Mixers are the beating heart of any business podcast. With one, you can streamline recording workflows, consolidate audio sources, and ultimately simplify your post-production process.
The question is, which mixers are best for business podcasting?
We rounded up seven options based on our years of experience serving clients.
The best podcast mixers for businesses are:
- TASCAM Mixcast 4: Best podcast mixer for beginners
- ZOOM PodTrak P8: Best podcast mixer for large shows
- Maonocaster E2: Best podcast mixer for all-inclusive bundling
- Maonocaster Lite: Best podcast mixer for solo hosts
- Behringer Xenyx: Best podcast mixer for SFX
- Mackie ProFX: Best podcast mixer for software bundling
- PreSonus StudioLive AR8: Best podcast mixer for hybrid audio interfacing
Once we describe the basics of each mixer, we outline its relevant pros and cons. Then, we cover key features and prices so you can make a more informed decision.
Want to compare multiple mixers? You can check out our guides at the end of each section.
But first, let’s determine whether you need a podcast mixer in the first place.
- Do You Need a Podcast Mixer?
- Podcast Mixers vs. Recorders vs. Audio Interfaces
- The Best Podcast Mixers at a Glance
- TASCAM Mixcast 4: Best podcast mixer for beginners
- ZOOM PodTrak P8: Best podcast mixer for large shows
- Maonocaster E2: Best podcast mixer for all-inclusive bundling
- Maonocaster Lite: Best podcast mixer for solo hosts
- Behringer XENYX: Best podcast mixer for SFX
- Mackie ProFX: Best podcast mixer for software bundling
- PreSonus StudioLive AR8: Best podcast mixer for hybrid audio interfacing
- The Best Podcast Mixer
Do You Need a Podcast Mixer?
You don’t need a podcast mixer to start recording your show. But having one on hand could provide some indispensable benefits.
You may want to consider a podcast mixer if:
- You need to simplify or consolidate multiple audio sources
- You want stronger preamps for lower-volume mics
- You want to improve the audio quality of your podcast
In contrast, you may want to wait on a podcast mixer if:
- You’re working with a leaner budget
- You’re not hosting live podcasts
- You’re not as concerned about multichannel control
What about recorders or audio interfaces? Can those take the place of a podcast mixer?
The short answer is ‘no.’
Podcast Mixers vs. Recorders vs. Audio Interfaces
If you’re not a professional podcaster yet, audio jargon can be difficult to navigate.
Mixers, recorders, and interfaces may have similar functions, but they’re not exactly the same.
So what’s the difference?
The simplest answer is that all podcast mixers consolidate multiple audio sources, while only some podcast recorders can record multiple sources. While audio interfaces have multiple inputs and outputs like mixers, they can’t mix audio without the help of a DAW.
If you’re still confused, it may be easier to understand what a podcast mixer is not.
Podcast mixers do not:
- Focus on capturing only a single audio input
- Need a computer 100% of the time (if they have onboard SD cards)
- Usually include podcast editing software or a DAW with your purchase
In contrast, a podcast mixer does:
- Capture and mix multiple audio sources
- Come with a built-in audio interface in some cases
- Capture audio directly to an onboard SD card (depending on the model)
In some ways, mixers function somewhere in between recorders and audio interfaces. You might take your podcast mixer into the field to help capture audio from multiple sources, but you’re not going to capture street interviews like you would with a mobile recorder for instance. Audio interfaces usually plug directly into your computer, which means you’re unlikely to take them into the field like a compact audio recorder.
With our definitions now out of the way, let’s dive into the best podcast mixers below.
