Producing a podcast is an exciting process and an excellent way to try new experiments. To enhance the quality of your podcast, you should use a USB mixer for podcasting which will make the process easier, with a higher rate, and more professional. Mixers are essential if your show progresses. It allows you to record multiple sounds simultaneously, and you can control the tactile degree over levels you don't get from the software. Of course, choosing the suitable USB mixer for podcasting depends on several factors like your podcasting format (solo or interview), functionalities, and more practical design. Mixers have plenty of features with an audio interface that you can't get.
-- Preamplifier: Supporting audio equipment which needs higher voltage for condenser microphones and quality dynamic.
-- Easy Control: Controlling several different input devices with gains, faders, and fx dials.
-- Improved Audio: Cleaning up the sounding of microphones.
-- Mixing Sounds: Reducing post-production time by creating sound clips, playing music, and even voicemails.
-- Multichannel Recording: Recording several audio channels separately to facilitate post-processing.
Currently, there are several mixers on the market. Our guide outlines seven of the best USB mixers for podcasting, which will help you make the right choice, whether you are a passionate beginner or a professional.
1. Yamaha MG10XU
The famous brand is known for its pianos, other musical instruments, and motorcycles, now have a new direction with their USB mixers for podcasting. Yamaha provides high-quality equipment at a low price. Yamaha MG10XU has powerful features which provide upscale mixers like aux out for mix-minus and a built-in compression for a noise floor. It also has a USB connector to hook up directly to your computer. Yamaha offers up to 20 input channels for bigger setups. It also provides an option of digital effects for FX capabilities that will save your time during the post-production process.
2. Samson MixPad MXP124FX
Due to its simple design, features, and price point, this USB mixer for podcasting will be a perfect choice for first-time buyers. Samson has a portable and robust interface with up to 12 channels, five faders, and 99 digital effects with FX level control for each channel. Four channels out of those 12 are mic/line with an onboard phantom power intended for microphone preamps, so it is an ideal choice for several guests. The other four channels are stereo with balance control.
3. Behringer Xenyc 1204USB
This USB mixer for podcasting is similar to Samson's design and features. Behringer has 12 channels and a complete set of mixing capabilities. Four channels are phantom powered for XLR inputs, and six channels are fader controlled for audio management. The mixer includes dynamic compression that limits signals' range and lowers loud sounds to avoid peaks. As one-knob compression is affordable on all mono channels, you can find the right balance for you. Though you will need an AC adapter to power it, this ultra-low noise, high-performance, and easy-to-use mixer will be suitable for recording your podcast.
4. Allen and Heath ZEDI-8
Allen and Heath are famous for producing qualified mixers. The ZEDI is one of their excellent solutions, which is affordable and flexible for home studio setups. This USB mixer for podcasting has a two-in and two-out USB interface so that you can connect a mono line-level signal or two microphones. It also has two additional stereo channels for musical instruments like synthesizers, drums, and other sources. Zedi also has low-cut filters to reduce all unwanted low-frequency sounds.
5. Mackie PROFX12V2
Mackie PROFX12V2 is a unique mixer known for its clean audio and quality. This mixer could serve as a perfect USB mixer for podcasting as it has plenty of valuable features and the most pristine preamps on the market. It has six mic/line inputs, with which you can have two microphones, one for you and another for your guest, a vinyl or CD deck for playing your music, and a phone for call-ins. It has four stereo channels to manage the audio up into two recordings. It also has a built-in FX with 16 different effects to change your audio output. Mackie also has 7-bank graphic EQ for monitoring and main output. Its six XLR inputs are powered with 48v. In addition, it provides a 60mm fader on all input channels and a 100Hz low cut filter for noise reduction. So, we can state that Mackie will suit the most demanding setups.
6. Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK
The Soundcraft has won awards as the best mixing desk, known for its unique effect engine, which provides impressive sound quality for chorus, modulations, reverbs, and delays. MTK supports a multitrack mixer with which you can record each track individually. Soundcraft would fit as a perfect USB mixer for podcasting, as it has plenty of great features, like USB connectivity for managing on a laptop and routing. Eight channels out of 12 are XLR inputs to microphone preamps. The low-latency USB interface captures every channel that can be transferred to a digital audio workstation for mixdown or post-production. MTK is a reliable solution to provide a low noise, crisp and qualified sound. Most professionals prefer this mixer.
7. PreSonus StudioLive AR8
As another option of a USB mixer for podcasting, we would like to present PreSounus StudiolLive AR8. It is a hybrid mixer, and you can have both studios and live with a digital interface and analog controls. PreSonus has eight channels with mono and preamp connections for musical instruments and microphones. So, you can use it for music sessions, talk radio shows, and of course, for podcasting. The outstanding feature of this mixer is its Bluetooth functionality, with which you can connect to your iPhone or iPad. The AR8 has multiple audio balancers, EQ level settings, and phantom power for equipment like condenser microphones. But the best feature of this mixer is the stereo SD recorder which lets you record your central mix without going through a computer. It also allows every channel's adjustable low pass frequency settings to skip digital effects and afar noises. There is a wide range of options for USB mixers for podcasting with different features, and we listed seven of the most popular ones. Once you choose a suitable USB mixer, it will become your best friend during your daily work.
