AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Digital Mixers 2026
The top pick is Yamaha MGX12 18-Channel Digital Mixing Console ($637). Soundcraft Ui-16 Rackmount 16-Channel Digital Mixer w/ WiFi Router gives you the most for the money at $497. Allen & Heath SQ-7 48-channel Digital Mixer leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 80 models across 16 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
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All Digital MixersTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Yamaha MGX12 18-Channel Digital Mixing Console
MGX12 WH · Yamaha
30 for sale on Reverb8 finishes at Thomann
- Size4.3"
- Weight4.46 kg
This white mixer is great for small gigs and studio work. You get lots of faders and a built-in recorder that handles sixteen tracks well. It works nicely for live sound but lacks motorized faders for automation.
Pros
- Fourteen faders handle twelve channels plus extra bus control.
- Built-in DSP ensures monitoring stays in sync with your sound.
- USB interface records sixteen tracks at high resolution easily.
Cons
- Faders are not motorized for quick automation tasks.
- Touchscreen is small and hard to use in a loud room.
89AudioFu
Index↓ 19.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$794 · Aug 17$637 now$637€569 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer / USB Interface
SQ5 · Allen & Heath
35 for sale on Reverb9 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight10.5 kg
The SQ5 is a seriously powerful mixer – a real step up for bands and larger productions needing flexible routing and extensive monitoring options. The DEEP processing is a game-changer for those who like to really sculpt their sounds, and the motorized faders make complex shows manageable. It's a premium-priced piece, but the capabilities justify the investment for the right user.
Pros
- Exceptional FPGA processing delivers pristine, low-latency audio.
- The 6 layers and 17 faders offer unparalleled workflow efficiency.
- Integrated DEEP processing allows for truly customized signal chains.
Cons
- The size and weight make it less portable for solo acts.
- The touchscreen, while functional, isn't the most responsive.
87AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17$3,055 · Aug 17$2,909 now$2,909€2,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Soundcraft Ui-16 Rackmount 16-Channel Digital Mixer w/ WiFi Router
Ui16 · Soundcraft
44 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight3.61 kg
The Ui16 is a seriously clever mixer for smaller bands, solo artists, and podcasters needing remote control and a decent sound. The tablet interface is a game-changer for quick adjustments during a gig, and the integrated effects are surprisingly good for a mixer in this class. It's a solid, compact solution for mobile setups.
Pros
- Excellent Soundcraft preamps deliver clean, low-noise performance.
- Integrated stagebox provides flexible routing and remote mic placement.
- The tablet control is genuinely intuitive and fast for live adjustments.
Cons
- The lack of motorized faders limits complex recall and automation workflows.
- Wi-Fi performance can be unreliable in crowded signal environments.
85AudioFu
Index↓ 10.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$557 · Aug 17$497 now$497€444 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size9"
- Weight6.5 kg
The DM3S is a seriously impressive piece of kit for the streamer, podcaster, or small band needing a flexible, recallable digital mixer. Its compact size and motorized faders make it surprisingly easy to use, especially for those transitioning from analog, and the included software is a nice bonus for getting started. It’s a premium-priced but highly capable solution for a focused workflow.
Pros
- Excellent touchscreen interface provides intuitive workflow and visual feedback.
- Motorized faders offer recall and precise level adjustments for complex mixes.
- Compact size and lightweight design (for a digital mixer) enhance portability.
Cons
- Limited physical connectivity compared to larger format mixers; might require external stage boxes.
- The 9” touchscreen, while good, could benefit from higher resolution for finer detail.
84AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,734 now$1,734€1,549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath SQ-6 48-Channel Digital Mixing Console
SQ6+ · Allen & Heath
24 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Size9"
- Weight15.15 kg
This mixer is built for speed and flexibility, using a special chip that makes the sound feel instant with almost no delay. The large screen and many faders let you adjust levels quickly without hunting for buttons. It is ideal for live bands who need lots of inputs and complex effects, though you should check if it fits your case before buying.
Pros
- Zero-latency processing with the XCVI FPGA core at 0.7ms
- Nine-inch touchscreen with six layers of control for quick mixing
- Direct DEEP Processing integration without adding delay to the channel
Cons
- No physical input jacks listed for direct cable connections in this text
- Weight and physical dimensions are not provided in the description
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,036 now$5,036€4,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath SQ-7 48-channel Digital Mixer
SQ7 · Allen & Heath
20 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight17.8 kg
The SQ7 is a powerhouse for serious live sound engineers and bands needing a flexible, high-channel-count mixer. The layered fader system and DEEP processing really set it apart, making complex mixes manageable. It's perfect for touring acts, theaters, or venues demanding exceptional audio quality and routing capabilities.
