AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Soundcraft Analogue mixers 2026
The top pick is Soundcraft Notepad-5 5-Channel Analog Mixer ($129). Soundcraft FX 16 II leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Soundcraft Notepad-5 5-Channel Analog Mixer
Notepad-5 · Soundcraft
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.62 kg
The Notepad-5 is a surprisingly capable little mixer. It's ideal for podcasters, solo musicians needing a simple recording solution, or anyone wanting a clean, compact front-of-house option for small acoustic gigs. Don't expect a full-blown studio console, but it’s a great value for its size and sound quality.
Pros
- Solid Soundcraft preamps deliver clean, usable gain for vocals/instruments
- Compact size makes it exceptionally portable for mobile recording setups
- Hi-Z input allows direct connection of guitars without a DI box
Cons
- Limited channel count restricts use for larger ensembles or complex setups
- Lack of aux sends limits routing options for monitor mixes or external effects
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$129 now$129€115 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Soundcraft Notepad-12FX Small Format 12-Input Mixing Console
Notepad-12FX · Soundcraft
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.7 kg
The Notepad-12FX is a really clever little mixer. It's perfect for singer-songwriters, small bands, or podcasters needing a compact, affordable solution with built-in effects. The Soundcraft preamps are genuinely good for the money, making it a surprisingly capable all-rounder.
Pros
- Solid Soundcraft preamps deliver clean, usable gain for vocals/instruments
- Lexicon effects add professional polish without excessive cost
- Compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable
Cons
- Limited aux sends restrict complex monitor routing possibilities
- USB functionality is playback only, lacking true two-way operation
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Soundcraft EFX12 12-Channel Mixer w/ Effects
EFX12 · Soundcraft
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight4.6 kg
The EFX12 is a solid, no-frills mixer perfect for small bands, rehearsal spaces, or basic live sound reinforcement. It’s a great value for the price, offering a decent feature set and those classic Lexicon effects, but don't expect studio-grade performance. This is your workhorse for reliable, portable sound.
Pros
- Solid Soundcraft build quality; feels robust despite the weight.
- Lexicon effects are surprisingly good for a mixer in this class.
- Compact size with rackmount ears makes for easy transport and setup.
Cons
- EQ is basic – only 3-band, lacks semi-parametric control.
- Mono inputs lack XLR connectivity; only 1/4” TRS jacks.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$562 now$562€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Soundcraft EPM-8 Multi-Format 8-Channel Mixer
EPM8 · Soundcraft
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight4.6 kg
The EPM8 is a surprisingly capable little mixer – think of it as a solid workhorse for smaller bands, rehearsal rooms, or even podcasting. The sound quality is decent for the price, and the layout is logical. It's a great option for anyone needing a compact, reliable mixer without a ton of frills.
Pros
- Solid build quality with Soundcraft's signature robust construction.
- Swept mid EQ offers precise tonal shaping on each channel.
- Pre/post aux sends provide flexible routing options for monitoring or effects.
Cons
- Limited channel count restricts use for larger, complex setups.
- EQ isn't the most expansive—lacks semi-parametric control.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$381 now$381€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Soundcraft EFX8 8-Channel Mixer with Lexicon Effects
EFX8 · Soundcraft
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight4.6 kg
The EFX8 is a really handy little mixer for smaller gigs or home recording. It’s got that classic Soundcraft vibe – reliable and sounds decent – and those Lexicon effects are a surprisingly nice touch. Perfect for singer-songwriters, small bands, or anyone needing a compact, budget-friendly solution.
Pros
- Solid Soundcraft build quality, feels dependable in hand.
- Lexicon effects offer surprisingly good reverb and chorus options.
- Compact size makes it ideal for small venues and mobile rigs.
Cons
- EQ is basic, lacking the finesse of higher-end consoles.
- Mono input headroom can be a limiting factor with hotter mics.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$459 now$459€408 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight4 kg
The EPM6 is a really solid little mixer – feels like a proper Soundcraft, not some flimsy budget thing. It's perfect for solo performers, duos, or small bands needing a reliable and compact front-of-house solution. The EQ’s tunable mids are a nice touch for dialing in a great sound.
Pros
- Solid Soundcraft build quality; feels surprisingly robust for its size.
- Tunable mids on EQ offer precise tonal shaping capabilities.
- Compact footprint makes it ideal for small venues or home studios.
Cons
- Limited channel count restricts use for larger, complex setups.
- Integrated power supply can be a drawback for international travel.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$325 now$325€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Soundcraft Notepad-8FX 8-Channel Analog Mixer with USB I/
O Notepad-8FX · Soundcraft
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Notepad-8FX is a seriously handy little mixer for singer-songwriters, podcasters, or anyone needing a simple, portable solution. The built-in effects are a nice bonus, and the Soundcraft preamps are a step above what you typically find at this price point. It's a great entry point into the Soundcraft ecosystem.
Pros
- Soundcraft preamps deliver surprisingly clean, low-noise performance
- Lexicon effects offer usable reverb, chorus, and delay options
- Compact size makes it ideal for portable recording and small venues
Cons
- Limited headroom – pushing it can introduce noticeable distortion
- No dedicated aux sends for monitor mixes – a significant limitation
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$163 now$163€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight5.8 kg
The EPM12 is a surprisingly capable little mixer – a real workhorse. It’s ideal for smaller bands, rehearsal rooms, or even a solo performer needing multiple inputs and some basic monitoring control. The sound is clean and reliable, typical of Soundcraft, and the compact design is a huge plus.
