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Best Podcast Mixer for Beginners

Written by Harrison Baron | Jan 8, 2023 5:00:00 AM

Podcasting is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world, and one of the most important pieces of equipment you'll need is a quality mixer. However, with so many mixers on the market, knowing which one is right for you can be tough. Below are some of the best podcast mixers for beginners to take your podcasting skills to the next level.

Podcasting is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world, and one of the most important pieces of equipment you'll need is a quality mixer. However, with so many mixers on the market, knowing which one is right for you can be tough. Below are some of the best podcast mixers for beginners to take your podcasting skills to the next level.

What Is A Podcast Mixer & What Does It Do?

A podcast mixer is a device or software program that allows you to mix multiple audio sources together and adjust the levels, EQ, and other parameters of each source individually. This is useful for creating a podcast because it allows you to control the volume and tone of each element of your podcast (e.g., your voice, music, sound effects) separately, making it easier to create a cohesive and professional-sounding final product.

Some podcast mixers are hardware devices that you can connect to your computer or other audio sources using cables, while others are software programs that run on your computer or phone and allow you to mix audio using virtual controls. The specific features and capabilities of a podcast mixer will vary depending on the model or software you are using.

Most podcast mixers do not work with USB microphones, and you will need a program like Garageband or Audacity to use it effectively.

What To Look For In A Podcast Mixer.

There are several things you should consider when looking for a podcast mixer:

  1. Number of channels: Make sure the mixer has enough channels to accommodate all the audio sources you want to use in your podcast.
  2. Inputs: Check the types of inputs the mixer has, and make sure they are compatible with your audio sources. For example, if you are using a microphone with an XLR connector, you will need a mixer with an XLR input. A good rule of thumb is to get more than one you need. Sometimes issues come up, and having an additional input is a huge benefit to recording.
  3. EQ and other sound-shaping tools: Look for a mixer that has a range of EQ options, as well as other tools like compression and reverb, to help you shape the sound of your podcast. This can be scary when you first start but most audio mixers have the ability to control the audio and adjust it to your liking. If you're not sure where to start put the knobs to 0 and start messing around with it. This can dramatically increase audio quality and help reduce post-production editing.
  4. Portable or stationary: Decide whether you need a portable mixer that you can take with you on the go, or a stationary mixer that you can keep in your studio. Most people opt for larger stationary audio mixers, but portable options can be nice.
  5. Price: Consider your budget and look for a mixer that offers the features you need at a price that is reasonable for you. Don't go crazy. There are always audio mixers with more features you might want but don't need. Don't go crazy and get the most expensive mixer. Get something you 're comfortable with and has the correct number of microphone inputs that's right for you.
  6. Compatibility with your recording setup: Make sure the mixer is compatible with the rest of your recording equipment, such as your computer or recording software. It's also important to know if you're microphones need phantom power and get a mixer that offers phantom power. Others may offer a mic preamp and have other features that you may need for recording.
  7. Ease of use: Look for a mixer that is easy to use and has intuitive controls, especially if you are a beginner. 

Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB.

Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB is the best podcast mixer for beginners. It is an all-in-one mixing console with everything you need to start podcasting. The Xenyx Q1202USB has four mic inputs, two stereo line inputs, and a USB audio interface. It also comes with a built-in effects processor, making it perfect for creating professional-sounding podcasts.

The Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB is easy to use and set up. Simply connect your microphones and line-level sources to the appropriate inputs, plug in your headphones, and you're ready to start recording. The USB audio interface allows you to connect directly to your computer for easy recording and playback. The built-in effects processor gives you access to a variety of effects, including reverb, delay, and chorus.

The Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB is the perfect mixer for beginners who want to create professional-sounding podcasts. It is easy to use and setup up and comes with everything you need to get started. If you're looking for a great podcast mixer, the Behringer Xenyx Q1204USB is a perfect choice.

This mixer also has a USB to bring audio from phone calls or USB microphones into the mixer. This is a rarely seen feature.

This was my first podcasting mixer, and it's amazing. It does everything you want and is super reliable. It also has phantom power, audio effects and works well with dynamic and condenser microphones.

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Behringer Xenyx Q802USB.

Behringer Xenyx Q802USB is among the best podcast mixers for beginners. This is because it is both highly affordable and comes with a great set of features. For instance, the mixer has six channels which should be more than enough for most beginners. It also comes with USB connectivity, making it very easy to connect to your computer.

In terms of sound quality, the Behringer Xenyx Q802USB is very good. It offers a clear and well-defined sound that is perfect for podcasts. The mixer also has several built-in effects that can further enhance your audio. Overall, the Behringer Xenyx Q802USB is an excellent podcast mixer for beginners and is very much worth considering.

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Yamaha AG03 & Yamaha AG06.

