So while many new and experience podcasters focus their investment on a good podcast mic, a USB mixer can arguably be just as important in perfecting the sound on your podcast. You want your voice and your guests’ voices to sound level and blend seamlessly in the conversation. Your podcast listeners shouldn’t be messing with their volume knob throughout your podcast. This is where your audio mixer comes in.

Podcast Recording Things To Consider

Podcast Format

What kind of podcast are you recording? Are you the only speaker or will you have a co-host? Several co-hosts at a time? Will you all be in the same room recording or remote? What kind of microphones are you using?

Do you typically record in the same room or studio for your episodes, or is your podcast typically recorded on the road? Mobile podcasts add another wrinkle onto recording with the equipment you ultimately decide to go with.

Podcast Recording Equipment and Accessories

What’s your podcast microphone setup like? Do you have one studio mic and the other budget quality? Are your microphones USB or XLR? Do you have any capability issues and is your life a dongle-filled mess?

Do you have studio podcast headphones? Do you have any sound latency problems?

Features of USB Mixers

Many USB mixers offer similar features and it’s important to know which ones matter the most for your podcast. It won’t do anyone any good to spend extra for features you’re not going to use.

I should note here, the audio mixers I’m reviewing are for XLR microphones. If you’re using a USB mic, look into recording software to add some digital mixing features. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing.

You’ll want a dedicated XLR port for each audio input on your podcast. So if your podcast is typically you and another guest, you need at least two ports. I’d recommend always having an extra port because things change and in the chance you land that dream guest or two, you want to make sure your equipment can handle it.

Related reading: essential podcast equipment, 25 of the best podcast headphones & 12 of the best podcast hosting services, How to Start a Podcast

The Best USB Mixers for Podcasts

1. Behringer 12 Mixer-Powered, Black

$

With a low-noise operating system and tons of headroom to work with, the Behringer 12 is the perfect USB mixer for at-home recording artists and podcasters. Don’t let the low price fool you, as this bad boy comes with four state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps, similar to high-grade preamps you’d find in professional studios. Each input comes complete with classic British-style EQs for a more musical sound, as well as a few effects for added processing.

Pros

• High-fidelity preamps
• Studio-grade EQs and compressors
• Easy to record straight to computer

Cons

• Unit can get very hot
• No instrument-level inputs

Buy it on Amazon

2. Behringer Xenyx Q502USB

$

If you’re looking for a compact, on-the-go USB Mixer, look no further than the Behringer Xenyx Q502USB. This analog mixer comes with five inputs, a high-grade Xenyx Mic Preamp, Classic British-style EQ, and a one-knob compressor for easy use. It has the perfect amount of clarity and musicality for anything from smaller, 1-2 man gigs or at-home recording.

Pros

• Great value for the money
• Versatile, yet versatile setup
• High-quality preamps

Cons

• Only records at 16-bit, 44.1kHz
• No power button

Buy it on Amazon

3. Behringer Q1202USB 12-Channel

$$

The Q1202USB 12-Channel is perfect for mid-sized setups, yet still compact enough to take with you on the go! It comes complete with four studio-grade Xenyx preamps, classic British-style EQs on each channel, and one-knob compressors for simple, dynamic control. It’s an excellent choice for someone who is looking to both record and perform live with more than a few simultaneous, incoming signals.

Pros

• Studio-quality microphone preamps
• Easy-to-use EQ and compression
• Simple computer connection for recording

Cons

• LED meters are short and not great for reference
• AC adapter has been known to create low hum

Buy it on Amazon

4. Mackie PROFX8V2 8-Channel

$$$

The Mackie PROFXV2 8-Channel is a solid, portable mixer for those looking to venture into live sound! It comes packed with high-quality Mackie Vita Preamps, a powerful effects engine, a unique graphic EQ, and USB recording/playback. There are two mic inputs and four line inputs, making it excellent for smaller live setups.

Pros

• High-grade, class-A preamps
• Strong effects engine
• Easily record you live performance with included tracktion software

Cons

• Noticeable noise at lower levels
• Gain is not the strongest

Buy it on Amazon

5. Yamaha MG10XU 10-Input

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Yamaha has always been a reliable brand when it comes to music hardware, and their MG10XU is the perfect beginner USB mixer for home recordists. Onboard, you’ll find Class-A D-PRE preamps that provide natural sound, 3-band EQs on all mono channels, 1-knob compressors, and a high-quality, SPX Digital multi-effects processor. We absolutely love the sleek, contoured design as well, keeping things cool when recording for long periods of time.

