Best Mixers for Live Bands: Complete Buying Guide

Live band mixing requires enough channels for all instruments and vocals, adequate auxiliary sends for monitors, and sound quality that serves the music. The mixer serves as the central hub connecting the band’s performance to the audience. This guide covers the best options for different band sizes and budgets.

Determining Channel Requirements

Small bands (3-4 members) typically need 12-16 channels. Drums may use minimal miking while guitars and bass often go direct or use single mics.

Medium bands (5-6 members) require 16-24 channels. Fuller drum miking and multiple keyboard inputs increase requirements.

Large bands (7+ members) need 24-32+ channels. Complete drum miking, multiple vocalists, and diverse instrumentation demand significant input counts.

Plan for growth and flexibility. Extra channels accommodate guests, additional instruments, and recording feeds.

Best Mixers for Small Bands

The Yamaha MG16XU ($449) provides 16 channels with effects and USB recording. The reliable preamps and musical EQ suit small-band applications well.

The Allen & Heath ZED-14 ($549) delivers superior audio quality in a 14-channel format. The THAT preamps and flexible routing serve demanding small-band applications.

The Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK ($599) combines compact size with multitrack recording capability. Each channel records independently for post-production mixing.

The QSC TouchMix-8 ($999) packs digital mixing with professional features into a compact touchscreen format. The built-in effects and processing eliminate external equipment.

Best Mixers for Medium Bands

The Behringer X32 Compact ($1,699) provides 32-channel digital mixing in a smaller format. The comprehensive effects and remote control suit medium-band applications.

The PreSonus StudioLive 24C ($1,799) combines live mixing with complete recording interface functionality. The 24 channels handle medium-band requirements with room for growth.

The Allen & Heath ZED-22FX ($799) delivers exceptional analog quality in a 22-channel format. The THAT preamps and effects suit bands preferring analog operation.

The Yamaha MG20XU ($699) offers 20 channels with Yamaha reliability. The effects and USB interface add versatility.

Best Mixers for Large Bands

The Behringer X32 ($2,499) provides 32 channels with comprehensive digital features. The Midas preamps and extensive effects handle large-band requirements.

The PreSonus StudioLive 32SC ($2,499) delivers 32-channel mixing with advanced recording capability. The extensive AVB networking enables system expansion.

The Allen & Heath SQ-5 ($2,499) brings professional digital mixing to the price range. The 48 channels and 36 buses address demanding large-band applications.

The Yamaha TF1 ($3,999) provides professional touchscreen mixing in a compact format. The 32 channels and comprehensive processing serve large bands professionally.

Auxiliary Sends for Monitors

Monitor mixing requires auxiliary sends that route independent mixes to stage monitors. Each performer typically needs their own mix.

4-6 aux sends suit small bands where performers share monitor mixes. Individual mixes may not be practical.

8-10 aux sends accommodate medium bands with more individualized monitoring. Key performers receive dedicated mixes.

12+ aux sends serve large bands requiring extensive individual monitoring. In-ear monitors often demand this flexibility.

Pre-fader auxiliary sends maintain constant monitor levels regardless of front-of-house adjustments. This independence proves essential for performer comfort.

Effects Requirements

Built-in effects eliminate external rack equipment. Quality reverb and delay serve most live band applications.

Reverb adds dimension to vocals and instruments. Plate and hall algorithms suit most applications.

Delay creates spatial effects and fills. Tempo-synced delay coordinates with the music.

Compression on individual channels controls dynamics. The processing helps maintain consistent levels.

The effects quality varies dramatically between mixers. Premium boards include professional-quality processing while budget boards may provide adequate but basic effects.

Recording Capabilities

Many modern mixers include recording interfaces. The capability ranges from stereo bus capture to full multitrack recording.

Stereo recording captures the main mix for archival purposes. Simple USB implementations handle this adequately.

Multitrack recording captures each channel independently. Post-production mixing and virtual soundcheck capability require this feature.

Bands seriously pursuing recording should prioritize multitrack-capable mixers. The flexibility proves invaluable.

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All mixers for live bands are available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon.