Creating a professional-sounding podcast requires more than just a good microphone. The heart of any serious podcasting setup is a reliable mixer, a device that gives you control over your audio levels, allows for multiple hosts or guests, and can integrate music and sound effects seamlessly. Whether you’re a solo streamer or managing a full panel discussion, the right mixer is crucial for a polished final product.
With so many options on the market, from simple audio interfaces to full-featured production studios, selecting the best mixer can be a challenge. This roundup is designed to simplify your search by highlighting ten of the best mixers available. We’ve considered a range of needs and budgets, from beginner-friendly models to professional workhorses, to help you find the perfect tool to level up your podcast recording.
The Best Podcast Mixers for Every Creator
- MAONO Audio Interface, MaonoCaster 10-Channel Podcast mixer
- TASCAM Mixcast 4 Podcast Streaming Mixer, Recorder, and USB Audio Interface
- Zoom PodTrak P8 Podcast Recorder, 6 Microphone Inputs
- FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer, Streaming RGB PC Mixer with XLR Microphone Interface
- Behringer XENYX X1222USB Premium 16-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer
- YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
- Mackie ProFX10v3+ 10-Channel Professional Analog Mixer with USB
- PreSonus StudioLive AR8c Analog Mixer with Studio One Pro Software
- Tascam Model 12 All-in-One 12-track Digital Multitrack Mixing and Recording Studio
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen
MAONO Audio Interface, MaonoCaster 10-Channel Podcast mixer
The MAONO AME2 is a feature-packed mixer designed for the modern content creator. It is built with quality preamps that support 48V phantom power, making it compatible with a wide range of XLR microphones. With a 32-bit chipset and a dedicated denoise function, it works to provide clear, professional audio quality for your recordings and streams.
This mixer stands out with its 11 customizable sound pads, allowing you to trigger music beds, sound effects, and jingles with a single touch. Three of these pads support one-key looping for up to 60 seconds, giving you creative control over your podcast’s atmosphere. It also includes a high-headroom instrument input, making it a great option for podcasters who also want to record guitar or bass directly.
TASCAM Mixcast 4 Podcast Streaming Mixer, Recorder, and USB Audio Interface
The TASCAM Mixcast 4 is an all-in-one production studio that simplifies professional podcast creation. It combines a mixer, a multi-track recorder that saves directly to an SD card, and a USB audio interface into a single, intuitive unit. Its touch screen interface makes complex audio adjustments accessible, even for those new to audio production.
This device is incredibly versatile, featuring four XLR/TRS mic inputs and four individual headphone outputs with separate level controls, perfect for panel discussions. You can easily integrate audio from Bluetooth devices, a phone via a dedicated mix-minus Aux input, and your computer. With its trigger pads for sound effects and the ability to record up to 14 tracks simultaneously, the Mixcast 4 handles every step of the podcasting process.
Zoom PodTrak P8 Podcast Recorder
Built specifically for podcasters, the Zoom PodTrak P8 is a portable powerhouse. It offers an impressive six XLR microphone inputs and a dedicated smartphone input, making it ideal for interviews and multi-person remote recordings. The device can be powered by batteries, giving you the freedom to record high-quality audio anywhere.
Navigating the PodTrak P8 is straightforward thanks to its 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen. It includes sound pads for playing back audio cues and features six headphone outputs with individual volume controls to keep everyone comfortable. As a dedicated recorder, it captures audio directly to an SD card, but it also functions as a USB audio interface for computer-based streaming and recording.
FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer, Streaming RGB PC Mixer with XLR Microphone Interface
The FIFINE SC3 is an excellent entry-point for streamers and podcasters looking to upgrade from a USB microphone to an XLR setup. This compact mixer provides individual channel control for your microphone, line-in sources, headphone monitoring, and line-out, all through dedicated volume faders. The built-in 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones for improved audio quality.
Designed for ease of use, it features front-panel mute and monitor buttons for quick adjustments during a live stream. The real-time headphone monitoring allows you to hear your voice exactly as it’s being recorded, helping you maintain consistent audio levels. With its sleek RGB lighting and straightforward layout, the SC3 makes professional audio mixing accessible and visually appealing.
