AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Analogue mixers for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ4 16:2 16-Input Stereo Mixer ($1,897). Yamaha MG12XU 12 Channel Analog Mixer gives you the most for the money at $457. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 110 models across 26 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.
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Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ4 16:2 16-Input Stereo Mixer
WZ4 16:2 · Allen & Heath
15 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight13 kg
If you need a mixer for a live band or a small venue, this one gives you 16 mono channels and plenty of control. Each channel has its own EQ, a high-pass filter, and phantom power for condenser mics, so you can set each sound on its own. It also has a built-in effects processor with 20 presets, which helps if you want effects without extra gear.
Pros
- 16 mono channels, each with insert and direct out for flexible routing
- Four-band EQ with parametric mids and an 80 Hz high-pass filter per channel
- Phantom power switchable per channel for condenser microphones
Cons
- Weighs 13 kg, so it is heavier to carry than a small mixer
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,897 now$1,897€1,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7.1 kg
The MG20 XU is a workhorse mixer, perfect for bands and serious gigging musicians needing a compact, reliable solution. Yamaha’s renowned preamps deliver clean sound, and the built-in compression is a real time-saver. It's a great balance of features and portability for live performance or small studio setups.
Pros
- Solid Yamaha build quality; feels robust and dependable
- Excellent built-in compression on the first 8 channels simplifies gain staging
- SPX effects are surprisingly usable, a real bonus for live sound
Cons
- Limited headroom at higher levels; can exhibit noise at full volume
- EQ isn't the most detailed; lacks true precision for critical mixing
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$881 now$881€789 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Mackie 1604VLZ4 16-Channel Mic / Line Mixer
1604 VLZ4 · Mackie
33 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight9.1 kg
The 1604 VLZ4 is a workhorse mixer – a classic for a reason. It's a great choice for smaller bands, recording projects, or anyone needing a reliable, affordable solution with clean preamps. It’s built tough and sounds surprisingly good for its class.
Pros
- Onyx preamps deliver clean, punchy gain with low noise
- Solid build quality; feels robust for gigging and studio use
- Comprehensive I/O with ample aux sends for monitor mixes
Cons
- EQ isn't the most detailed or musical; lacks finesse
- No built-in effects; relies on external processing
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,004 now$1,004€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight9 kg
The ProFX22v3 is a solid workhorse mixer – a great all-rounder for smaller bands, rehearsal spaces, or even mobile DJs needing a compact, feature-rich solution. It's surprisingly capable for its price point, offering a good balance of channels, effects, and USB connectivity. Just be mindful of headroom when you're really loading it up.
Pros
- Solid build quality; feels robust for a mixer in this class.
- The variable midrange EQ is genuinely useful for shaping vocals.
- GigFX effects are surprisingly decent, adding versatility on a budget.
Cons
- Limited headroom at higher channel counts; can get noisy pushing it.
- EQ isn’t the most transparent; coloration is noticeable.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$779 now$779€698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Mackie 1642VLZ4 16-Channel Mic / Line Mixer
1642 VLZ4 · Mackie
38 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight8.3 kg
The Mackie 1642 VLZ4 is a workhorse mixer, perfect for smaller bands, recording studios, or live sound reinforcement where budget is a consideration. It's got a solid feature set and a decent sound, though don't expect studio-grade pristine clarity. A reliable option for gigging musicians and project studios.
Pros
- Onyx preamps deliver surprisingly clean and low-noise performance
- Solid build quality for a mixer in this price range - feels robust
- Subgrouping provides flexible routing for complex mixes
Cons
- EQ can be a bit muddy, lacking the clarity of higher-end consoles
- Limited headroom – pushing it hard reveals noticeable distortion
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$754 now$754€675 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight6.8 kg
The MG16XU is a solid, affordable workhorse mixer, perfect for smaller bands, recording studios, or live sound reinforcement where portability is key. Yamaha’s reputation for reliable gear shines through – it’s a dependable solution with a decent feature set, especially the onboard effects. It's a great value for the money and a real time-saver for gigging musicians.
