21 Dec 24
Best Mixers for Beginners 2023 | Kickstart Your Podcast
Alyciah Beavers
06-August-23
Podcast newbie? No sweat! Check out the coolest podcast mixers for beginners in 2023. Rock your audio game with top-notch sound gear. Let's upgrade your podcast vibes!
Are you new to podcasting and eager to share your unique perspectives with like-minded listeners? If so, a mixer is one of the most essential pieces of equipment you'll require.
Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to upgrade your current mixer, having the right mixer can make a world of difference to the audio quality of your content. But with numerous mixers available, how do you know which one is ideal for your needs?
Well, worry not! In this in-depth guide, we'll explore some of the best podcast mixers for beginners to help you purchase a suitable one. We'll also explore some key factors to consider before buying a podcast mixer to help you make an informed decision and take your podcast to the next level.
What Is a Podcast Mixer?
If you're new to podcasting, you might be wondering what exactly a podcast mixer is and why it's an essential piece of equipment for podcasts. Well, in simple terms, a podcast mixer (or an audio mixer or mixing console) is an electronic device that allows you to mix and control audio signals from multiple sources to create a refined and professional-sounding podcast.
Think of it as your podcast studio's core, responsible for seamlessly combining all the different audio elements. Whether you have multiple microphones, remote guests, or even want to add sound effects, a podcast mixer is designed to combine all these elements to create a cohesive sound.
What Does a Podcast Mixer Do?
A podcast mixer does various things to improve the quality of podcast recordings. Here are some notable things that a podcast mixer does:
- Audio inputs and controls: Podcast mixers come with various audio input channels, allowing you to connect smartphones, microphones, and headphones.
- Blending: A podcast mixer can allow you to adjust the balance between different microphones and control the level of background music or sound effects, to create a balanced mix that sounds professional and pleasing to your listeners' ears.
- Live monitoring: Most mixers come with headphone outputs, which allow you to monitor the audio as it's being recorded. This feature is beneficial during recording sessions, as it can help you to ensure your recordings sound crystal clear before you export them.
- Audio processing: Many mixers offer basic audio processing features like EQ (equalization), compression, reverb, and noise reduction. These features can improve the sound quality of your podcast recordings and make them sound more polished.
Overall, a podcast mixer is an invaluable tool if you want to create professional-sounding recordings. Whether you run a solo show, panel show, or a creative storytelling podcast, a quality podcast mixer can make a massive difference to the sound quality of your recordings and leave a lasting impression on your listeners.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Podcast Mixer
Choosing the right podcast mixer can feel like a mind-numbing task because of the variety of options available. Worse still, the choice isn't any simpler because each mixer has different features. Wrapping your head around all these features can prove pretty challenging if you're searching for a mixer for the first time.
However, there are some key features you should look out for when buying a podcast mixer. As a podcaster, here are the key features you should pay close attention to:
Number of Channels
The number of input channels determines how many inputs you can connect to the mixer simultaneously. If you're new to podcasting, you may only require a mixer with a few channels. However, if you want to host multiple guests and record them at the same time, you may require a mixer with many channels.
While there are no hard and fast rules on the number of channels you will need, as a beginner, look for a mixer with at least two or four channels so you have the flexibility to record solo episodes or record multiple people at the same time.
User Friendliness
Unless you've worked with mixers before, you won't want to purchase a mixer with hundreds of knobs and buttons like something out of a sci-fi movie. Look for mixers with intuitive controls, clear labeling, and easy setup procedures. After all, you don't want to fiddle with controls when you're focusing on creating engaging content, right?
Features
Some mixers include features like EQ, reverb, compression, and noise reduction. While these features aren't a must-have for beginners, they can save you from purchasing separate processing equipment.
Portability
Some audio mixers are pretty huge, while others are compact. If you anticipate recording in different locations, look for a lightweight mixer that's easy to carry around.
Price
Podcast mixers vary in price from a few hundred dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on their features. If you're on a budget, you can find a quality mixer for a few hundred dollars. However, if you want exceptional sound quality, you'll need to be ready to fork out more money.
3 Best Podcast Mixers for Beginners
Now that we've explored what a podcast mixer does and what to look for when buying one, we'll delve into some of the best options for beginners. Whether you're on a budget or looking for an easy-to-use mixer, these mixers strike a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness, making them excellent choices for beginners.
