AudioFu

Best Analogue mixers for Beginner 2026

Perfect analogue mixers for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Live Sound For Band For Small Venues For Rehearsal For Budget Conscious For Simple Setup
BRANDS: Mackie Behringer Yamaha Allen & Heath the t.mix Rolls Soundcraft
Soundcraft EFX8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Soundcraft EFX8

by Soundcraft
Band Live Sound Simple Setup
Key Feature:
• Immediate hands-on control
✓ PROS
  • • Lower cost than digital equivalents
  • • Reliable with fewer failure points
✗ CONS
  • • Larger and heavier than digital
  • • Limited recall and automation

Soundcraft EFX88-Channel Mixing Console8 Mono inputs2 Stereo inputsInsert per channel1 FX send1 Aux sendpre/post...

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 531146
$449
Buy at Thomann View Details
Soundcraft EPM12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Soundcraft EPM12

by Soundcraft
Simple Setup Rehearsal Band
Key Feature:
• No digital latency or conversion
✓ PROS
  • • No digital latency or conversion
  • • Simple and intuitive operation
✗ CONS
  • • Limited routing flexibility
  • • No built-in effects processing

Soundcraft EPM12Small Mixer12 mono channels2 stereo channels3-band EQ with a swept mid on mono inputsInsert per...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 531150
$395
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha MG12X - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Yamaha MG12X

by Yamaha
Simple Setup Rehearsal Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
• Lower cost than digital equivalents
✓ PROS
  • • Reliable with fewer failure points
  • • Immediate hands-on control
✗ CONS
  • • No remote control capabilities
  • • Limited recall and automation

Yamaha MG12X12-Channel Mixing Desk6 Microphone inputs"D-PRE" microphone preamplifier with inverted Darlington...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 545260
$409
Buy at Thomann View Details
Soundcraft EFX12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Soundcraft EFX12

by Soundcraft
Small Venues Budget Conscious Band
Key Feature:
• Lower cost than digital equivalents
✓ PROS
  • • Lower cost than digital equivalents
  • • Immediate hands-on control
✗ CONS
  • • Limited recall and automation
  • • No remote control capabilities

Soundcraft EFX1212-Channel Mixer12 Mono inputs2 Stereo inputsInsert per channel1 FX send1 Aux send pre/post...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 531147
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Bastl Instruments Bestie - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Bastl Instruments Bestie

by Bastl Instruments
Band Simple Setup Rehearsal
Key Feature:
• Reliable with fewer failure points
✓ PROS
  • • Immediate hands-on control
  • • No digital latency or conversion
✗ CONS
  • • No built-in effects processing
  • • Limited routing flexibility

Bastl Instruments Bestie5-Channel Stereo MixerPer channel mute button and level control with up to +20dB gainChannel 3...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 565774
$259
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie ProFX12v3+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Mackie ProFX12v3+

by Mackie
Band Rehearsal Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
• Reliable with fewer failure points
✓ PROS
  • • No digital latency or conversion
  • • Lower cost than digital equivalents
✗ CONS
  • • Limited routing flexibility
  • • No built-in effects processing

Mackie ProFX12v3+12 Channel Mixer with Bi-Directional Bluetooth2x4 USB-C-Audio-InterfaceRecording modes:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 583699
$457
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie 1642 VLZ4 Case Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Mackie 1642 VLZ4 Case Bundle

by Mackie
Band Rehearsal Small Venues
Key Feature:
• Simple and intuitive operation
✓ PROS
  • • Simple and intuitive operation
  • • Immediate hands-on control
✗ CONS
  • • No remote control capabilities
  • • Larger and heavier than digital

Mackie 1642 VLZ4 Case Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Mackie 1642 VLZ4*Compact 16-channel mixer*8 Mono mic/line...

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 589294
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Behringer Xenyx QX1222USB Case Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Behringer Xenyx QX1222USB Case Bundle

by Behringer
Rehearsal Band Small Venues
Key Feature:
• Lower cost than digital equivalents
✓ PROS
  • • Reliable with fewer failure points
  • • Simple and intuitive operation
✗ CONS
  • • No built-in effects processing
  • • Limited routing flexibility

Behringer Xenyx QX1222USB Case Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Behringer Xenyx QX1222USB*12-Channel Mixer*Six mic...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 589290
$424
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie MobileMix - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Mackie MobileMix

by Mackie
Band Small Venues Live Sound
Key Feature:
• No digital latency or conversion
✓ PROS
  • • No digital latency or conversion
  • • Lower cost than digital equivalents
✗ CONS
  • • Limited routing flexibility
  • • Larger and heavier than digital

Mackie MobileMix8-Channel Compact MixerWith USB power supply for A/V productionssmall live applications and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 583759
$252
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie ProFX22v3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Mackie ProFX22v3

by Mackie
Band Budget Conscious Rehearsal
Key Feature:
• Simple and intuitive operation
✓ PROS
  • • Immediate hands-on control
  • • Lower cost than digital equivalents
✗ CONS
  • • Larger and heavier than digital
  • • No built-in effects processing

Mackie ProFX22v322-Channel Mixer17 Microphone inputs with 3-band EQ on all channels with variable midrange frequency...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 473567
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie Onyx8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Mackie Onyx8

by Mackie
Simple Setup Live Sound Rehearsal
Key Feature:
• Lower cost than digital equivalents
✓ PROS
  • • Simple and intuitive operation
  • • Reliable with fewer failure points
✗ CONS
  • • No remote control capabilities
  • • No built-in effects processing

Mackie Onyx 88 Channel mixer4 Microphone inputs with 100 Hz low- cut and 48V phantom powerGain up to 60 dB3- Band EQ...

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 500237
$365
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie Onyx16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Mackie Onyx16

by Mackie
Rehearsal Live Sound Small Venues
Key Feature:
• Simple and intuitive operation
✓ PROS
  • • Immediate hands-on control
  • • Lower cost than digital equivalents
✗ CONS
  • • No built-in effects processing
  • • Limited recall and automation

Mackie Onyx1616-Channel Mixer12 Microphone inputs with 100 Hz low-cut and +48 V phantom powerGain up to 60 dB3-Band EQ...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 500240
$721
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie ProFX16v3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Mackie ProFX16v3

by Mackie
Rehearsal Simple Setup Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
• Reliable with fewer failure points
✓ PROS
  • • Immediate hands-on control
  • • No digital latency or conversion
✗ CONS
  • • Limited routing flexibility
  • • Limited recall and automation

Mackie ProFX16v316-Channel Mixer11 Microphone inputs with 3-band EQ on all channels with variable mid-frequency control...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 473565
$548
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie ProFX6v3+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Mackie ProFX6v3+

by Mackie
Rehearsal Small Venues Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
• Simple and intuitive operation
✓ PROS
  • • Simple and intuitive operation
  • • Reliable with fewer failure points
✗ CONS
  • • No remote control capabilities
  • • Larger and heavier than digital

Mackie ProFX6v3+6 Channel Mixer with Bi-Directional Bluetooth2x4 USB-C-Audio-InterfaceRecording modes: StandardLoopback...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 583679
$296
Buy at Thomann View Details
Mackie ProFX12v3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Mackie ProFX12v3

by Mackie
Band Live Sound Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
• Simple and intuitive operation
✓ PROS
  • • Reliable with fewer failure points
  • • Simple and intuitive operation
✗ CONS
  • • Larger and heavier than digital
  • • Limited recall and automation

Mackie ProFX12v312-Channel Mixer7 Microphone inputs with 3-band EQ4 Inserts and 4 single-knob compressorsChannels 5-10...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 473569
$373
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Analogue mixers

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced analogue mixers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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