Behringer XENYX X1222USB Premium 16-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer
The Behringer XENYX X1222USB is a robust analog mixer that offers tremendous value and flexibility. It features four of Behringer’s highly-regarded XENYX mic preamps, which provide ultra-low noise and high headroom for clean sound reproduction. Each of these channels also includes a one-knob compressor, making it easy to achieve a professional vocal sound without complicated settings.
With a total of 16 inputs, this mixer can handle multiple microphones, instruments, and stereo line-level sources simultaneously. It includes a built-in 24-bit multi-FX processor with a wide variety of effects to enhance your podcast or live stream. The integrated USB audio interface allows you to connect directly to your computer for recording or streaming the main mix.
YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
Renowned for its reliability and pristine sound quality, the Yamaha MG10XU is a industry-standard compact mixer. It is equipped with Yamaha’s discrete Class A D-PRE preamps, which are known for their natural and detailed sound. These preamps provide a professional foundation for any microphone, ensuring your vocals are captured with clarity and warmth.
This 10-channel mixer includes a built-in USB interface for connecting to a computer and a suite of high-quality SPX digital effects to add depth to your recordings. Each channel features a 3-band EQ and a high-pass filter to help you shape your sound and eliminate low-frequency rumble. The robust construction and proven performance make the MG10XU a trusted choice for both live sound and studio applications.
Mackie ProFX10v3+ 10-Channel Professional Analog Mixer with USB
The Mackie ProFX10v3+ is a modern analog mixer designed for today’s content creators. It features Mackie’s renowned Onyx mic preamps, which deliver a clear and punchy sound. A key upgrade is the full-color LCD screen, which provides a clear view and intuitive control over the upgraded GigFX+ effects engine, allowing you to customize and save your own effect settings.
This mixer includes bidirectional Bluetooth with mix-minus functionality, making it simple to bring in audio from a phone or tablet for remote interviews or background music. The built-in USB-C audio interface records at a pristine 24-bit/192 kHz resolution and offers multiple modes, including a dedicated loopback mode for streamers who need to capture computer audio alongside their microphone.
PreSonus StudioLive AR8c Analog Mixer with Studio One Pro Software
The PreSonus StudioLive AR8c is a versatile mixer that also functions as a multi-channel USB audio interface and an SD card recorder. It features four XMAX Class A mic preamps, known for their high headroom and low noise, ensuring professional audio quality from the start. You can record your main mix directly to an SD card for portable, computer-free operation.
As a USB interface, it allows for 8×4 simultaneous recording, meaning you can capture each input channel individually on your computer for maximum flexibility during editing. The mixer also includes a stereo Super Channel with Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio streaming, a built-in effects processor, and it comes bundled with PreSonus’s powerful Studio One recording software.
Tascam Model 12 All-in-One 12-track Digital Multitrack Mixing and Recording Studio
The Tascam Model 12 blurs the line between a traditional mixer and a full digital audio workstation. This all-in-one unit serves as a 12-channel mixer, a multi-track recorder to SD card or USB drive, and a USB audio interface for your computer. It allows you to record up to 14 tracks simultaneously, providing immense flexibility for post-production.
With its tactile faders and knobs, it offers the hands-on feel of an analog console while providing the power of digital recording. It can function as a control surface for popular DAW software, and its onboard recording capability means you can work completely independently of a computer. For podcasters who also produce music or require complex, multi-track audio projects, the Model 12 is a complete production solution.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen is primarily an audio interface, but its multiple inputs and flexible routing make it a powerful tool for podcasters. It features four of Focusrite’s high-performance mic preamps with Air mode, which emulates the classic ISA preamp for a brighter, more open sound. The built-in Halogen-free, PSU offers clean and consistent power.
