Best Analogue mixers for Beginner 2026
So you're diving into live sound or basic recording - awesome! An analogue mixer is still the heart of a lot of setups, even in a digital world. Forget those complex digital boards for now; we're talking about getting your head around the fundamentals. Let's find you a mixer that won't overwhelm you, but will still let you shape your sound and cut through a rehearsal room.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
⚡ The best analogue mixers in 2026 are Rockboard LM 4 4-Channel Line Mixer (top pick), myVolts MickXer Black for tighter budgets, and Behringer MX400 for pros — selected from 15 options across 8 brands, priced $17–$113, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
PRICE RANGES:
Under $50
Under $100
Under $200
Under $300
Under $500
Under $800
Under $1,000
Under $2,000
GENRES & STYLES:
For Live Sound
Rockboard LM 4 4-Channel Line Mixer
by
Rockboard
Size
4"
Simple Setup
Band
Small Venues
Key Feature:
The Rockboard LM 4 is a surprisingly capable little line mixer. It's a great solution for keyboardists, DJs, or anyone needing to combine multiple line-level signals in a small footprint – think a pedalboard signal chain or a basic rack setup. Just don't expect it to replace a full-fledged mixer.
PROS
- • Metal housing provides surprising durability for its size and price.
- • 95dB signal-to-noise ratio is excellent for a mixer in this class.
- • Compact size makes it ideal for pedalboards or tight spaces.
- • The included power supply is a welcome convenience for portability.
CONS
- • Limited to line-level inputs; unsuitable for microphone use directly.
- • Lacks EQ; tonal shaping is entirely dependent on incoming signals.
- • Single output restricts flexibility for more complex routing needs.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 606758
$22
myVolts MickXer Black
by
myVolts
Weight
0.07 kg
Small Venues
Rehearsal
Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
This little mixer runs on nothing but cables, which is great for gigs where power is hard to find. It mixes five stereo pairs without needing a battery pack. However, it lacks EQ, effects, or aux sends, so it works best for simple setups where you just need to combine signals cleanly.
PROS
- • Runs without any battery or power supply needed.
- • Handles up to five separate stereo sources easily.
- • Includes a noise filter to stop ground loops.
- • Very light weight for easy carrying around.
CONS
- • No equalizer bands to shape the sound.
- • No built-in effects to add creativity.
- • No aux sends for external monitoring.
⭐
4.5/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
4/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 650019
$23
Behringer MX400
by
Behringer
Band
Budget Conscious
Simple Setup
Key Feature:
The MX400 is a seriously neat little mixer – honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle at this price point. It's perfect for keyboardists needing to expand their mixer's channel count or for anyone wanting a basic line mixer for a small podcast or simple audio setup. Just don't expect miracles – it's a basic tool, but it does the job surprisingly well.
PROS
- • Uses 4580 op-amps for surprisingly clean, low-noise performance
- • Extremely compact footprint ideal for space-constrained setups
- • Provides flexible sub-mixing capabilities for expanding channel count
- • Remarkably affordable entry point into basic mixing functionality
CONS
- • Limited EQ capabilities restrict detailed sonic sculpting
- • No phantom power support restricts microphone usage
- • Build quality feels plasticky and not exceptionally durable
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 184361
$18
Behringer Xenyx 502S
by
Behringer
Weight
1.2 kg
Small Venues
Simple Setup
Live Sound
Key Feature:
The Xenyx 502S is a surprisingly capable little mixer, perfect for solo performers, podcasters, or anyone needing a simple and affordable interface for basic recording or live streaming. The USB connectivity is a real boon, and the preamps are decent enough for spoken word or simpler instruments – just don’t expect miracles in terms of pristine audio fidelity.
PROS
- • Compact size ideal for small spaces and mobile setups
- • Xenyx preamps offer surprisingly clean gain for the price point
- • USB streaming interface simplifies recording and online broadcasting
- • Simple EQ provides basic tonal shaping without excessive complexity
CONS
- • Plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy and lacks long-term durability
- • Limited channel count restricts use for more complex setups
- • EQ is basic - lacks the finesse of higher-end consoles
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 560493
$63
IMG Stageline MMX-31
Rehearsal
Simple Setup
Live Sound
Key Feature:
This little IMG Stageline MMX-31 is a bare-bones, no-frills mixer perfect for simple sound reinforcement tasks – think small presentations, karaoke, or basic podcasting. Its passive design makes it incredibly convenient when power isn’t readily available, but don't expect any fancy features. It’s a budget-friendly solution for when you just need a few mics combined.