Pros
- Excellent preamps deliver clean, usable gain for dynamic sources.
- Built-in SPX effects are surprisingly versatile and well-integrated.
- Compact size and rack mount kit offer excellent portability and flexibility.
Cons
- EQ isn't fully parametric, limiting precise tonal shaping capabilities.
- Limited headroom on stereo channels can cause clipping at higher levels.
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$586 now$586€525 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3 kg
The MG12XUK is a solid, affordable workhorse mixer. It's ideal for smaller bands, singer-songwriters, or anyone needing a compact, reliable console with built-in effects and a USB interface for basic recording – a great value for the money.
Pros
- Solid metal chassis provides surprising durability for the price.
- inD-PRE preamps offer a noticeable clarity and low-noise performance.
- SPX effects are surprisingly usable, a real bonus for live sound.
Cons
- EQ is fairly basic, lacking the precision of higher-end consoles.
- Aux sends are limited, restricting complex routing options.
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$457 now$457€409 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
TASCAM Model 24 Multitrack Recorder / Mixer / USB Interface
Model 24 · Tascam
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight10.4 kg
The Model 24 is a seriously impressive piece of kit for bands and songwriters needing a self-contained recording and mixing solution. It's a fantastic all-in-one for live sound reinforcement and tracking, particularly appealing to those who want a streamlined workflow without needing a laptop constantly involved. It's a great option for gigging musicians and smaller studios.
Pros
- Solid build quality with robust metal chassis and reliable faders
- Integrated 24-track recorder simplifies workflow and reduces external gear
- Flexible I/O options including USB interface for versatile connectivity
Cons
- Limited dynamic range compared to higher-end consoles
- The integrated effects processor is serviceable but not studio-grade
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,261 now$1,261€1,129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath ZED-22FX 22-Channel Mixer w/ Effects
ZED-22FX · Allen & Heath
24 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight11.5 kg
The ZED-22FX is a seriously capable little mixer. It’s perfect for smaller bands, singer-songwriters, or anyone needing a reliable, portable console with built-in effects. The preamps are surprisingly good, and the layout is intuitive for quick setup and sound checks.
Pros
- DuoPre preamps deliver exceptionally clean gain with surprising headroom.
- Built-in effects are genuinely usable, a rare find in this class.
- Solid, compact build feels robust; clearly designed for gigging.
Cons
- Limited EQ bands per channel might restrict detailed sound shaping.
- The compact form factor means fewer total input channels than larger mixers.
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Allen & Heath ZED-16FX 16-Channel Mixer w/ Effects
ZED-16FX · Allen & Heath
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight8.5 kg
The ZED-16FX is a solid, affordable workhorse mixer, perfect for smaller bands, recording studios, or anyone needing a compact solution with built-in effects. Allen & Heath’s reputation for reliable preamps shines through, and the overall build quality is impressive for its price – it's a great value for the features you get.
