1. Quick list
2. Best mixer overall
3. Best value mixer
4. Best portable mixer
5. Best for reliability
6. Best tube mixer
7. Best with effects
8. Best for large pods
9. Best all-in-one
10. Best premium option
11. Buying advice
12. How we choose
The importance of the best podcast mixers becomes entirely apparent when you try to record multiple audio sources simultaneously. It might be that you have multiple guests on your pod, or you are trying to route audio in from another application. Without a dedicated hardware podcast mixer, giving you instant feedback and tactile control over audio levels, you’re reliant on your keyboard and mouse and – in the heat of the moment – that’s not an ideal combination.
In this guide, we’ve brought together a selection of the best podcast mixers. Everything from basic audio interfaces to dedicated, premium devices designed specifically with larger podcasts in mind, each of the products we’ve highlighted will pave the way to an enhanced recording experience. Everything from multiple inputs and outputs through to more advanced models with complementary software control, there’s plenty here to get stuck into.
We'll also outline some of the things you should be looking out for when buying a podcast mixer. So, whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, we will help you find the perfect podcast mixer to suit your needs.
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Chris Corfield is a journalist with over 12 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands including Orange Amplification, MusicRadar, Guitar World, Total Guitar and Dawsons Music. Chris loves getting nerdy about everything from guitar and bass gear, to synths, microphones, DJ gear and music production hardware.
Best podcast mixers: Quick list
Want to get to the good stuff without reading walls of text? Well, here you'll find a roundup of all the best podcast mixers with links to read a more detailed review if you'd like.
As one of the big names in podcasting microphones, it makes sense that Rode would have a quality podcasting mixer in their line-up as well. The Rode RodeCaster Pro II is, in one fell swoop, the ultimate mixer for podcasters on account of it being designed specifically for the medium.
If you’re relying on a computer for editing and enhancing your recorded audio, then you’ll likely be incorporating an audio interface into your setup at some point. By blending together an eight-channel analogue mixer and high-quality audio interface, the Presonus StudioLive AR8c might be just the ticket.
While having a dedicated studio space is, for many, the obvious and ideal solution for producing a podcast, there are times when you may be required to go to different locations to record. Zoom are the reigning kings of field recorders, and the Zoom PodTrack P4 is, for these situations, almost perfect.
Yamaha has built itself a nice reputation in the sub-$/£300 mixer world, thanks to its MG series. These compact, feature-filled mixers can be found in venues and rehearsal rooms everywhere, thanks to their reliability and transparent sound. We found that the Yamaha MG10XU is a be a superb choice for a budding podcaster.
Whereas some of the other contenders in this list look exactly as you’d expect a mixer to – all metal and knobs – the ART TubeMix does at least attempt to add a bit of visual flair. It shouldn’t matter, but it does. Looking past the wood panelling and VDU meters, the TubeMix has another ace up its sleeve in the form of a 12AX7 tube preamp, which adds genuine valve colouration to the signal.
One from the left-field here… While the TC Helicon Go XLR is clearly intended as an audio mixer for streaming or gaming purposes, we could easily see it working in some specific podcasting situations. Solo podcasters, for example, can make use of TC’s high quality mic pre-amp via the XLR input, while the added effects and sample launching mean there’s plenty of scope for creativity.
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If you’ve reached the point where you’re looking to commit to your podcasting career, and want to invest in a high quality, well specified mixer, then the Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX might be the perfect option for you. It boasts all the inputs, outputs and connectivity you’ll likely require, along with some capable digital connectivity from both USB and Bluetooth.
As an all-in-one solution for the more established podcast producer, the Tascam Mixcast 4 is a heavyweight offering. It offers a ton of useful functionality and has a decent claim to being the only tool – other than your mics – that you’d need to create high-quality podcasts from anywhere.
If you’re the host/founder of a pod looking to take the next step up, you’ll likely have been eyeing up your options for an enhanced studio set-up. With the Mackie DLZ creator, there exists potentially all the studio you could ever feasibly need in one, beautifully designed hardware box. The DLZ Creator has plenty of mic inputs, along with other connectivity options like Bluetooth for airing phone interviews and the like.
