AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Installation Matrix Mixers for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Bose Professional Control Space EX-440C ($3,449). ART MX624 6-Channel Line Mixer gives you the most for the money at $278. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 11 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size19"
- Weight3.2 kg
This is a 19-inch, 1 U unit that handles audio conference calls, echo cancellation and Dante audio networking in one box. It suits you if you set up meeting rooms or installed audio systems and need VoIP, phone line and USB audio together. The OLED display and rotary control let you make adjustments right on the unit.
Pros
- Dante audio network with 16 x 16 channels for flexible routing
- 8-channel AEC with multiple AEC references for echo cancellation
- Supports simultaneous VoIP, PSTN and USB soft codecs
Cons
- Frequency response is stated only up to 20,000 Hz
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,449 now$3,449€3,089 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight3.6 kg
You would use the Klark Teknik DM8500 for a fixed install, such as a meeting room, venue or conference space. It handles audio networking, echo cancellation for calls, and control by other systems through Ethernet or RS232. If you need many inputs and outputs that work together over a network, this is built for that job.
Pros
- 64 x 64 channel digital processing with configurable DSP for installed systems
- Dual-redundant Dante and AES67 audio networking with two RJ45 Dante ports
- 24 freely assignable Acoustic Echo Cancellation channels for conferencing
Cons
- Needs a 1 U, 19-inch rack space and setup know-how for its configurable DSP
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,231 now$2,231€1,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight3.6 kg
You get a sound processor made for fast installations, with a browser-based interface that keeps setup simple. It has four analogue inputs, ten outputs and GPIOs, so it suits installers who need to connect several sources and zones in a rack. If you want a compact 1U unit you can set up quickly from a web browser, this is a good fit.
Pros
- Browser-based user interface for easy and fast operation
- 32 bit, 456 MHz processor with 24 bit converter at 48 kHz
- Four analogue inputs: two unbalanced RCA and two balanced Euroblock
Cons
- Requires +48 V phantom power for phantom-powered sources
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,082 now$1,082€969 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight0.2 kg
You get a compact mixer and matrix switcher in one box, made for installed audio systems. Its Acoustic Echo Cancellation means only the voice spoken into the mic gets sent out, which makes it a good pick for teleconferencing rooms. If you need to route and mix several sources in a meeting space or AV setup, this is a tidy fit.
Pros
- Six inputs and two outputs with multi-channel DSP for processing all signals at once
- Acoustic Echo Cancellation passes only the voice spoken directly into the microphone for teleconferencing
- Power over Ethernet support or a 12 VDC 5 A power supply gives you two ways to power it
Cons
- Full control depends on the graphic interface, so a web browser setup is needed to configure it
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,004 now$1,004€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.5 kg
The Sonifex Redbox RB-PMX4 is a preset zone mixer with ten XLR mono inputs and four XLR outputs. Its channel assignment and routing are set with DIP switches, so it suits fixed installations where the setup stays the same. If you want to set up a room once and leave it running, this is a practical choice.
Pros
- Ten XLR mono inputs for connecting many sources at once
- Four XLR outputs for sending signal to several destinations
- Channel assignment and routing set by DIP switches
Cons
- Settings are made with DIP switches, not front-panel knobs for quick changes
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$926 now$926€829 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight2.3 kg
If you need to feed two zones from one small rack box, this one is worth a look. You get four mic or line inputs with phantom power, eight jack inputs, and a routing switch that sends signals to zone A, zone B, or both. It suits installers and venues that want a compact mixer they can mount in a 19 inch rack.
Pros
- Four XLR mic/line inputs with 48V phantom power for condenser mics
- Eight 6.35 mm jack inputs that can be summed to mono or stereo
- Routing switch (A / B / A + B) sends signals to either or both zones
Cons
- Outputs are switchable between mic and line level, so you need to set the right one
92AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$669 now$669€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight2.2 kg
You get a six-channel mixer that routes sound to two stereo zones, so it fits a setup that plays audio in more than one area. It has three microphone inputs with switchable phantom power, a ducking function, and an integrated power supply. Its 19 inch, 1 HU size fits a standard rack, which makes it a practical choice for an installed system.
Pros
- Three microphone XLR inputs with switchable +48 V phantom power per channel
- Six input channels routable to two stereo zone outputs
- Ducking function and volume control per channel for managing sources
Cons
- Zone outputs use 6.3 mm jacks, so you may need adapters for other connectors
88AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$278 now$278€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
If you run background music or announcements across several rooms, this mixer is built for that job. Each input can be sent to the zones you choose, and each zone has its own volume control. The built-in speaker and headphone jack let you check your audio before it goes out to the zones.
