Selasa, 30 Juli 2019

Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio

With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind, the field of professional audio is not far behind. You can record, edit, overlap, etc. the Audio files using some of the best digital mixers that are becoming more technologically advanced with each passing day.


Digital mixers are electronic devices used to combine, change dynamics, route and for the equalization of the input audio signals, magnify or subtract the frequency of certain sound waves in an input. Usually, the recording studios use these digital mixer consoles for producing albums or any audio files, systems for addressing the public e.g. horn loudspeakers. Sound systems typically used in concerts or similar events, which are a combination of speakers, microphones, amplifiers and signal processors are all controlled by the digital mixers. They are also used in the field of film production; after production to be more specific.


Digital mixers are used in stages after the actual production is finished in adding sound effects, overlapping sounds, enhancing voices of the actors etc. They’re also commonly used in television and radio broadcasts.


Also Read: Top 10 Best Free Audio Editing Software and Free Audio Editors



What to Consider Before Buying the Best Digital Mixer for Recording Studio?


Buying a digital mixer is an important decision as it will affect the quality of your audio files. Therefore, one should keep in mind the following aspects when buying a digital mixer that is best:


Brand:


Choose your brand wisely! Identify your needs properly so that you are clear about the kind of mixer you want. Once you’re clear about the primary factors, you can quickly determine the kind of brand you want to buy from. Since each brand caters to different needs. There would be no point in the purchase of a digital mixer that doesn’t meet all your needs or one that has extra features, which you paid for but won’t use.


Budget:


One of the most important aspects of buying not just a digital mixer but basically anything is setting a budget. The budget factor is best dealt with as early as possible. When buying you should keep in mind that with increased quality, comes increased prices. Low priced mixers can have reliability issues and can be harder to learn and in turn, will cause less efficiency.


Learnability:


How good is the digital mixer console’s interface? Do you think you’ll be able to learn it quickly? Some digital mixers are difficult to use, and the user may need to watch tutorials and take classes from a professional, and that is not something a user needs added to their plate; spending money on the mixer and then in introductory classes.


Most digital mixers have the outlook of an analog mixer but have the working of a digital mixer such as memory, built-in effects, etc.


Target User:


Buyer should take into account the person who will be using the digital mixer. Whether they’re using it themselves or they’re buying for someone else. In the case of the latter, the buyer should take into account the technical capability of the person. Do primary users need to be given restricted access to functionalities etc.


The number of inputs in the console:


When buying a digital mixer, make sure to be clear about the number of input signals the mixer will have for use in the present and future. For example, some models have a fixed number of inputs such as 32 or 42 input sites. While some digital mixers have the capability to expand when needed to more input sites by using outboard rack units.


The Number of outputs in the console:


It also helps to decide the number of outputs and the type of output sends you will need. It would be better for you to have the option of auxiliary, matrix, direct, overflow, seating outputs.


Size:


You should also consider the size of the digital mixer. Digital mixers are usually smaller than analog-digital mixers.


The requirement of Digital Snake:


Do you need one? You should decide whether you need a digital snake in your mixer or you can work with the usual copper wire existing analog snake?


Some digital mixers connect like analog mixers, and then there are those that have a stage box that stores all the input connections, converters, etc.


Recording:


Do you need your mixer to interface with other devices as well? You’ll need to save the mixes you create and edit in a safe place where they can be reachable as well. The mixer should be able to transfer the audio files onto a USB or to another device from where either you can store it and upload it to a website or onto a cloud storage etc.


Virtual Soundcheck:


Some digital mixers have a playback functionality; they allow you to play the audio file you’ve created or boot up saved files, ready to play. This is commonly used for the digital mixers used in concerts etc.


Company Helpline:


Does the product manufacturing company offer 24/7 support? If so then that is a plus point when buying a digital mixer. They provide assistance for any performance issues etc.


Also Read: GarageBand for Android: 7 Amazing Best Music Making Apps for Android


Our Pick of Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio





1. Allen & Heath Qu-Pac Ultra-Compact Digital Mixer





Allen & Heath is an England based company specializing in audio consoles for commercial use, clubs, etc. It is among the pioneering companies manufacturing mixers.


Since Allen & Heath is a manufacturer of state of the art mixers, therefore, it only fits that the best manufacturer produces a digital mixer, QuPac.


Qu-Pac carries forward the legacy of the Qu family and reduces the size into a more compacted more manageable size. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, users need their devices to be accessible from anywhere, and Qu-Pac does just that!


Qu-Pac allows the user to mix from their iPad, but one can access more advanced functionalities through its interface. Read product description and reviews.