PROS
- • Passive design simplifies setup, no power needed
- • Compact size ideal for portable applications
- • Robust construction for reliable field use
- • Simple level controls offer basic gain staging
CONS
- • Limited to three microphone inputs severely restricts use
- • Lack of EQ limits tonal shaping possibilities
- • Passive nature means lower signal levels require careful gain management
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 484577
$27
the t.mix MiniMix 22
by
the t.mix
Budget Conscious
Small Venues
Live Sound
Key Feature:
The MiniMix 22 is a seriously tiny mixer – think podcasting on the go, or quickly patching a stereo source to a larger system. Don't expect miracles, it's a very basic tool, but its small size and affordability make it surprisingly useful for those needing a simple audio solution.
PROS
- • Extremely compact and portable for mobile recording setups
- • Simple, straightforward design ideal for basic audio routing
- • Included power supply eliminates immediate additional cost
- • Stereo and RCA inputs offer surprising versatility for its size
CONS
- • Limited channel count restricts complex mixing scenarios
- • Build quality feels plasticky; not built for heavy road use
- • RCA input quality is noticeably lower than the 6.3mm jack
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 427140
$27
Millenium Pocket Mix
by
Millenium
Small Venues
Rehearsal
Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
Look, this Millenium Pocket Mix isn't going to win any awards, but it’s a surprisingly useful little mixer for the price. Perfect for solo performers, podcasting on a budget, or basic karaoke setups where you just need to combine a few signals. Don't expect miracles, but it gets the job done simply and affordably.
PROS
- • Compact size ideal for small spaces and mobile setups
- • Simple layout makes it easy to learn and operate quickly
- • XLR mic input provides decent gain for basic vocal needs
- • Affordable entry point for simple audio mixing tasks
CONS
- • Limited channel count restricts versatility for complex setups
- • Plastic construction feels budget-oriented and less durable
- • Sound quality is basic; expect noise and limited headroom
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 378759
$34
Alto TrueMix 500
by
Alto
Weight
0.9 kg
Live Sound
Rehearsal
Small Venues
Key Feature:
This tiny mixer handles three channels and comes with a USB port for recording. It powers mics with phantom electricity but lacks effects or aux sends. Great for small gigs where you need simplicity and portability.
PROS
- • USB audio interface built directly into the mixer
- • 18V phantom power supports condenser microphones
- • Compact dimensions fit small venues easily
- • Lightweight design simplifies transport for gigging
CONS
- • No aux sends listed for direct monitoring
- • Effects section is completely absent from specs
- • Only two band EQ limits tone shaping options
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 571503
$80
the t.mix MicroMix 2 USB
by
the t.mix
Budget Conscious
Band
Small Venues
Key Feature:
The t.mix MicroMix 2 USB is a surprisingly capable little mixer for its size and price. It's ideal for solo performers, podcasting, or small acoustic gigs where portability and simplicity are key. Don't expect miracles, but it delivers a lot of functionality in a tiny package.
PROS
- • Extremely compact and lightweight for portable applications
- • Bluetooth 4.2 provides convenient wireless connectivity
- • Built-in USB audio interface simplifies recording and playback
- • Simple EQ offers basic tonal shaping without complexity
CONS
- • Limited channel count restricts larger or complex setups
- • 80dB signal-to-noise ratio indicates potential for noise floor
- • Plastic construction feels budget-oriented, lacks premium feel
- • EQ is basic, lacking the precision of higher-end mixers
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 424898
$45
the t.mix MicroMix 1 USB
by
the t.mix
Live Sound
Small Venues
Rehearsal
Key Feature:
The MicroMix 1 USB is a surprisingly capable little mixer, perfect for solo musicians, podcasters, or anyone needing a simple, portable solution for basic recording or live streaming. Don't expect miracles, but for the size and price, it’s an impressive and convenient tool. It's a great entry point for those just getting started with audio interfaces.
