[2026 Edition] How to Choose a Mixer ＆ Recommended Mixers - Digital Mixer

Following the analog mixer edition, this time we will focus on “digital mixers.”

In recent years, as mixers have become more compact and affordable, the adoption of digital mixers has rapidly increased—not only in live houses and event venues, but also in band setups and streaming environments.
At first glance, some people may find them difficult to use, or they feel that remote control seems convenient but they’re worried about Wi-Fi issues…, or digital mixers seem complicated to set up initially…
However, in reality, as long as you understand the basics, they can be operated very efficiently, and depending on the application, it is possible to create an even more comfortable environment than with analog mixers.

In this article, we will clearly explain the features of digital mixers and how to choose one based on price range.

Advantages of Digital Mixers

First, let’s take a look at the characteristics of digital mixers.

① Scene saving and recall

You can save all mixer settings (EQ, faders, effects, etc.) as a whole.
Since you can reproduce the setup for each live performance, it helps shorten rehearsal time and stabilize operation.

② Advanced sound shaping capabilities

Each channel often comes standard with

• compressor
• gate
• parametric EQ

allowing for detailed sound shaping even without external equipment.

③ High flexibility in monitoring environment

With a wide range of AUX (monitor sends), you can create different monitor mixes for each member.
This is also ideal for in-ear monitor setups.

④ Supports remote control

Many models can be operated via Wi-Fi from a tablet or PC, allowing you to mix while checking the sound from the stage or audience area.

Therefore, for those who:

• perform live or handle PA for bands and events
• want to build a solid monitoring environment
• want to handle streaming and recording simultaneously
• want to streamline setup,

the benefits of introducing a digital mixer can be said to be extremely significant.

Up to 50,000 yen: Compact models for streaming and small-scale PA

ZOOM / LiveTrak L6max

An ultra-compact model that integrates a mixer, recorder, and audio interface.

• Supports 12 channels
• Up to 14-track recording (SD card)
• Battery-powered operation
• 32-bit float recording

Despite its small size, it offers full-fledged recording capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of uses including streaming, home recording, and as a sub-mixer for live performances.
It is an ideal unit for those who want to handle recording and streaming in a compact setup.

Soundcraft / Ui12 Wi-Fi Controlled Digital Mixer 12ch

A remote-style digital mixer operated via smartphone or tablet over Wi-Fi.

• 10-channel input (XLR ×4, combo jack ×4, stereo RCA ×1)
• Browser-based control (no app required)
• Built-in Wi-Fi router
• EQ / compressor / effects included as standard

Although it does not have physical faders, it’s compact and easy to set up, making it a strong option for small-scale PA and event use.
Ideal for those who want to mix while moving around the venue
or reduce setup space.

BEHRINGER (Behringer) / FLOW 8

A compact 8-input digital mixer, this all-in-one unit is designed for live streaming and small-scale PA, featuring Bluetooth remote control (FLOW MIX) and a USB audio interface.
It delivers high sound quality with high-quality preamps and 32-bit VFP processing, and allows intuitive operation with analog-like 60mm faders.

• Inputs: up to 6 mono channels, 2 stereo channels
• Outputs: main LR bus + 2 monitor buses + 2 FX buses (equivalent to 5 buses total)
• Supports Bluetooth audio playback
• Supports multitrack recording

Up to 100,000 yen: Models for bands and small-scale PA

In this price range, more models become practical for live performances and band use.

CLASSIC PRO / DM20 Digital Mixer with Motorized Faders

A digital mixer equipped with motorized faders, offering excellent cost performance.
A key feature in this price range is the combination of physical faders and digital control.

• Intuitive operation with motorized faders
• Automatic fader follow when recalling scenes
• User-friendly controls suitable for live settings

Unlike models that rely mainly on tablet operation, this unit is ideal for those who want analog-like control while still benefiting from digital features.
It is also recommended as a step-up option for beginners to digital mixers.

BEHRINGER (Behringer) / X AIR XR16 Remote Control Digital Mixer

A standard model in remote-control digital mixers.
It is a “stagebox-style” unit operated from a tablet or PC and is widely used in live PA environments.

• 16 inputs (including 8 MIDAS-designed microphone preamps)
• Built-in Wi-Fi router
• 4 AUX outputs (monitor support)
• 4 stereo effects
• 100-band RTA

Each channel is fully equipped with

• compressor
• gate
• parametric EQ

making it a standard choice for those who want a solid solution for live PA use.