The Best Podcast Mixers at a Glance
Here’s what the top podcast mixers look like side by side:
| Recording Media | USB Connector | Sampling Rate | Recording Format | Microphone Inputs | Included Items | Price | |
| TASCAM Mixcast 4 | SD cards (64 MB to 2 GB), SDHC cards (4 GB to 32 GB), SDXC cards (48 GB to 512 GB) | USB Type-C | 48 kHz | 24-bit / 48kHz WAV | 4 | AC adapter, USB Type-C to Type-C cable, Owner’s manual and warranty, TASCAM ID registration guide | $399.00 USD |
| ZOOM PodTrak P8 | SD cards up to 512GB | USB Type-C (sold separately) | 44.1 kHz | 16-bit/44.1kHz | 6 | PodTrak P8;AD-14 AC Adapter; and aQuick Guide | $549.99 USD |
| Maonocaster E2 | Not compatible with SD cards – requires a direct connection to your laptop, tablet, or desktop | USB Type-C | 48kHz / 16bit | 24-bit / 48kHz WAV | 2 | Earphones, shock mount, metal pop filter, USB A-C charging cable, 2 TRRS audio cables, user manual, 12-month warranty, PM320T microphone, mic stand | $169.99 USD |
| Maonocaster Lite | Not compatible with SD cards – requires a direct connection to your laptop, tablet, phone, or desktop | USB Type-C | 48kHz / 16bit | 24-bit / 48kHz WAV | 2 | Condenser microphone, mic cable, mic tripod, windscreen muff, audio interface, charging cable, user manual, 3.5 mm TRRS audio cables (2) | $79.99 USD |
| Behringer XENYX | You must connect to an external device | USB Type-B | 48kHz / 16bit | 24-bit / 48kHz WAV | 4 | The mixer, the user manual, the power adapter | $139.99 USD |
| Mackie ProFX | You must connect to an external device via USB | USB Type-B | 192kHz / 24-bit | 192kHz / 24-bit | 7 | The mixer, Waveform OEM DAW, user manual, power cable, USB cable | $359.99 USD |
| PreSonus StudioLive AR8 | Onboard SD card recorder | USB 2.0 | 24-bit/96kHz | 24-bit/96kHz | 4 | The mixer itself | Varies |
TASCAM Mixcast 4: Best podcast mixer for beginners
| Pros | Cons |
| LCD touchscreen | Free editing software is somewhat limited |
| Free podcast editing software included | |
| Beginner-friendly |
The TASCAM Mixcast 4 can be flexible in a variety of applications. You can plug XLR mics into the four available inputs, then use Bluetooth connectivity to host a fifth call-in guest.
You can also mix internal audio using the LCD touchscreen. With it, you can find and adjust audio settings, menu controls, and more.
Since the Mixcast 4 comes with free editing software, you can start recording, editing, and publishing your episodes relatively quickly. That said, the free software may feel limited to more experienced podcasters. This won’t be a problem if you already have Adobe Audition (or a similar podcast recording software).
Learn more about the TASCAM Mixcast 4 in our detailed guide.
TASCAM Mixcast 4 features
- 4 mic inputs
- 8 soundpads
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Call-in support
TASCAM Mixcast 4 pricing
ZOOM PodTrak P8: Best podcast mixer for large shows
| Pros | Cons |
| Extra-large onboard SD card | Above-average price tag |
| Up to six mic inputs for large shows | Limited recording formats |
| Sound banks for plug-and-play audio |
The ZOOM PodTrak P8 was uniquely designed for large or growing podcasts. Offering six mic inputs and two simultaneous call-ins, you can host a total of eight separate guests on your show.
The PodTrak P8 also comes with a touchscreen so you can make simple edits on the go. This includes splitting, trimming, or adjusting audio without the need for a DAW.
Keep in mind the ZOOM PodTrak P8 comes with an audio interface mode so you can livestream your podcast if desired. Just know these features come at a price — this is one of the most expensive mixers on our list.
You can read our full breakdown of the ZOOM PodTrak P8 here.
ZOOM PodTrak P8 features
- Touchscreen for simple editing purposes
- Phantom power for compatible mics
- 6 mic inputs
- Built-in editing tools
ZOOM PodTrak P8 pricing
Maonocaster E2: Best podcast mixer for all-inclusive bundling
| Pros | Cons |
| Includes mic, mic stand, and pop filter | Can’t record directly to the mixer |
| Warranty and money-back guarantee | Plugging an iPhone into the mixer with an OTG adapter may result in poor audio |
| Denoise to get rid of room tone |
It’s hard to argue with the value of the Maonocaster E2: each purchase comes with a mixer, a mic, earphones, and a pop filter. If you already have the right editing software, you can start publishing and promoting your podcast right away.
This mixer comes with two mic inputs and an aux-in port for playing back music. It lends itself well to podcast livestreaming, especially due to its 11 customizable sound pads.
But you should know the E2 doesn’t come with an onboard SD card, so you need to plug it directly into a computer, phone, or tablet. If you’re only planning on livestreaming your podcast, this may not pose much of an issue.
You can read our full breakdown of the Maonocaster E2 here.
Maonocaster E2 features
- 2 mic inputs
- 1 INST port
- 11 adjustable sound pads
- Ones with 1 mic, 1 mic stand, and 1 pop filter.
Maonocaster E2 pricing
Maonocaster Lite: Best podcast mixer for solo hosts
| Pros | Cons |
| Warranty and money-back guarantee | Requires a direct connection to your phone, tablet, or computer |
| 8-hour battery life for remote use | No phantom power |
| Comes with the AU-PM360TR | No ability to host remote call-ins |
The Maonocaster Lite is a cost-effective alternative to the Maonocaster E2. It still comes with two mic inputs and a Bluetooth connection for streaming music, as well as an all-in-one bundle with a microphone, stand, and pop filter.