PROS
- • Extremely compact and portable, ideal for mobile recording setups
- • Built-in USB audio interface simplifies computer recording workflows
- • Phantom power supports condenser microphones for better audio quality
- • Simple, intuitive controls make it easy to dial in a sound quickly
CONS
- • Limited channel count restricts use for larger or complex setups
- • 80dB SNR is noticeable, especially in quieter recording environments
- • Plastic enclosure feels somewhat flimsy, lacks premium build quality
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 424895
$45
Behringer Xenyx 802S
by
Behringer
Weight
1.6 kg
Simple Setup
Rehearsal
Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
The Xenyx 802S is a surprisingly capable little mixer for the price. It's a great entry point for singer-songwriters, podcasters, or anyone needing a simple, portable solution for basic audio routing and USB streaming. Don't expect miracles, but it delivers a lot of functionality for a budget-friendly option.
PROS
- • Compact size ideal for small venues and home recording setups
- • XLR inputs offer versatility for microphones and line-level sources
- • Built-in USB interface simplifies recording and streaming workflows
- • 3-band EQ provides basic tonal shaping on most channels
CONS
- • Plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy, lacks premium robustness
- • Limited headroom; can introduce noise at higher gain levels
- • EQ is basic; lacks semi-parametric control for nuanced adjustments
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 560494
$86
the t.mix mix 502
by
the t.mix
Budget Conscious
Band
Live Sound
Key Feature:
Look, for the price, you can't really complain. It's a bare-bones mixer, perfect for solo performers, podcasting, or very small acoustic gigs where you just need a few channels and some basic level control. Don't expect miracles, but it gets the job done reliably for simple tasks.
PROS
- • Extremely affordable entry point to basic mixing
- • Functional phantom power for condenser mics is a bonus
- • Compact size makes it ideal for small, portable setups
- • Simple EQ offers basic tonal shaping capabilities.
CONS
- • Limited channel count restricts versatility for larger bands
- • Construction feels budget-oriented – plastic enclosure
- • RCA inputs only; lacks more modern connectivity options.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 370662
$56
Behringer Xenyx 1002SFX
by
Behringer
Weight
1.1 kg
Rehearsal
Budget Conscious
Band
Key Feature:
This little Behringer is a surprisingly handy tool for beginners or anyone needing a simple, portable mixer. It’s perfect for podcasters, solo musicians recording demos, or small live streams where you're not needing a ton of headroom or complex routing – it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • Compact size ideal for small spaces and mobile setups.
- • XENYX preamps offer surprisingly decent clean gain for the price.
- • Built-in Klark Teknik effects add usable reverb/delay options.
- • USB interface simplifies recording directly to a computer for streaming.
CONS
- • Plastic construction feels noticeably cheap and less durable.
- • EQ is basic 3-band, lacking precision for detailed mixing.
- • Limited headroom; prone to noise with higher input levels.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 565806
$110
Behringer Xenyx 1003B
by
Behringer
Weight
2.1 kg
Live Sound
Band
Budget Conscious
Key Feature:
The Xenyx 1003B is a surprisingly capable little mixer. It’s fantastic for singer-songwriters, solo performers, or anyone needing a basic, portable mixing solution for rehearsals or small gigs. Don't expect miracles, but for the price, it gets the job done reliably.
PROS
- • Compact size makes it exceptionally portable for mobile setups.
- • 60mm faders offer surprisingly precise control for the price point.
- • XLR mic inputs provide decent gain and low-noise operation.
- • Battery operation offers flexibility for remote recording or small gigs.
CONS
- • Plastic construction feels noticeably budget-conscious; not built to withstand heavy abuse.
- • EQ is basic; lacks the finesse for complex tonal shaping.
- • Limited aux sends restrict routing options for more elaborate effects setups.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 571076
$114
Mackie Mix5
by
Mackie
Rehearsal
Small Venues
Band
Key Feature:
The Mix5 is a seriously budget-friendly option for small vocal or instrument reinforcement. It’s perfect for solo performers, acoustic duos, or anyone needing a simple, portable mixer for basic PA duties. Don't expect miracles, but for the price, it's a solid performer.
