The Best Analog Mixers for the Money

The analog mixer market is full of decent options and a fair few duds — and the price tag doesn't always tell you which is which. This guide identifies the models that genuinely deliver at each price bracket: the ones that sound right, hold together under use, and don't leave you hunting for a replacement a year later.

Best Under £200 — Yamaha MG10 or MG12

For a compact desk on a tight budget, the Yamaha MG10 (10 channels) and MG12 (12 channels) are the standard recommendation. Yamaha's D-PRE preamps are a genuine step above the entry-level competition — quieter, with more headroom — and the build quality is solid enough to survive the knock-about life of a rehearsal room or home studio.

The MG series doesn't include built-in effects; the MG series "XU" variants (MG12XU, MG16XU) add USB audio and an internal effects processor for more money. If you need to record directly to a computer, the XU version is worth the extra spend.

Best for Small Live Venues — Mackie ProFX16v3

The Mackie ProFX16v3 is a consistently popular 16-channel analog mixer for small-to-medium live venues, mobile DJs, houses of worship, and small touring rigs. It includes three aux buses for monitor mixes, Mackie's Vita preamps (clean and punchy), and a multi-effects processor with 24 presets.

The ProFX16v3 also includes a USB interface for multitrack recording — up to 18 channels in and 2 out — which makes it versatile for anyone who wants to capture a live recording alongside the mix. Build quality is robust: this is a desk that can take the road.

Best for Studios and Podcasting — Soundcraft Signature 12

For a studio or podcasting environment where audio quality matters more than channel count, the Soundcraft Signature 12 is excellent. The Ghost preamps (derived from Soundcraft's professional console heritage) deliver a notably clean and musical sound that outperforms what you'd typically find at this price. The desk has 12 channels, USB multitrack recording, and an onboard Lexicon effects processor.

It's not the most road-worthy design — the Signature series is built more for a fixed studio environment than for repeated gigging — but the sound quality justifies it for anyone recording through a mixer rather than a separate interface.

Best Mid-Range Professional — Allen & Heath Zed-22FX

For a more professional feature set at a mid-range price, the Allen & Heath Zed-22FX offers 22 channels, four aux buses, and Allen & Heath's AnalogiQ preamps — widely regarded as the best in this price bracket. The EQ section includes a sweepable mid on every channel, which is a genuine advantage for live mixing.

The built-in effects are decent if unspectacular. The real draw here is the preamp quality and the routing flexibility — four aux buses gives you more monitor mix options than most analog mixers at this price. A solid choice for a mid-size venue or professional touring band.

Best Compact for Recording — Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB

If the budget is very tight and the use case is simple — recording demos, podcasting at home, running a small rehearsal setup — the Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB is functional and affordable. The preamps are noisier and less refined than the competition above, and the build quality reflects the price. But for the money, it works, and the USB connectivity is convenient.

Don't plan on using it to mix a live show or record anything where audio quality is critical. But for first-steps use or a very low-stakes recording setup, it does the job without complaint.

A Quick Comparison

Where to Go Next

Once you've got a shortlist, use our analog mixer buyer's guide to check the full spec criteria before you buy — channel count, aux buses, preamp quality, and connectivity. If you want to understand the controls before the desk arrives, the analog mixer explained guide covers the full picture. New to mixing entirely? The beginner's guide is the right place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions