Of all the equipment you may be considering for your podcasting production, audio mixers have some of the most variety in features and along with that, the most variety in pricing. An audio mixer is not an essential piece of equipment for all podcasters, but can be helpful if you are planning to have multiple mics recording at the same time, such as during an interview or for a show with multiple hosts. Audio mixers can also give you a bit more control with your recording settings. 

Things to consider when purchasing an audio mixer are the number of channels it can accept, the preamps included, what other equipment it is compatible with, and of course size and cost. While an audio engineer might base their mixer purchasing decision on which one will sound the best, podcasters typically prioritize things like input and output capabilities, and ease of use. One capability that podcasters might look for, for example, is a USB output that allows you to record audio directly to a laptop. Multiple headphone jacks to allow multiple listeners as you are recording could be another important feature for podcasters, depending on the recording set-up. Some audio mixers also allow you to cue up and play jingles or sound-effects or connect a phone or other device with ads or music, which can be helpful if you want to save a bit of time in post-production. 

Related reading: best podcast microphones, podcast headphones, podcast hosts.

Most likely, you will be adding an audio mixer to your set-up because you have multiple channels that need to be controlled and recorded simultaneously. If one speaker is louder than another, you can easily adjust levels and even record to separate audio files so you can modify a bit more in post if necessary. While this may seem simple and is potentially an issue you do not see yourself encountering, it is definitely an area where you would rather be safe than sorry. 

The important thing to remember when considering adding a mixer to your set-up is that they will absolutely make your recording process easier if you know how to use the audio mixer and allow it to make your process easier. Do not expect to order a high-end audio mixer, unpack it, and immediately find your set-up working perfectly. That being said, once you have read your mixers instruction manual and mastered the controls, adding an audio mixer into your workflow can be hugely beneficial. 

Rode RodeCaster Pro

The RodeCaster is built to be a podcast studio in a box, and it offers an easy to use interface and all of the features most producers would need. The audio mixer has a nice visualizer to show levels and a solid, clean build. There are four headphone outputs and a Micro SD card slot so you can record audio directly into the mixer, although it is significantly pricier than some other mixers. 

The initial thing you will notice about this mixer is how simple and clean the interface is, especially when compared to the Mackie Pro for example. Do not let this deter you though, as many features are still there but have been simplified, like the addition of one-touch recording to a microSD card. Despite the minimal exterior, all of the key features podcasters need are still there.

Related reading: RodeCaster Pro review

Behringer XENYX Q802USB Audio Mixer

This mixer is an entry-level mixer that has a clean, low-noise sound and can be easily plugged into a computer by USB. The price changes for this mixer but is consistently priced under $90.00, making it one of the lowest price mixers you can get. Weighing just 2.2 pounds, many podcasters swear by this Behringer set-up as a great starter board for interviews or other multi-host shows. 

One thing you will notice about mixers is that lower end equipment tends to have knobs while higher-end mixers have faders that allow for more precise controls. This likely will not be an issue, especially considering that only two mics will be plugged in at a time and you will likely be setting up levels before recording begins. On mixers with four pre-amp channels or more, faders may be preferred as they allow for a bit more accuracy, smoother fades and transitions, and are less likely to get accidentally bumped or shifted. 

Pyle Professional 8-Channel USB Audio Mixer

Another entry-level mixer, this option is one of the lowest priced mixers you will find with four inputs for XLR mics. If you are setting up a permanent podcasting studio and do not need to worry as much about size and weight, consider a mixer like this one which will give you a bit of range if you decide to add a third or fourth mic to any episodes.

One unique aspect is the Bluetooth option that allows for wireless mixing and phone calls, but the feature can be finicky. In most cases, simply attaching a phone with an aux cable will have better results. Some reviewers comment on issues using this mixer for musical instrumental recording, but for most podcasters that will not be an issue. 

Allen and Heath ZEDi-10 Audio Mixer

This mixer can accept four USB microphones at once, which is great for podcasters that need a lot of audio lines in but may not have the budget or technical savvy for a full-size, professional XLR mixer. Despite the 10 channels and two high-impedance guitar inputs, the board is incredibly compact and great for travel.

Allen and Heath sells a variety of models with different input set-ups, starting at the ZED-6, which has two mic/line inputs and sells for $120.00, and going up to ZEDi-10FX with four mic/line inputs with separate XLR and TRS jack sockets, as well as 2 stereo inputs with TRS jack sockets, and sells for about twice that price. All of the mixers are reasonably priced, built with durable materials and even on the higher-end models remain easy to use. 

Yamaha MG10 Audio Mixer

Yamaha offers the MG10, a standard stand-alone mixer for $169.99, as well as the MG10XU, a premium mixer with USB and SPX digital effects for about $250.00. The addition of USB and effects may not justify the higher price, so in many cases we’d recommend sticking with the reliable MG10. 

Controls are a bit more spaced out on the MG10 than some similar mixers, and the mixer has a clean interface with easy-to-read levels and a rugged, impact-resistant metal chassis. While the MG10 may not have any standout features you will not find on other mixers, it is a reliable piece of gear that can be a good choice if you find a deal online. It’s also a staple in the industry and can easily be found in-store if you want to test out the controls for yourself before buying. 

Mackie ProFX8V2 Audio Mixer

This mixer by Mackie is an incredibly popular mixer in the middle of the pack price wise. A smaller, four-channel version is also available at a lower price but the full mixer is worth it for the extra channels and preamps and the built in USB inputs and outputs. The fade sliders are easy to work with and can allow for precise transitions and level input for interviews and live performances alike.

Mackie offers variations on this mixer all the way up to a massive 30-channel mixer with 24 low-noise Mackie Vita mic preamps, but podcasters will likely want to stick to the 8 or 12 channel versions. The Mackie mixers have a few more controls than some other mixers, which can be advantageous for audio engineers but may be intimidating for an entry-level set up. 

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