Pros
- Exceptional FPGA processing delivers pristine, low-latency audio.
- Layered fader system significantly streamlines complex mixing workflows.
- DEEP processing offers unparalleled flexibility with embedded plugins.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for smaller operations.
- Size and weight make it less ideal for mobile or cramped environments.
78AudioFu
Index↓ 2.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$5,517 · Aug 17$5,372 now$5,372€4,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Soundcraft Ui24R 24-Channel Digital Mixer / USB Recorder w/ Wireless…
Ui24R · Soundcraft
29 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight5.1 kg
The Ui24R is a seriously powerful and flexible mixer, perfect for gigging bands, small venues, or anyone needing a robust, self-contained solution. The integrated stage box and remote control are game-changers for workflow, and the Lexicon effects are a welcome addition. It’s a great option for those wanting a compact digital mixer with a professional sound without the complexity of a full-blown console.
Pros
- Excellent Lexicon reverb adds depth and polish to live sound
- Built-in stage box simplifies cabling and expands input options
- Dbx compression provides transparent gain reduction and control
Cons
- Limited physical feedback compared to traditional analog consoles
- USB direct recording can be cumbersome for complex multi-track setups
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$950 now$950€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath CQ-18T 16-Channel Digital Mixer
CQ18T Case Bundle · Allen & Heath
36 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight3 kg
The CQ18T is a seriously impressive little mixer. It’s perfect for smaller bands, touring musicians needing a portable solution, or anyone wanting a powerful digital workflow in a compact package. The touchscreen is a game changer, and the built-in recording options are a huge bonus.
Pros
- Compact size belies powerful processing and routing capabilities.
- Intuitive touchscreen interface drastically simplifies complex mixing tasks.
- Built-in SD card player/recorder offers convenient live performance recording.
Cons
- Limited physical controls can feel less tactile for seasoned engineers.
- Rackmount and case are separate purchases, adding to the overall investment.
74AudioFu
Index↑ 8.0%since Aug 17$1,264 · Aug 17$1,364 now$1,364€1,219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath CQ-12T 12-Channel Digital Mixer
CQ12T Inlay Case Bundle · Allen & Heath
26 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight2.4 kg
The CQ12T is a seriously clever little mixer, perfect for solo artists, duos, or smaller bands needing a powerful, portable solution. The touchscreen interface and integrated Bluetooth make setup a breeze, and the sound quality is surprisingly robust for its size. It’s a great balance of features and portability for the modern gigging musician.
Pros
- Compact design maximizes portability for gigging musicians and small venues.
- Integrated Bluetooth simplifies playback for backing tracks and announcements.
- 96kHz processing ensures clean, professional-grade audio quality.
Cons
- Limited channel count might restrict larger band setups or complex routing needs.
- Touchscreen interface could be less tactile than traditional physical controls.
73AudioFu
Index↑ 10.9%since Aug 17$938 · Aug 17$1,040 now$1,040€929 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha TF-RACK 40 Channel Rackmount Digital Mixer
TF-Rack · Yamaha
29 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight9.2 kg
The TF-Rack is a serious contender for bands and production teams needing a compact, powerful digital mixer. Its D-PRE preamps sound fantastic, and the TouchFlow system is surprisingly quick to learn, letting you focus on the music. It's ideal for fixed installations or smaller touring rigs where space is at a premium.
Pros
- D-PRE preamps deliver exceptionally clean, low-noise performance.
- TouchFlow control system offers intuitive, fast workflow and recall.
- Rackmount format maximizes space efficiency in permanent installations.
Cons
- Limited physical controls can feel less tactile than a traditional mixer.
