If you want to start a podcast and are wondering what the best podcasting mixer is for your unique needs, you are not alone.
While there are many mixers on the market that claim to be the best podcasting mixers, not all of them will be a good fit for you and your podcast.
In this post, I will give you an overview of the features of the different mixers and their respective prices on the market.
You will also discover the best podcasting mixer for you, whether you are just starting out or looking for an upgrade. If you are ready to begin, let’s get started.
What Is the Best Podcasting Mixer?
Here are some of the best podcasting mixers on the market today:
1) Allen & Heath ZEDI-8
Overview
If you are looking for a high-quality mixer that allows you to record two tracks simultaneously for maximum versatility, the Allen & Heath ZEDI-8 is a great option.
Offering both analog and digital inputs, the Allen & Heath ZEDI-8 is an advanced audio mixer that provides intuitive controls, multiple routing options, and an array of professional-grade effects.
Key Features
- Inputs: This mixer has 2 XRL or TRS inputs, which is a good starting point for most podcasting projects.
- Phantom Power: It also offers 48V phantom power for recording condenser microphones.
- Great USB signal routing: The Allen & Heath ZEDI-8 allows you to record and monitor your podcast directly from the mixer without any external devices or software.
- Channels Conversion at 24-bit/96 kHz: The high-resolution converter provided by the ZEDI-8 provides professional quality audio, regardless of what source you are recording.
Pricing
The Allen & Heath ZEDI-8 is available on Amazon for around $205. While this may seem like a steep price to pay, it is a great option for serious podcasters who want the best quality possible.
Bottom Line
If you want a simple but powerful podcasting mixer, the Allen & Heath ZEDI-8 is a great option. With its high-quality sound, intuitive controls, and versatile routing options, this mixer is sure to deliver great results every time you hit record.
2) Rode Rodecaster Pro
Overview
If you’re looking for an all-in-one podcasting solution, the Rode Rodecaster Pro is an excellent choice. It includes everything you need to get your podcast up and running in no time, from microphone inputs to USB jacks.
Key Features
- All-in-one mixer: It has all the features that enable the user to improve the audio quality, record podcast interviews or phone calls, and includes built-in sound effects for post-production.
- Headphone outputs: With the Rode Rodecaster Pro, users can have up to four headphone outs for guests or co-hosts.
- Multitrack recording: With its multitrack recorder, you can record up to four audio tracks at once.
- Intuitive design: The Rodecaster Pro is easy to use, with an easy-to-use interface and intuitive controls.
- Flexible recording: This mixer gives its users the ability to record remotely and connect to a smartphone for quick audio recording.
- XLR input: With four XLR inputs, the audio interface is great for recording podcast episodes with multiple guests, making it effective for podcasting.
Pricing
You can find the Rode Rodecaster Pro on Amazon for about $428. Even though it has a higher price point than some other mixers on the market, it offers top-of-the-line features and quality.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a great mixer for podcasting with the ability to control most aspects of your sound, the Rode Rodecast would be an excellent choice.
3) Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB
Overview
This mixer features premium-grade mic preamps as well as a wide range of input and output options, making it ideal for podcasts with multiple hosts. It is one of the best podcast mixers.
If you are looking for an affordable and versatile podcasting mixer that is easy to use, the Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB may be just what you need.
Key Features
- 48V Phantom power: This mixer includes 48V phantom power, allowing you to record with condenser microphones.
- High-grade mic preamps: These premium-quality preamps offer optimal sound quality and clarity, ensuring that your voice is crisp and clear when recording. This makes the output of the podcast recording better.
- USB/Audio Interface: This mixer has USB connection and can be connected to your computer via USB, allowing you to record directly into your DAW or laptop.
- Simple and intuitive controls: The user-friendly interface on the Q1202USB makes it easy to adjust your levels, add effects, or fine-tune your sound with just a few clicks.
Pricing
You can find the Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB online for about $109, which is a great deal for such a powerful and feature-packed mixer.
Bottom Line
If you need a mixer that offers several inputs, great sound quality, and an easy-to-use interface, the Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB is a great choice.
Its simple controls and multiple inputs make it perfect for both beginners and experienced podcasters alike.
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4) Pyle-Pro PAD10MXU
Overview
The Pyle-Pro PAD10 is one of the great audio mixers for podcasting that is designed as a budget-friendly mixer.
