AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Analogue mixers for Live Sound 2026
The top pick is Yamaha MG10XU 10 Channel Analog Mixer ($218). Yamaha MG06X 6 Channel Analog Mixer gives you the most for the money at $150. Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ4 16:2 16-Input Stereo Mixer leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 110 models across 26 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight1.9 kg
The MG10 is a dependable workhorse mixer—perfect for singer-songwriters, small bands, or anyone needing a compact, affordable solution for live sound. It's not a studio powerhouse, but it handles basic mixing duties with Yamaha’s usual reliability and a clean, neutral sound.
Pros
- Solid Yamaha build quality; feels dependable for gigging.
- Clean preamps deliver surprisingly low noise for the price.
- Versatile EQ and HP filter offer decent tonal shaping.
Cons
- Limited headroom; can get noisy pushing the channels hard.
- EQ isn't the most detailed; lacks mid-sweep capabilities.
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$218 now$218€195 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight4 kg
The MG12 is a solid, reliable workhorse mixer – a classic for a reason. It's perfect for smaller bands, singer-songwriters, or anyone needing a compact and versatile mixer for live sound or basic recording. The built-in compressors are a real bonus for live performance, giving you a little extra polish without needing external gear.
Pros
- Solid Yamaha build quality; feels robust for its size.
- Excellent preamps for clean, clear vocal and instrument capture.
- Compressors on channels 1-4 are surprisingly effective for live use.
Cons
- EQ is basic; lacks the precision of more expensive mixers.
- Limited headroom at higher gain settings; can get noisy.
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$379 now$379€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight6.6 kg
The MG16 is a solid, reliable workhorse mixer. It's a great option for smaller bands, recording studios, or anyone needing a versatile mixer with a good number of inputs and a touch of compression on the mic preamps. The compact size makes it easy to transport, but be mindful of the headroom when pushing levels.
Pros
- Solid Yamaha build quality; feels robust for its size.
- Built-in compressors on mic channels are surprisingly effective.
- Flexible aux sends provide routing options for monitors and effects.
Cons
- Limited headroom at higher gain settings – can get noisy.
- The EQ, while flexible, lacks fully parametric control.
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Mackie ProFX10v3 10-Channel Effects Mixer
ProFX10v3 · Mackie
72 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.2 kg
The ProFX10v3 is a really solid entry-level mixer. It's perfect for smaller bands, singer-songwriters, or anyone needing a compact, affordable solution for live sound or basic recording – the USB interface is a big plus. Don't expect studio-grade performance, but it delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros
- Solid build quality for the price, feels surprisingly robust.
- The single-knob compressors are genuinely useful and intuitive.
- USB interface is clean and functional for basic recording.
Cons
- EQ isn't exceptionally detailed; lacks a mid sweep.
- Phantom power can be a bit noisy with certain mics.
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Mackie ProFX12v3 12-Channel Effects Mixer
ProFX12v3 · Mackie
77 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.6 kg
The ProFX12v3 is a solid, budget-friendly option for smaller bands, singer-songwriters, or anyone needing a compact and versatile mixer. It's got a clean, functional sound, and the built-in effects are a nice bonus for adding some texture. Perfect for live sound reinforcement and basic recording setups where ultimate sonic purity isn’t the top priority.
Pros
- Solid build quality for the price point; feels surprisingly robust.
- The single-knob compressors are genuinely useful and easy to dial in.
- GigFX effects are decent enough for basic gigs and rehearsals.
Cons
- EQ isn’t the most detailed – lacks a mid sweep for precise tone shaping.
- Phantom power can be a little noisy with some condenser mics.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$363 now$363€325 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.9 kg
The MG06 is a seriously handy little mixer – Yamaha’s nailed the essentials here. It’s perfect for solo performers, duos, or small bands needing a simple, reliable front-of-house solution. The build is surprisingly good for its size and price point, and the clean preamps make a difference.
Pros
- Robust Yamaha build quality; feels surprisingly solid for the size
- Clean preamps deliver a surprisingly low-noise signal
- Compact size makes it incredibly portable for gigs
Cons
- Limited channel count restricts larger band setups
- EQ is basic; lacks semi-parametric control
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$150 now$150€134 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.2 kg
The ProFX6v3 is a surprisingly capable little mixer. It's a great entry point for singer-songwriters, small bands, or anyone needing a basic, affordable live sound solution with a built-in effects processor and USB interface – just don’t expect miracles from the EQ.
Pros
- Solid build quality for the price point; feels surprisingly robust.
- Mackie's GigFX effects are genuinely usable and add value.
- The USB interface is functional and simplifies recording workflows.
Cons
- EQ is limited to just two bands – lacks detailed tonal shaping.
- Line inputs could benefit from higher headroom for cleaner operation.
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Allen & Heath ZED-14 14-Channel Mixer
ZED-14 · Allen & Heath
33 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight7.5 kg
The ZED-14 is a seriously capable little mixer. It's perfect for smaller bands, solo artists, or anyone needing a reliable and affordable solution for live sound or basic recording. The preamps punch above their weight, and the layout is intuitive, making it a joy to use.