Pros
- Four zones, each with its own adjustable output volume
- Every input can be connected to the outputs individually
- Two inputs switch between mic and line, with individually adjustable phantom power
Cons
- Phantom power is +48V, so it is not suitable for dynamic-only setups needing none
- Two of its inputs are RCA line-only, not mic-capable balanced XLR
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$591 now$591€529 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight2.4 kg
If you run several amps or active monitors and want to set each one's volume on its own, this mixer is built for that job. It has five zones, each with its own stereo or mono switch and a small LED meter, and it fits a standard 19 inch rack in one space unit.
Pros
- Five independent zones let you set volume for each amp or monitor separately
- Each zone has a stereo/mono switch for flexible routing
- A 5-segment LED meter on every zone shows the signal level at a glance
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$308 now$308€276 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.4 kg
You would use this mixer in a fixed setup, such as a bar, church, or meeting room, where you need to combine several microphones and line sources in one place. It mounts in a standard 1U rack and its volume can be adjusted remotely over an Ethernet connection. If you need a portable mixer with built-in effects, look elsewhere.
Pros
- Eight microphone and line inputs, each with its own volume control
- Two master volume controls for the overall output level
- Bass and treble control for shaping the mix
Cons
- Only one bass and treble control, so tone shaping is limited
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$430 now$430€385 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 11 installation matrix mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Installation Matrix Mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 11 models we track, not a sample.
Median $669 — half of all installation matrix mixers here cost less.
median of 8 models · 19"–19"
median of 9 models · 0.2 kg–3.6 kg
How to choose the best installation matrix mixers
Routing Flexibility
A matrix mixer's core strength. You need a truly flexible matrix - not just a handful of pre-defined sends - allowing you to create custom monitor mixes, sub-mixes for different FOH zones, and even dedicated feeds for recording interfaces. Limited routing feels like a false promise.
EQ and Dynamics
Forget the basic high/mid/low knobs. Look for parametric EQ on at least the main channels, with the ability to sweep frequencies and adjust bandwidth. Dynamics processing - compression, gates - are crucial for taming unruly sources and adding polish to your mixes. A lack of detail here will leave your sound muddy and undefined.
Motorized Faders
These are a game-changer for complex routing. Being able to recall fader configurations for different songs or sets saves a ton of time and reduces errors onstage. Manual faders are fine for simple setups, but a matrix mixer demands motorized control.
Noise Floor and Headroom
This is where budget mixers fall apart. A noisy mixer will bury your subtleties and force you to crank the gain, leading to distortion. You need clean headroom to handle dynamic peaks without clipping, especially when recording. Listen for that hiss and hum - it's a dealbreaker.
User Interface and Workflow
A complex mixer can become a nightmare if the interface is clunky. Look for clear labeling, intuitive menus, and a logical layout. A steep learning curve can quickly turn a powerful tool into a source of frustration, especially mid-set.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're beyond the basic 12-channel mixer for your band's rehearsals and are eyeing a proper installation matrix mixer. This isn't about throwing a few aux sends; we're talking about complex routing, custom monitor mixes for five players, and the ability to route signals to multiple zones - both for live and recording. It's a serious step up, but it opens up a world of control if you're willing to put in the time to learn it. Let's break down what you actually need, and what models deliver.
Don't be fooled by channel count alone; routing capabilities are paramount. The biggest trade-off is often between features and budget - cheaper matrix mixers often skimp on motorized faders or high-quality EQ. Spend the money on a mixer with a solid noise floor and good dynamic range - you'll hear the difference in your recordings and your live sound will cut through the mix better.
Also, factor in the cost of a decent rack and cabling - these mixers are built for installation, not for lugging around.
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 11 installation matrix 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
How much extra time does it take to learn a matrix mixer?
It's a significant investment of time, easily 20-30 hours to become truly comfortable with the routing and recall features. Start with simpler tasks and gradually build up to more complex configurations.
Can I use a matrix mixer for just basic live sound?
Technically, yes, but you're paying for a lot of unused functionality. It's overkill unless you genuinely need the advanced routing capabilities.
What's the difference between a matrix mixer and a digital console?
A digital console offers more processing options (reverb, effects) and often a more sophisticated user interface, but a matrix mixer focuses primarily on routing flexibility, often with a more tactile feel.
Are motorized faders really necessary?
For a matrix mixer, they're a huge time-saver. Imagine recalling a complex monitor mix mid-set - without motorized faders, it's a recipe for disaster.
What about Dante or other digital audio networking?
That's a whole other level of complexity, but it offers incredible flexibility and scalability. If you're building a large-scale system, it's definitely worth considering, but it adds significant cost and technical expertise.