With a total of 18 inputs and 8 outputs, it provides ample connectivity for multiple microphones, instruments, and outboard gear. The intuitive software control panel, Focusrite Control, allows you to create custom mixes for monitoring and streaming with mix-minus functionality for remote interviews. Its high-quality preamps and excellent software integration make it a favorite for home studio owners who need reliability and great sound.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Podcast Mixer
So, you’re looking at the 10 best mixers for podcast recording and feeling a bit overwhelmed. I get it. There are a lot of knobs and buttons, and the specs can look like another language. Let’s break down what actually matters when you’re choosing the right tool for your show. The goal is to find a mixer that grows with you without being overly complicated right out of the gate.
First, think about your inputs. How many people are you typically recording at once? If it’s just you, a simple two-input mixer is plenty. For co-hosted shows or frequent interviews, you’ll want at least four microphone inputs. Remember, each microphone needs its own XLR input, so don’t get tricked by mixers that advertise a high channel count but only have a couple of XLR ports. This is the most fundamental step in selecting from the 10 best mixers for podcast recording.
Next, let’s talk about the sound quality itself. This comes down to the preamps. A good preamp boosts your microphone’s signal cleanly and quietly. Cheap preamps can introduce a persistent hiss or background noise that’s hard to edit out later. Look for mixers that mention “high-headroom” or “low-noise” preamps. Built-in effects are another audio consideration. Having a physical knob for compression can be a lifesaver, automatically smoothing out those sudden loud laughs or quiet murmurs so your levels are more consistent.
Then there’s the connectivity. USB connectivity is non-negotiable for most podcasters today. It’s how you’ll send audio to your computer for recording. But also consider the outputs. A dedicated “USB Chat” or “Mix-Minus” output is incredibly useful if you plan on recording remote guests via software like Zoom or Skype. It prevents your guest from hearing an echo of their own voice. For a more professional setup, look for mixers with audio interface capabilities that allow for multi-track recording, where each microphone is recorded to its own separate track in your editing software. This gives you so much more control in post-production.
Finally, consider the physical build and extra features. A metal chassis is more durable than plastic. Do you need onboard sound effects? How intuitive are the controls? A mixer should make your life easier, not more complicated. Think about your workflow: if you often record solo, a mixer with one-touch recording might be perfect. By focusing on inputs, preamps, connectivity, and your personal workflow, you can cut through the noise and find the perfect mixer to make your podcast sound great.
FAQ
Do I really need a mixer, or can I just use an audio interface?
This is a great starting question. An audio interface is fantastic for getting clean sound directly into your computer, and for many solo or two-person podcasts, it’s all you need. A mixer, however, gives you hands-on control. You can adjust levels, add compression, or mix in music on the fly without touching your mouse. If you value real-time control or often have more than two people in the room, a mixer is the way to go. It’s about workflow as much as it is about sound.
What is a mix-minus setup and why is it important for podcasts?
A mix-minus is one of those terms that sounds more complex than it is. Imagine you’re on a call with a remote guest. You send your audio to them, but that audio “mix” is “minus” their own voice. If you sent them a feed that included their own voice, it would create a delayed echo for them, which is incredibly annoying. Many modern mixers have a dedicated output or a simple switch to create this mix-minus setup, making remote interviews sound clean and professional.
How many channels do I actually need?
Count your microphones and add one for safety. If you and a co-host record together, that’s two XLR microphone channels. If you ever plan to have a guest in the same room, you’ll need a third. It’s always smart to have one extra channel for a spare mic or for connecting a smartphone/tablet to play intro music or sound clips. For most podcasters, a four-input mixer is the sweet spot, offering plenty of room to grow without being oversized.
Can I use a mixer to record directly to my computer?
Absolutely. Almost all modern podcasting mixers connect to your computer via a USB cable. They act as an external sound card, or audio interface. You just select the mixer as your input device in your recording software (like Audacity, GarageBand, or Adobe Audition), hit record, and you’re set. The audio from all your microphones and other sources is sent down that single USB cable.
What’s the difference between USB and XLR connections?
Think of it as a chain. An XLR connection is used for professional microphones and cables; it’s a balanced analog connection that is robust and resistant to interference. Your microphone connects to the mixer via XLR. The USB connection is what links the mixer itself to your computer, carrying the digital audio signal. You need both: XLR for your mics to the mixer, and USB for the mixer to your computer.