If you’ve been considering getting into DIY home recording, the odds are a good number of those tracks are being laid down in your living room or den, on a computer and a microphone, with a pair of headphones on your head and a mouse in your hand. With the advent of digital recording and the ease with which it can be applied, the home studio has gone from an extravagance for professional musicians to a viable option for just about anyone who has a computer.
However, there’s a big difference between doing a track on your computer and doing a track on a computer. The former is pretty straightforward—click record, sing into your computer’s microphone, and you’re recording. However, recording with a microphone connected requires an input from the outside world, which is where a good recording mixer comes in.
A good recording mixer will take a microphone signal and make it presentable to your computer, with a clean, clear sound and a volume level that can be controlled. But there are so many options out there, and not all of them are good. So we decided to do some research on the best unpowered recording mixers out there.
Read on to learn more about our favorite options.
Our Editor’s Best Unpowered Recording Mixers Reviews
- 22-Input 2/2-Bus Analog Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps & Compresss
- 24-Bit Multi-FX Process USB/Audio Interface
- British EQs
- 6-input Desktop Mixer with 2 Microphone Preamplifiers
- Separate Volume Headphone Levels
- 2 Stereo Channels
- 3-b Equalizers
- Tape I/O
- 2/2-bus mixer with 60mm faders
- USB Audio Interface
- Onboard Effects
- 12-input
- 3-b EQ
- 12-channel Analog Mixer with 7 Mic Preamps
- 2-in/4-out USB-C Audio Interface
- Bluetooth
- Effects
- 14x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2. 0 (over USB-C connection) audio recording interface; record every channel plus the main mix
- 2x2 SD recorder (record main mix); supports SD and SDHC formats up to 32 GB
- 14-channel analog mixer with 8 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps plus two instrument inputs, 12 balanced line level inputs, 2 insert points, Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 13/14) with Bluetooth 5. 0 wireless, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback, Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch jack.
- Complete recording solution: Includes Capture live-recording software and Studio One Artist DAW for Mac and Windows
- Global +48V phantom power
- 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
- Rugged, Powder-coated steel chassis for superior durability
- Discrete Class-A microphone preamps
- Built-in SPX digital effects with 24 programs
- Switchable +48V Phantom power
- 99 DSP Effect：Professional 7-channel mixer has a built-in 99 DSP echo/delay sound effect processor, which creates more possibilities for your music and brings various changes to your sound.
- Convenient power supply：Power can be supplied by 2A 5V adapter, PC USB port or power bank.
- 5 Mono + 2 Stereo： 5 mono inputs support XLR (unbalanced 1/4 inch plug with 48V phantom power), 2A stereo, 6.3mm XLR, USB, Bluetooth input, RCA jack to connect various devices. For example, dynamic/condenser microphones, wireless microphone receivers, cell phones, computers, Gutiar, keyboards and other musical instruments.
- Convenient Bluetooth Connection - This mixer allows users to wirelessly stream music from pads, cell phones and computers to mix music (accompaniment).
- Package List: 1x audio mixer, 1 x Type C USB connection cable, 1 x charge, 1 x instruction manual, 1 x packing box
- 5-channel Analog Streaming Mixer/Audio Interface with XENYX Microphone Preamps
- Stereo RCA Inputs
- USB Connectivity
- English (Publication Language)
- Power Up Your Voice: Equipped with a professional preamplifier and 48V phantom power, the audio mixer works perfectly with your favorite XLR microphone to deliver high-quality audio. The clear audio output and fun sound effects fully immerse listeners in your streaming, quickly boosting your popularity. Flexible volume control ensures the sound is neither too loud nor too soft. Even in intense gaming battles, you can communicate effectively with your teammates and help your team win.
- Customize Your Audio: This gaming audio mixer features six voice-changing modes, allowing you to easily experiment with different sounds or add a touch of humor to your games. With four customizable soundpads, you can add and trigger your favorite sound effects on the spot, bringing increased creativity and interaction to your gaming or streaming. Additionally, three reverb presets offer a fresh audio experience, helping you present the best voice state in more scenarios.
- Individual Channel Controls: The DJ mixer has a simple and intuitive interface for easy operation. Four smooth volume faders independently control the levels for Mic 1, Mic 2/Mic of headset, Aux/Bluetooth and Line Out channels. The display provides a clear view of the current volume levels at a glance. Whether you’re streaming or recording, the entire process is effortless and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on content creation rather than technical details. Simplify your streaming journey.
- Instant Mute & Real-Time Monitoring: Our audio mixer has zero latency monitoring and one-touch mute function, helping you avoid embarrassing live mishaps and ensuring your sound is always optimal. The unique monitoring design allows you to turn off microphone monitoring and focus solely on background sounds without interference from your own voice. During games, it helps you attentively listen to teammates' voices and ambient sounds so that you can spot enemy footsteps in time.
