If you’re in the market for a brand-new mixer, you might find yourself caught up in the timeless analog vs. digital debate. We’re here to clear some things up and show you the best digital mixers for live performance.
With so many hats in the ring, it can be hard to know where to start. There’s an awful lot to consider, especially when it comes to digital mixers, and there are lots of unique features vying for the top spot.
Let’s take a step back and examine some of the facts. What can digital mixers offer you that analog cannot?
Our top 3 digital mixers
| Zoom LiveTrak L-6 | Check the current price |
| Behringer FLOW 8 | Check the current price |
| Midas MR12 Digital Mixer | Check the current price |
What is a digital mixer?
Digital mixers electronically combine multiple audio signals from individual sources.
Not only that, but you can combine, route, and change the dynamics, equalisation, and other properties of multiple audio signals, using digital signal processing rather than analog circuitry.
You’ll find a pristine sound quality, a varied palette of unique features that you won’t find on analog gear, and generally, a compact size. Read on to find our top picks of digital mixers and how exactly digital mixers differ from their analog counterparts.
The best digital mixers for live performance
1. Zoom LiveTrak L-6 Compact Mixer and Multitrack Recorder
The Zoom LiveTrak L-6 might be both a digital mixer and multitrack recorder, but it remains compact and portable – perfect for on-the-go performances or a quick setup.
This mixer supports up to 10-track recording directly onto a microSD card, so you don’t need any external recording equipment.
With 32-bit float technology, it captures clear, distortion-free audio without you having to manually adjust the gain. Particularly for live performances (where audio levels can vary), this feature comes in very handy. Additionally, its simple channel interface includes built-in effects like reverb, delay, and echo, allowing you to shape your sound easily.
Beyond mixing, the L-6 can double as an audio interface, connecting seamlessly to your DAW for further editing. The MIDI I/O expands its versatility, allowing for syncing and controlling other MIDI-enabled devices, perfect for integrating synths and pads.
For live performances or streaming, the LiveTrak L-6 offers scene recall and connects smoothly with streaming software across various devices. It’s also battery-powered, giving you the flexibility to perform wherever and whenever.
2. Behringer FLOW 8
The Behringer FLOW 8 is an extremely compact eight-channel digital mixer. It brings exceptional functionality together with a range of intuitive features.
There are two independent studio-grade effects engines, each with 16 presets, 12 stunning reverb programs, and a range of unique extras. You’ll have everything you need to produce great mixes.
EZ GAIN-assisted gain staging then helps you find the perfect mix with ease.
By monitoring signals on one or all channels at the same time, EZ GAIN will automatically adjust the channel gain to the optimal headroom.
Two Midas microphone preamps and internal 32 VFP processing offer pristine clarity and capture every nuance of your performance.
Better still, the Flow 8 can store an unlimited number of scenes, so you can quickly switch between multiple presets and never run out of room.
Lastly, you can operate every control in Flow 8 from your phone. Tweak the nine-band EQ, set the compressor, or adjust the mix all while on the move!
3. Midas MR12 Digital Mixer
A digital mixer with a 12-channel design and an integrated Wi-Fi module, the Midas MR12 Digital Mixer takes convenience to the next level.
With the ability to accommodate up to four microphones, six line-level sources, and two instruments, you’ll have everything you need for a wide variety of live setups.
Furthermore, USB connectivity allows you to directly record performances and play back uncompressed WAV files. This means it’s more convenient than ever to capture both studio sessions and live performances.
Onboard stereo processing engines also offer studio-quality effects with almost zero latency.
With four true-stereo processors, the M12 can run studio-quality effects in conjunction with a 31-band EQ on the main and aux buses.
Thanks to four award-winning MIDAS PRO microphone preamplifiers and their premium-grade components, you’ll get professional-standard audio quality too.
The legendary Midas sound is characterised by exceptional warmth, clarity, and an accurate sonic image. And courtesy of state-of-the-art M AIR Gain Sharing Technology, you can achieve this sound with innovative auto-mixing that maintains maximum gain without sacrificing audio integrity.
Finally, an integrated tri-mode Wi-Fi router lets you connect to the MR12 directly, so you can control every aspect of your mix from anywhere in the venue and ensure the best possible performance.
4. QSC TouchMix 8 Compact Digital Mixer
The QSC TouchMix 8 is a compact mixer with powerful features that make it ideal for live performances. It offers a range of tools for audio optimisation, including 4-band parametric equalisation, dynamic processing, and digital effects. This comprehensive suite of features benefits live sound as it enables you to make quick adjustments to match the venue’s acoustics.
The mixer’s Channel Presets, designed by experienced sound engineers, allow for rapid setup tailored to live sound requirements. The Effects Wizard simplifies the selection and assignment of effects, while the Gain Wizard prevents input clipping. The TouchMix also boasts a library of Mixer Scenes, and you can save parameters either internally or on a USB drive.
