A digital mixer handles many audio channels with built-in effects, equalisation and saved scenes, and it often lets you control everything from a tablet or phone. Compared with an analogue board, a digital mixer packs more features into a smaller footprint, and you can recall settings for a venue or a band in seconds.
The six mixers below cover desk-style consoles, rack units and tablet-controlled designs. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm the channel count, inputs and outputs, and software support on the current listing before buying. Features differ between models and firmware versions, so we describe them in general terms. Treat these notes as a starting point, then compare sizes, set contents and current availability across the listings before you decide.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Channels | Count the mics and instruments you will connect, then add a few spare channels |
| Control | Some mixers have faders and a screen, while others rely on a tablet or computer |
| Effects | Built-in reverb, delay and compression save you buying extra gear |
| Routing | Enough aux sends and outputs make it easier to feed monitors and recorders |
Specs at a Glance
| Mixer | Type | Control | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behringer X32 | Desk console | Faders and screen | Large channel count |
| Soundcraft Ui24R | Rack unit | Browser based | Wi-Fi control |
| Allen and Heath Qu-16 | Desk console | Touchscreen and faders | Compact |
| Yamaha TF1 | Desk console | Touchscreen | Quick setup |
| Midas MR18 | Rack unit | App control | Built-in Wi-Fi |
| Mackie DL32R | Rack unit | iPad control | Many channels |
The 6 Best Digital Mixers
1. Behringer X32
A full-sized console with motorised faders, built-in effects and a large number of channels. It is among the best-known digital mixers for touring bands and houses of worship.
Suits: full-size live sound. Strengths: deep features for the money. Weaknesses: the large frame needs space and a sturdy stand. Skip it if you want something tiny.
2. Soundcraft Ui24R
A rackmount mixer with no physical faders, controlled from a tablet, phone or laptop over Wi-Fi. It is a favourite for people who prefer walking the room while they mix.
Suits: mobile mixing. Strengths: a small box and flexible control. Weaknesses: you rely on a device and Wi-Fi. Skip it if you like physical faders.
View Soundcraft Ui24R on Amazon
3. Allen and Heath Qu-16
A compact desk with a touchscreen, physical faders and good-sounding preamps. It is a popular choice for churches and small venues that want an approachable, tactile layout.
Suits: venues that want faders. Strengths: a clear layout and quality sound. Weaknesses: a higher price than some rivals. Skip it if you need a rackmount unit.
View Allen and Heath Qu-16 on Amazon
4. Yamaha TF1
A touchscreen console with a simple workflow and features Yamaha developed for live sound. The company designed it to help new operators get a good result quickly.
Suits: new operators. Strengths: an easy interface and a respected maker. Weaknesses: fewer channels than larger models. Skip it if you need the biggest console.
5. Midas MR18
A rack mixer from the Midas family with built-in Wi-Fi and app control, closely related in design to the Behringer X Air line. It is aimed at engineers who want a flexible rig with a pro badge.
Suits: recording and live. Strengths: a respected name and flexible routing. Weaknesses: a learning curve for beginners. Skip it if you want a hands-on desk.
6. Mackie DL32R
A rackmount mixer with many channels, controlled from an iPad. It has a solid reputation among bands and installers who want a lot of inputs in a small box.
Suits: bigger bands. Strengths: many channels in a small box. Weaknesses: it needs an iPad. Skip it if you do not own a tablet.
Care and Setup
- Update firmware only when you have a stable power supply and a backup of your scenes, because a failed update can lock you out.
- Save a scene after each soundcheck so you can recall the same settings at the next show.
- Keep dust off faders and screens with a soft cloth, and cover the console when it is not in use.
- Label channels clearly on the console or in the app so a guest engineer can follow your setup.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too few channels and running out of inputs when the band grows or a guest joins.
- Forgetting that tablet-controlled mixers need a reliable Wi-Fi router and a charged device.
- Skipping gain staging, which leads to noise or clipping before the signal even reaches the faders.
- Ignoring the output count when you need several separate monitor mixes.
Digital Mixer FAQ
Is a digital mixer harder to learn than an analogue one?
It can be at first, but scenes, presets and built-in help make it simple enough, and many models offer a touchscreen layout.
Can I mix from a phone or tablet?
Many digital mixers offer an app. Some rely on it entirely, so check what the model needs.
Do I need a separate stage box?
For small setups the built-in inputs may be enough, but larger bands often use a stage box to cut cable runs.
The Short Version
For a full-size desk, the Behringer X32. For tablet mixing, the Soundcraft Ui24R. For a tactile desk, the Allen and Heath Qu-16. For simple operation, the Yamaha TF1. For a pro badge, the Midas MR18. For many inputs, the Mackie DL32R.