Pros

• Durable and sleek design
• Warm, natural sounding preamps
• Strong digital effects engine

Cons

• Gain is pretty low
• Some complain of crackling sound when using headphones

Buy it on Amazon

6. Behringer Audio Interface 1-Channel UM2

$

For beginner home recordists, the Behringer 1-Channel UM2 offers solid recording for single microphones or instruments. This low-latency audio interface comes with studio-grade Xenyx preamps and a 48kHz resolution for high-fidelity recordings. Plus, it’s portable enough to take with you on the go thanks to the bus-powered design.

Pros

• Small footprint for solid portability
• Dual monitor output
• Solid XLR/TRS combo jacks

Cons

• Only one phantom power switch for all channels
• No internal effects to use during low latency monitoring

Buy it on Amazon

7. Behringer Xenyx 1204USB 12-Input

$$

The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB mixer is fantastic for those looking to get premium sound in a compact module. Onboard you’ll find four high-quality Xenyx preamps, musical-sounding British EQs, and one-knob compressors, each working in conjunction to give you punch and warmth. From live gigs to USB recording, it’s an incredibly versatile unit for small to mid-sized groups.

Pros

• High-quality xenyx preamps
• Easy-to-use EQ and compression
• Simple recording connection

Cons

• No built-in effects processing
• Some people have problems with the loose power cable

Buy it on Amazon

8. Behringer Xenyx X1222USB 16-Input

$$$

If you’re looking for something a little bigger to record your music or podcasts at home, as well as do live sound, the Behringer Xenyx X1222USB is the perfect compromise between compact and versatile. You get four Xenyx Mic preamps and four stereo inputs, two of which also accept XLR. You’ll love the mono channel British-style EQs and one-knob compressor for easy processing, as well as the dual-engine multi-effect processor for everything from reverb,  to delay to pitch-shift and beyond!

Pros

• High-quality Xenyx preamps
• Tons of awesome onboard FX
• Professional feedback elimination process

Cons

• Headphone output is a bit noisy
• Low bit rate USB output

Buy it on Amazon

9. Pyle Professional 4-Channel USB Mixer

$

The Pyle Professional 4-Channel Mixer is the perfect choice for beginner or on-the-go recordists. Easily connect to your computer via USB or Bluetooth and take advantage of the XLR/TRS combo inputs and 3-band EQ for added processing. The rugged design makes it great for bringing on the go to lay down spur-of-the-moment ideas!

Pros

• Cordless Bluetooth connection
• Rugged and portable design
• 16-setting reverb FX option

Cons

• No mute button for mics
• Bluetooth doesn’t provide best audio quality

Buy it on Amazon

10. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen

$$

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is probably one of the best beginner audio interfaces on the market thanks to the high-grade preamps and 24-bit/192kHz conversion and sample rates. The 2-in, 2-out USB design makes it incredibly portable, perfect for plugging in your guitar or microphone and getting started right away.

Pros

• Two High-quality Scarlett preamps with tons of gain
• Leading conversion and sample rates
• Pro Tools First included

Cons

• Some experience USB port failure after a while
• Headphone volume is very quiet

Buy it on Amazon

11. Numark M6 4-Channel USB Mixer

$$

The Numark M6 4-Channel USB Mixer is a no-frills mixer for someone who just needs to simply lay down some audio with all of the effects and processing. You get four input channels with tons of gain and a three-band EQ for easy tweaking. The faders make adjusting the volume incredibly easy, and the unit is built like an absolute tank for security while traveling. Overall, this is a great unit for DJs who need a simple setup for live!

Pros

• Simple and durable design
• Tons of gain in each output
• Versatile Arsenal of Audio Input Types

Cons

• Talk-over feature can be buggy
• Large unit for what it contains

Buy it on Amazon

12. Behringer Xenyx 502

$

The Behringer Xenyx 502 is excellent for that small gig at your local coffee shop or small speech in your college lecture hall. At an incredibly compact size, the Xenyx 502 gives you only what you need to get a professional sound. On the interface, you have 5 inputs in total (one mic and two stereo), as well as an easy-to-use British EQ.

Pros

• Lightweight 1.2 lb design
• High-quality Xenyx preamps
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• No 48-volt phantom power
• Gets warm when in use for a while

Buy it on Amazon

13. Phenyx Pro 4-Channel

$

The Phenyx Pro 4-Channel is another simple mixer that is perfect for recording your music in your room or playing gigs at your local coffee shop. It comes with both balanced line and XLR inputs, a natural 3-band EQ, a send section for built-in effects, and +48v phantom power! All of this and you can easily connect it to your computer via USB.

