AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Digital Mixers Under $800 2026
The top pick is Yamaha MGX12 18-Channel Digital Mixing Console ($637). Behringer SC16-O gives you the most for the money at $234. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 29 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
Top 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
Soundcraft Ui12 12-Channel Remote Controlled Digital Mixer
Ui12 · Soundcraft
25 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.29 kg
The Ui12 is a remarkably capable little mixer, perfect for smaller bands, podcasters, or anyone needing a portable, digitally controlled solution. The remote stagebox is a huge win for flexibility, and the Soundcraft preamps consistently deliver a solid, professional sound. It's a great value for the feature set, though experienced users might miss the tactile feel of traditional controls.
Pros
- Excellent Soundcraft preamps deliver clean, musical gain staging
- Integrated stagebox offers flexible routing and remote mic placement
- Lexicon effects add professional polish without external hardware
Cons
- Limited physical controls can feel restrictive for experienced mixers
- Wi-Fi performance can be inconsistent in environments with interference
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$368 now$368€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer X Air XR18 Tablet-Controlled Digital Mixer
X Air XR18 · Behringer
14 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.2 kg
The XR18 is a remarkably capable digital mixer, especially considering its price point. It's a great solution for bands, small venues, or anyone needing a flexible and remotely controllable mixing console. The remote control is a real time-saver, though the plastic build and somewhat dated interface are compromises you accept for the value.
Pros
- Excellent channel count for small to medium-sized gigs
- Ultranet allows for flexible monitor mixing with remote speakers
- Built-in effects are surprisingly usable for basic needs
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less robust than higher-end digital mixers
- Ultranet requires additional Ultranet nodes for expanded speaker systems
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$420 now$420€375 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer X18 18-Channel 12-Bus Digital Mixer for Tablets
X18 · Behringer
16 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight4 kg
The X18 is a seriously impressive value for smaller bands, solo artists, or anyone needing a compact, feature-rich digital mixer. It packs in a ton of functionality – Midas preamps, a full effects rack, and even Wi-Fi control – making it a surprisingly capable and affordable solution for live sound and basic recording.
Pros
- Midas preamps deliver surprisingly clean and warm gain for the price
- Integrated Wi-Fi simplifies remote control and system expansion
- Comprehensive effects rack provides professional-grade processing options
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less robust than higher-end digital mixers
- Menu navigation can be complex, requiring a learning curve
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$420 now$420€375 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer S16 Digital Snake 16 Input 8 Output IO Box
S16 · Behringer
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
The Behringer S16 is a surprisingly capable stagebox, especially for smaller to mid-sized gigs. Its AES50 networking keeps latency tight, and the ADAT outputs are a real bonus. This is a great option for bands and sound engineers on a budget who need to extend their mixer's inputs and outputs.
Pros
- Klark Teknik AES50 networking offers remarkably low latency.
- Solid metal chassis feels surprisingly robust for the price point.
- Dual ADAT outputs expand flexibility for recording or effects sends.
Cons
- AES50 protocol requires compatible digital mixers or interfaces.
- Limited routing options compared to higher-end digital snakes.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$469 now$469€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer X Air XR12 12-Input Tablet-Controlled Digital Mixer
X AIR XR12 · Behringer
15 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.4 kg
The XR12 is a seriously clever little mixer. It’s perfect for smaller bands, podcasters, or anyone needing a portable and flexible PA solution with surprisingly good Midas preamp quality. The Wi-Fi control is a real game-changer for live sound on a budget.
Pros
- Midas preamps deliver surprisingly clean, low-noise performance.
- Integrated Wi-Fi simplifies remote control and system management.
- Compact 2RU rackmount saves valuable space in small rigs.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less robust than higher-end rack units.
- Motorized fader accuracy can be inconsistent, requiring occasional calibration.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$285 now$285€255 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight2.2 kg
This box is great if you need to move audio between different digital mixers without losing timing. It sends sound and power over one cable, which saves space on your stage. However, you still need your own mixer to actually control the levels, so it is best used as a helper rather than a standalone unit.
Pros
- 16 XLR outputs handle many instruments at once easily
- Transmits audio and power over a single XLR cable
- Low latency ensures zero noticeable delay during live shows
Cons
- No built-in mixing controls for on-the-fly adjustments
- Relies on external power supply for remote operation
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 30Sep 30$234 now$234€209 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Midas MR18 18-Input Digital iOS / Android Tablet Mixer
MR 18 · Midas
13 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.9 kg
The MR18 is a surprisingly capable little mixer, especially for smaller bands, mobile rigs, or podcasters who want serious Midas preamp quality without a massive console. The tablet control is intuitive once you get the hang of it, and the built-in Wi-Fi is a real time-saver. It's a great value for the features offered.
Pros
- Excellent MIDAS preamps deliver pristine, low-noise performance.
- Integrated Wi-Fi simplifies setup, eliminating external router needs.
- Dugan auto-mixing intelligently manages gain for consistent levels.
Cons
- Tablet control reliance can be limiting for some users' workflow.
- Limited motorized fader count restricts complex routing flexibility.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$738 now$738€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The SD16 is a seriously useful tool for bands and sound engineers needing more stage inputs than their console offers. It’s a great way to expand your I/O without a massive investment, and the Klark Teknik integration is a big bonus. Perfect for smaller to mid-sized venues where you need flexible routing and monitor control.
