Best Small Audio Mixer Battle – 5 Great Options [2022]

 First up we have the Alto Zephyr ZMX52 5 Channel Mixing Desk which is incredible value for money at just over £40. We think this is a contender for best small audio mixer as it includes a range of different inputs and outputs for a wide range of uses as well as EQ controls to sculpt your sound.

For under £50 you get a mono channel with dedicated microphone input complete with Phantom Power for condenser microphones. You also get a balanced TRS input and a two-band EQ along with two-track inputs for audio playback, so you can use it to monitor as well.

The fact you can play backing tracks or music between sets via the CD/Tape input makes it perfect for DJ’s and bands who need to incorporate music into their set. The smaller size makes it perfect for those drummers or musicians out there in control of click or backing tracks as it’ll fit in a laptop case or keyboard case with ease.

The Wharfedale Connect 1002 FX Black Mixing Desk is one of the cheapest options and a very portable mixer that makes our best small audio mixer blog with ease. This a great partner for travelling musicians, those in control of the click, vocalists and producers with smaller setups.

You have 10 channels in total to play with so you're covered for a wide range of applications. You have 2 studio-grade XLR/Jack inputs so you can hook up mic and instruments easily as well as phantom power for those condenser mics. The 8 additional stereo channels makes this small audio mixer perfect for both live and home-recording sessions. . The wide array of inputs and solid construction makes it perfect for field recording as you also have independent controls for all inputs as well as control over your main output and headphone monitor.

Finally, the signal/clip indicator allows you to keep control over the mix and the fact you have an array of effects built-in makes it perfect for bands and singers.

Need more inputs? Try the Wharfedale Connect 1202FX Mixer with 12 channels!

Next up we have the Roland GO:Mixer Pro - which industry-standard for a portable device. We think this is easily a contender for the best small audio mixer as you get to mix up to nine audio inputs, including pro-quality powered microphones, guitar/bass and line-level gear. Plus it comes in at just over £100.

This is particularly ideal if you're recording onto mobile device for recording multiple sound sources on the fly.

The compact and portable size is handy for use alongside tablets and smartphones, the small nature of this mixer essentially means you can take it anywhere - ideal for creators who are constantly on the move!

We love the Yamaha MG06X 6 Channel Mixing Desk with Effects as it includes world class preamps and (as the name suggests) a host of effects that are perfect for singers and performing musicians.

Within this 6 channel mixer are two Class A D-PRE microphone preamps which bring out the best in whatever you’re recording, whilst the +48v Phantom Power allows you to record with condenser mics.

We love this small audio mixer as it includes 3 reverb types as well as 3 delay types which really add a whole new presence and atmosphere to your sound, especially if you’re a solo performer who is singing and using a line level instrument at the same time.

Considering the price and amount of control, you get a LOT of quality features usually found on desks 3 times the price – so if you’re a producer, solo performer, podcaster or field recorder this is a bargain!

 Last but by no means least we have the Trumix MX2 2-Channel USB Mixer, which has been designed for home studio use.

The Trumix MX2 2-Channel USB Mixer provides a compact and affordable solution for quick and efficient recording, whether for PA systems or podcasts. Its versatile design makes it perfect for creators, podcasters, and live performers, fitting easily into a bag for portability. With 2-channel inputs accommodating both XLR and Jack connectors, it’s ideal for singer/songwriters and two-person podcasts.

The mixer supports plug-and-play functionality via USB or a 5V USB wall plug, ensuring it can be used anywhere. Additionally, it features 48V Phantom Power for studio microphones, a headphone monitoring output for precise level adjustments, and stereo left/right outputs for panning sound through PA system speakers. This makes achieving the perfect audio levels both easy and cost-effective.