ZOOM / LiveTrak L12next

A successor to the LiveTrak L-12, this popular model integrates a mixer, recorder, and audio interface. It supports simultaneous recording of up to 14 tracks (12 channels + stereo mix), uses SD cards, and supports high-quality 24-bit/96kHz recording.

• Inputs: 8 mono channels (XLR/TRS combo jacks with mic preamps) + 2 stereo channels
• Outputs: 1 master output + 5 monitor outputs (independent mix per channel)
• USB: 14-in/4-out audio interface (DAW integration)
• Each channel includes COMP / 3-band EQ / effects, with 10 scene memories

It is a very powerful unit for band rehearsals and self-recording.

Over 100,000 yen: Full-scale models for live and event PA

In this price range, the focus is on full-fledged models used in live houses and event venues.

Soundcraft (Soundcraft) / Si iMPACT Digital Mixer 32ch

The BEHRINGER X32 is a long-standing standard digital mixer widely supported for live PA and fixed installation use. It features a large number of inputs and outputs and high expandability. Thanks to its strong cost performance and stable operation, it is commonly seen in the field as a unit that can handle a wide range of applications, from medium-sized events to permanent installations.

• I/O terminals Mic/line inputs (XLR): 24
• Mic/line inputs (combo XLR/standard phone 3P): 8
• Line outputs (XLR): 16
• Digital output (AES/EBU, XLR): 1 (2ch)
• MADI (RJ45): 1
• USB: Surface 2 (1 for power supply, 1 for data)
• Rear: 1 (for multitrack recording/playback)

In terms of expandability, additional stage boxes (AX connection) can be added via AES50 and Ultranet, making it easy to scale input/output count and channel layout depending on the venue size. It also supports remote control via iPad/Android apps, allowing flexible operation such as front-of-house mixing and monitoring adjustments in amplifier rooms, improving mobility in live environments.

BEHRINGER / X32 Digital Mixer

A long-established standard in digital mixers, widely used for live PA and installed systems. It features a large number of inputs and outputs and high expandability.
It offers strong performance at lower price and stable operation, making it suitable for a wide range of uses from medium-scale events to fixed installations.

• Inputs: 32ch mic preamps (MIDAS design, XLR/TRS combo, 72dB gain, individual phantom power)
• Outputs: 16 XLR outputs, 6 AUX, main LR/monitor
• Processing: 40 input channels / 25 buses, 16 motorized faders (X32 standard), 8 stereo FX (KLARK TEKNIK), 32x32 USB audio interface

Expandability via AES50 and Ultranet allows stage box expansion, and iPad/Android app-based remote control is useful in live environments.

MACKIE / DL16SE 16ch Digital Rack Mixer

A rack-mountable 16-channel digital stagebox mixer designed for live PA and recording, featuring wireless control.
It is equipped with Onyx+ preamps for high-quality sound, and can be operated intuitively from a tablet using the “Master Fader SE” app.

• Inputs: 16ch (8 XLR + 8 XLR/TRS combo, including 2 Hi-Z inputs)
• Outputs: 8 assignable XLR outputs + headphone output
• Compact design: Each input includes 4-band PEQ / HPF, gate, compressor, and RTA. Output buses include 31-band GEQ / delay. Equipped with 6 AUX / 6 subgroup / 6 VCA / 4 FX processors

It supports multi-device simultaneous control via Wi-Fi router and features a rugged design suitable for on-stage installation. It also functions as a 16x16 USB audio interface for multitrack DAW recording and playback. It is an ideal unit for band rehearsals and virtual sound checks.

Summary

Digital mixers may seem intimidating at first, but they offer a dramatically wider range of capabilities and significantly improve both workflow efficiency and sound quality in real-world applications.
As introduced here, recent models range from compact, easy-to-use units to full-scale systems for professional use.

If you are unsure which model to choose:

• For streaming and recording → LiveTrak series
• For live PA use → X AIR series
• For professional field operation → X32 / TF series

By selecting a model that matches your purpose and scale, you can significantly improve the quality of live performances, streaming, and recording.

If you feel that “it looks complicated,” starting with an entry-level model is recommended.
By actually using one, you will likely experience the convenience and potential unique to digital mixers.
I encourage you to find a model that suits your style and build a more comfortable and flexible sound environment.