Pros
- AES50 networking offers exceptional flexibility and low latency
- Klark Teknik DSP provides a familiar and powerful processing suite
- Robust metal chassis feels surprisingly solid for the price bracket
Cons
- Build quality, while improved, still feels somewhat plasticky in places
- AES50 cabling can be a potential point of failure with long runs
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$658 now$658€588 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 29 digital mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Allen & Heath DT02Allen & Heath57Stable$335€299$335€299Check ↗
- 12
Midas DN4816-IMidas · 2 finishes54Stable$334€298$334€298Check ↗
- 13
Behringer X Air XR16 16-Input Tablet-Controlled Digital MixerX Air XR16 · Behringer · 3 finishes54Stable$334€298$334€298Check ↗
- 14
Midas DN4888 8-Channel UltraNet InterfaceDN4888 · Midas51Stable$335€299$335€299Check ↗
- 15
Allen & Heath DT20Allen & Heath50Stable$335€299$335€299Check ↗
- 16
Allen & Heath DT22Allen & Heath50Stable$447€399$447€399Check ↗
- 17
Bose T4S ToneMatch MixerT4S Mixer · Bose50Stable$670€599$670€599Check ↗
- 18
Behringer SD8 I O Box 8-Preamps 8-OutputsSD8 · Behringer49Stable$358€320$358€320Check ↗
- 19
Behringer SC-UBehringer48Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 20
Behringer Flow 8Behringer · 5 finishes48Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 21
Behringer SC88Behringer48Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 22
Midas MR12 12-Input Digital iOS/Android Tablet MixerMR 12 · Midas47Stable$424€379$424€379Check ↗
- 23
Alto TMD 16Alto · 2 finishes46↓ 2.9%$603€539$603€539Check ↗
- 24
Midas DL8Midas39Stable$547€489$547€489Check ↗
- 25
Elite Acoustics GigMix 4-1 MAXElite Acoustics35Stable$368€329$368€329Check ↗
- 26
Proel Digipad 8Proel35Stable$391€349$391€349Check ↗
- 27
Proel Digipad 8 Bag BundleProel35Stable$424€379$424€379Check ↗
- 28
Proel Digipad 8 Case BundleProel35Stable$431€385$431€385Check ↗
- 29
Elite Acoustics Stompmix 4 Pedal MixerElite Acoustics · 2 finishes30Stable$379€339$379€339Check ↗
Digital Mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 55 models we track, not a sample.
Median $413 — half of all digital mixers here cost less.
median of 46 models · 1 kg–4 kg
median of 13 models · 4"–19"
How to choose the best digital mixers
EQ & Dynamics
Don't expect surgical precision like a $2000 console, but decent parametric EQ on each channel and some usable compression/gate are essential for taming unruly vocals or adding punch to your drums.
Preamp Quality
This is where budget mixers often fall short. Listen closely for noise, lack of headroom, and a generally 'flat' or lifeless sound. A colored preamp can be a good thing, but muddy low-end or harsh highs are not.
Connectivity & Routing
How many inputs do you really need? Consider XLR vs. 1/4" inputs, aux sends for monitors, and USB connectivity for recording - these are all crucial for different scenarios.
User Interface & Workflow
A confusing menu system can kill your vibe fast. Look for a layout that's intuitive, especially if you're running a live sound or recording sessions with multiple people.
Build Quality & Reliability
Plastic enclosures and flimsy knobs are a sign of corners cut. While you won't get tank-like construction at this price, you want something that can handle the rigors of gigging or regular studio use without falling apart.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at digital mixers but don't want to drop a grand? Totally get it. I've been there, hauling around underpowered, noisy boards for years. This list is about getting the most mixer for your money - we're talking features that actually help you shape a good sound, not just a bunch of blinking lights. Let's find you something that'll actually cut through the mix without breaking the bank.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Expect some noise, limited dynamic range, and potentially less-than-stellar preamps. Don't chase a ton of features you won't use; prioritize clean gain, usable EQ, and a workflow that doesn't slow you down.
Used gear is your friend here - you can often find a higher-end model from a few generations ago for the same price as a new budget option.
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 55 digital 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' and 'colored' preamp?
A clean preamp aims for transparency - it should amplify the signal without adding its own character. A colored preamp adds harmonic distortion, saturation, or other tonal flavors that some musicians find pleasing. It's a matter of taste, but budget preamps tend to be 'colored' in an undesirable way - think harshness or muddiness.
How much headroom should I expect?
Realistically, under $800, you're looking at maybe 24-30 dB of headroom before noticeable clipping. That's enough for most small to medium-sized gigs, but don't expect to crank everything to 11 without consequences. Watch your meters!
Can I record directly to a computer with these mixers?
Most will have a USB interface, but the quality of the audio interface built-in can vary wildly. Don't expect pristine studio recordings - it's a good starting point for demos or rehearsals, but a dedicated audio interface is still the best option for critical tracking.
What about effects like reverb and delay?
Many mixers in this range include built-in effects, but they're often basic. They can be useful for live performance, but don't rely on them for polished recordings. Consider external effects if you need something more professional.
Is a larger channel count always better?
Not necessarily. More channels mean more potential complexity and more inputs to manage. Think about how many simultaneous sources you typically need - a smaller mixer with good features might be a better choice than a larger one you'll never fully utilize.





