; not as robust as higher-end mixers
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$218 now$218€195 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
TASCAM MZ-123BT 3-Channel Rackmount Mixer with Bluetooth
MZ-123 BT · Tascam
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight3 kg
You'll find this mixer fits best in a fixed spot, like a shop, school, or venue that needs announcements in several zones. It has a built-in Bluetooth receiver, two microphone inputs, and three zone outputs, each with its own level control. If you need a simple way to run speech and background music across rooms, this is a good match.
Pros
- Integrated Bluetooth receiver lets you play audio wirelessly through the mixer
- Three zone outputs, each with its own level control, for permanent installations
- Two microphone inputs with level cut, low-cut filter and 48 V phantom power for each input
Cons
- Only two microphone inputs, so it suits announcements and moderation rather than large mic setups
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
ART MX821s 8-Channel Line Mixer with Stereo Outputs
MX821S · ART
21 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
If you need to mix several mics or line sources at once, this mixer gives you eight channels, each with its own level and panning control. Every channel takes both XLR and jack plugs, and each XLR input can get 48 V phantom power for condenser mics. It fits in a 1 U rack space with an internal power supply, so it suits a rack-based setup where space matters.
Pros
- Eight mono input channels, each with its own level and panning controls
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced jack inputs on every channel
- 48 V phantom power on each XLR input, selectable via DIP switch
Cons
- Phantom power is set by a DIP switch on the rear side, not from the front
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$297 now$297€266 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight3 kg
This Rolls RM-82 packs a lot of inputs into one small rack unit that is 1 U tall. It has eight XLR mic inputs, and each one has its own phantom power switch, so it suits you if you run several microphones in a rack setup. Its equaliser only cuts treble and bass, so it is best for you if you want simple controls and plenty of connections.
Pros
- Eight XLR microphone inputs, each with trim controls and individually switchable +48 V phantom power
- Eight jack inputs that switch between inserts and direct outputs
- RCA prefade output and RCA AUX bus input suit recording, monitoring, or cascading
Cons
- Equaliser offers only treble and bass reduction, with no other bands
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$524 now$524€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 27 19'' rack mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Rolls RM69 MixMate 3 6-Channel Mic/Line Mixer with Phantom PowerRM-69 · Rolls68Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 12
ART MX822 8-Channel Line Mixer with Effects LoopMX822 · ART68Stable$328€294$328€294Check ↗
- 13
DAP-Audio IMIX-7.3DAP-Audio67↓ 6.3%$298€267$298€267Check ↗
- 14
DAP-Audio Compact 9.2DAP-Audio66↓ 2.6%$297€266$297€266Check ↗
- 15
TASCAM LM-8ST Line MixerLM-8ST Line Mixer · Tascam66Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 16
TASCAM MZ-372 7-Channel Rackmount MixerMZ-372 Mixer · Tascam66Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 17
DAP-Audio Compact 6.2DAP-Audio64Stable$365€327$365€327Check ↗
- 18
Alesis MultiMix 10 Wireless Rackmount 10-Channel Mixer with BluetoothMultimix 10 Wireless · Alesis64Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 19
Tascam MX-8ATascam64Stable$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 20
ART MX622BTART62Stable$344€308$344€308Check ↗
- 21
TASCAM MZ-223 Zone MixerMZ-223 · Tascam60Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 22
Sonifex Redbox RB-SS10Sonifex58Stable$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 23
DAP-Audio IMIX-7.1DAP-Audio57Stable$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 24
Tascam MA-BT240Tascam57Stable$592€530$592€530Check ↗
- 25
LAB Gruppen CM41LAB Gruppen51Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 26
Yamaha MG16XU 16 Channel Analog MixerMG16XU Case Bundle · Yamaha48Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 27
Yamaha MG20XU 20 Channel Analog MixerMG20 XU Case Bundle · Yamaha45Stable$1,048€939$1,048€939Check ↗
19'' Rack Mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 27 models we track, not a sample.
Median $344 — half of all 19'' rack mixers here cost less.
median of 19 models · 19"–19"
median of 24 models · 1.7 kg–3.4 kg
How to choose the best 19'' rack mixers
Channel Count
Beginners usually need somewhere between 8 and 16 channels. More isn't always better; too many channels can be overwhelming. Think about how many inputs you realistically need for your band - vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keys? Don't buy headroom you won't use.
EQ
A decent EQ section is crucial. Look for at least a 3-band EQ (low, mid, high) on each channel. Parametric EQ is great, but adds complexity. A simple, straightforward EQ will help you shape your tones without getting bogged down.
XLR vs. 1/4" Inputs
XLR inputs are for microphones, and 1/4" are for instruments. Make sure the mixer has a good balance of both, and that the preamps sound clean - you don't want muddy vocals or a lifeless bass tone.
Effects
Built-in effects (reverb, delay, chorus) can be fun, but often aren't great quality. Don't prioritize effects; a decent EQ and clean preamps are far more important. You can always add pedals or external effects later.
Build Quality & Reliability
Rack mixers get abused. Look for something with solid construction - metal chassis, sturdy knobs. Cheap plastic pots will feel cheap and fail quickly. A mixer that cuts out mid-set is a nightmare.
Buying guide
So, you're looking to step up from a little club mixer and get something rack-mountable? Smart move - a 19" rack mixer can seriously elevate your game, especially for gigs or even just more organized band rehearsals. But let's be honest, the rack mixer world can get overwhelming fast. This isn't about flashy features; it's about getting a reliable, functional mixer that won't leave you lost in a sea of knobs and menus.
As a beginner, focus on simplicity and reliability. Don't chase features you won't use. Cheap rack mixers often cut corners on the preamps - the sound will be noticeably worse.
Pay attention to the headroom - you want to be able to push the mixer without it distorting unpleasantly. A good mixer is an investment, but a bad one is just a headache.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 27 19'' rack mixers from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a rack mixer and a regular mixer?
Rack mixers are designed to be mounted in a standard 19-inch equipment rack, offering a more professional and space-saving setup. They often have more features and better build quality, but come at a higher price.
How many channels do I really need?
Start with 8-12 channels. Consider your band's size and the number of inputs you'll regularly use. It's better to have a few extra channels than to be constantly patching and re-routing.
What does 'headroom' mean?
Headroom is the amount of 'space' before the mixer starts to distort. More headroom means you can crank the levels without getting a harsh, clipping sound - essential for live gigs.
Are the built-in effects any good?
Most built-in effects on budget rack mixers are...okay. They're often serviceable, but not studio-quality. Don't make them a deciding factor; invest in external effects if you need something better.
Can I record with a rack mixer?
Absolutely! Many rack mixers have direct outputs on each channel, allowing you to send signals directly to an audio interface for recording. Just be mindful of the preamps' noise floor - it's not always pristine.