While it has all of the features and capabilities you need to produce high-quality audio, it also has an intuitive, user-friendly design that makes it easy to get started.
Key features
- Stereo channels: This helps in connecting the recording devices and any other mixer as well.
- Phantom power: This feature helps to power condenser microphones without necessarily using very heavy external power supplies.
- USB audio interface: This allows for easy connection to a laptop or computer and simplifies the process of podcast recording.
Pricing
You can find the Pyle-Pro PAD10 on Amazon for about $66. It is not that pricey and yet offers a variety of functions and is considered to be generally a good buy.
Bottom Line
If you looking for a podcast recording mixer that is budget-friendly and won’t give you a hard time while starting up, then the Pyle-Pro PAD10 is a great option.
5) Mackie PROFX12 V2
Overview
The Mackie PROFX12 V2 is one of the best podcasting mixers available for its price, with sound quality and control that is usually found in much more expensive mixers.
Key features
- USB interface: This enhances the quality of live recordings and can easily be incorporated into home studios.
- Built-in EQ and effects: This mixer is equipped with 16 built-in FX presets, allowing you to add effects and adjust the sound of your podcast recordings quickly and easily.
- 4 mic/line inputs with gain control: This enables the user to have more control over their sound.
Pricing
You can find the Mackie PROFX12 V2 on Amazon for about $299.99, making it one of the best values in the market.
Bottom Line
If you’re searching for a top-of-the-line podcast mixer, the Mackie PROFX12 V2 is one of the best choices available. With its advanced circuitry and versatile inputs/outputs, this mixer will ensure that your recordings sound professional and clear. And with its onboard digital FX.
6) Allen & Heath ZED-12FX
Overview
If you are interested in a noise-free podcast mixer, with clean and clear sound, the ZED-12FX could be a great choice. This mixer offers best-in-class features, allowing you to record and edit sound with ease. The best part is that it is designed to be user-friendly, so even beginners can get up and running quickly.
Key Feature
- USB audio flexibility: This enables the user to get audio on and off a computer, especially if you are just starting to record a podcast
- Internal FX: This mixer offers a wide range of effects. Pre-delay can be adjusted, room sizes tweaked, and flanger speed dialed in.
Pricing
You can find the Allen & Heath ZED-12FX on Amazon for about $399.99, making it an excellent value for money.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a best-in-class podcast mixer that provides clean and clear sound, the Allen & Heath ZED-12FX is a great choice. With its best-in-class features and intuitive design, your podcast recordings will sound professional and clear. And with its 16 onboard effects processor, you can easily add effects to your audio recordings.
Overall, the ZED-12FX is certainly one of the best podcasting mixers available.
7) Behringer Xenyx Q802USB
Overview
The Behringer Xenyx Q802USB is a great choice for podcasting, as it offers best-in-class features and an intuitive design. Its two built-in preamps allow you to record pristine sound, while its USB interface makes it easy to incorporate into your home studio setup.
Key Features
- Quality USB mic: This ensures that your recordings are of high quality.
- 48V phantom-powered XLR channels: This enables the user to capture sound with better clarity and detail.
- Built-in stereo inputs & USB audio interface: This enhances the direct connectivity to the user’s computer.
- Ultra-compact, low-noise, high-headroom analog mixer This allows you to mix multiple audio sources with ease.
Pricing
You can find the Behringer Xenyx Q802USB on Amazon for about $128.99, making it an affordable option for recording podcasts.
Bottom Line
The Behringer Xenyx Q802USB is a great choice for those who are just starting out with podcasting or looking for an affordable mixer that provides best-in
What Is a Podcast Mixer?
A podcast mixer is a device or software used to control and manipulate audio signals in podcast production. It allows the mixing and adjusting of multiple audio sources, such as microphones, music, and sound effects, to create a final audio output.
Podcast mixers typically provide features such as gain control, equalization, and effects processing to enhance the audio quality. Some podcast mixers are standalone hardware units, while others are digital software programs that run on computers or mobile devices.
Do You Need a Podcasting Mixer?
Whether or not you need a podcasting mixer depends on several factors, such as the type and quality of audio equipment you have, the complexity of your podcast production setup, and the level of audio control you require.
If you’re using basic equipment such as a single microphone and a laptop, a mixer may not be necessary. However, if you plan on recording with multiple microphones or adding music and sound effects to your podcast, a mixer can provide more control over the audio levels and allow for better sound quality.
