In recent times, podcasting has turned into a popular method of producing content.
It’s an enticing and engaging format that helps you step out to a larger audience.
In comparison, the time and energy needed to launch a podcast are smaller than those required for other kinds of content, such as videos. Everything you need is a decent microphone, recorder, and tools to get started.
If you’ve been testing your luck on podcasting, you’ve also come across different forms of podcasting devices. Among the most divisive elements of the podcasting system is an audio converter.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Mixers For Podcast
- BEST OVERALL: Rode RODECaster Pro Podcast
- RUNNER-UP: Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer
- ALTERNATIVE: Mackie ProFXv2 8A-B Box 8-Channel
- ALTERNATIVE: Mackie 402VLZ4 4-Channel
- ALTERNATIVE: Behringer Xenyx 1204USB
Any of your colleagues may have agreed that this is an indispensable aspect of your podcast package. They could be those who advised you to keep away from the mixer because it complicates the podcasting operation.
In the following article, we’re going to have a look at some of the best mixers podcasts available on the market. If choosing the right one has been a challenge.
The Studio Genie is dedicated to helping streamers and YouTubers or anyone looking to have their own home studio. The author, Felicity Martinez, have been helping out streamers and YouTubers for years.
The goal is to provide a free resource for anyone looking to build a quality home studio. The reviews below are a result of hours of research and analysis. We provided the pros and cons and ranked each product to help you make a quick decision.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Our Top Picks for Mixers for Podcast
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL | Rode RODECaster Pro Podcast
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
RUNNER UP | Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
ALTERNATIVE | Mackie ProFXv2 8A-B Box 8-Channel
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
ALTERNATIVE | Mackie 402VLZ4 4-Channel
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
ALTERNATIVE | Behringer Xenyx 1204USB
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Mixer For Podcast – Reviews For 2021
Best Overall: Rode RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio
As one of the famous names in microphones, everything makes perfect sense for Rode to have a good line-up of podcasting equipment. The Rode RodeCaster Pro became, from one easy step, the supreme podcaster mixer built especially for the medium.
Besides, it’s incredible; four high-quality microphone preamps ensure that any voice is heard, while we especially liked the Bluetooth feature that helps you to record telephone interviews immediately.
Eight programmable templates on the device also allow you to shoot pre-recorded sounds and are ideal for encouragement. Unlike most of the other mixers on guide, the RodeCaster Pro is indeed an all-in-one tape recorder exclusively for podcasting.
All is recorded at the source and saved on an SD card. It allows you to relax and focus on capturing your show. It’s highly recommended.
Another main benefit of Rodecaster Pro is that it reduces the need for an internal recorder.
The built-in memory will conveniently archive and store audio files. With its unique advantages, this is an outstanding sound mixer equipped. It is to suit the needs of modern podcasters today.
Pros
- Podcast compatible features
- Facilitates the development of live audio
- Pack with all-in-one podcasting
- Simple, intuitive interface
- It’s simple to use
- Rode is a well-respected brand
Cons
- High price rate, not designed for beginners to use
Product specifications
- Size: 17 x 14 x 5 inches
- Weight: 4.37 pounds
- Mount: Not specified
Runner-Up: Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer
This Yamaha 10-channel analog mixer is one of the best audio devices for newcomers with budget limitations. It has four single three stereo inputs and XLR inputs.
Besides, it also has an Aux Out that helps you quickly build a mix-minus configuration. Except for the 3-band EQ, the feature-rich mixer has a high-pass filter and a single-button compressor.
It also has the highest level op-amps and D-PRE Class-A mic headphone amps. All functions give the mixer a genius noise floor and make sure you have a modern and clean audio production.
The best feature of the MG10 is its small size and strong structure. It’s just as good for a residential studio system as it is for festivals and events.
You can take it around comfortably without thinking about any possible danger. The only disadvantage is that the audio mixer does not have a USB port and cannot be wired directly to a device.
Besides, you require extra equipment, including an XLR mic and wires before, you begin using this audio mixer. The Yamaha MG10XU will be a perfect alternative for a podcaster.
It loads in 10 transmit antennas, plus four XLR inputs, and a range of functions, including a pleasant one-knob converter that performs well.
If we were selective, we would have preferred the USB output to even provide individual songs compared to a traditional audio mix, but then again, the MG10XU would be a good option.
Pros
- Best-in-class pricing bracket
- The compressor is functioning well for voice.
- Amazing noise flooring
- Bright audio quality
- Portable layout
Cons
- No USB adapter for additional equipment
- USB outputs a single stereo channel
Product specifications
- Size: 15.75 x 5.2 x 14.17 inches
- Weight: 4.18 pounds
- Mount: Not specified
Alternative: Mackie ProFXv2 8A-B Box 8-Channel (PROFX8V2)
Its 8-channel audio mixer is just another Mackie gift. It will help you increase the sound quality of your audio podcasts.