Pros
- DuoPre preamps deliver a surprisingly clean and powerful sound.
- Compact size makes it highly portable for gigs and rehearsals.
- Solid build quality; feels robust despite its smaller footprint.
Cons
- EQ is basic; lacks the precision of more expensive mixers.
- Limited headroom at higher gain settings can introduce noise.
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- Weight6.9 kg
The ProFX16v3 is a workhorse mixer – well-built and packed with features for the budget-conscious. It's ideal for smaller bands, wedding DJs, or anyone needing a reliable, compact mixer with a built-in effects unit and basic USB recording. Don't expect pristine studio sound, but it's a solid performer for live gigs.
Pros
- Solid build quality with a metal chassis; feels robust for the price.
- The single-knob compressors offer surprisingly usable gain reduction quickly.
- GigFX effects are decent, providing a usable palette for live sound.
Cons
- EQ isn’t the most transparent; can introduce some coloration.
- Limited headroom at higher gain levels; might struggle with very loud bands.
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$546 now$546€489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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
The WZ4 16:2 is a seriously capable analogue mixer, perfect for smaller bands, live sound reinforcement, or even a well-equipped home studio. It’s got that classic Allen & Heath sound – warm, reliable, and versatile – without the complexity of a digital board. A great choice if you want a hands-on mixing experience and don’t need a ton of bells and whistles.
Pros
- Solid build quality with robust metal chassis and reliable Allen & Heath pots
- Flexible aux sends offer versatile routing for monitors and effects
- Parametric mids in the EQ provide precise tonal shaping capabilities
Cons
- Limited headroom compared to more modern, higher-powered mixers
- The internal effects processor is serviceable but lacks advanced editing options
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,898 now$1,898€1,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 110 analogue mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Mackie 1642VLZ4 16-Channel Mic / Line Mixer1642 VLZ4 · Mackie · 2 finishes70Stable$754€675$754€675Check ↗
- 12
Mackie ProFX22v3 22-Channel Effects MixerProFX22v3 · Mackie70Stable$780€698$780€698Check ↗
- 13
Yamaha MG20XU 20 Channel Analog MixerMG20 · Yamaha · 2 finishes70Stable$781€699$781€699Check ↗
- 14
Allen & Heath ZED-10FX 10-Channel Mixer w/ EffectsZED-10 · Allen & Heath · 2 finishes69Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 15
Allen & Heath ZED-12FX 12+2 Channel Mixer w/ EffectsZED-12FX · Allen & Heath69↓ 2.5%$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 16
Mackie 1202VLZ4 12-Channel Mic / Line Mixer1202 VLZ4 · Mackie66Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 17
Mackie 1402VLZ4 14-Channel Mic / Line Mixer1402 VLZ4 · Mackie66Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 18
Mackie ProFX10 GO Portable 10 Channel MixerProFX10 GO · Mackie66Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 19
Mackie Mix12FX 12-Channel Compact Mixer with EffectsMix12FX · Mackie64Stable$143€128$143€128Check ↗
- 20
Mackie 802VLZ4 8-Channel Mic / Line Mixer802 VLZ4 · Mackie64Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 21
Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 Compact 10-Input Hybrid Mixer/USB InterfaceZEDi-10 · Allen & Heath · 2 finishes64↑ 1.3%$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 22
Mackie 1604VLZ4 16-Channel Mic / Line Mixer1604 VLZ4 · Mackie64Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 23
Mackie Mix8 8-Channel Compact MixerMix8 · Mackie62Stable$109€98$109€98Check ↗
- 24
Soundcraft Notepad-5 5-Channel Analog MixerNotepad-5 · Soundcraft62Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
- 25
Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 Compact 8-Input Hybrid Mixer/USB InterfaceZEDi-8 · Allen & Heath62↑ 5.9%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 26
Mackie Mix5 5-Channel Compact MixerMix5 · Mackie61Stable$76€68$76€68Check ↗
- 27
Mackie Onyx8 8-Channel Analog Mixer with Multitrack USBOnyx8 · Mackie61Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 28
Allen & Heath ZED-16FX 16-Channel Mixer w/ EffectsZED-16FX · Allen & Heath61↑ 3.4%$780€698$780€698Check ↗
- 29
Mackie MOBILEMIX 8-Channel USB Digital MixerMobileMix · Mackie60Stable$238€213$238€213Check ↗
- 30
Soundcraft Notepad-12FX Small Format 12-Input Mixing ConsoleNotepad-12FX · Soundcraft57Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 31
Radial Engineering MIX2:1Radial Engineering57Stable$221€198$221€198Check ↗
- 32
Soundcraft EPM-8 Multi-Format 8-Channel MixerEPM8 · Soundcraft57Stable$379€339$379€339Check ↗
- 33
Soundcraft EFX12 12-Channel Mixer w/ EffectsEFX12 · Soundcraft56Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 34
Mackie Onyx16 16-Channel Analog Mixer with Multitrack USBOnyx16 · Mackie56Stable$692€619$692€619Check ↗
- 35
TASCAM Model 24 Multitrack Recorder / Mixer / USB InterfaceModel 24 · Tascam56Stable$1,261€1,129$1,261€1,129Check ↗
- 36
