7 Best Small Mixers For Live Performance (All Budgets) 2023

• Looking for the best small mixer for live performance?
• We list the top picks on the market today for all budgets
• Also, check out the differences between audio interfaces and mixers

One of the essential pieces of audio equipment for performing live is a small mixer or an audio interface that can act as a mixer onstage.

In this article, we review seven of the best options on the market for your small mixer needs.

What Are The Best Small Mixers For Live Performance?

Our top pick is the Presonus StudioLive AR16c, a 16-channel analog mixer and USB audio interface with built-in effects.

If you’re on a budget, the Akai MIDImix uses MIDI to work with Ableton Live or any other DAW.

If you’re able to spend more, the Behringer X32 Compact mixer has a whopping 40 channels and is one of the most versatile digital mixers for live sound today.

1. PreSonus StudioLive AR16c (Our Pick)
   
2. Akai MIDImix (Best Value)
   
3. Behringer X32 Compact 40-channel Digital Mixer (Premium Option)
4. Roland VRC-01 AeroCaster iPad Livestreaming System
5. Mackie ProFX 16v3
6. Soundcraft Notepad-12FX
   
7. Zoom LiveTrak L-12

1. Presonus StudioLive AR16c

Features

• Includes a 24-bit 18-track recorder
• 3-band EQ
• Comes with the Studio One Studio Magic plugin suite

Review

For small bands who want a portable mixer that they can take from the studio to the stage, the Presonus StudioLive AR16c delivers.

It not only functions as a 16-channel mixer but can also be used as an 18-in/4-out USB audio interface that can record your live mix on the fly.

You can record to an SD card and connect via Bluetooth to stream music from any Bluetooth-capable device.

The included Studio One software will help your mixes sound professional, and you also get access to the Studio One Studio Magic plugin collection.

2. Akai MIDImix

Features

• Controls Ableton Live or any other DAW via MIDI
• 24 assignable knobs (3 to each channel)
• 8 individual faders and one master fader

Review

If you run your live backing tracks through your DAW onstage, the affordable Akai MIDImix gives you ultimate control over your tracks and effects, from parameters to playback.

Each of the 24 knobs can be programmed to control various settings and functions.

You can easily sync your MIDImix to your DAW via the “Send All” MIDI function, so you’ll never lose your mix settings again.

Like analog mixers, each channel has its own mute and solo controls.

3. Behringer X32 Compact 40-channel Digital Mixer

PREMIUM OPTION

Behringer X32

Behringer’s X32 Compact digital mixer packs everything you need to easily mix and record a live show into a svelte, roadworthy package. 

Why We Love It:

• Compact

• Eight true-stereo multi-effects processors

• Boasts massive I/O

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Features

• 40 inputs and 16 mix buses
• USB connectivity turns it into an audio interface compatible with any DAW
• 16 programmable mic preamps

Review

Not only is this mixer great for bands who want total control over their backing tracks and onstage instruments, but it’s also a solid option for live sound engineers who need something portable.

If you would rather provide your own gear than use the venue’s mixer, the compact version of the Behringer X32 is the way to go (there’s also a rackmount version available).

You get 16 programmable mic preamps, eight XLR outputs, six line-level I/Os, and a talkback section.

You can even connect two pairs of headphones. This mixer also comes with a 48-channel digital snake to complete your live sound rig.

As for built-in effects, the FX Rack gives you eight multi-effects processors, including graphic EQ, reverb, delay, and chorus.

4. Roland VRC-01 AeroCaster iPad Livestreaming System

Features

• Two XLR inputs
• 3.5mm stereo input for headphones
• Built-in effects include delay, reverb, high-pass filter, noise gate, de-esser, limiter, compressor

Review

If you’re looking for a way to turn your iPad into a mixer, look no further.

While this setup is primarily intended for live streaming, it’s also a simple, compact solution for mixing tracks onstage, especially when performing live with multiple smart devices.

You can easily fit it into a backpack, and it runs off USB-C or a 5-volt USB AC adaptor.

The AeroCaster Camera app gives you additional video capabilities via the camera on your iPad, and you won’t have to worry about nearly as many cables since it’s wireless.

5. Mackie ProFX 16v3

Mackie ProFX16v3

The Mackie ProFX16v3 16-channel professional effects mixer with USB is the ultimate affordable solution for live sound, home recording, and content creators.

Why We Love It:

• Loaded with effects

• Exceptional build quality

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Features

• 11 Onyx preamps
• Onboard GigFX effects processor with effects including reverb, EQ, chorus, delay, and more
• 3-band EQ, 100hz low-cut filter, and compression on each channel

Review

Mackie has been a go-to for live sound mixers for years, and it’s easy to see why.

Each channel starts with Mackie’s own Onyx preamp and has individually adjustable compression and 3-band EQ, 48-volt phantom power, and an additional 60db of gain per channel, as well as a 100hz filter to roll off any rumble.

With a USB connection, it can also act as an audio interface to connect to your computer and record your mixes.

The headphone output has separate volume control for additional monitoring, and there are both balanced and unbalanced XLR outputs.

The built-in GigFX processor comes with various effects and presets and has a blend function to get the balance just right.

6. Soundcraft Notepad-12FX

Soundcraft Notepad-12FX

Whether you need a personal mixer onstage or an easy way to record at home, the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX is a great choice. 