- Dante expansion cards add significant cost for expanded I/O.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,132 now$3,132€2,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 80 digital mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Behringer WING 48-Channel Digital MixerWING-Bk · Behringer71Stable$2,864€2,559$2,864€2,559Check ↗
- 12
Behringer WING 48-Channel Digital MixerWING-Bk Case Bundle · Behringer71Stable$3,274€2,925$3,274€2,925Check ↗
- 13
Mackie DL32SE 32 Channel Rackmount MixerDL32SE Router Bundle · Mackie · 2 finishes70Stable$1,341€1,198$1,341€1,198Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha TF1 40 Input Digital Mixing ConsoleTF-1 · Yamaha · 2 finishes69Stable$3,580€3,198$3,580€3,198Check ↗
- 15
Yamaha TF3 48 Input Digital Mixing ConsoleTF-3 · Yamaha · 2 finishes69Stable$4,476€3,999$4,476€3,999Check ↗
- 16
Soundcraft Ui12 12-Channel Remote Controlled Digital MixerUi12 · Soundcraft · 5 finishes68Stable$368€329$368€329Check ↗
- 17
Allen & Heath QU-SB Portable Rack-Mountable Wireless Digital MixerSQ Rack · Allen & Heath68Stable$2,473€2,209$2,473€2,209Check ↗
- 18
Allen & Heath QU-SB Portable Rack-Mountable Wireless Digital MixerSQ Rack Case Bundle · Allen & Heath68Stable$2,540€2,269$2,540€2,269Check ↗
- 19
Allen & Heath Avantis 64 Channel Digital Mixing ConsoleAvantis · Allen & Heath66Stable$13,319€11,899$13,319€11,899Check ↗
- 20
Behringer X Air XR18 Tablet-Controlled Digital MixerX Air XR18 · Behringer · 5 finishes65Stable$420€375$420€375Check ↗
- 21
Behringer X18 18-Channel 12-Bus Digital Mixer for TabletsX18 · Behringer · 3 finishes64Stable$420€375$420€375Check ↗
- 22
Behringer X32 RackBehringer · 22 finishes64Stable$884€790$884€790Check ↗
- 23
Behringer X Air XR12 12-Input Tablet-Controlled Digital MixerX AIR XR12 · Behringer · 3 finishes63Stable$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 24
Allen & Heath CQ-20B 16-Channel Rackmount Digital MixerCQ20B Case Bundle · Allen & Heath · 3 finishes63↑ 7.8%$1,141€1,019$1,141€1,019Check ↗
- 25
Yamaha MGX16V BKYamaha · 6 finishes62↓ 13.3%$1,096€979$1,096€979Check ↗
- 26
Midas MR18 18-Input Digital iOS/Android Tablet MixerMR 18 · Midas · 4 finishes60Stable$738€659$738€659Check ↗
- 27
Mackie DL16SE 16 Channel Rackmount MixerDL16SE · Mackie60Stable$838€749$838€749Check ↗
- 28
Yamaha DM7 Compact/RIO1608-D3 BundleYamaha · 8 finishes59↓ 1.7%$22,665€20,249$22,665€20,249Check ↗
- 29
Allen & Heath QU-5Allen & Heath · 7 finishes58Stable$2,170€1,939$2,170€1,939Check ↗
- 30
Allen & Heath QU-7Allen & Heath · 6 finishes57Stable$3,525€3,149$3,525€3,149Check ↗
- 31
Soundcraft Si Impact 32-Channel Digital MixerSi Impact · Soundcraft57Stable$3,916€3,499$3,916€3,499Check ↗
- 32
Yamaha DM5CYamaha · 5 finishes57↓ 4.8%$8,840€7,898$8,840€7,898Check ↗
- 33
Midas M32CMidas · 9 finishes56Stable$994€888$994€888Check ↗
- 34
Allen & Heath QU-6Allen & Heath · 6 finishes56↑ 3.1%$2,908€2,598$2,908€2,598Check ↗
- 35
Behringer X Air XR16 16-Input Tablet-Controlled Digital MixerX Air XR16 · Behringer · 3 finishes54Stable$334€298$334€298Check ↗
- 36
PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 16 Digital MixerStudioLive Series III SE 16 · Presonus54Stable$2,159€1,929$2,159€1,929Check ↗
- 37
Behringer WING Compact Flyht Pro BundleBehringer52↓ 6.5%$2,614€2,335$2,614€2,335Check ↗
- 38
PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 32 Digital MixerStudioLive Series III SE 32 · Presonus52Stable$3,749€3,349$3,749€3,349Check ↗
- 39
Waves eMotion LV1 ClassicWaves · 6 finishes52Stable$10,632€9,499$10,632€9,499Check ↗
- 40
Bose T4S ToneMatch MixerT4S Mixer · Bose50Stable$670€599$670€599Check ↗
- 41
PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 24 Digital MixerStudioLive Series III SE 24 · Presonus50Stable$2,797€2,499$2,797€2,499Check ↗
- 42
Yamaha QL1 40 Channel Digital Mixing ConsoleQL1 Case Bundle · Yamaha · 2 finishes50Stable$12,973€11,590$12,973€11,590Check ↗
- 43
Bose T8S ToneMatch MixerT8S Mixer · Bose49Stable$928€829$928€829Check ↗
- 44
Behringer WING Rack Live 40 BundleBehringer49Stable$1,677€1,498$1,677€1,498Check ↗
- 45
Behringer WING Rack Router BundleBehringer49Stable$1,789€1,598$1,789€1,598Check ↗
- 46
Behringer WING Rack Stagebox BundleBehringer49Stable$1,980€1,769$1,980€1,769Check ↗
- 47
Allen & Heath SQ Rack Router BundleAllen & Heath49Stable$2,708€2,419$2,708€2,419Check ↗
- 48
Behringer WING Compact Stagebox BundleBehringer49Stable$2,875€2,569$2,875€2,569Check ↗
- 49
Behringer WING-Bk Hands On BundleBehringer49Stable$2,893€2,585$2,893€2,585Check ↗
- 50
Behringer WING-Bk Stagebox BundleBehringer49Stable$3,278€2,929$3,278€2,929Check ↗
Digital Mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 269 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,311 — half of all digital mixers here cost less.