Pros
- DuoPre preamps deliver clean, musical gain for dynamic sources
- Compact size belies a surprisingly robust and flexible feature set
- Built-in effects are genuinely usable, a welcome bonus at this price point
Cons
- EQ is basic; lacks the finesse of higher-end consoles
- Limited headroom; pushing the channels can introduce noise
All 110 analogue mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Allen & Heath ZED-12FX 12+2 Channel Mixer w/ EffectsZED-12FX · Allen & Heath69↓ 2.5%$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 12
Allen & Heath ZED-14 14-Channel MixerZED-14 · Allen & Heath · 2 finishes73↑ 4.5%$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 13
Mackie ProFX16v3 16-Channel Effects MixerProFX16v3 · Mackie71Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
- 14
Soundcraft FX 16 IISoundcraft50↑ 1.1%$891€798$891€798Check ↗
- 15
Mackie ProFX12v3 12-Channel Effects MixerProFX12v3+ · Mackie · 2 finishes76Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 16
Allen & Heath ZED-428 24-Channel 4-Bus MixerZED-428 · Allen & Heath48Stable$2,411€2,159$2,411€2,159Check ↗
- 17
Mackie ProFX10v3 10-Channel Effects MixerProFX10v3+ · Mackie · 2 finishes76Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 18
Boredbrain Music Xcelon Tru Stereo Voltage Controlled MixerXcelon SL · Boredbrain Music46Stable$2,176€1,949$2,176€1,949Check ↗
- 19
Mackie Onyx16 16-Channel Analog Mixer with Multitrack USBOnyx16 · Mackie56Stable$691€619$691€619Check ↗
- 20
Soundcraft Signature Plus 12Soundcraft43Stable$891€798$891€798Check ↗
- 21
Soundcraft Signature Plus 16Soundcraft43Stable$1,003€898$1,003€898Check ↗
- 22
Soundcraft Signature Plus 22Soundcraft43Stable$1,338€1,198$1,338€1,198Check ↗
- 23
Soundcraft Signature Plus 32Soundcraft43Stable$1,673€1,498$1,673€1,498Check ↗
- 24
TASCAM Model 2400 24-Channel Digital MixerModel 2400 · Tascam42Stable$2,232€1,999$2,232€1,999Check ↗
- 25
Mackie ProFX10 GO Portable 10 Channel MixerProFX10 GO · Mackie66Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 26
Mackie 1402VLZ4 14-Channel Mic / Line Mixer1402 VLZ4 · Mackie66Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 27
Dynacord CMS1000-3Dynacord38Stable$2,227€1,995$2,227€1,995Check ↗
- 28
Dynacord CMS600-3Dynacord38↑ 27.0%$2,265€2,029$2,265€2,029Check ↗
- 29
Soundcraft EFX12 12-Channel Mixer w/ EffectsEFX12 · Soundcraft62↓ 14.0%$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 30
Mackie ProFX16v3 16-Channel Effects MixerProFX16v3 Case Bundle · Mackie42Stable$792€709$792€709Check ↗
- 31
Union Audio area.6 MixerUnion Audio36Stable$1,562€1,399$1,562€1,399Check ↗
- 32
Allen & Heath ZED-10FX 10-Channel Mixer w/ EffectsZED-10FX · Allen & Heath · 2 finishes65↑ 9.4%$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 33
Intellijel Designs JellymixIntellijel Designs35↑ 2.7%$859€769$859€769Check ↗
- 34
Mackie Onyx8 8-Channel Analog Mixer with Multitrack USBOnyx8 · Mackie61Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 35
Soundcraft EFX8 8-Channel Mixer with Lexicon EffectsEFX8 · Soundcraft55Stable$456€408$456€408Check ↗
- 36
Soundcraft EPM-8 Multi-Format 8-Channel MixerEPM8 · Soundcraft57Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 37
Allen & Heath ZED60-14FXAllen & Heath · 2 finishes45↑ 5.2%$546€489$546€489Check ↗
- 38
Mackie ProFX10 GO Portable 10 Channel MixerProFX10 GO Case Bundle · Mackie39Stable$642€575$642€575Check ↗
- 39
Soundcraft EPM12 12-Channel MixerEPM12 · Soundcraft52Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 40
Dynacord CMS1600-3Dynacord23↑ 25.6%$3,449€3,089$3,449€3,089Check ↗
- 41
Radial Engineering Gold DiggerRadial Engineering42Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 42
Heritage Audio Mix Buddy 8-Channel Stereo Mixer / SwitcherMix Buddy · Heritage Audio31Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 43
Yamaha MG10XU 10 Channel Analog MixerMG10XUF Case Bundle · Yamaha · 5 finishes50Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 44
Behringer Xenyx QX1222USB 16-Input Mixer with USB Interface and…Xenyx QX1222USB Case Bundle · Behringer · 2 finishes30↑ 2.8%$408€365$408€365Check ↗
- 45
Soundcraft EPM6 6-Channel MixerEPM6 Case Bundle · Soundcraft · 2 finishes31Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 46
Yamaha MG06X 6 Channel Analog MixerMG06 · Yamaha · 3 finishes75Stable$150€134$150€134Check ↗
- 47
Mackie ProFX6v3 6-Channel Effects MixerProFX6v3 · Mackie · 2 finishes73Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 48
Mackie 1202VLZ4 12-Channel Mic / Line Mixer1202 VLZ4 · Mackie66Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 49
Mackie Mix12FX 12-Channel Compact Mixer with EffectsMix12FX · Mackie64Stable$143€128$143€128Check ↗
- 50
Mackie 802VLZ4 8-Channel Mic / Line Mixer802 VLZ4 · Mackie64Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
Analogue mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 144 models we track, not a sample.