Pros
- Solid build quality with Soundcraft's typical robust chassis.
- Swept mid EQ offers excellent tonal shaping capabilities.
- Pre/post aux sends provide routing flexibility for monitors or effects.
Cons
- Limited channel count may restrict larger band setups.
- EQ isn't as comprehensive as higher-end consoles.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight8.5 kg
The FX 16 II is a workhorse mixer, perfect for smaller bands, DJs, or venues needing a reliable rackmount solution. It delivers decent Soundcraft sound and those Lexicon effects are a real bonus – a surprisingly capable unit for the price point. It's a great value for what you get.
Pros
- Solid Soundcraft build quality; feels robust and reliable.
- Lexicon effects provide surprisingly good reverb and delay.
- Compact 19in rackmount saves valuable space in mobile setups.
Cons
- EQ is basic; lacks the finesse of higher-end consoles.
- Limited headroom at higher gain settings; can get noisy.
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- Weight6.1 kg
This mixer handles twelve channels with ghost preamps and dbx compressors built right in. The built-in Lexicon processor saves you from buying separate gear for effects. It's a solid choice for bands needing four group busses and aux sends without extra costs. Great for venues where you want simple, reliable sound right out of the box.
Pros
- Four independent group busses for flexible routing needs
- Integrated Lexicon hardware effects with tap tempo
- Four aux sends for essential signal splitting
Cons
- No stereo channel EQ controls listed in description
- Limited to three stereo channels total
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 10Sep 10$898 now$898€798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 13 analogue mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Soundcraft Signature Plus 16Soundcraft43Stable$1,011€898$1,011€898Check ↗
- 12
Soundcraft Signature Plus 22Soundcraft43Stable$1,348€1,198$1,348€1,198Check ↗
- 13
Soundcraft Signature Plus 32Soundcraft43Stable$1,686€1,498$1,686€1,498Check ↗
Analogue mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 145 models we track, not a sample.
Median $459 — 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
Mic Preamp Tone
Soundcraft's historically been known for a slightly warmer, more forgiving sound than some competitors. It's not a 'sterile' preamp; there's a subtle saturation that can be really pleasing, especially on vocals and acoustic instruments. It's not going to give you that super-detailed, hyper-accurate recording sound, but it's great for a vibe.
EQ Characteristics
The EQ on Soundcrafts is often a bit more generous than you find elsewhere. That mid-range 'honk' can be a blessing or a curse - it helps instruments cut through a live mix, but can get muddy if you're not careful. It's a fairly broad EQ, not surgical, so don't expect pinpoint accuracy.
Build Quality & Reliability
Older Soundcrafts (especially the Spirit series) were built like tanks. While newer models might use slightly less expensive components, they're still generally reliable for gigging. The faders are usually decent, but that's one area where you sometimes feel a cost-cutting measure.
Headroom & Noise Floor
Soundcrafts generally offer reasonable headroom for the price. You'll hear some noise if you crank everything, but it's not usually excessive. It's a trade-off - you get a solid feature set at a reasonable price, but you're not getting the absolute lowest noise floor available.
Feature Set & Connectivity
Soundcraft mixers often pack in a lot of features for the money: aux sends, subgroups, inserts. The connectivity is usually standard - XLR, 1/4" jacks - but don't expect fancy things like Thunderbolt or Dante. They're built for straightforward audio routing.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for an analogue mixer? Good choice. Digital's got its place, but sometimes you just want that raw, tactile feel and a certain sonic character. Soundcraft's been a staple in studios and on stages for decades, and for good reason - they nail that sweet spot of reliable performance and a distinct, usable sound. Let's break down the best Soundcraft analogue mixers for your needs, from small gigs to full band tracking.
Don't get lured in by the channel count alone. Consider your actual needs - how many inputs do you really need? Older Soundcrafts, particularly the Spirit series, are a worthwhile investment if you can find one in good condition.
Be wary of mixers that look heavily used; those faders take a beating. And remember, a slightly higher price for a mixer with better preamps and EQ is often worth it in the long run - it'll save you money on outboard gear later.
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 14 analogue mixers from the Thomann catalogue (of 145 in the category). 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
Are Soundcraft mic preamps as good as more expensive brands?
They're not going to rival Neve or API, but they offer a surprisingly good sound for the price. They're colored in a pleasing way, which can be a benefit, especially for live sound where you don't want everything sounding clinical.
What's the difference between a Soundcraft Series II and a Spirit mixer?
The Spirit series represents a step up in build quality and preamp performance. They generally have a more refined sound and better overall components. Series II mixers are still solid workhorses, but the Spirit line is where Soundcraft really shined.
Can I use a Soundcraft mixer for recording?
Absolutely. While they're not designed as dedicated recording consoles, they're perfectly capable of delivering usable recordings, especially if you're after a warmer, more vintage-inspired tone. Just be mindful of the noise floor.
Are Soundcraft mixers easy to learn?
Generally, yes. The layouts are pretty intuitive, even for beginners. The EQ can be a bit tricky to dial in initially, but once you understand its characteristics, it's quite powerful.
What's the deal with the 'VHFR' (Vector Field Routing) feature?
VHFR is Soundcraft's routing system. It allows for very flexible signal routing, letting you send signals to multiple destinations - aux sends, subgroups, matrix outputs. It's a powerful feature, but can be a bit overwhelming at first.