Price: $1,499


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio

























































Soft keys10
Display5”
Preamps16 acclaimed recallable
InputsOn-board 16 mic (XLR/TRS)
ExpansionCan increase to 38, via dSNAKE
ControlsiPad app available for mixing controls live.
RecordingDirect recording and playback
External StorageUSB and iPad
Select KeysCustom assignable
Control Screen can be customized for installed sound control
Out32 in streaming through USB
Operating level0 dBu
NetworkTCP/IP Ethernet for MIDI commands and iPad applications

Buy the Allen & Heath Qu-Pac


2. Behringer X32 system









$4.04




BEHRINGER, 32 40-Input 25-Bus Digital Mixing Console, Black (X32)


  • 40-input channel, 25-bus digital mixing console for Studio and Live application
  • 32 MIDAS-designed, fully programmable mic preamps for audiophile sound quality
  • 25 Fully automated motorized 100 mm faders allow for instant overview, powerful scene management and DAW
  • 16 XLR outputs plus 6 additional line in/outputs, 2 phones connectors and a talkback section with integrated or
  • Individual and dynamic LCD Scribble Strips on all channels and buses creating easy assignment and intuitive










Behringer is known for making budget friendly and effective products. It is ideal for professional use both for recording in studios and for live shows as well. It is easy to handle and use. Behringer X32 System also supports the use of Apple products when connected with them. The X32 dominates the market for under budget friendly digital audio mixing consoles. Behringer X32 is similar to most digital mixer consoles where input and output are connected to each other through routing matrix to the inner digital core processor.


It provides external storage options for uncompressed recordings, pre-recording for shows, etc. It allows adjusting the input and output lines. Read product details and reviews.


Price: $1,799.99


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio





























































Display5”
Power Consumption100 to 240 V
Interface32 channel audio
Input channels32
Auxiliary channels8
FX channels8
Buses16
Engine effectsInternal: 8 true-stereo


16 mono

File memory100 recollect scenes
Signal processing40 bit
Expansion channels32  I/O card
Frequency10 Hertz to 22 kHz
Dimension19.3 x 19.9 x 6.4″

Buy the Behringer X32


3. Yamaha TF Series (TF-RACK) Mount Digital Mixer














Yamaha Rack Mount TF Mixer


  • Format Analog/digital: Digital Number of channels: 40 Busses/groups: 8 Aux sends: 8 mono, 6 stereo Powered: No Inputs Total inputs: 32 Mic preamps: 16 XLR/TRS combo jacks: 16 XLR only jacks: 0 1/4" only jacks: 0 RCA in: Stereo Ethernet: Yes Outputs Total main outputs: 8 RCA: No 1/4" main outs: 8 USB 2 ADAT/optical out: 0 SpeakON 0 AES / EBU: 0 Other Connectivity <










Yamaha makes it their mission to stay in touch with their customer base and cater to the needs of its users. It strives to provide to the users’ creativity.


If you’re a beginner, the Yamaha TF series, TF-RACK is the right choice for you but, at the same time, it consists of ample features to satisfy a professionals’ needs. Yamaha’s TF is centered around their Touch Flow Operation which is optimized for its touch screen panel. This allows the user to perform operations and access its functionalities through familiar touch screen functions. Read product details and reviews.


Price: $1,799


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio













































Dimensions480mm x132mm x409mm
Power consumption100V to 240V
Inputs16 analog mic/line


2 pin stereo line analog inputs

outputs16
Processors8 FX
Expansion40 channels for inputs
RecollectionMicrophones
RecordingsThrough USB on computer
Dial knob1
Sample frequency speed48 kHz

Buy the Yamaha TF RACK Digital Mixing Consoles


4. Behringer X Air XR18 Tablet-controlled Digital Mixer









$1.00




Behringer XR18 Digital Mixer


  • iPad/Android tablet controlled 18-input digital mixer for studio and live application
  • 16 award-winning MIDAS-designed, fully programmable mic preamps for audiophile sound quality
  • Built-In Tri-Mode Wi-Fi router for direct operation-no need for external routers
  • 18 x 18 channel, bidirectional USB interface for direct recording on iPad etc.
  • Revolutionary Dugan-style Auto-Mixing automatically manages microphone gain sharing (future firmware).Outputs - Main:2 x XLR










This digital mixer is very popular among users who like to have access to full functionalities of a digital mixer but in a smaller size. It connects to a tablet easily so the user can maneuver the controls easily due to a more manageable size. Its users appreciate its features and performance outputs such as: equalizing and dynamics, sound effects etc. But in order to record audios, you’ll need a PC or a Mac.


The x Air XR18 itself is a lightweight, easy to use digital mixer. Apart from its winning technical features, another positive point of this digital mixer is that it is budget friendly. Read product details.