The Yamaha AG03 is a great all-around mixer for podcasts and other audio applications. It has three channels, each with its own level of control and panning. Additionally, there is a master volume control and an Aux input. The Yamaha AG06 is similar to the AG03 but adds two more channels, bringing the total to five.

It also has a built-in USB audio interface, making it easy to connect to your computer for recording or playback. Both of these mixers are great for beginners because they are simple to use and have all the essential features you need for podcasting.

They both have low noise levels and sound good even at high volumes. It is important to note that the AG03 does not have a USB audio interface, so you will need to purchase one separately if you want to connect it to your computer.

If you are just starting out with podcasting, either the Yamaha AG03 or the Yamaha AG06 would be great. Both mixers are easy to use and have all the basic features you need. If you want to be able to connect your mixer to your computer, then the AG06 is the better choice. Whichever one you choose, you will get a great podcast mixer that will serve you well for many years.

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Allen & Heath ZEDI-8.

The Allen & Heath ZEDI-8 is one of the best podcast mixers for beginners. It's a great mixer for those just starting out in podcasting, and it has all the features you need to get started. It's got four input channels, each with its own level control and pan pot.

It also has a built-in USB interface so you can record your podcasts directly to your computer. And it's got a headphone output so you can listen to your podcast as you're recording it. The ZEDI-88 is a great mixer for beginners, and it's one of the best podcast mixers on the market.

If you're looking for a great mixer for your podcast, the Allen & Heath ZEDI-88 is the perfect choice for beginners. It's got everything you need to get started, and it's easy to use.

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Rode Rodecaster Pro.

Rode Rodecaster Pro is the best podcast mixer for beginners. It is an all-in-one podcasting solution that makes it easy to get started with podcasting. The Rodecaster Pro has everything you need to start podcasting, including four built-in microphones, a headphone jack, and a USB port.

The Rodecaster Pro also includes sound effects and music tracks that can be used in your podcasts. You can add these tracks by connecting a USB drive to the Rodecaster Pro. The Rodecaster Pro comes with a free copy of Adobe Audition CC, which you can use to edit your podcasts.

If you are looking for an easy way to get started with podcasting, the Rode Rodecaster Pro is the best option for you. It is an all-in-one solution that has everything you need to start podcasting.

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Mackie PROFX12 V2.

The Mackie PROFX12 V20 is one of the best podcast mixers for beginners. This mixer has 12 channels and is very easy to use. The Mackie PROFX12 V20 also has a lot of features that are perfect for podcasts.

The Mackie PROFX12 V20 has two mic/line inputs, four stereo line inputs, and a USB input. The Mackie PROFX12 V20 also has an FX send and return and a headphone output. The Mackie PROFX12 V20 also comes with a free copy of ProTools | First and WaveLab LE.

The Mackie PROFX12 V20 is the perfect podcast mixer for beginners because it is very easy to use and has a lot of features that are perfect for podcasts. If you are looking for a podcast mixer, the Mackie PROFX12 V20 should be among the best choice for you.

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Soundcraft Signature 12MTK Multi-Track Mixer.

The Soundcraft Signature 12MTK Multi-Track Mixer is the perfect mixer for podcasting beginners. It comes with all the features you need to get started, including:

  • 12 channels
  • Built-in FX processor
  • USB connectivity

The Soundcraft Signature 12MTK is a great mixer for those just starting out in podcasting. It's simple to use and has all the features you need to get started. Plus, the built-in FX processor gives you everything you need to create professional-sounding podcasts. And with USB connectivity, you can easily connect to your computer and record your episodes. So, if you're looking for a mixer that's easy to use and comes with all the features you need, then the Soundcraft Signature 12MTK is the perfect mixer for you.

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Allen & Heath ZED-12FX.

The Allen & Heath ZED-12FX is one of the most long-lasting podcasting mixers available. It is also one of the best-sounding podcast mixers for beginners. This mixer is very versatile and can be used for a variety of different tasks. The ZED-12FX has four mono channels and two stereo channels. It also has a three-band EQ, which allows you to fine-tune your sound. The ZED-12FX also has a built-in USB interface to easily record your podcasts directly to your computer.

The Allen & Heath ZED-12FX is the perfect podcast mixer for beginners. It is easy to use, sounds great, and will last you a long time. If you are looking for a high-quality, beginner-friendly podcast mixer, the ZED-12FX is the perfect option for you.

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Conclusion.

It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best podcast mixer for beginners. The best mixer for you will depend on your specific needs and budget and the most important features to you. However, the mixers we've highlighted above are all great options for those just starting out.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a podcast mixer. First, decide what features are important to you and your show. Then, consider your budget and find a mixer that fits both your needs and your wallet. Lastly, don't forget to read reviews from other podcasters before making your final decision.

The best podcast mixer for beginners is the one that fits their specific needs the best. Consider what features are most important to you, and your budget, and read reviews before making a decision.