Unlike the Maonocaster E2, you get 12 soundpads instead of 11. It also doesn’t support phantom power like the E2, which means mics with active componentry are off-limits.
The biggest drawback is that you can’t record audio directly to the mixer (since there’s no onboard SD card). You need to connect with a compatible device to stream, record, and edit your audio.
You can read our full breakdown of the Maonocaster Lite here.
Maonocaster Lite features
- 2 mic inputs
- 12 soundpad buttons
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Comes with 1 mic, 1 tripod, and 1 windscreen
Maonocaster Lite pricing
Behringer XENYX: Best podcast mixer for SFX
| Pros | Cons |
| Three-band EQs | Must record on an external device |
| 100+ FX presets | Only one headphone jack |
| Livestreaming capabilities | Not specifically designed for podcasting (it may come with features you don’t need) |
We recommend two types of Behringer XENYX mixers: the 802S, and the 1202SFX. We’re focusing on the 1202SFX here, but you’re welcome to check out our breakdown of the 802S.
The Behringer XENYX 1202SFX comes with four mic inputs and an additional +60dB of gain. It also comes with 100 adjustable FX, including favorites like chorus, reverb, and more.
Just keep in mind the 1202SFX can’t record audio without an external device. It’s also not specifically designed for podcasting, which means you may have to pay for features you don’t need (like live music outputs, for example).
You can read our full breakdown of the Behringer XENYX here.
Behringer XENYX features
- 4 mic inputs
- 12 channels
- 100 FX presets
- Phantom power
Behringer XENYX pricing
Mackie ProFX: Best podcast mixer for software bundling
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with Pro Tools, Waveform, and 23+ plugins | Can’t record direct to device |
| Call-in support | Only one headphone output |
| 7 mics (5 XLR and 2 line level ¼ in) |
Like the Behringer XENYX, we recommend two different types of Mackie ProFX mixers. We’re going to focus on the ProFX12v3 here, but you can read about the ProFX6v3 in our guide.
The Mackie ProFX6v3 comes with seven mic inputs plus call-in support for your remote guests. It also comes with a software package including a DAW, Pro Tools, and 23 additional plugins.
Just keep in mind you need an external device to record your podcast audio. Plus, there’s only one headphone output built into the device, so you need a headphone splitter or a separate headphone mixer if you want all guests to hear their own audio.
You can read our full breakdown of the Mackie ProFX here.
Mackie ProFX features
- 7 mics
- 24 FX options
- 23 plugins and instruments
- 2 subgroups
Mackie ProFX pricing
PreSonus StudioLive AR8: Best podcast mixer for hybrid audio interfacing
| Pros | Cons |
| Hybrid between podcast mixer and audio interface | Discontinued mixer |
| Onboard SD card | Only provides +48dB of gain |
| Save channel presets for future shows |
The PreSonus StudioLive AR8 is both a podcast mixer and an audio interface. You can use its digital interface and analog controls to capture podcast audio to the onboard SD card.
There are four mic inputs to suit most podcast setups, as well as 16 FX presets for making simple tweaks to audio. You can also use the ‘super channel’ as a Bluetooth connection so you can play back music for both live and prerecorded podcasts.
The biggest drawback of this mixer is that it’s discontinued — you can’t purchase it directly from the PreSonus site. Instead, you have to find a gently-used model on sites like Sweetwater, eBay, Reverb, and more.
PreSonus StudioLive AR8 features
- 4 mic inputs
- Super channel (stereo 7/8)
- 32 GB SD card
- 16 FX
PreSonus StudioLive AR8 pricing
You can read our full breakdown of the PreSonus StudioLive AR8 here.
The Best Podcast Mixer
The best podcast mixer is the one that suits your use case.
If you’re working with fewer guests, a Maonocaster (E2 or Lite) may be a good fit.
If you travel a lot and need a portable device, you may want to consider the PreSonus StudioLive AR8.
Do you like the utility of an analog mixer? A Behringer XENYX or Mackie ProFX may have what you need.
But if you’d feel more comfortable with a beginner-friendly device, consider the TASCAM Mixcast 4 or the Zoom PodTrak P8.
Narrowing down your options isn’t always easy, so try writing a shortlist and whittling down to the top two or three. From there, you can compare and contrast your needs to find the setup, features, and price range that works for you.
What happens once you’ve picked the best mixer for your needs? It’s time to start upgrading the rest of your podcast.
There’s always space for optimization in your podcast launch, podcast production, and podcast promotion process. And if you’re looking for tools to help you get there, you can use our free resources to make informed decisions.