Why We Love It:

• Versatile

• Compact

• Four additional stereo inputs

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Features

• Four analog mic preamps
• Built-in Lexicon effects, including reverb, delay, and chorus
• USB connectivity so it can be used as an audio interface

Review

This 12-channel analog mixer from the legendary Soundcraft has four analog mic preamps with an individually controllable 48-volt phantom power, 3-band EQ, and 100hz high-pass filter, as well as plenty of gain and headroom to handle even the loudest drummers.

It also has four additional stereo inputs, so you know you’ll have enough for the whole band.

On channels 1 and 3, you can plug in an instrument-level signal directly so that you won’t need a DI box for your guitar or bass.

You can plug in all sorts of input sources, from XLR to 1/4″ instrument to RCA.

The Soundcraft Notepad even connects via USB to your computer, so you can record straight to your DAW with four inputs and four outputs.

7. Zoom LiveTrak L-12

Zoom LiveTrak L-12

Whether you want to capture a rehearsal, produce a quick demo, or create a great-sounding concert recording, the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 makes it easy. 

Why We Love It:

• 16 onboard effects

• Built-in slate mic and metronome

• 3-band parametric EQ

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Features

• 12 channels, including 8 mic/line combo inputs
• 16 built-in effects, including reverb, compression, delay, and more
• Built-in metronome and slate mic

Review

The Zoom LiveTrak series lets you easily record your entire band from rehearsal to performance.

Not only that, but you get five separate headphone mixes, so each band member can hear what they need to hear.

It records to an SD card that can be transferred via USB to your computer for editing in your DAW.

The mic/line combo inputs give you your choice of XLR or 1/4″ and each input has 60db of gain and 48-volt phantom power.

Additionally, you can apply 16 different effects to each channel separately.

Channels 3-8 have a -26db pad to roll off excessively loud signals.

Once you’ve got everything set up the way you want it, you can save nine different scenes for instant recall and even set the LiveTrak up to record two seconds ahead of time or when the volume reaches a certain level.

FAQ

Which small mixer has the best effects?

Our best pick, the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c, comes with the Studio Mix and Studio One effects suites.

As a runner-up, the Behringer X32 has a large variety of built-in effects using its FX Rack, which includes a graphic EQ, reverb, delay, chorus, auto-wah, compression, and more.

Is a digital mixer better than an analog mixer?

While many assume that analog is better due to that “analog warmth,” at this point, the only difference between the two is the way the audio signal is processed and the available features, which may affect the cost of the mixer to a certain point.

Analog mixers tend to have a simpler workflow with fewer built-in features and therefore tend to be more affordable (but might not have as many bells and whistles). Some appreciate the simplicity, especially if you’re a beginner.

However, they tend to be limited regarding the number of external devices you can connect and the amount of noise you can cancel out, so they might not be for you depending on where you’re recording or mixing.

Digital mixers usually cost a little more but have more built-in effects and capabilities and are better at cutting out unwanted noise in your audio signal.

They’re also programmable, so it’s easier to recall your previous settings and automate your workflow.

However, the learning curve can be steep, and the downside of each channel being adjustable is that you have that much more work to do to get your settings right.

In short, it depends on your needs, budget, and prior experience.

Does a mixer improve sound quality?

If you’re used to recording shows or rehearsals with your smartphone, you’ll likely find that a mixer will improve the sound quality of your recording.

You’ll have a greater degree of control over individual volume levels of instruments and effects and better noise reduction.

You’ll also be recording each instrument or vocal track as a separate source rather than capturing an overhead recording of everything in the room.

Using a mixer can improve the sound quality of your recordings.

As for performances, if you’re relying on the venue’s sound system and sound engineer, you might find that your band’s sound will improve if you can create your own mix.

Especially if you have a lot of instruments in your band or use backing tracks if you mix your own sound, you’ll get more consistency from one performance to the next regardless of the venue, and you’ll be able to give each band member more options for their own mix.

In general, this will likely improve your band’s performance because each member will be that much more confident onstage, knowing they can easily hear themselves.

How do I record a good live performance of my band?

There are a lot of variables to consider when recording your band, and these increase exponentially when you add band members or when you have a complex setup for your backing tracks or effects chains.

Use onboard effects sparingly, especially reverb and delay, as they will “wash out” the mix if overdone.

Use microphones that can handle a lot of noise without distorting, meaning dynamic microphones; either the Shure SM58 or the Beta58 is a common choice, especially for vocals.

Mic the kick drum separately for additional impact.

To cut down on excess noise or mud in your mix, use the 100hz high-pass filter if your mixer has one.

While bass and low end can add a lot of punch and feel to your performance, too much of it will drown out other frequencies or distort them.

If you want to capture some of the ambiance in the venue, set up a separate “crowd mic” to record the audience.

You can also set up stereo overhead mics to get a more birds-eye view of the drums or the band; just be careful of phase issues, making your recording sound thinner.

To get a greater degree of clarity and control over your guitar and bass, use DI boxes onstage rather than amps.

This will reduce “bleed” from one channel to another since you get the direct audio signal rather than miking an amp.

You can also use the Line Out on your amp or amp head. A direct recording can always be treated later with effects if needed.