Price: $539.99


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio





































Inbuilt WiFi
OS supportIOS, Android, Mac, PC, Linux
StorageUSB connection
Preamps16 Gain-programmable Midas
Input/OutputMIDI
Rack earsavailable
Protection bumpersavailable
Full feature channel processing

 Buy the Behringer X Air XR18 Tablet-controlled Digital Mixer


5. Midas M32R Digital Console for Live and Studio














Midas M32-R Digital Console for Live and Studio with 40 Input Channels, 50Ohms Output Impedance


  • Midas M32-R Digital Console for Live and Studio with 40 Input Channels - Midas 3 Year Warranty (1 Year + 2 Year with Registration)
  • Input Processing Channels: 32 Input Channels, 8 Aux Channels, 8 FX Return Channels
  • Output Processing Channels: 8 / 16
  • 16 aux buses, 6 matrices, main LRC: 100
  • Internal Effects Engines: 8 / 16 (True Stereo / Mono)










The M32R is a lightweight digital mixer, heavy on the performance side. It’s a rather compacted device but has the looks and performance to match its rival mixers. The interface is sleek and easy to understand, all sections are properly divided into sections, in short, no cluttering of controls on the interface. It’s easy to learn and use which only adds more brownie points to it. Midas claims that the faders are rated for 1 million life cycles.


The M32R has a network that allows for Wi-Fi connection between the M32R and a range of apps. It also allows Mac and PC users to access its functionalities remotely as well as, including a preview of saved shows, recordings etc. Read more about Midas M32R Digital Console.


Price: $2,499.99


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio





















































Display5”
Mic Preamps16
Input channelsNear 40
Internal Processing40-bit
Digital engines8
Faders17 pro-motorized
Console BodySturdy aluminum & high-impact  steel
I/O96
Resolution24-bit
Input channels40
Output Impedance500 ohms
Virtual effects16

Buy the Midas M32R


6. Yamaha MGP32X Mixing Console





Yamaha is one of the oldest and most famous sound companies in the market. Their primary concern is their user, they strive to make products that cater to their user’s needs as well as those that take their ideas to the next level. Therefore, the Yamaha MGP32X mixing console is among the top digital mixers of 2017.


It consists of a wide range of features with easy to use and easy to access functionalities. It also includes USB recall of audio files and saved recordings and with the ability to store graphic EQ. This digital mixer provides a considerable amount of features compared to a classic analog desk. Read more about Yamaha MGP32X Mixing Console.


Price: $1,399.99


                                          With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio





































Mic Inputs24
Line Inputs32
AUX6
Storage and connectivityUSB and iPod/iPhone in the form of MP3 or WAV
Dimensions819mm x  169mm x 565mm
Mixing Channels32 line inputs
Noise Input128 dBu
outstanding Noise output94 dBu

Buy the Yamaha MGP32X Mixing Console


7. Yamaha 01V96i Digital Mixer














Yamaha 01V96I 16-Channel Mixer; Black


  • 24-bit/96kHz digital mixing console with 40 mixing channels
  • 24 inputs built-in (8 digital)
  • Improved studio-quality head amps
  • Full suite of VCM DSP effects (Master Strip, Channel Strip, Vintage Stomp FX) and high resolution REV-X reverb
  • Studio Manager Editor with complete mixing control via PC, Mac and even iPad Includes Cubase AI










The Yamaha 01V96i is easy to use the high-performance digital mixing console. It resides on the success of its former models of digital mixers; providing its duties two-fold, with live sound mixes and recordings. It consists of some notable features among which is the onboard DSP that allows the creation of a range of dynamics, EQ and effect processing. Read more about this digital mixer.


Price: $2,349.99


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio

















































Mixing channels40
In-built inputs24
Enhanced head ampsYes
EffectsFull suite of VCM DSP
ConnectivityPC, Mac, iPad
Mic input12
Phantom power48 V
Digital I/O8-input/8-output
Internal processor32-bit
Frequency sample  (internal)44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
Frequency sample  (external)44.1kHz/88.2kHz (-10%) – 48kHz/96kHz (+6%)

Buy the Yamaha 01V96i Digital Mixer


8. Roland M-5000














Roland M5000-22416 | 64 x 48 Digital Mixing System with 1 x M5000 and 2 x S2416


  • Package Includes:M-5000 Live Mixing Console, 2 x S-2416 Digital Snakes, 128 definable audio paths at 96kHz, 64 x 48 digital I/O and transport
  • Remotely placed and controlled I/O across two snake heads of 24x16, Powerful control from M-5000 surface as well as iPad and/or PC/Mac
  • M5000: 28 Faders, 128 audio paths assignable as channels, auxes, subgroups, matrices, mix minus, 12" touch screen with integrated "touch and turn"
  • S-2416: 24 input x 16 output analog + 8 input x 8 output digital (AES/EBU) = 32 input x 24 output, 4U adjustable front or rear rack-mount design, Word clock in & out
  • Unrestricted patching for up to 300 inputs/296 outputs at 96kHz (More at 48kHz)










Since there is a lot of saturation in the media market, companies and products keep emerging every day, all with newer and more innovative features. Not to mention the competition in prices, people will always prefer to go with the option that is cheaper and gets the job done. However, it is true when they say  “you get what you pay for”; the Roland M-5000 although a little steep regarding its prices has proven to live up to the expectations of its users.


