A podcast with several hosts or guests needs a mixer with enough microphone inputs and enough headphone outputs for everyone at the table. Each voice must be balanced against the others, and each person usually wants a comfortable headphone mix. The right mixer keeps a busy conversation clear and easy to edit.
The six mixers below range from podcast-focused consoles to larger analog desks with plenty of channels. We have not used these products ourselves, and we avoid channel counts we cannot verify. Please confirm the number of microphone inputs, headphone outputs and USB support on the current listing before you buy.
Count your voices first, then add one spare channel for a remote guest or a music source. Check whether the mixer records to a card or sends audio to a computer, and make sure your microphones need the same phantom power setup.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Mic inputs | One XLR input per host, with a spare for a guest |
| Headphone outputs | Each person needs a comfortable monitoring feed |
| Recording method | Onboard recording is handy, USB suits computer workflows |
| Remote guests | A mix-minus feature helps with calls and remote interviews |
| Build | A solid chassis survives frequent setup and travel |
Specs at a Glance
| Mixer | Type | Records to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RODECaster Pro II | Podcast console | Onboard and USB | Multiple mic inputs and headphone outputs |
| Zoom PodTrak P8 | Podcast recorder | Card and USB | Portable; several mic inputs |
| Yamaha MG16XU | Analog mixer | USB to a computer | More channels; effects |
| Mackie ProFX16v3 | Analog mixer | USB to a computer | Metal chassis; effects |
| Behringer Xenyx X1204USB | Analog mixer | USB to a computer | Plenty of channels |
| Soundcraft Signature 12MTK | Analog mixer | USB multitrack | Records tracks separately |
The 6 Best Podcast Mixers for Multiple Hosts
1. RODECaster Pro II Podcast Production Studio
A podcast console with several microphone inputs, multiple headphone outputs and onboard recording. It was built with multi-host shows and remote guests in mind.
Suits: busy multi-host shows. Strengths: a purpose-built layout. Weaknesses: a bigger console to learn. Skip it if you record alone.
View RODECaster Pro II on Amazon
2. Zoom PodTrak P8 Podcast Recorder
A portable recorder with multiple microphone inputs and headphone outputs. It records to a card, so you can capture a group conversation away from a computer.
Suits: mobile group shows. Strengths: portability and card recording. Weaknesses: a small control surface. Skip it if you want long faders.
View Zoom PodTrak P8 on Amazon
3. Yamaha MG16XU Mixer with USB
A larger analog mixer with USB and built-in effects. The extra channels make it a roomy choice for a table of guests.
Suits: studio setups. Strengths: many channels and a trusted brand. Weaknesses: no onboard recording. Skip it if you need a compact box.
4. Mackie ProFX16v3 Mixer
A rugged analog mixer with a metal chassis, USB audio and onboard effects. It offers many inputs for a busy table and tolerates frequent transport.
Suits: shows that travel. Strengths: a tough build and many inputs. Weaknesses: it is large and heavy. Skip it if you want a light setup.
View Mackie ProFX16v3 on Amazon
5. Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Mixer
An analog mixer with USB output and a good number of channels at an approachable level. It suits groups that want plenty of inputs without a complicated setup.
Suits: larger groups on a modest setup. Strengths: many channels and plain controls. Weaknesses: fewer extras. Skip it if you want podcast-specific features.
View Behringer Xenyx X1204USB on Amazon
6. Soundcraft Signature 12MTK Mixer
An analog mixer that can record its channels as separate tracks over USB. Separate tracks make editing a group conversation much easier.
Suits: editors who want separate tracks. Strengths: multitrack USB recording. Weaknesses: it needs a computer. Skip it if you want a card recorder.
View Soundcraft Signature 12MTK on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Set each host’s gain separately so voices match.
- Use a headphone splitter or amplifier if your mixer has few outputs.
- Place microphones at similar distances from each mouth.
- Record a short test and listen for crosstalk before the show.
- Agree on a hand signal so hosts can mute or cut in without talking over each other.
- Label each channel with the host’s name to avoid mix-ups.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too few inputs for the whole table.
- Seating hosts too close together.
- Ignoring phantom power for condenser mics.
- Skipping a backup recording.
- Using different microphone models that sound very different from each other.
Podcast Mixers for Multiple Hosts FAQ
How many inputs do I need?
One per host, plus one spare for a guest or a remote caller.
Do I need separate tracks?
They make editing easier, since you can adjust each voice on its own.
How do remote guests work?
Look for a mix-minus feature or USB routing so the guest does not hear their own echo.
The Short Version
For a purpose-built console, the RODECaster Pro II. For portability, the Zoom PodTrak P8. For analog sound, the Yamaha MG16XU. For a tough build, the Mackie ProFX16v3. For many channels, the Behringer X1204USB. For separate tracks, the Soundcraft Signature 12MTK.