median of 174 models · 4.3"–19"
median of 242 models · 2.1 kg–21.8 kg
How to choose the best digital mixers
Preamp Quality
This is HUGE. Don't get fooled by channel counts; muddy, lifeless preamps will ruin your sound. Listen for clarity, headroom, and how they handle dynamic range - can they handle a screaming vocalist without distorting unpleasantly? Cheap mixers often skimp here, resulting in a flat, lifeless sound.
EQ & Dynamics
Digital EQ can be surgical, letting you carve out space in a dense mix. Compression and gates are essential for controlling dynamics and taming unruly instruments. The more flexibility you have here, the more creative control you'll have, especially when dialing in monitor mixes.
Routing & Flexibility
How easy is it to send signals where they need to go? Aux sends for monitors, subgroups for drum bussing, matrix outputs for external effects - these are the things that make a mixer truly useful. Complex routing menus can be a pain, so look for intuitive workflows.
User Interface & Workflow
A fancy feature set is useless if you can't actually use it quickly and efficiently. Gigging musicians need to be able to make adjustments on the fly without fumbling through menus. Look for tactile controls, clear displays, and a logical layout.
Connectivity & I/O
How many inputs and outputs do you really need? Consider your current setup and potential future expansion. XLR, TRS, USB - make sure the mixer has the connectivity you need for your mics, instruments, and recording interfaces. Don't forget about phantom power for condenser mics.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at digital mixers? Smart move. They've come a long way from the clunky, menu-diving nightmares of the early 2000s. Whether you're running a small band through a PA, tracking vocals in your home studio, or dialing in a killer monitor mix onstage, a digital mixer can be a serious upgrade - but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Let's cut through the marketing and get you pointed in the right direction.
Digital mixers range from budget-friendly options suitable for bedroom recording to high-end consoles used in professional studios and large venues. The biggest trade-off is often preamp quality; you'll pay more for clean, transparent preamps with plenty of headroom. Don't get caught up in channel count alone - a smaller mixer with excellent preamps will always sound better than a larger one with mediocre ones.
Consider your workflow and the complexity of your gigs or recordings; a simpler interface is often preferable to a feature-packed but confusing one.
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 220 digital mixers from the Thomann catalogue (of 269 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 digital mixers as good as analog?
It's not a simple 'better or worse.' Analog mixers often have a perceived 'warmth' due to their circuitry. However, digital mixers offer incredible flexibility and recall - you can save presets for different bands or venues, something analog mixers can't do. Modern digital preamps are also remarkably close to their analog counterparts.
What's the deal with USB interfaces?
Many digital mixers have USB interfaces, allowing you to record multiple tracks directly into your computer. Check the sample rate and bit depth supported - higher numbers generally mean better audio quality. Be aware that some interfaces have latency issues, so a good audio interface might still be preferable for critical tracking.
Do I need a motorized fader?
Motorized faders are a nice-to-have for larger mixers, allowing for automated level adjustments and recall of scene settings. However, they add to the cost and complexity. For smaller setups, traditional faders are perfectly adequate.
What about latency?
Digital mixers introduce some latency (delay) due to the processing they perform. While modern mixers have minimized this, it's still something to be aware of, especially when monitoring through the mixer. Look for models with low-latency processing and consider using a dedicated headphones amp for critical monitoring.
Can I use a digital mixer for live streaming?
Absolutely! Many digital mixers have built-in streaming capabilities or can be easily integrated with streaming software. Just be sure to check the audio quality and connectivity options to ensure a smooth and professional stream.