Released in 2015, Roland has managed to produce a digital mixing console that is mature enough to cater to a professionals’ needs. Roland refers to the M-5000 as “OHRCA,” which means “Open High-Resolution Configurable Architecture”. Its design surface also indicates its caliber of being a high-end mixing interface. Read product description and reviews.


Price: $23,995


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio

































Digital Snakes2 x S-2416
Audio paths128  freely definable
Display12”
Channel faders28
Remote Control softwareYes, allows remote use
Input/Output24 x 16 (analog)


8 x 8 (digital)

Sound Quality96 kHz

Buy the Roland M-5000


9. Mackie ProDX8 8-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer









$210.99




Mackie ProDX8 8-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer


  • Simple and Intuitive
  • Bluetooth Streaming and Control via the MixerConnect app on iOS and Android
  • Powerful built-in Processing , such as 3-band EQ with low-cut per channel and 16 great-sounding ReadyFX reverbs, delays and choruses
  • 6 Wide-Z inputs for simple connection of mics, guitars, keyboards and more with no gain adjustments needed
  • Connect your media player via the stereo 1/8" input or stream wirelessly via Bluetooth










Mackie is one of the pioneering digital mixer manufacturers in the market. With its new ProDX series mixers, Mackie brings powerful wireless digital mixing consoles that are high performance and easy to use. The ProDX series does, however, require some hardware support such as a necessary toolkit and a powerful processor, as well.


This series focuses more on performance and has put size on the back bench, its compact size and sleek and professional outlook make it the perfect choice if you’re looking for a portable and high performance as well as easy to use digital mixer. It enables the user to access its functionalities remotely i.e. from other objects, for example, iPhone or iPad, with its inbuilt processor and easy to use interface, the ProDX8 is high on performance. Read more about this wireless digital mixer.


Price: $269.99


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio









































Channel Size8
Bluetooth StreamingAvailable
Memory callbackAvailable
Sound Output16 ReadyFX re verbs
EQ3-band
Inputs6 Wide-Z for microphone connectivity
Media PlayerConnectivity through 1/8” input
Aux sends2
Headphone outletAvailable

Buy the Mackie ProDX8 8-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer


10. TASCAM DP-32SD 32-Track Digital Portastudio














Tascam DP-32SD 32-Track Digital Portastudio Multi-Track Audio Recorder


  • Records an unmatched 32 tracks to solid-state media, and up to eight tracks can be recorded at a time via the XLR/TRS combo jacks
  • Features studio-quality input processing like compression and limiting, and guitar amp simulation and multi-effects on the instrument-level input
  • The included 4GB SD card can be replaced with up to 32GB SDHC media or swapped with other cards between projects
  • An intuitive user interface delivers stress-free recording, and a color LCD and channel strip knobs make mixing fast and creative
  • Even in loud environments, the high output powered amplifier makes headphone monitoring easy










TASCAM is a Professional producer of digital mixers, recorders, and similar consoles. As the name suggests, you can consider it as a portable studio in itself. Internal processing is a very affable feature, input processing chore such as compression are available while recording is in the process. It consists of a colored LCD and a strip of knobs making it easier and taste for the user to operate, as well as nurture creativity. This mixing console is the company’s biggest mixer up to date. Read more about the product details and reviews.


Price: $538


With innovation and discovery in every field possibly known to humankind Buying Guide: Top 10 Best Digital Mixers for Recording Studio

















































Display3.5” colored LCD
Faders21
Mono tracks8
Stereo tracks12
Knobs12
Inputs8 XLR/TRS
Channel Recording8
Track Playbacks32
EQ3-band
Dynamic EffectsAvailable, eight different effects
Recording frequency48 kHz

 Buy the TASCAM DP-32SD Digital Portastudio


Also Read: Top 7 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1000


The Pro Review from TechReviewPro


The field of music is a dynamic field, constantly changing. With the advancement of technology new featured digital mixers and gadgets are coming out by the dozens; new companies keep popping up with their new devices and their versions. But even with the vast range of choices, as a buyer, you need to think only about your best interest. Review each mixer, compare it with other digital mixers available and then decide which one suits you best and will give the best output.


All the best and Happy Mixing!


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