Additionally, if you’re looking to achieve a more professional sound, a mixer can provide features such as equalization, compression, and effects processing that can enhance the overall audio quality of your podcast.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a podcasting mixer depends on your specific needs and goals for your podcast. If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward setup, a mixer may not be necessary. But if you’re looking to produce a high-quality podcast with more advanced audio control, a mixer is likely a valuable addition to your production setup.
Podcast Mixer Alternatives
If you’re considering alternative options to a standalone podcast mixer, here are a few options you can explore:
1) Digital audio workstations (DAWs) – A DAW is a software program that allows you to mix and edit audio recordings. Some popular DAWs include GarageBand, Audacity, and Pro Tools.
2) Computer-based mixing software – Software-based mixers can be used as a substitute for a hardware mixer. These programs typically have similar features and functions as hardware mixers and can be run on a computer.
3) All-in-one recording devices – Portable recording devices, such as the Zoom H4n and the Tascam DR-40, can serve as an alternative to a mixer by combining the functions of a mixer, microphone, and digital audio recorder into one device.
4) Smartphone or tablet apps – There are various apps available for mobile devices that allow you to mix audio recordings. These can be useful for basic mixing tasks, but may not have the same level of functionality as a standalone mixer or computer-based software.
5) On-board mixer on USB microphones – Some USB microphones come with an on-board mixer that allows you to adjust levels and add effects to your audio recordings.
Regardless of the option you choose, it’s important to consider the level of audio control and functionality you require in your podcasting setup. An alternative option may not have the same level of advanced features as a standalone mixer, but it could still be sufficient for your podcasting needs.
Difference Between Audio Interfaces and Mixers
An audio interface and a mixer are two different pieces of equipment used in podcast production. While both are used to record and manipulate sound, they each have unique features and functions that make them suitable for different applications.
An audio interface is a device that connects microphones, instruments, and other audio-related devices to a computer. It enables you to record multiple audio channels at once and provides preamps, which boost incoming signals for better sound quality.
A mixer, on the other hand, is a device that combines different audio signals into one track and allows for adjusting of levels and adding effects (such as EQ) to individual tracks. Mixers also offer the ability to create a “mix minus,” which is when you send out the mix of all audio sources except the one being recorded. This ensures that sound from the microphone won’t be sent back out at the same time, avoiding feedback loops and echoes.
Depending on your podcasting needs and budget, either an audio interface or a mixer can be a great addition to your podcasting setup. However, if you’re looking for advanced control over individual audio signals and the ability to create a mix-minus, then a mixer is the best choice for you.
How to Choose the Best Podcasting Mixer?
When choosing the best podcasting mixer for your needs, it’s important to consider several factors, such as budget, features, and functionality.
1) Budget – Mixers range in price from lower-end models under $100 to professional-grade units that cost thousands of dollars. Consider how much you are willing to spend on a mixer and determine which features you need within your budget.
2) Features – Different mixers offer different sets of features. Consider which features are most important to you, such as equalization, effects, and automation capabilities.
3) Functionality – Consider how complex your podcasting setup is and how much control you require over the audio levels. If you’re looking for a simple setup, a basic mixer may be sufficient. But if you plan on producing more complex podcasts with multiple microphones and advanced audio control, a more feature-rich mixer will likely be necessary.
How Do I Connect a Mixer to my Computer?
Once you’ve chosen the best podcasting mixer for your needs, the next step is to connect it to your computer. Most mixers have a USB or FireWire port that allows them to be connected directly to a computer.
Mixers allow you to record sound out to a digital recorder such as a laptop or phone. This allows you to easily capture audio directly from a microphone, instrument, or other audio devices.
Once the audio is recorded, you can then manipulate it with your mixer. You can adjust levels, add effects, and create a mix-minus to ensure the best sound quality for your podcast.
Summary
Choosing a podcasting mixer can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what features and functions you need.
Though there are countless models available, it’s important to consider your budget and what features are most important for your podcasting setup.
By following these guidelines and considering your unique needs, you’ll be able to choose the best podcasting mixer for your recording and production needs.
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Hi, I’m Esther – a creative and business startup enthusiast. My aim is to help several people to independently start businesses faster and more effectively, reach financial freedom, and achieve fulfillment.