Installed with four low-noise Mackie Vita environmental interventions and a seven-band graphical EQ, the ProFX8v2 is among the best audio podcast mixers. It even has an Aux Out to enable and prepare a mix-minus in a matter of minutes.
A further distinctive characteristic is the ReadyFX Effects System with 16 background music. It lets you control the sound in real-time and gives you good speed over the output.
The podcast mixer also supplies you with either a 3-band EQ, a reduced filter, and a USB connection. It has a Hi-Z input and allows you to connect musical instruments straight to the audio mixer.
The only aspect that is lacking from this system is a compressor.
Pros
- Its low-noise audio
- High-quality audio production
- Enhanced flexibility and versatility
Cons
- No compressors at all
Product specifications
- Size: 14.1 x 11.4 x 3.6 inches
- Weight: 7.1 pounds
- Mount: Not specified
Alternative: Mackie 402VLZ4 4-Channel Ultra Compact
Mackie has developed itself as a market authority with a range of low-noise, highly efficient audio mixers. The 402VLZ4 is indeed a decent starting point if you’d like to get a glimpse of what this brand has to offer.
The 4-channel audio mixer includes two state-of-the-art Onyx system performance that significantly improves audio output. It means that you get clear audio with no noise.
The layout of Mackie 402 is also streamlined to make it more accessible and beginner-friendly. The metal wrapped chassis makes it wear-resistant and tear-resistant.
Besides, the grime-resistant large contrast knobs allow you complete power over the audio, except in low-light conditions.
Pros
- Low noise and high headroom
- Better audio quality
Cons
- A restricted number of input channels
- No rack mounting
Product specifications
- Size: 12.5 x 5 x 8.8 inches
- Weight: 2.5pounds
- Mount: Not specified
Alternative: Behringer Xenyx 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer
Will you want to move your podcast experience a step forward and progress from a beginner to a pre podcaster?
Let your fantasies come true with the Xenyx 1204USB, a feature-rich 12-channel audio mixer from Behringer. It’s an improvement to the famous Xenyx 1202, which uses fader functions instead of knobs.
It’s the perfect mixer to hold interviews and conversations with various speakers. The focus of this audio mixer is the three different Xenyx mic preamps that ensure crystal-clear audio.
Four of the 12-input ports are phantom-powered and compliant with XLR mics. In comparison, 3-band British EQs and one-knob compressors will help you increase audio efficiency even more.
The mixer also equipped with a new audio system that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux software platforms. The flexible design of Xenyx 1204USB, together with its broad versatility, make this a great podcast audio mixer for this package.
However, the system is a little complex, forcing beginners to take extra time upon this before you can get the feel of it.
Pros
- High-quality audio production
- Ideal for numerous speakers and remote hosts
Cons
- Not starter-friendly
Product specifications
- Size: 12.91 x 10.63 x 3.82 inches
- Weight: 8.38 pounds
- Mount: Not specified
Mixer for Podcast FAQ
How do I record a podcast with a mixer?
Live videos are still beloved fans, and if the band performs live shows, it would be easy to record them. One of the smartest ways about recording live shows is that you will waste time on any recording.
Pre-production is made aware of in the phase of rehearsing the performance (where you’re very good at performing your songs) and in the act of manufacturing a recording session for your shows ( the front of house [FOH] technicians audio mixes sound).
Post-production is picking up, and if you did a decent performance, the tracks, effects, and sequences (the order in which you perform the song) were mastered as you produced and honed the show.
So all that’s remaining to do was get some good, clean records off the FOH tape machine and fine-tune a few of the productions once your mix is shown later. The method of mixing your shows is the same as combining the tracks made for a recording CD in your office.
The only other different matter about filming a live show is taping the FOH mixing board and placing each song (or sequence of the track as sub-mixes if you’re limited in your overall track counts) into your recorder.
The following equipment to film your live show by pressing the FOH mixing team:
Recording system
It can be a computer with an audio system, a Studio-in-a-box (SIAB) recorder, or a stand-single recorder.
FOH Mixer Cables
In most situations, there are 1/4-Inch TS to 1/4-Inch TS cables. For each platform or submix, you would like to select from the FOH panel, one string is required.
High-quality headphones
Are allowing you to see someone watching your recorder while the performance is going on, and that they need to understand what’s happening in the recording machine.
Preferably, these headphones provide adequate sound insulation to reduce the sound of both and the space to allow you to love the voice recorder.
Recording a podcast with a FOH mixer is pretty fast. Here is how you start recording:
Step 1: Schedule to set up your recorder
Choose a position within the range of the primary mixing board outside of the sound technician’s course. You’re a secondary technician, and you depending on him to render the band (and by definition, you) sound fine.
Before you start, make sure you have quite enough storage capacity for the whole show. Remember that each track you record requires approximately 7.5MB of storage per recording minute (24bit/44.1kHz).
So, if you have got a 90-minute show and you record 16 songs, you’ll need to have at minimum 11Gb of free space. You should have a minimum of 15GB to be safe. If you record 96kHz, expect 30GB of free disk space.