Pros

• Portable design
• Included +48v phantom power
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• Effects section is very limited
• Some say headphone jack has a hissing noise

Buy it on Amazon

14. Audio2000’s AMX7342 Six-Channel

$

If you’re looking for something mid-range with all the essentials, the AMX7342 is perfect! With six channel comprised of both line and mic inputs, a number of send effects included 3-band EQs on each of the channels, and extremely high-accuracy level indicators on the interface, you get both quality sound and quality control. All of that and you can easily connect to your computer to record high-fidelity audio thanks to the +48v phantom power.

Pros

• High-accuracy level indicators
• Included +48v phantom power
• Unique graphic equalizer

Cons

• Not very user-friendly
• No onboard compressor for price

Buy it on Amazon

15. Ammoon 2-Channel Mini Mixing Console

$

The Annmoon 2-Channel takes miniature recording to the next level. If you’re looking to get into from-home broadcasting or just set up for a little karaoke, it’s the perfect option. It comes with one mic input and one stereo TRS inputs, both of which can be controlled with the easy-to-use knob interface. Even with only 5v of power, you still get switchable +48v phantom power for condenser use.

Pros

• Insanely portable design
• 5v low voltage power
• Included +48v Phantom Power

Cons

• Does not actually record with USB
• Channel sliders feel a bit cheap

Buy it on Amazon

16. Behringer Xenyx X1204 12-Input

$$

The Behringer Xenyx X1204 is the last at the threshold of compact mixers before getting into the pro game. You get four onboard Xenyx Preamps with studio-quality sound, some high-quality British EQs on each channel, one-knob, easy-to-use compressors for punch, and a powerful multi-FX processor with a whopping 16 different presets from reverb to delay to flanger and beyond. From live gigs to home recordings, it’s a solid choice!

Pros

• High-quality xenyx preamps
• Powerful multi-FX processor
• Included recording software

Cons

• Threshold for distortion is quick
• Metering isn’t the most accurate

Buy it on Amazon

17. Alesis MultiMix 4-Channel

$

The Alesis MultiMix 4-Channel is perfect for plopping down on your desktop and getting straight to recording! Thanks to its compact design and accurate, real-time metering, you can record both instruments and microphones with ease. There are also a number of built-in effects for dialing in character to your sound without fuss! This all comes to you from a reliable company that has been in the hardware game for many years.

Pros

• Portable size
• Built-in Fx processor
• Accurate metering

Cons

• Some complain of hiss
• Phantom power can be a little noisy

Buy it on Amazon

18. Behringer Xenyx 302USB Premium

$

The Behringer Xenyx 302USB Premium is an excellent bedroom mixer or travel interface for laying ideas down on the go. You get a dedicated 2-track input with phantom-powered Xenyx preamps, a musical British EQ, and some free software to get you ready to record right out of the box!

Pros

• Portable size
• Powerful preamps
• Comes with free recording software

Cons

• No control for USB recording level
• Cannot solo tracks

Buy it on Amazon

19. Behringer Xenyx 1002B Premium

$

The Behringer Xenyx 1002B is both portable and powerful with two high-quality Xenyx mic preamps, British-style 3-band EQs, and a 4/3 ratio of balanced stereo inputs and mic inputs. Even with the small size, you still get an FX send for adding a bit of character to your sound. All of this can be powered with a 9v battery for those who are feeling inspired on the go.

Pros

• Powerful Xenyx preamps
• Can be powered by 9v
• Low noise recording

Cons

• XLR jacks can be finicky
• Unit can get warm fast

Buy it on Amazon

20. Yamaha AG-03 3-Channel

$$

The Yamaha AG-03 3-Channel is excellent for podcasting and simple home recording. Thanks to the compact design, it can either be operated via USB or mobile battery. It surprisingly provides 192 kHz/24-bit sound for high-fidelity recordings, as well as a 1-touch DSP for both EQ and compression at the press of a button. For those who are looking to record to Apple devices, you can also connect to 2nd generation iPads or later.