- Gorgeous RGB & Bluetooth 5.3: The 10 RGB lightings of the audio interface are both vibrant and soft. The dynamic RGB lighting dispels monotony, adding vitality and aesthetic appeal to your game/live room. With options like solid colors, gradients and mixed colors, you can create a rich lights atmosphere that suits various streaming themes. The PC audio mixer delivers stable wireless audio via Bluetooth, freeing you from the constraints of cables and space.
- Specification: Brand: Micfuns Model: N7 Mixer Weight: 2.5kg Color: Black Material: Metal Channel Equalization: 7 Band
Best Unpowered Recording Mixers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best unpowered mixer you should consider following options:
1. Channel count: The first thing you should look at is the number of channels the mixer offers. A two-channel mixer is pretty much useless, unless you want to record a stereo track.
A 2-channel mixer is mainly used for recording a stereo track, or you can use it as an additional channel for an existing mixer. If you plan to purchase an unpowered mixer, you should buy one with at least 3 to 4 channels.
2. Inputs and outputs: The next thing you should look at is the number of inputs and outputs the mixer offers. You can easily find out this information from the product specifications.
You will find two types of inputs and outputs in an unpowered mixer. Firstly, there are the insert points that let you connect the mixer to an external source.
Secondly, you will find line inputs and outputs that are used to connect the mixer to other devices.
3. Headphone output: A headphone output is important as it lets you monitor the audio while recording. It’s also vital for live performances, so the audience can listen to the music without taking off the headphones.
4. Auxiliary input: The AUX input is one feature you will find on most unpowered mixers. It’s mainly used to connect an external source, such as a music player or an external microphone.
This input is mainly used to connect an external source, such as a music player or an external microphone. It’s important to have this input when you record a podcast or any other audio-based project.
5. Outputs: An unpowered mixer usually offers a stereo output, along with an internal speaker. This output is mainly used for playing back the audio.
The internal speaker is useful when you want to monitor the audio, but you don’t want to use headphones. It’s also good for live performances, so the audience can listen to the music without using headphones.
6. Quality of sound: The quality of sound is something that is often overlooked by people. You should make sure the mixer offers a good sound quality.
There are two aspects that affect the overall sound quality of a mixer. Firstly, you should look at the number of channels the mixer offers. The more channels the mixer has, the better the overall sound quality.
Secondly, you should make sure the mixer offers good quality preamps. Preamps are responsible for converting an analog audio signal into a digital one.
The more channels the mixer has, the better the overall sound quality. Secondly, you should make sure the mixer offers good quality preamps.
Preamps are responsible for converting an analog audio signal into a digital one. The better the preamps, the better the overall sound quality.
You will find two types of preamps in an unpowered mixer. Firstly, there are channel strips that offer great sound quality.
Secondly, there are internal speakers that offer a poor sound quality. The internal speakers are mainly used to monitor the audio and are not meant for live performances.
7. Price: The price of the mixer is something that matters a lot to most people. You will find mixers with different price points, depending on the features they offer.
You will find inexpensive mixers that offer basic features, while there are expensive ones that offer advanced features.
You can find a good quality mixer that offers all the essential features for around $100. On the other hand, you can also find expensive ones that offer additional features for
What else you should know about unpowered recording mixers
1. What are the best unpowered recording mixers?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific needs of the person using the mixer. Some good unpowered recording mixers include the Mackie 402VLZ4, the Yamaha MG10XU, and the Presonus StudioLive 16.4.2.
2. What are the features of a good unpowered recording mixer?
Some features of a good unpowered recording mixer are:
-Low noise
-Frequency response
-Distortion
-Signal to noise ratio
-Crosstalk
3. How do I choose the right unpowered recording mixer for my needs?
The first question you need to ask is how many channels you need. The number of channels will determine the size of the mixer. The next question is what type of inputs you need. The most common are XLR, 1/4″, and RCA. The last question is what type of outputs you need. The most common are 1/4″, XLR, and RCA.
4. What are the benefits of using an unpowered recording mixer?
Some benefits of using an unpowered recording mixer are that they are usually lighter and more portable than powered mixers, and they often cost less. Unpowered mixers also typically have more channels than powered mixers, which can be beneficial if you need to mix a large number of signals.
5. How do I get the best results from my unpowered recording mixer?
There are a few things you can do to get the best results from your unpowered recording mixer. First, make sure that all of your input levels are properly adjusted. Second, use high-quality cables to connect your mixer to your recording device. Third, use a low-noise recording environment if possible. Finally, make sure that your recording device is properly calibrated.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best unpowered recording mixers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best unpowered recording mixers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.