Its intuitive 7” full-colour display, rotary encoder, and buttons offer self-contained operation without requiring an external display.
Plus, the Remote Control App for iOS devices enhances parameter control through a wireless connection. The ability to directly record to USB hard drives in high-quality format means you can easily work on your tracks post-production. And with its protective carrying case, the TouchMix 8 is a versatile and convenient solution for live performances.
5. Behringer X32
With a distinct hybrid design that provides you with the finest analog inputs and powerful digital connectivity, the Behringer X32 is a great choice if you’re looking for the best of both worlds.
It has 40 channels, 25 buses, and 152 signal sources, all of which can be controlled and monitored via the intuitive seven-inch graphic user interface. These make the X32 one of the more flexible workflows.
Furthermore, the X32 is compatible with up to six S16 digital boxes, providing you with excellent I/O connectivity and flexible routing.
All this is packaged with 16 MIDAS-designed, fully programmable mic preamps.
These, along with frequency shelving, dual dynamics sections, fully parametric EQ bus sends, and main, and mono and stereo panning, are controlled with rotary encoders.
With the Behringer X32, you have a high-quality mixer and hands-on control.
6. Bose T8S
Loaded with studio-quality effects and digital audio processing, the Boss T8S makes tone management easy.
Designed for performers, this is a complete control centre for your sound.
Utilise a huge variety of sound sources and control each channel independently with precise equalisation, dynamic processing, and high-quality effects.
You can hook up a huge variety of sound sources with eight main channels, each with a high-quality audio preamp, as well as an XLR-TRS combo jack, and switchable phantom power.
Take advantage of four aux sends and two aux inputs for additional versatility.
There are also USB A and B ports that allow you to quickly and easily connect and interface with computers.
This is a gig-ready mixer that makes live performance and sound management easier than ever. And with its extremely compact footprint, it’s ready to hit the road with you.
How do digital mixers differ from analog mixers?
Digital mixers differ from analog mixers in that they use DSP chips rather than costly analog circuits. This means you can get your hands on sophisticated gear at a fraction of the price.
In addition to this, there are a few major differences between the two styles of mixer.
While analog mixers usually offer direct correspondence between inputs and faders, you may or may not have to assign one to the other on a digital mixer.
Analog mixers also have dedicated controls on each channel strip – a hands-on but space-hungry presentation. Digital mixers, however, allow you to switch between channel strips in a single space-efficient master section.
Similarly, setting up sends is achieved with individual send knobs on analog gear, but when it comes to digital, it’s done by setting the channel layout to send mode.
On analog mixers, groups are generally assigned via small buttons along the fader or elsewhere on the channel. Digital mixers may handle in a similar fashion, but typically, assignments are more fluid and less limited.
You might also expect to find “scenes” on digital mixers, which are essentially the ability to copy, save, and recall settings with the click of a button.
Finally, when it comes to accessing effects and processing you’re typically short on luck with analog mixers. However, most digital mixers include extensive effects and processing, minimising the need for outboard gear.
How they benefit live performance
Digital mixers are becoming more and more popular for their convenience, expandability, and clarity.
To a point, going digital will give you much more flexibility in a very compact space.
Some of the features you might expect to find on a digital mixer include full EQ/gate/compression per channel, built-in graphic EQs, multiple built-in FX processors, and extra mix bus outputs for monitoring purposes.
All this gear in high-quality analog could easily fill a studio, so if you’re touring or gigging, having a compact mixer will be invaluable for your quality of life.
Scenes can also be a lifesaver, considering all the different venues, groups, and speaker setups that need quick solutions to live sound.
FAQs
What is the best digital sound mixer?
The best digital sound mixers on the market at the moment are:
- Zoom LiveTrak L-6
- Behringer FLOW 8
- Midas MR12 Digital Mixer
Are digital mixers better?
Digital mixers are better if you want something more adaptable and flexible than their analog counterparts. Using digital signal processing, they enable you to configure your audio in a much more in-depth and detailed way than analog mixers allow for.
What is the disadvantage of a digital mixer?
The disadvantage of digital mixers is that they tend to be more complex than analog mixers, meaning they come with a learning curve. If you’re new to live sound mixing, you might find it takes you longer to figure out a digital mixer than it does an analog one.
Conclusion
That wraps up our short guide and picks of the best digital mixers for live performance.
Hopefully, we’ve been able to clear up some of the key facts surrounding these systems. Remember, there are plenty of options out there, so there’s bound to be something that’s right for you!
Well, those are some of the least good live digital mixers on the market. The crappy ui16 – really?
Where’s the XR/MR 18? Where’s A&H SQ?
These, along with X/M 32, represent the best of the low budget mixers in the marketplace at the different price points.