Pros

• Easy iPad connection
• 1-Touch DSP for pro sound
• Comes with Cubase

Cons

• Audio output is a bit low
• Knobs feel a little cheap

Buy it on Amazon

21. Behringer Xenyx X2222USB 22-Input

$$$

Moving into the realm of pro audio, the Behringer Xenyx X2222 provides eight studio-grade, phantom-powered Xenyx Preamps, eight one-knob compressors, and British-style EQs, and a solid FX processor with 16 different presets that can be manipulated to your liking! You even get a tap function onboard for easy parameter storage! For recording larger groups in the studio or dialing in high-quality live sound, the Behringer Xenyx X2222 is a great piece of hardware!

Pros

• High-quality multi-FX processor
• Easy-to-use compressors and EQs
• Professional preamps

Cons

• Heats up pretty fast
• Not the most user-friendly

Buy it on Amazon

22. LyxPro MRB3 3-Channel

$

For those recordists on a budget, the LyxPro MRB3 3-Channel provides high-quality sound and Bluetooth convenience for easy recording. With easy-to-use controls and a wildly portable size, you can take this thing with you just about anywhere for laying down ideas on the go!

• High-quality construction
• Bluetooth connection
• Portable size

Cons

• No instrument cable connection
• A bit of added noise

Buy it on Amazon

23. Steinberg UR22C 2×2 USB 3.0 Audio Interface

Steinberg took make of the features of their larger, professional quality interfaces and condensed them down into this compact package. While it only has two XLR inputs, the USB functionality make it a great option for solo podcasters or pairs looking for an easy recording set-up. All of Steinberg’s interfaces in the UR line (which includes models with up to 6 inputs) feature the same high-quality D-PRE mic preamps from Yamaha. 

Pros: 

• USB makes it easy to record to a computer or laptop 
• Great build quality

Cons: 

• May be more complicated than needed for a beginner interface
• Some users report issues with Windows 10

Buy it on Amazon

24. QSC TouchMix 8 Digital Mixer

The QSC TouchMix is one of the few options on the market working to take mixers into the next era, offering a touchscreen interface instead of the traditional switches and knobs, and leading to a workflow that some will find smoother and more versatile. The digital screen allows for a more compact build, while still offering four XLR inputs and four XLR outputs. While many of the capabilities would not be utilized by a podcaster, the small size packs a lot of punch and the TouchMix 8 is incredibly feature rich. 

Pros: 

• Small, compact size given all of the capabilities
• Touchscreen allows for “fast” mixing 

Cons: 

• Expensive
• Probably more than you would need to use for a podcast  

Buy it on Amazon

25. Mackie Audio Interface, Onyx Producer 2X2 USB Audio Interface

Mackie’s Onyx interfaces feature great sound quality in ultra small packages, competitive with some devices priced two or three times as high. This model features two preamps with phantom power for use with condenser microphones, packaged within a sturdy, compact build. While it is a great option for podcasting, music producers will also appreciate the built-in MIDI I/O for controllers, synths, and more.

Pros: 

• Premium quality preamps 
• Easy interface and controls

Cons: 

• Some users report software issues with Windows

Buy it on Amazon

26. Zoom H6 6-Track Portable Recorder

Zoom recorders are popular with journalists and filmmakers recording in the field, and the H6 has become one of the most popular options with its six-track continuous recording and four XLR inputs. While it is commonly used to record documentary or podcast interviews on-location, this device works great in a home studio as well, especially if you may be packing up your recording kit and bringing it to an interview subjects home or to a different recording space. 

While you can use the H6 as a mixer and run a line out, it also accepts an SD card for direct recording. Furthermore, the recorder comes with two interchangeable input capsules and can be used as a recorder on its own. These two features allow it to be used as a handheld microphone with internal recording, which can be helpful in the field, or for “blog” style audio recording. 

Pros: 

• Compact and portable
• Internal recording

Cons: 

• Less control and functionality than dedicated audio mixers
• Condensed size means that some controls are harder to use

Buy it on Amazon

Discover Pods may receive a commission for items purchased, however, neither the reviews nor the rankings have been influenced.

The post The 26 Best USB Mixers (for Podcasts and Home Studios) appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

While many computers do have good internal built-in sound cards, these external devices are specially built to capture robust audio and have mic-preamps built into the XLR cable inputs that will get you better sounding audio than an XLR mic typically does. These interfaces vary a lot in size, price and function and the right USB audio interface will vary based on what you need, how many inputs and outputs you are looking for and what mics you are using. 

While there are audio interfaces built for a single microphone, you will probably want at least two XLR inputs just in case the option to add a second mic ever comes up. If you are already recording with two mics, look to purchase a four input interface for the same reason. Unlike audio mixers which can be large in size and for many podcasters, feature controls you likely will not touch, the best USB audio interfaces are still relatively small and simple to control. 