PROS
- • Solid build for its size, surprisingly robust plastic chassis
- • Mic preamp delivers usable gain with minimal noise
- • Compact design makes it ideal for small spaces and mobile setups
- • Tape I/O offers basic recording/playback flexibility
CONS
- • EQ limited to just 2-band on the mic channel
- • Stereo channels lack any EQ adjustment – a significant limitation
- • Headphone output lacks a dedicated level control
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 350833
$79
Every analogue mixers that matches
141 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Behringer Xenyx 1202SFX | Weight 1.5 kg | $123 |
| 17 | Alto TrueMix 600 | Weight 1.4 kg | $125 |
| 18 | the t.mix mix 802 | not published | $87 |
| 19 | Allen & Heath ZED-6 | Weight 1.5 kg | $130 |
| 20 | Soundcraft Notepad-5 | Weight 0.62 kg | $133 |
| 21 | Behringer Xenyx QX602MP3 | not published | $100 |
| 22 | the t.mix xmix 802 USB | Weight 3.2 kg | $150 |
| 23 | Mackie Mix8 | not published | $114 |
| 24 | Rolls MX 41b | not published | $115 |
| 25 | Yamaha MG06 | Weight 0.9 kg | $155 |
| 26 | Behringer Xenyx 1003B Case Bundle | Weight 2.1 kg | $168 |
| 27 | Behringer Xenyx 1202SFX Case Bundle | Weight 1.5 kg | $168 |
| 28 | Korg Volca Mix | not published | $133 |
| 29 | Rolls MX 51S | not published | $133 |
| 30 | Rolls MX 22s | not published | $133 |
| 31 | the t.mix xmix 1002 FX USB | Weight 3.85 kg | $173 |
| 32 | the t.mix xmix 1202 USB | Weight 4.3 kg | $173 |
| 33 | LD Systems VIBZ 6 | not published | $137 |
| 34 | Alto TrueMix 800FX | Weight 2.1 kg | $178 |
| 35 | Rolls MX 42 | not published | $145 |
| 36 | Mackie Mix12FX | not published | $148 |
| 37 | Mackie 402 VLZ4 | not published | $150 |
| 38 | Soundcraft Notepad-8FX | not published | $168 |
| 39 | Dynacord CMS600-3 | Size 19" · Weight 6 kg | $2,352 |
| 40 | Allen & Heath WZ4 16:2 | Size 19" · Weight 13 kg | $1,969 |
| 41 | Allen & Heath WZ4 14:4:2 | Size 19" · Weight 12.5 kg | $1,876 |
| 42 | Soundcraft FX 16 II | Size 19" · Weight 8.5 kg | $914 |
| 43 | Allen & Heath ZED-14 Bundle | Size 19" · Weight 7.5 kg | $578 |
| 44 | Allen & Heath ZED-14 | Size 19" · Weight 7.5 kg | $502 |
| 45 | Behringer Xenyx X2442 USB Case Bundle | Size 19" · Weight 5.9 kg | $370 |
| 46 | DAP-Audio IMIX-6.2 | Size 19" · Weight 2.6 kg | $365 |
| 47 | Behringer Xenyx X2222 USB Bundle | Size 19" · Weight 4.78 kg | $347 |
| 48 | Behringer Xenyx X1222 USB Case Bundle | Size 19" · Weight 3.7 kg | $284 |
| 49 | Behringer Xenyx X1222USB | Size 19" · Weight 3.7 kg | $226 |
| 50 | Allen & Heath ZED-428 | Weight 21 kg | $2,502 |
| 51 | Tascam Model 2400 | Weight 14 kg | $2,317 |
| 52 | Dynacord CMS1000-3 | Size 19" | $2,270 |
| 53 | Boredbrain Music Xcelon SL | Weight 2.21 kg | $2,259 |
| 54 | Tascam Model 24 | Weight 10.4 kg | $1,309 |
| 55 | Mackie 1604 VLZ4 | Weight 9.1 kg | $1,042 |
| 56 | Mackie 1642 VLZ4 Case Bundle | Weight 8.3 kg | $938 |
| 57 | Yamaha MG20 XU | Weight 7.1 kg | $914 |
| 58 | Allen & Heath ZED-22FX | Weight 11.5 kg | $868 |
| 59 | Intellijel Designs Jellymix | Weight 1.4 kg | $868 |
| 60 | Mackie ProFX16v3 Case Bundle | Weight 6.9 kg | $822 |
| 61 | Yamaha MG20 | Weight 6.9 kg | $810 |
| 62 | Mackie ProFX22v3 | Weight 9 kg | $809 |
| 63 | Mackie 1642 VLZ4 | Weight 8.3 kg | $782 |
| 64 | Heritage Audio Mix Buddy | Weight 1.92 kg | $752 |
| 65 | Allen & Heath ZED-16FX | Weight 8.5 kg | $737 |
| 66 | Mackie ProFX10 GO Case Bundle | Weight 2.7 kg | $666 |
| 67 | Allen & Heath ZED-12FX | Weight 7.4 kg | $643 |
| 68 | Yamaha MG16XU | Weight 6.8 kg | $608 |
| 69 | Yamaha MG12 XU Thon Case Bundle | Weight 4.2 kg | $602 |
