How to Choose the Right Mixer for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Mixer

Overview

A mixer is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any budding musician or sound engineer. It enables you to take multiple inputs - such as microphones and instruments - and combine them into a single output. With the right mixer, you can create a professional sound setup with ease. This buying guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing the right mixer for your needs. It will cover factors such as type of mixer, number of inputs, EQ, and more. Whether you're after a professional-grade mixer for a touring setup, or just a simple two-channel mixer for home recording, this guide will give you the information you need to make the right choice.

Key features

  1. Type: What type of mixer is being used? Is it an audio or video mixer?
  2. Channels: How many channels does the mixer have? Does it have enough to meet your needs?
  3. Connectivity: What type of connections does the mixer have? Does it have the connections you need?
  4. Mixer Controls: What type of controls does the mixer have? Does it have enough to meet your needs?
  5. Inputs/Outputs: How many inputs/outputs does the mixer have? Does it have enough to meet your needs?
  6. Compatibility: Is the mixer compatible with your other equipment? Do you need an adapter to make it work?
  7. Price: What is your budget for the mixer? Does the mixer fit within your budget?
  8. Size/Portability: How big or small is the mixer? Is it portable or stationary?
  9. Features: What type of additional features does the mixer have? Is it expandable? Are there features that you need?
  10. Manufacturer: What is the reputation of the mixer's manufacturer? Do they offer good customer support?

See the most popular Mixer on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Ease of Use - Mixer is very user-friendly, making it easy to set up and get started quickly.
  • Multi-Platform Support - Mixer is available on Xbox One, Windows 10, Android, iOS, and web browsers.
  • Connectivity - Mixer offers fast and reliable streaming and low latency for seamless interactions between broadcaster and audience.
  • Interactive Features - Mixer allows viewers to interact with broadcasters and other viewers using Sparks, watch parties, FTL, and more.
  • Community Engagement - Mixer provides features to help streamers build their community and engage with their viewers, such as chat, leaderboard, and ability to host other streams.
  • Broadcaster Tools - Mixer offers a variety of tools that streamers can use to customize their stream, including layout designer, streamer tools, and more.
  • Security - Mixer provides safety and security features to ensure a safe environment for streamers and viewers.

Cons

  • Price - Mixer can be an expensive piece of equipment and is often out of reach for many people’s budgets.
  • Size and Weight - Mixers can be very large and heavy, making them difficult to transport.
  • Complexity - Professional-grade mixers can be difficult to learn and use without prior experience with mixing.
  • Inputs/Outputs - Mixers have a limited number of inputs and outputs, so it is important to check the specs and make sure the mixer will be able to handle the audio sources you will be using.
  • Noise - Mixers can produce a lot of noise, which can be distracting or even uncomfortable in certain environments.

Best alternatives

  1. Zoom - Popular video conferencing software that enables remote meetings, webinars, and collaboration
  2. Skype - Video calling and chat application that provides audio and video communication over the internet
  3. Google Hangouts - Group video chat and messaging service from Google
  4. Discord - Voice, video, and text chat app for gamers that allows for real-time communication and collaboration
  5. Slack - Team collaboration and project management application that combines messaging, file sharing, and task management

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Mixer - An electronic device used to combine, blend, or emulsify a variety of ingredients, including liquids, powders, and air.
  • Bowls - A container with a wide mouth, usually round and deep, used for holding and mixing ingredients.
  • Beaters - A tool used for mixing ingredients, made from wires that rotate rapidly.
  • Whisks - A tool used for whipping ingredients, made from a loop of wires.
  • Dough Hooks - A tool used for kneading dough, made from a curved hook of wires.
  • Measuring Cups - A tool used for measuring ingredients, usually made of glass or plastic.
  • Measuring Spoons - A tool used for measuring ingredients, usually made of metal.
  • Spatulas - A tool used for scraping ingredients, made of plastic, rubber, or metal.
  • Mixing Bowls - Containers used to mix ingredients, usually made of metal, glass, or plastic.

Common questions

  1. What types of mixers are available?
    There are a variety of mixers available, including hand mixers, stand mixers, immersion blenders, food processors, and even specialty mixers like vegetable slicers and spiralizers.
  2. How much power do I need in a mixer?
    Generally, the more power a mixer has, the better it is for handling heavier mixing tasks. If you’re looking for a mixer to handle heavy-duty tasks, it’s best to look for one with at least 300 watts of power. For lighter tasks, 200 watts should be sufficient.
  3. What features should I look for in a mixer?
    Look for features such as variable speeds, adjustable stands, cord storage, and attachments, such as beaters, whisks, and dough hooks. Other features, such as a timer, LED display, and preset programs, may also be beneficial.
  4. What materials should I look for in a mixer?
    Look for mixers made of stainless steel, as this will provide the most durability. Plastic and aluminum are also common materials used for mixers, but may not be as durable.
  5. What safety features should I look for in a mixer?
    Look for mixers that have safety features such as a locking mechanism, non-slip feet, and overload protection. These features will help to ensure that the mixer is safe to use.

Trivia

Mixer, the now Microsoft-owned live streaming service, first started life as a different platform called "Beam" back in 2016. It was acquired by Microsoft in August of the same year and rebranded shortly after. One interesting fact about Mixer was that Microsoft gave it away for free to all of its employees, including a free Xbox One S with subsequent free games to play on it. This was done in order to give its employees a hands-on experience with the platform. Sources: Wikipedia - Mixer (service)

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.