Mackie 402VLZ4 4-Channel Mic / Line Mixer402 VLZ4 · Mackie55Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 37
Behringer Xenyx X1222USBBehringer · 2 finishes55Stable$218€195$218€195Check ↗
- 38
Soundcraft EFX8 8-Channel Mixer with Lexicon EffectsEFX8 · Soundcraft55Stable$456€408$456€408Check ↗
- 39
Allen & Heath ZED-22FX 22-Channel Mixer w/ EffectsZED-22FX · Allen & Heath55↑ 13.4%$949€849$949€849Check ↗
- 40
Allen & Heath ZED-6 Compact 6-Input MixerZED-6 FX · Allen & Heath · 2 finishes54↑ 5.9%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 41
Behringer Xenyx QX1222USB 16-Input Mixer with USB Interface and…Xenyx QX1222USB · Behringer · 2 finishes52Stable$218€195$218€195Check ↗
- 42
Soundcraft EPM12 12-Channel MixerEPM12 · Soundcraft52Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 43
Soundcraft EPM6 6-Channel MixerEPM6 · Soundcraft · 2 finishes51Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 44
Soundcraft FX 16 IISoundcraft50↑ 1.1%$892€798$892€798Check ↗
- 45
Soundcraft Notepad-8FX 8-Channel Analog Mixer with USB I/ONotepad-8FX · Soundcraft49Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 46
the t.mix xmix 1202 FX USBthe t.mix · 3 finishes49Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 47
Behringer Xenyx 502SBehringer · 2 finishes48Stable$60€54$60€54Check ↗
- 48
Allen & Heath ZED-428 24-Channel 4-Bus MixerZED-428 · Allen & Heath48Stable$2,412€2,159$2,412€2,159Check ↗
- 49
Allen & Heath ZED60-10FXAllen & Heath · 2 finishes47Stable$502€449$502€449Check ↗
- 50
Korg Volca Mix 4-Channel Performance MixerVolca Mix · Korg46Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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 108 models · 0.85 kg–11.5 kg
How to choose the best analogue mixers
EQ Response
Live sound demands clarity. We're looking for EQs with a predictable, musical response - not harsh boosts or scooped mids that leave your vocals buried. A good mixer should let you shape the tone without introducing unwanted artifacts or phase issues.
Preamp Cleanliness
The preamps are your front line. Dirty preamps introduce noise and compress the dynamic range, making your mix sound muddy and lifeless. We want clean headroom - the ability to push the gain without immediate distortion - so your instruments retain their articulation.
Routing Flexibility
Live sound is unpredictable. You need aux sends for monitors, subgroups for drum bussing, and plenty of ins and outs to handle whatever the gig throws at you. A mixer that locks you into a rigid routing scheme is a pain.
Build Quality & Reliability
Gigs aren't forgiving. A flimsy mixer with flaky knobs and unreliable power supplies is going to fail you onstage. Solid construction and robust components are non-negotiable - you need something that can take a beating.
Noise Floor
This is crucial. A high noise floor means you're fighting against unwanted hiss and hum, masking the subtleties of your performance. A low noise floor allows for more headroom and a cleaner, more professional sound.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for an analogue mixer for live sound? Forget the digital hype for a minute - sometimes you just need that raw, tactile feel and the reliable sonic character of a good ol' analogue board. We've all been there, wrestling with flaky software or chasing phantom latency. This isn't about bedroom recording; this is about getting your band to cut through the noise at a bar gig or a festival stage.
Don't fall for the 'more channels equals better mixer' trap. A bigger board isn't always better; it's about the quality of the components. Cheap mixers often cut corners on preamps and EQ, resulting in a muddy, compressed sound.
Paying a bit more for a mixer with clean preamps and a musical EQ is an investment that'll pay off in a better-sounding mix and less frustration.
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 a 'clean' preamp and a 'colored' preamp?
'Clean' preamps aim for transparency, reproducing the signal as accurately as possible. 'Colored' preamps introduce harmonic distortion and saturation - can be desirable for certain instruments like vocals or guitars, adding warmth or grit, but it's a stylistic choice, not always needed for live sound.
How much headroom do I really need?
It depends on your sources, but aim for at least 20dB of headroom. This gives you plenty of space to handle dynamic peaks without clipping. Clipping sounds awful - harsh and distorted.
Are phantom-powered XRL mics a must-have?
Pretty much. XLR mics are the standard for live sound, and phantom power makes setup a breeze. Avoid unbalanced connections like RCA - they're prone to noise and interference.
What's the deal with subgroups?
Subgroups are your secret weapon for drum bussing, creating stereo effects, or controlling the overall level of specific instrument groups. They give you much more control over your mix than individual channel faders alone.
Is a USB interface important for a live sound mixer?
Not really. It's more of a convenience for recording rehearsals or sending a monitor mix to an engineer. For live sound, the audio quality isn't the priority; reliability and routing are key.