| 70 | Yamaha MG16X | Weight 6.8 kg | $602 |
| 71 | Soundcraft EFX12 | Weight 4.6 kg | $578 |
| 72 | Mackie ProFX16v3 | Weight 6.9 kg | $567 |
| 73 | Yamaha MG16 | Weight 6.6 kg | $555 |
| 74 | Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX | Weight 4.4 kg | $539 |
| 75 | Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX | Weight 3.8 kg | $520 |
| 76 | Yamaha MG12 XU Case Bundle | Weight 4.2 kg | $497 |
| 77 | Mackie ProFX10 GO | Weight 2.7 kg | $486 |
| 78 | Yamaha MG12XUK | Weight 3 kg | $474 |
| 79 | Soundcraft EFX8 | Weight 4.6 kg | $473 |
| 80 | Mackie 1402 VLZ4 | Weight 4.5 kg | $439 |
| 81 | Yamaha MG12 XU | Weight 4.2 kg | $439 |
| 82 | Mackie ProFX12v3+ | Weight 3.6 kg | $435 |
| 83 | Soundcraft EPM12 | Weight 5.8 kg | $416 |
| 84 | Yamaha MG12X | Weight 4.2 kg | $416 |
| 85 | Behringer Xenyx QX1222USB Case Bundle | Weight 3.7 kg | $411 |
| 86 | Mackie ProFX10v3+ | Weight 2.2 kg | $404 |
| 87 | Soundcraft EPM8 | Weight 4.6 kg | $393 |
| 88 | Soundcraft EPM6 Case Bundle | Weight 4 kg | $393 |
| 89 | Yamaha MG10XUF Case Bundle | Weight 3.3 kg | $393 |
| 90 | Yamaha MG12 | Weight 4 kg | $393 |
| 91 | Mackie ProFX12v3 | Weight 3.6 kg | $377 |
| 92 | Allen & Heath ZED-10FX | Weight 3.3 kg | $370 |
| 93 | cre8audio Assembler | Weight 0.85 kg | $358 |
| 94 | Soundcraft EPM6 | Weight 4 kg | $335 |
| 95 | Yamaha MG10XUF | Weight 3.3 kg | $335 |
| 96 | Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 FX | Weight 2.3 kg | $330 |
| 97 | Behringer Xenyx QX2442USB | Weight 5.9 kg | $330 |
| 98 | Allen & Heath ZED-10 | Weight 3.3 kg | $300 |
| 99 | Behringer Xenyx QX1832USB | Weight 4.6 kg | $300 |
| 100 | Yamaha MG10 XU | Weight 2.1 kg | $300 |
| 101 | Mackie ProFX6v3+ | Weight 1.2 kg | $289 |
| 102 | Behringer Xenyx QX2222USB | Weight 4.78 kg | $271 |
| 103 | Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 | Weight 2.2 kg | $265 |
| 104 | Mackie 1202 VLZ4 | Weight 3 kg | $265 |
| 105 | Yamaha MG10X | Weight 2.1 kg | $265 |
| 106 | the t.mix xmix 1402 FXMP Case Bundle | Weight 4.7 kg | $265 |
| 107 | the t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB Case Bundle | Weight 4.7 kg | $265 |
| 108 | Mackie ProFX10v3 | Weight 2.2 kg | $263 |
| 109 | Yamaha MG06X Case Bundle | Weight 0.9 kg | $249 |
| 110 | Mackie MobileMix | Weight 0.8 kg | $247 |
| 111 | Mackie 802 VLZ4 | Weight 2.5 kg | $231 |
| 112 | Radial Engineering MIX2:1 | Weight 0.8 kg | $229 |
| 113 | the t.mix xmix 1402 FXMP USB | Weight 4.7 kg | $229 |
| 114 | Behringer Xenyx QX1222USB | Weight 3.7 kg | $226 |
| 115 | Yamaha MG10 | Weight 1.9 kg | $226 |
| 116 | Rolls MX 28 | Weight 490 kg | $216 |
| 117 | Behringer Xenyx QX1204USB | Weight 2.8 kg | $207 |
| 118 | Yamaha MG06X | Weight 0.9 kg | $207 |
| 119 | the t.mix xmix 802 USB Case Bundle | Weight 3.2 kg | $207 |
| 120 | the t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB | Weight 4.7 kg | $207 |
| 121 | Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 | Weight 1.5 kg | $196 |
| 122 | Allen & Heath ZED-6 FX | Weight 1.5 kg | $196 |
| 123 | Mackie ProFX6v3 | Weight 1.2 kg | $196 |
| 124 | Rolls MX44Pro | Weight 0.45 kg | $192 |
| 125 | Soundcraft Notepad-12FX | Weight 1.7 kg | $184 |
| 126 | the t.mix xmix 1202 FX USB | Weight 4.35 kg | $184 |
| 127 | Dynacord CMS1600-3 | not published | $3,580 |
| 128 | Dynacord CMS2200-3 | not published | $3,243 |
| 129 | Allen & Heath WZ4 12:2 | not published | $1,563 |
| 130 | Mackie Onyx16 | not published | $717 |
| 131 | Radial Engineering Gold Digger | not published | $577 |
| 132 | Mackie Onyx8 | not published | $404 |