The best podcast mixers available today
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Best mixer overall
As one of the big names in podcasting microphones, it makes sense that Rode would have a quality podcasting mixer in their line-up as well. The Rode RodeCaster Pro II is, in one fell swoop, the ultimate mixer for podcasters on account of it being designed specifically for the medium. And it’s amazing; four high-quality mic preamps ensure each voice is heard clearly, while we particularly liked the Bluetooth functionality which enables you to record phone interviews directly. Eight programmable pads on the unit also allow you to fire off pre-recorded sounds – perfect for adding in a spot of applause.
Unlike some of the other mixers on the list, the RodeCaster Pro II is effectively an all-in-one recording solution specifically for podcasting. Everything is captured at the source and stored on a MicroSD card, so you can relax and concentrate on recording your show. Highly recommended.
Read the full Røde RødeCaster Pro II review
Best value podcast mixer
If you’re relying on a computer for editing and enhancing your recorded audio, then you’ll likely be incorporating an audio interface into your setup at some point. By blending together an eight-channel analogue mixer and high-quality audio interface, the Presonus StudioLive AR8c might be just the ticket.
The mic preamps are exceptionally clear and accurate, and the StudioLive also has a host of interesting features like Bluetooth 5.0 and digital effects to sweeten your audio.
In our opinion, if you are a podcaster looking to upgrade an existing system, the Presonus StudioLive AR8c is a quality option.
Best portable podcast mixer
While having a dedicated studio space is, for many, the obvious and ideal solution for producing a podcast, there are times when you may be required to go to different locations to record. Zoom are the reigning kings of field recorders, and the Zoom PodTrack P4 is, for these situations, almost perfect because it can be battery-powered, boasts four XLR inputs, and can record either to a laptop via the USB-C connection or directly onto an SD card.
We say almost perfect because it doesn’t feature the highest audio fidelity – 16-bit/44.1kHz – but for the vast majority of users that should suffice. Pro users shouldn’t rule it out though, because while it may not make the centrepiece of a professional studio rig, it’s more than handy as a backup or for use in different locations. Great price, too.
Best for reliability
Yamaha has built itself a nice reputation in the sub-$/£300 mixer world, thanks to its MG series. These compact, feature-filled mixers can be found in venues and rehearsal rooms everywhere, thanks to their reliability and transparent sound. We found that the Yamaha MG10XU is a be a superb choice for a budding podcaster. It packs in 10 input channels, including four XLR inputs, and a number of effects including a neat one-knob compressor which worked well for us.
If we were being picky, we’d have liked the USB output to provide individual tracks, as opposed to one summed stereo mix, but otherwise the MG10XU is a very solid choice.
Best tube podcast mixer
Whereas some of the other contenders in this list look exactly as you’d expect a mixer to – all metal and knobs – the ART TubeMix does at least attempt to add a bit of visual flair. It shouldn’t matter, but it does. Looking past the wood panelling and VDU meters, the TubeMix has another ace up its sleeve in the form of a 12AX7 tube preamp, which adds genuine valve colouration to the signal.
While it’s clearly aimed more towards musicians, with features like a dedicated high-z instrument input, we found that there’s a lot for podcasters to like with the ART TubeMix, especially considering the relatively low price point.
Best mixer with effects
One from the left-field here… While the TC Helicon Go XLR is clearly intended as an audio mixer for streaming or gaming purposes, we could easily see it working in some specific podcasting situations. Solo podcasters, for example, can make use of TC’s high quality mic pre-amp via the XLR input, while the added effects and sample launching mean there’s plenty of scope for creativity.
It won’t suit every podcasting application, but it does what it does very well indeed.
Best for large podcasts
If you’ve reached the point where you’re looking to commit to your podcasting career, and want to invest in a high quality, well specified mixer, then the Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX might be the perfect option for you. It boasts all the inputs, outputs and connectivity you’ll likely require, along with some capable digital connectivity from both USB and Bluetooth. The USB connection actually turns the unit into an audio interface with eight separate inputs, which is a godsend when it comes to mixing audio post-recording.
