The Best USB Mixers

The best USB mixers can be very pricey. It's important to know what to look for so you can save money. Some support recording functions, others are more for live mixers. Some can even be integrated with smart devices to enhance the process for performance. Here is a basic review of the best choices and tips for buying a reliable USB mixer.

High-End Budget

- The professional, studio grade Yamaha O2R96VCM Digital Mixing Console The cost is not cheap. At $17,999. it isn't cheap, but it is good. It offers a precise 24 bit 96 kHZ audio head amp, with an 18 bus mix capacity. It also includes software that enhances production at a professional studio level of quality production.

- Another good choice is made by Presonus. It is the Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 16 Channel Audio Mixer that sells for $899. It offers 8 mono and 4 stereo channel inputs with enough faders to create some excellent studio grade sound. You can even buy a handy case to carry it around for performances. Think, studio on the go.

Low Budget

- Somewhat cheaper, but still on the high end of the budget spectrum at $899., this choice is completely studio grade. It is the Soundcraft Si impact 40 input Digital USB mixing console. This one is a really good choice, at a very reasonable price. It is still on the high end of the budget, but if affordable, can be just right for many.

- Another good choice for the budget conscience people would be the Prenous StudioLive AR12 USB Mixer. It is only $499. and offers a lot for that price. It is a Hybrid though and can be expanded, which also makes it a great choice overall, for the price and value.

- The Nady MM-141 4 Channel mono USB Mixer is probably the cheapest USB mixer that is available to buy. It's run on a 9 volt battery, offers all of the basics that are needed in a USB mixer, and can be run on an AC/DC adapter. It has 4 line level inputs that have volume controls. At $17.44, it's really affordable for anyone.

- Another Nady USB mixer that is affordable at $25.49, is the Nady MM-242 4 Stereo. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but it is a decent USB mixer for starters.

- The Ammoon Ultra-Compact Low Noise 8 Channel Metal Mono Stereo Audio Mixer is a good higher-end, low budget USB mixer. The price on this varies depending on where it is bought.

Best Overall Choice

The best overall choice is the Behringer XENYX UFX1604 16 Channel USB Mixer. At $599, it's marked down from the normal cost, which is $799 to $999. It offers Premium sound mixing, with studio grade controls for vocals, as well as a 16 track mixer.

Now, let's discuss what makes a great USB mixer. All of these choices are great. They all offer the same basic thing. Adding the price offers more available options in mixing, and some features in expandability or integration of the live performance.

A basic USB mixer takes the audio signals and processes them. Most work with smart devices for functionality. All of them create a change to the music and sound. Professional musicians benefit from these for creating and performing. Some musicians use them as part of their musical style. If you have ever heard of a musician that performs better live than in the studio, then this would be why. He or she probably has a great USB mixer soundboard system. Adjusting music in the studio is done typically by studio professionals, but in the live environment, the musician can mix it up, as it were, and create some interesting sounds.

Things to Look for

Channels are the first thing to consider, when evaluating what you want to buy. They adjust the sound and allow things to be enhanced at certain stages of a performance or recording. The more of these that you have, and the better the sound quality will be. It adds depth, when done right. Think layers when considering how many of these are really needed.

Buses

These are like intersections for sound. It controls the output. Fading and other effects are controlled through this part of the USB mixer board. It should be noted that they work separate, but along side the main volume. Like the channels, the more, the better the depth of sound layers.

Groups

These can be seen as functions that augments the two parts already listed. It is really useful for isolation of one particular part of the music. Fading can be enhanced better and sound more distinct when the higher level USB mixer is used for this purpose.

Inserts

Channel inserts allow external devices to connect to the USB mixer. It is important to have one of these. The number of them that a mixer board has will cause the price to go up.

Cue System

After faders and other control of the sound are changed with this part of the system.

Analog Verses Digital Mixers

These are the part of the mixer board that lets everything to interact together. The choice is up to the user. The digital choice allows for deeper sound, and analog gives less. The price is obviously less for the analog mixers. After that, you need to consider if you want software to enhance the mix or not.
DJ Mix boards are better for people that are working in live music. Sometimes you can get the two in one. When you have the two mixed into one, the value of the mixer is a fabulous combination, but some musicians want more specific options in each, and prefer to buy them separately.

Considerations for Choices

Some of the important things to consider when shopping for the right USB mixer are obvious. Price and uses needed are the first thing to consider. Here are a few more details on what you should think about.

Combatability is the most important aspect to consider. The things that must be connected to the sound system can vary greatly. Consider how many mics, instruments or what needs might exist. If you use software for the mixer, then it must be compatible. Also, there must be enough channels for the number of instruments that are going to be used.
Buses and Signal routing are only important if you are going to be using the USB mixer for recording. Live music won't matter. Then ask how sophisticated your EQ needs are for the situation.
Effects are also part of the consideration. Pedals, loop machines and other special effects can require a specific setup. That should be carefully evaluated when making the purchase.

All of those things can create the perfect USB mixer for your needs. If you are recording live, or recording in a studio, there are many good choices for USB mixers. Additionally, live performance and no need for recording can help you save a lot of money in your purchase.

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This page about USB Mixer was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
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