| 133 | Rolls MX 54s | not published | $284 |
| 134 | Midas DM12 | not published | $277 |
| 135 | Rolls MX 122 | not published | $277 |
| 136 | Bastl Instruments Bestie | not published | $272 |
| 137 | Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-4 | not published | $254 |
| 138 | Rolls MX 34C | not published | $254 |
| 139 | Rolls MX 310 | not published | $229 |
| 140 | LD Systems VIBZ 10 C | not published | $211 |
| 141 | ART Promix | not published | $180 |
Analogue mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 141 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $277
from $45 to $1,969
Weight
median 3.7 kg
from 0.85 kg to 10.4 kg · 104 models
Size
median 19"
from 4" to 19" · 13 models
How to Choose the Best Analogue mixers
1
Channel Count
More isn't always better. 8 channels is usually plenty for a beginner - enough for a vocal mic, guitar, bass, and a little drum kit. Too many channels just adds unnecessary complexity and potential for signal chain confusion.
2
EQ
Don't get sucked into fancy parametric EQs just yet. Simple 3-band EQ (low-mid-high) is all you need to start sculpting your tone. Look for a decent amount of cut/boost - at least 6dB on each band - to have some flexibility.
3
Preamp Quality
This is where the "mojo" comes from. Better preamps offer a cleaner signal and more headroom before breakup, which means less noise and more punch. Don't expect boutique studio quality at this price point, but avoid anything that sounds thin or lifeless.
4
Aux Sends
Essential for effects! Having at least one aux send allows you to route a signal to a reverb or delay pedal/processor. It's a simple way to add depth and space to your mix.
5
Build Quality
Let's be honest, budget mixers can feel flimsy. Check for sturdy knobs, reliable faders (if present), and a chassis that doesn't rattle like a tin can. This impacts longevity and how it holds up to gigging.
Buying Guide
For a beginner, prioritize playability and simplicity over features. Don't chase that 'fat midrange honk' if you don't understand EQ yet - you'll just end up muddying things up. Cheaper mixers often cut corners on preamp quality and build; you'll hear it in the noise and feel it in the wobbly knobs. Spending a little more on a model with decent preamps and a robust build is an investment in your learning and frustration levels.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 141 analogue mixers from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mic inputs have phantom power (48V) for condenser mics and are preamped - meaning they boost the weak signal from a microphone. Line inputs are for signals that are already at a line level, like keyboards or pre-amped instruments.
Headroom is the space between the average signal level and clipping (distortion). More headroom means more volume before things get crunchy. Aim for at least 6dB of headroom for rehearsals and gigs - it gives you some wiggle room.
Aux sends route a portion of a channel's signal to an external effects processor (like a reverb pedal). The return brings the processed signal back into the mixer, blending it with the dry signal. It's a core mixing technique.
Absolutely! You can route the main outputs to an audio interface and record into your DAW. Just be aware you're recording the analogue sound - any EQ or effects you apply will be baked in.
It's the inherent background hiss and hum of the mixer. A lower noise floor means a cleaner signal. Cheaper mixers often have a higher noise floor, which can be noticeable in quiet passages or recordings.
