Best Digital Mixers Under $500 2025

Affordable digital mixers under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

Allen & Heath DT20 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Allen & Heath DT20

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Allen & Heath DT20DANTE InterfaceCompact Dante interface for installationsResolution: 96 kHz / 48 kHzInputs: 2 XLR...

4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Soundcraft Ui12 Hands On Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Soundcraft Ui12 Hands On Bundle

Theater Large Venues Professional Live
Key Feature:
• Remote control capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Remote control capabilities
  • • Built-in effects and processing
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than analogue
  • • Requires power and boot-up time

Soundcraft Ui12 Hands On Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Soundcraft Ui12*12-Channel Digital Mixer*Tablet/Smartphone/PC...

4.8/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Midas DN4816-I - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Midas DN4816-I

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Midas DN4816-IStageCONNECT InterfaceWith 16 analogue inputs and Ultranet connectivityUp to 32 signals can be...

5.0/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Elite Acoustics Stompmix X4 Pedal Mixer - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Elite Acoustics Stompmix X4 Pedal Mixer

Professional Live Installation Complex Routing
Key Feature:
• Advanced routing and matrix
✓ PROS
  • • Compact size with many channels
  • • Built-in effects and processing
✗ CONS
  • • Complex menu systems
  • • More expensive than analogue

Elite Acoustics Stompmix X4 Pedal MixerDigital Mixer in Pedal Format4 Mono inputs: 2x mic (XLR)2x line (6.3 mm jack)2...

5.0/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Behringer X18 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Behringer X18

Corporate Theater Professional Live
Key Feature:
• Advanced routing and matrix
✓ PROS
  • • Compact size with many channels
  • • Advanced routing and matrix
✗ CONS
  • • Complex menu systems
  • • More expensive than analogue

Behringer X18Digital iPAD / Tablet Mixer18 Channels16 Midas preampsIntegrated Wi-Fi router6 AUX buses18 x 18 USB...

4.8/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Behringer SD8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Behringer SD8

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Behringer SD8Digital Stage BoxWith 8 inputs and 8 outputsAES50 network (Klark Teknik)Up to 100 m CAT-5e cables...

4.6/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Behringer X AIR XR12 Hands On Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Behringer X AIR XR12 Hands On Bundle

Installation Theater Large Venues
Key Feature:
• Advanced routing and matrix
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced routing and matrix
  • • Compact size with many channels
✗ CONS
  • • Requires power and boot-up time
  • • Steeper learning curve

Behringer X AIR XR12 Hands On Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Behringer X AIR XR12*Rack Mixer*12 ChannelsMidas...

4.8/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Midas DN4816-O - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Midas DN4816-O

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Midas DN4816-OStageCONNECT InterfaceWith 16 analogue outputs and Ultranet connectivityUp to 32 signals can be...

4.4/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Allen & Heath DT02 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Allen & Heath DT02

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Allen & Heath DT02Dante InterfaceCompact Dante interface for installationsReady for Dante Domain ManagerResolution:...

4.7/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Behringer X Air XR18 Bag Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Behringer X Air XR18 Bag Bundle

Corporate Professional Live Installation
Key Feature:
• Advanced routing and matrix
✓ PROS
  • • Built-in effects and processing
  • • Remote control capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than analogue
  • • Requires power and boot-up time

Behringer X Air XR18 Bag Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Behringer X Air XR18*18-Channel Digital Mixer*Remote...

4.5/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Behringer S16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Behringer S16

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Behringer S16 Digital SnakeDigital StageboxWith 16 Inputs and 8 OutputsAES50 network (Klark Teknik)Up to 100m of...

4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Behringer X Air XR18 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Behringer X Air XR18

Complex Routing Theater Professional Live
Key Feature:
• Compact size with many channels
✓ PROS
  • • Scene recall and automation
  • • Remote control capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Potential digital conversion artifacts
  • • Steeper learning curve

Behringer X Air XR1818-Channel Digital MixerRemote controllable via integrated router with Wi-FiEthernet and...

4.5/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Soundcraft Ui12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Soundcraft Ui12

Professional Live Corporate Installation
Key Feature:
• Compact size with many channels
✓ PROS
  • • Scene recall and automation
  • • Compact size with many channels
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than analogue
  • • Complex menu systems

Soundcraft Ui1212-Channel Digital MixerTablet/Smartphone/PC controlledWith integrated stagebox and DSPIntegrated Wi-Fi...

4.6/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Behringer X Air XR16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Behringer X Air XR16

Professional Live Installation Theater
Key Feature:
• Scene recall and automation
✓ PROS
  • • Compact size with many channels
  • • Scene recall and automation
✗ CONS
  • • Complex menu systems
  • • More expensive than analogue

Behringer X Air XR1616-Channel Digital MixerRemote control via built-in router with WiFi and EthernetFour integrated...

4.8/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Behringer X Air XR16 Hands On Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Behringer X Air XR16 Hands On Bundle

Corporate Large Venues Installation
Key Feature:
• Advanced routing and matrix
✓ PROS
  • • Scene recall and automation
  • • Built-in effects and processing
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than analogue
  • • Potential digital conversion artifacts

Behringer X Air XR16 Hands On Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Behringer X Air XR16*16-Channel Digital Mixer*Remote...

4.8/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best Digital Mixers

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 digital mixers 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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