This is at the higher end of the price bracket, but when you add up all the features and functions you get, and ally them with the superb quality mic-preamps, you’ve got a pretty compelling package.
Best all-in-one mixer
As an all-in-one solution for the more established podcast producer, the Tascam Mixcast 4 is a heavyweight offering. It offers a ton of useful functionality and has a decent claim to being the only tool – other than your mics – that you’d need to create high-quality podcasts from anywhere.
We liked the onboard recording functionality (onto SD card), while the included effects brought a nice sheen to our finished recordings.
Plenty of inputs are available, including the ability to record phone interviews via Bluetooth, making a comprehensive package for any podcasts looking to step up their game.
Best premium option
If you’re the host/founder of a pod looking to take the next step up, you’ll likely have been eyeing up your options for an enhanced studio set-up. With the Mackie DLZ creator, there exists potentially all the studio you could ever feasibly need in one, beautifully designed hardware box. The DLZ Creator has plenty of mic inputs, along with other connectivity options like Bluetooth for airing phone interviews and the like.
We also liked how there was a start-up wizard, which guides new users through the initial set-up process. This is cool because not everyone starts a podcast knowing how audio interfaces and mixers work, so by holding the hands of less technically proficient users, the Mackie could be the perfect studio solution for everyone.
Yes, it is expensive. At the time of writing, the DLZ Creator was not far off seven hundred notes, which is serious money in anyone’s books. But as a reliable, fully-featured unit with room to cope with mid-to-large-scale podcast recordings, it’s a highly attractive package.
Best podcast mixers: Buying advice
What is a podcast mixer?
All audio mixers, regardless of their size, serve one fairly simple purpose; taking audio from multiple input sources and mixing it together to form one unified output. Different mixers will offer all manner of extra functionality, like the ability to add effects or equalization, or different ways to connect to your devices, but fundamentally a mixer’s job is to… well, mix. In the context of podcasting, this likely means combining multiple microphones, along with perhaps music players or mobile devices, and giving the user control over the individual volume levels of each.
What to look for in a podcast mixer
When selecting the perfect mixer for your podcast, there are several crucial factors to consider. First and foremost is the number of input channels you require. Determine how many microphones and audio sources you'll be using simultaneously, and ensure the mixer offers an adequate number of XLR or 1/4-inch inputs to accommodate your set-up, because having extra channels can be beneficial for future expansion. Always better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them.
Next, pay attention to the mixer's built-in features. Look for headline functionalities like phantom power, which is essential if you're using condenser microphones. Additionally, consider whether you need built-in effects, such as EQ, compression or reverb to enhance your audio quality during recording or live streaming. These onboard tools can save you time and effort in post-production, and a degree of finesse and sparkle directly at source.
Furthermore, examine the mixer's connectivity options. Ensure it offers USB or other digital interfaces that are compatible with your recording software or computer. This simplifies the process of integrating your mixer into your recording set-up. Also, check for headphone outputs and monitoring capabilities, as they are vital for real-time audio monitoring, especially when you have co-hosts or guests.
How to start a podcast: a beginner's guide to podcasting
Lastly, consider the mixer's size and portability. If you plan to use it in a stationary studio set-up, a larger mixer might be acceptable. However, if you need to travel or record on the go, opt for a more compact and portable model. Keep in mind that some mixers come with robust and durable construction, ideal for on-the-road use, while others are more delicate and designed for life in a cushy studio environment.
In summary, when choosing a mixer for your podcast, evaluate your input channel requirements, built-in features like effects and EQ, connectivity options, and the mixer's size and portability. By carefully assessing these aspects, you can find the perfect podcast mixer that seamlessly integrates into your set-up, enhances your audio quality, and simplifies your podcasting journey.
How we choose products
Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear-related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best podcast mixers available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are musicians, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best podcast mixers on the market right now.
Find out more about how we test music gear and services at MusicRadar.
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