Must-Read for Beginners! Five Recommended Mixers

Previously, in the article "Too Late to Ask: PA Equipment Course," I had said, "Mixing is pretty easy!"
■Too Late to Ask: PA Equipment Course - How to Use a Mixer

But I understand those who still hesitate.
Certainly, some mixers are complicated in terms of operation methods. In fact, there are some functions that are hardly ever used by some people who just want to output sound using simple adjustments.
Actually, we're often asked, "Which mixer is easy to use?"...
This is just my personal opinion, but I think beginners should start with analog mixers, which make it easy to see everything you adjust.
So this time, I'm going to introduce some analog mixers that can be used for simple live performances and are easy to operate!

Soundcraft / Notepad-8FX

The first one is the Notepad-8FX, which I've also introduced in a previous blog post.
As you can see, it's simple.
Channel 1 and 2 have combo jacks to connect microphones or instruments, making it greatly versatile. It's also equipped with a Hi-Z switch that allows you to connect a guitar directly. Effects including reverb and delay can also be easily applied. The USB audio interface function makes it easy to use with a computer. Weighing only 1.36kg, it's lighter than many laptops, making it easy to carry!

● Other Notepad series products offering more or less channels depending on your needs

Soundcraft / Notepad-5 (Without Effect)

Soundcraft / Notepad-12FX

CLASSIC PRO / MX-EZ6

The MX-EZ6 is another standard product. It's small and easy to carry. At only 800g, it's super light, and can be carried with one hand! Since it has a USB interface, it can be easily connected to a computer. I think many beginners might not need a lot of functions and can make do with simple features. This is recommended for such people.

● Other MX-EZ series products offering more or less channels depending on your needs

CLASSIC PRO / MX-EZ4

BEHRINGER / XENYX 1002SFX

Among the standard mixer manufacturers, BEHRINGER's XENYX series is even more standard.
First of all, the correct pronunciation is "zeniks." I didn't know how to pronounce it at first... The main feature of this model is the digital effects! It has 100 different effects! And they're easy to use...just select the effect number from 00 to 99 with the knob. Just remember the number of the effect you like, and you'll never get lost in the many effects. It's fun to play with various effects! The variety is, of course, a big reason for its popularity.

● Other XENYX series products offering more or less channels depending on your needs

BEHRINGER / XENYX 1202FX

BEHRINGER / XENYX X1204USB

YAMAHA / MG10XU

The next one is from a Japanese manufacturer that everyone knows, YAMAHA.
Even though YAMAHA is well known, many people might've thought (like me), that they manufactured instruments only. However, it's also renowned worldwide also as a PA equipment manufacturer from Japan! YAMAHA mixers look cool. Aside from the features, the MG10XU's black enclosure with metal chassis is so cool. Of course, it's not only about the looks. Each channel has a separate, effective EQ, and even for beginners, intuitive adjustment of microphones and musical instrument signals is possible. The "X" in the product name stands for "effect," and the "U" is for USB interface. The MG10, which has neither, is also available.

YAMAHA / MG10

● Other MG series products offering more or less channels depending on your needs

YAMAHA / MG06X

YAMAHA / MG12XU

MACKIE / MIX8

The MIX8 from the MIX series of compact mixers from Mackie, which feature simplicity without effects, is equipped with USB I/O, and has excellent sound quality. Noiseless monitoring with headphones is also attractive. And after all, it comes at a reasonable price! This pricing for a Mackie product is surprising. The durable, sturdy design is shock-resistant and you can feel at ease when transporting it.

● Other MIX series products offering more or less channels depending on your needs

MACKIE / MIX5

MACKIE / MIX12FX

How were the analog mixer recommendations for beginners?
Most of the simple mixers above are reasonably priced and are easy to start with. Please take a look at the products if you think there's one you could start with.
I'd be happy if I could help those who are starting PA find their first pieces of equipment.