1. Rode RoadCaster Pro
The Rode RoadCaster Pro is an all-in-one mixer designed for podcasts. With four XLR microphone inputs, headphone outputs, programmable sound pads, and a built-in soundcard, the Rode RoadCaster Pro has everything you'll need to start podcasting.
Plus, it has an onboard recording and a nifty touchscreen interface that enhance its appeal, making it a perfect mixer for beginners who want a powerful and user-friendly podcast mixer.
Pros
- All-in-one-solution: The Rode RoadCaster Pro offers multiple features like digital recording, programmable sound pads for sound effects, and built-in effects like reverb in one device, saving the need to purchase separate audio equipment.
- Easy to use: The RoadCaster Pro is a beginner-friendly mixer. Its touchscreen interface is intuitive and has clear labels that even beginners can easily understand.
- High-quality sound: The RoadCaster Pro boasts high-quality sound. It has onboard recording capabilities and numerous built-in effects to enhance sound quality.
- Versatility: Beyond its core functions, the RoadCaster Pro can also double up as a device for live streaming and even basic music recording.
Cons
- Costly: While it's not the most expensive podcast mixer on the market, the RoadCaster Pro is costlier than many other entry-level options.
- Slight learning curve: While the RoadCaster Pro has an intuitive interface and clear labels, some advanced features, like customizing sound effects, may take beginners some time to get accustomed to.
- Limited input channels: While these inputs may be sufficient for most beginners, you may want to consider other options if you have more than four guests on your podcast simultaneously.
2. Yamaha AGO6
The Yamaha AG06 is a compact mixer that packs quite the punch for its size. With two phantom-powered microphone inputs and two stereo inputs, it can handle recording sessions with multiple guests. It also has a USB interface, so you can connect it to your computer and record your podcasts directly.
Pros
- Compact: The Yamaha AG06 is a compact and lightweight mixer that's ideal for podcasters often on the move or those with limited space.
- High-quality sound: The Yamaha AG06 produces high-quality sound. The mixer has two phantom-powered mics and a built-in effects processor that can enhance sound quality.
- Built-in DSP effects: The Yamaha AG06 comes with basic DSP effects like EQ, compression, and reverb, which can enhance the sound quality of your recordings without needing external processors.
Cons
- Limited features: The Yamaha AG06 isn't as feature-rich as other entry-level podcast mixers. For instance, it doesn't have any sound pads or Bluetooth connectivity.
- Less intuitive interface: While the Yamaha AG06 is relatively easy to use, you may find its interface less intuitive compared to other beginner-friendly podcast mixers.
3. Alesis MultiMix 4
If you're searching for a budget-friendly mixer that doesn't compromise sound quality, consider the Alesis MultiMix 4. The compact mixer has four XLR microphone inputs and two stereo inputs. Plus, it has basic audio processing features like EQ and reverb, making it a solid choice for beginners looking for a no-frills mixer that gets the job done.
Pros
- Inexpensive: The Alesis MultiMix 4 is a pocket-friendly mixer that's a great option for beginners on a tight budget.
- Intuitive interface: The Alesis MultiMix 4 has a straightforward design with intuitive controls. It also has various presets that allow you to get up and running quickly without getting bogged down by complex settings.
- Portable: The Alexis MultiMix 4 is a small and lightweight mixer that's ideal for podcasters who need to record on the go or in different environments.
Cons
- Limited features: The Alesis MultiMix 4 isn't as feature-rich as other entry-level mixers. For instance, it doesn't have programmable sound pads.
- No multitrack recording: The Alesis MultiMix 4 doesn't support multitrack recording. This means all the inputs are combined into a single stereo track during recording. This limits the flexibility for post-production refinements.
- Lower sound quality: While the Alesis MultiMix 4 offers some basic audio enhancement tools, its sound quality may not be as good as other higher-end mixers with more powerful features.
Forget About the Complexities of Podcast Production
Finding the best podcast mixer is essential in launching your podcasting journey. Whether you prioritize simplicity, affordability, portability, or functionality, one of these three mixers will surely set you on the path to podcasting success.
Want to focus on creating stellar content rather than get bogged down in the technicalities of audio and video editing? Then try us out today and get a polished and professional-sounding podcast episode in under 24 hours.