Step 2: Set an album or session in your recorder
Allocate the number of songs you want to record to the corresponding output on your audio system, SIAB, or stand-single recorder. Use the same configuration as the FOH audio mixer to remove misunderstanding (particularly when you’re a house technician as well).
The number of additional inputs on the audio mixer and have access to your recording device will determine whether you can record all the channels.
Professional audio mixer and if you want to arrange some submixes for equipment like drums. If you require submixes, check the user manual of the audio mixer or the FOH technician.
Step 3: Attach the TS strings for each recorder source track to the matching Insert slot in the sound recording audio mixer
Communicate the operator of the audio mixer’s guide to see whether you press the button all the time or just one press (most use one press).
You want to ensure that you don’t disrupt the signal transmission through the audio mixer. Instead, you record the signal since it flows through the audio mixer.
Step 4: Position each track of your song/session
Remember this before the recording session of the album because you need to make sure that each song has a rhythm also, make sure you can hear each album on your headset.
Step 5: Change the input level for each track
For each song, you want a good and hot signal. It’s all right if the contrast between songs isn’t ideal.
Step 6: Click the Record tab
Again, preferably, you get to do something during the recording session to ensure that you have correctly recorded the sound on disk or tape.
Step 7: Play your video of the examination
If it plays back all right, you’re ready to go. If you don’t, verify the contacts and session settings.
Step 8:
Return to the beginning of your soundtrack and re-arm your records if you are defeated throughout your trial.
Step 9:
Wait before the show begins.
Step 10:
Press Play as the song gets to the stage, and a few seconds later. If you like, you can delete the silence later.
Step 11: Select Stop the presentation when it’s over
At this stage, you can transfer the audio you’ve captured to a second disk or a USB drive. It’s dangerous to have this information in one place and when you’re moving gear.
Do podcasts make money?
Sponsorships are perhaps the most popular way for podcasters to make money. It is where the podcast promotes a sponsor on the broadcast.
You probably have heard your favorite artists mention their sponsors in every show a couple of times. How much you receive from a sponsor depending on how many times the records are downloaded.
You will price your advertisements differently based on where you put them in your show. Pre-roll advertisements will air at the start of the broadcast, usually for around 15-30 seconds.
Post-roll advertisements will air after the broadcast, also for 15-30 seconds. They’re worth a certain amount to advertisers.
Are digital mixers better than analog?
No wonder what type of music you’re playing, you want your music to become the best. There are many variables at play that influence your audio and tone, including your devices and sound configuration.
In a sound system, the audio mixer is nearly always the cornerstone since it is multifunctional. You will attach a lot of stuff to your audio mixer, including microphones, drums, and more.
Your audio mixer will collect all of these inputs and transfer them somewhere, as via a mic. There are lots of various mixers out there, many of which have features.
But the two primary forms are analog and digital. We’ll explore the distinctions between analog and digital audio mixing systems, the benefits of both styles, and why you should prefer one over the other.
Digital mixers, as their name suggests, use automated sound transmission to work. This style of mixer is more expandable, which ensures that more external equipment can be associated.
Analog mixers operate in the same manner as digital mixers, this type of mixer uses analog audio transmission rather than digital audio transmission.
Analog audio mixers are often cheaper than digital audio mixers. Besides, if you can always do more on a smaller digital audio mixer, you pay for the gain.
There will also be a large price difference between digital and analog, with analog being a far more economical choice.
If you can, find individuals who are ready to demonstrate their sound system so that you can make all styles experience in person.
Using that would give you an even better understanding of whether analog or digital is better equipped for your desires and aspirations.
How do I choose a mixer?
Now that you’ve decided to purchase a podcast audio mixer, here comes the hard part. The selection of mixers on the market is distressing, and the ludicrous amount of features and requirements specified for each of them makes the decision no easier.
The trouble is that the audio mixers are made for Audio Technicians, and the people know a lot about the technical specifics. That’s why those who sell audio mixers are putting the technical details around the website.
As a podcaster, there are three types you need to think about:
Number of Channels
Many cheaper audio mixers would only have 1 or 2 XLR inputs and restrict the number of good quality microphones. Order something with plenty of outlets to extend.
Often going to get a cell phone hooked into another line, and sometimes members serve and a minimum of 6 networks.
Aux Out or FX Send
You need the Aux Out or FX Submit feature to get a mix-minus configuration. Look for an audio output socket labeled with each and a headphone output button labeled each channel.
Advanced Inline Processing Features
If you’d like to have better control over your sound, minimize comment, then you may be looking for additional inline features. The lowest you would usually assume is Equalization (or EQ), gain power, and probably a lo-cut filter.
Conclusion
If you’ve begun your podcasting adventure, you’re likely to start looking for a luxurious audio mixer soon.
It is worth noting that an audio mixer is not an invaluable piece of podcasting gear. However, you can use these to boost the sound quality of your podcast, besides even recording numerous co-hosts.