One thing that you may notice when shopping for audio interfaces is that less options are available, and most come from well-regarded brands. This makes the shopping experience much easier than buying microphones, headphones or a mixer, but also means that most of the top options are very similar in features. You will typically see a gain control for each mic input, as well as an output control and a control for the level going into your headphones. Beyond that, other controls or features are less essential for podcasters recording voices. 

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 

The 2i2 from Focusrite is an incredibly popular, compact audio interface with two XLR inputs, 48V power, direct monitoring and a headphone jack for monitoring. The interface is powered over USB 2.0 and both the XLR inputs and the headphone jack have their own gain control for precise audio levels. 

The interface works with iOS, macOS, and Windows devices, as will most newly released interfaces you encounter. At just 1.32 pounds, it is incredibly lightweight and compact and in addition to being very easy to set up, it is a great option for recording on the go. 

Focusrite’s Scarlett line of interfaces also includes the Scarlett Solo for single mic recording, but the price difference between the two is so slim that in most cases it makes sense to go with the 2i2. 

Presonus AudioBox iTwo 2×2 USB 2.0/iOS Interface

Very similar to the 2i2 from Focusrite in size, build and features, the Presonus AudioBox iTwo is another great option to consider if you are looking for a compact interface with two XLR inputs. The front panel design is slightly less intuitive than the Scarlett 2i2 with controls all together, rather than next to their corresponding input, but ultimately both provide a very similar experience. 

The AudioBox also links directly with Capture Duo for iPad, a dedicated app that allows for one-tap recording. For podcasters who are not already working with a recording software or app they like, this could be one small advantage. Of course, there is also the difference in color, with the Scarlett interface being a red color and Presonus AudioBox a metalic blue. 

Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD

Behringer is well-known for their variety of audio recording equipment, including a great series of mixers. Their U-Phoria interface is also incredibly high-regarded, with two mic preamps that include +48 Volt phantom power for condenser microphones. The device works with both Mac and PC and includes access to Tracktion, an easy-to-use software for recording, editing, mixing and sharing audio files. 

If you are just looking for a one-channel interface, consider the Behringer’s U-Phoria 1x XLR, which is typically priced at less than $50. Typically, one-channel and two-channel interfaces are priced closer, but here the smaller interface is just as good of an investment. There is also a four-channel interface priced at $178.00 and a large eight-channel interface at just over $300.00. It can sometimes be advantageous to purchase a mixer with more channels than you think you will need, to give you flexibility down the road, so consider these mixers if you think you may need more than two inputs. 

Tascam US 4×4 USB Audio Interface

If you are looking for a well-priced four channel interface, consider this option from Tascam. While all of Focusrite and Behringer do offer four channel options of their devices as well, Tascam’s is priced a bit lower and is one of the simplest four channel interfaces to use. 

Each input has a gain control adjacent to it, as does the headphone jack. The gain controls also have a slight angle at the front, which can make them a bit more comfortable to use and view if you are working at a computer with your interface lower down on a desk. This is helped even more by the fact that the entire interface sits at an angle as well, making the front controls slightly more exposed. The interface comes with two digital audio workstations to choose from, Cakewalk SONAR X3 LE and Abelton Live Lite 9, and is compatible with other editing softwares too.  

Rode AI-1 Single Channel USB Audio Interface

For a well-made, easy to use, single channel interface look no further than the Rode AI-1. While it is priced higher than some other single channel interfaces, the device is super compact and newly released to feature a USB-C port on the back instead of USB 2.0 or 3.0. The AI-1 works great with Rode mics, but the 48V phantom power and class compliant build (meaning you do not need to install any drivers) makes it a great fit for any other mics you might have as well.

The real selling point of the AI-1 is the sound quality and the fact that it is not compromised by the small, minimal design. At just 1.1 pounds with an incredibly small footprint, this is a great interface to keep permanently on a desk or workstation. 

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo

An ultra-premium audio interface that stands out from the pack because of the design and the price point is the Universal Audio Apollo Twin. This interface is really meant for music recording and while audio engineers love it, an interface of this quality will not improve your podcast recording. That being said, it features beautiful design, world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion and top-notch build quality. Though it’s quite expensive, unless your podcast features live vocal performance or instrumentation, it may be excessive. 

The post The 6 Best USB Audio Interface Tools for Podcasts appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.