Best Analogue Mixing Desks for Analog Recording 2026

Perfect analogue mixing desks for analog-recording - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Presonus StudioLive AR8c - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Presonus StudioLive AR8c

Large Format Vintage Sound Mix Bus Processing
Key Feature:
• Physical faders and controls
✓ PROS
  • • No latency or conversion issues
  • • Warm analog sound character
✗ CONS
  • • No built-in effects
  • • Large physical footprint

Presonus StudioLive AR8c8-Channel Analogue Mixer with USB Audio Interface8 x 4 USB 2.0 (USB C) audio interface (24...

4.6/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
SSL SiX Decksaver Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

SSL SiX Decksaver Bundle

Professional Studio Vintage Sound Large Format
Key Feature:
• No latency or conversion issues
✓ PROS
  • • Classic recording workflow
  • • No latency or conversion issues
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive professional models
  • • No built-in effects

SSL SiX Decksaver Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, SSL SiX*6-Channel analog studio mixer*Ideal for smaller professional...

4.8/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
D&R Airence USB Main Unit MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

D&R Airence USB Main Unit MKII

Analog Recording Mix Bus Processing Vintage Sound
Key Feature:
• Warm analog sound character
✓ PROS
  • • Professional build quality
  • • No latency or conversion issues
✗ CONS
  • • Limited recall capabilities
  • • Maintenance requirements

D&R Airence USB Main Unit MKIIBroadcast Console In Split DesignMaster unit with 4 microphone/stereo or USB inputs...

4.7/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
D&R Airmate USB Radio Production - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

D&R Airmate USB Radio Production

Large Format Professional Studio Mix Bus Processing
Key Feature:
• Classic recording workflow
✓ PROS
  • • Physical faders and controls
  • • Classic recording workflow
✗ CONS
  • • Limited recall capabilities
  • • No built-in effects

D&R Airmate USB Radio Production19" Radio Production Console8 Triple inputs with 6 balanced mic inputs with...

4.8/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Behringer Xenyx X2222USB HP Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Behringer Xenyx X2222USB HP Bundle

Mix Bus Processing Professional Studio Large Format
Key Feature:
• Physical faders and controls
✓ PROS
  • • Professional build quality
  • • No latency or conversion issues
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive professional models
  • • Maintenance requirements

Behringer Xenyx X2222USB HP Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Behringer Xenyx X2222USB*Mixer*22 Channels8 Microphone...

4.8/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
SSL SiX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

SSL SiX

Large Format Vintage Sound Mix Bus Processing
Key Feature:
• Professional build quality
✓ PROS
  • • Classic recording workflow
  • • No latency or conversion issues
✗ CONS
  • • Maintenance requirements
  • • Large physical footprint

SSL SiX6-Channel analog studio mixerIdeal for smaller professional recording setupspodcasts and post-production2...

5.0/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Behringer Xenyx X2442 USB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Behringer Xenyx X2442 USB

Analog Recording Vintage Sound Mix Bus Processing
Key Feature:
• Classic recording workflow
✓ PROS
  • • Classic recording workflow
  • • Professional build quality
✗ CONS
  • • Maintenance requirements
  • • Limited recall capabilities

Behringer Xenyx X2442 USB24-Channel Mixer10 Microphone inputs with 48 V phantom power and 75 Hz low cut3-Band EQ with...

4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
D&R Airence Expansion Unit MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

D&R Airence Expansion Unit MKII

Analog Recording Mix Bus Processing Vintage Sound
Key Feature:
• No latency or conversion issues
✓ PROS
  • • Warm analog sound character
  • • Professional build quality
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive professional models
  • • No built-in effects

D&R Airence Expansion Unit MKII, Expansion Unit For D&R Airence Broadcast Console, Extender with 6...

4.8/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Mackie Onyx24 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Mackie Onyx24

Large Format Analog Recording Mix Bus Processing
Key Feature:
• Classic recording workflow
✓ PROS
  • • No latency or conversion issues
  • • Warm analog sound character
✗ CONS
  • • No built-in effects
  • • Large physical footprint

Mackie Onyx2424-Channel Mixing Console18 Microphone inputs with 100 Hz low-cut and 48 V phantom poweringGain up to 60...

4.6/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Presonus StudioLive AR12c - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Presonus StudioLive AR12c

Professional Studio Mix Bus Processing Analog Recording
Key Feature:
• Classic recording workflow
✓ PROS
  • • Physical faders and controls
  • • Warm analog sound character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited recall capabilities
  • • No built-in effects

Presonus StudioLive AR12c14-Channel Analogue Mixer with USB Audio Interface14 x 4 USB 2.0 (USB C) audio interface (24...

4.7/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
SSL Big SiX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

SSL Big SiX

Vintage Sound Mix Bus Processing Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Physical faders and controls
✓ PROS
  • • No latency or conversion issues
  • • Physical faders and controls
✗ CONS
  • • No built-in effects
  • • Large physical footprint

SSL Big SiX12-Channel Analogue Studio MixerBalanced signal routing throughout with +27dBu headroom (except...

4.7/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
SSL Big SiX Decksaver Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

SSL Big SiX Decksaver Bundle

Large Format Professional Studio Vintage Sound
Key Feature:
• Professional build quality
✓ PROS
  • • No latency or conversion issues
  • • Warm analog sound character
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive professional models
  • • Limited recall capabilities

SSL Big SiX Decksaver Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, SSL Big SiX*12-Channel Analogue Studio Mixer*Balanced signal...

4.6/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Behringer Xenyx X1222 USB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Behringer Xenyx X1222 USB Bundle

Professional Studio Large Format Analog Recording
Key Feature:
• Physical faders and controls
✓ PROS
  • • Professional build quality
  • • No latency or conversion issues
✗ CONS
  • • Large physical footprint
  • • No built-in effects

Behringer Xenyx X1222 USB Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Behringer Xenyx X1222USB*12 Channel mixer*6 Microphone...

4.8/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Behringer Xenyx X2222 USB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Behringer Xenyx X2222 USB Bundle

Large Format Professional Studio Mix Bus Processing
Key Feature:
• Professional build quality
✓ PROS
  • • Physical faders and controls
  • • Warm analog sound character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited recall capabilities
  • • Maintenance requirements

Behringer Xenyx X2222 USB Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Behringer Xenyx X2222USB*Mixer*22 Channels8 Microphone...

5.0/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Yamaha AG 03 MK2 Live Stream Pack BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Yamaha AG 03 MK2 Live Stream Pack BK

Large Format Vintage Sound Analog Recording
Key Feature:
• Warm analog sound character
✓ PROS
  • • Professional build quality
  • • No latency or conversion issues
✗ CONS
  • • Limited recall capabilities
  • • Very expensive professional models

Yamaha AG 03 MK2 Live Stream Pack BK, Live Streaming Set, Consists of AG 03 MK2 3-channel live streaming mixer + YCM-01...

4.9/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10

How to Choose the Best Analogue Mixing Desks

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 mixing desks 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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