Median $278 — half of all analogue mixers here cost less.
median of 13 models · 4"–19"
median of 106 models · 0.85 kg–11.5 kg
How to choose the best analogue mixers
EQ Flexibility
Beyond basic bass, mid, treble - we want semi-parametric or fully parametric EQ for surgical tone shaping. Being able to dial in a precise midrange scoop or a subtle high-shelf boost is crucial for cutting through a dense mix, especially when you're playing alongside a screaming guitarist and a pounding drummer.
Routing & Aux Sends
Advanced players need flexible routing - multiple aux sends for effects loops, pre/post EQ switching, and the ability to create monitor mixes quickly and efficiently. A decent mixer needs to be more than just an input strip; it's a signal management hub.
Preamps & Headroom
Cheap preamps sound thin and lifeless. We're looking for clean headroom - the ability to push the preamps without introducing unwanted distortion or compression. This is especially important for recording drums or other instruments with wide dynamic ranges.
Build Quality & Playability
Solid construction isn't just about durability; it impacts the feel. Faders should be smooth and consistent, knobs should offer precise control, and the overall layout should be intuitive, even under the pressure of a live performance.
Noise Floor & Dynamic Range
A low noise floor is essential for clean recordings and a quiet stage. Dynamic range determines how much headroom you have before clipping, and a wider dynamic range allows for more expressive playing without pushing the mixer into the red.
Buying guide
So, you've outgrown the basic 8-channel mixer and need something that can actually handle your band's dynamic range and sonic ambitions? Forget about those cheap, consumer-grade boards - we're talking about analogue mixers that offer serious playability, flexible routing, and enough headroom to avoid digital clipping when things get loud. This isn't about pushing buttons; it's about sculpting sound, shaping dynamics, and finally having a mixer that responds to your nuanced playing. Let's get into it.
Don't fall for the "more channels = better mixer" trap. A mixer packed with features you'll never use is just wasted money. Pay attention to the EQ type - semi-parametric is a good middle ground.
Be wary of mixers that boast high channel counts but skimp on preamp quality; you'll just end up adding a noisy outboard preamp anyway. Ultimately, the best mixer is the one that feels right in your hands and inspires you to create.
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 144 analogue 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 pre and post EQ on aux sends?
Pre-EQ affects the signal before it hits the effects unit, allowing you to shape the tone going in. Post-EQ affects the signal after the effects, letting you tweak the processed sound. Experiment to see what works best for your monitors or sends.
Do I really need a mixer with parametric EQ?
Not necessarily, but it offers unparalleled control. If you're mostly running simple setups, a semi-parametric EQ might suffice. But if you're a tone obsessive or need to solve tricky mix problems, parametric is a game-changer.
What's 'headroom' and why should I care?
Headroom is the difference between the mixer's maximum output level and the point where it starts to clip. More headroom means you can crank the gain without distortion, preserving the dynamic range of your signal.
I'm recording at home - does build quality even matter?
Absolutely. A flimsy mixer will introduce unwanted noise and instability. Solid construction translates to a more reliable and consistent recording experience, even in a quiet bedroom environment.
What's the deal with phantom power and is it necessary?
Phantom power (+48V) provides power to condenser microphones. If you're using dynamic mics, you don't need it. If you're using condensers, you do need it, and most decent mixers will provide it.
