By Matt
• Live Performance Gear
• Published 17 May 2025 • Updated 17 July 2026
The Top 3 Digital Mixers Of The Year At Every Budget
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If you are ready to ditch the crappy mixers that are provided for you at venues and control your own sound, this is the blog post for you.
I've put together some information and a list of my suggestions at different price points so you can find the best digital mixer for you.
Looking at value, quality and ease of use, there should be something here for you no matter if you perform solo or as a band, in big or small venues. My hope for this article is to give you clear and simple information to help you make your purchasing decision.
What Is a Digital Mixer?
Lets start off at the beginning - what is a mixer? A sound mixer takes in audio signals from instruments, microphones and even the playback of other sounds, then lets you control the balance of the levels, tone and can also allow you to add effects.
A digital sound mixer processes the sound using digital tech rather than through analogue circuitry.What this helps with is making the control of those things precise and with less noise interference compared to analogue devices.
Digital mixers can also allow for more complex routing, meaning you can customise mixes a lot more and have better control of monitors and in ear monitoring systems.
Key Features to Look For in a Digital Mixer
Here is a list of features that I think are worth looking for when exploring all the options available in the digital mixing space.
- Number of input channels - look realistically at how many instruments and mics you need.
- Quality of preamps - all preamps are not equal and this can impact your sound.
- Built-in effects like reverb, delay and compression.
- Remote control functionality through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, tablet or computer.
- Recording capability through USB, SD card or a DAW.
- Touchscreen, connected app or both.
- Features that help stop feedback and assist with setting gain.
- Output options for aux sends, monitor outs and stereo or mono control.
- Portability, especially if you are moving gear around for gigs.
- Support systems, firmware updates and a community that can help when you get stuck.
Key Features to Look For in a Digital Mixer
Here is a list of features that I think (and looked for myself) when exploring all the options available in the digital mixing space.
Number of input channels
Look realistically at how many instruments and Mics that you need.
Quality of Preamps
All preamps are not equal - a Preamp helps to amplify the weaker signal coming from your mic & instruments.
Built-in effects like reverb, delay and compression.
These are great to have but, do you need them if you already have them in your setup?
Remote control functionality
Look for the best way to connect to other devices you own such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, tablet/PC.
Recording capability
Do you want or need to record from the digital mixer? Look at the connections such as usb or SD card.
Is It a touchscreen, connected app or both
Also worth considering if I already have a compatible device or I also need to purchese another phone or tablet.
Features that include stopping feedback and assist in setting the gain
Sometimes these can be set manually but some modes offer AI.
How many and what types of output options are there
Think about multiple aux sends, monitor outs, stereo/mono control.
Portability
Is it easy to move around or does it require to be mounted to a rack.
Support Systems
Does the mixer have Long-term support, provide regular firmware updates and does it have a community attached that you can ask questions to?
The History of Mixers: From Analog to Digital
- Analog mixers were dominant from the 60's till the early 2000s (for the vast majority) used both in the studio and live.
- Digital mixers started to be seen in the late 80s but werent really practical till the 2000s.
- The early digital mixers were pretty expensive and also not easy to use - they would most often be only seen in broadcast mediums or large venues.
- As computer processors improved, the digital mixers started to become smaller, cheaper (great for us at home) and more widely available.
- When Software came along, it changed how mixers could be used (especially on Ipad and other tablets).
- Getting to today - digital mixers have so many features and can be accessible to anyone how wants one.
Behringer XAir XR18
For my deep dive into the Behringer XAir XR18 and why it was my ultimate pick, this is the one I keep coming back to.
- 18-channel mixer
- 16 Midas-designed preamps
- Built-in Wi-Fi router
- Multitrack USB interface
Why Is It Great?
For the price it gives you amazing features at great quality. It is versatile for live playing but also as part of your studio. The tablet control is simple but also has really powerful routing options.
The Pros & Cons of Behringer XAir XR18
Pros
- Great value for the features
- Useful for live playing and studio recording
- Tablet control is simple once set up
- Strong option for small bands
Cons
- No physical faders
- You need a tablet, laptop or phone to control it
- The digital setup may take beginners some time
Allen & Heath CQ-18T
This is an 18-channel mixer with 96kHz processing power. The touchscreen is 7 inches and it also has rotary controls for fast access.
- 18-channel mixer
- 96kHz processing
- 7 inch touchscreen
- Feedback and Gain Assist
Why Is It Great?
This is a smart mixer for musicians who want speed and power. It is packed with auto tools that can help you find the right sound and simplify sound engineering.
The Pros & Cons of Allen & Heath CQ-18T
Pros
- Touchscreen makes it easier to control
- Helpful assist tools
- Good step-up option
- Strong recording and playback features
Cons
- More expensive than entry-level options
- May be more than a beginner needs
- Still requires learning the digital workflow
Yamaha DM3 Standard
This is a compact mixer with 22 channels and a 96kHz sample rate. It has a 9 inch touchscreen and single-knob control.
- 22 channels
- 96kHz sample rate
- 9 inch touchscreen
- DAW control integration
Why Is It Great?
This one is a professional level sound and control device. It is perfect for studios, taking away on tours and next level productions.
The Pros & Cons of Yamaha DM3 Standard
Pros
- Professional level features
- Strong Yamaha reputation
- Good for studios and serious live use
- Compact for what it offers
Cons
- Most expensive option in this test import
- Likely overkill for beginners
- Best suited to serious users
FAQ
What is a digital mixer?
A digital mixer is a sound mixer that processes the sound using digital tech instead of analogue circuits.
It helps to lets you control volume, EQ, effects, routing and monitor mixes from a laptop or even a tablet. The tablet is especially useful as you can walk around a venue to hear the sound from different spots.
Is a digital mixer better than an analog mixer?
This depends on what you need Analog mixers can be simple and hands on but digital mixers can give you more control. The other advantage is that you can save settings making it easier each time. This can be really helpful if you are a solo musician or dont have a engineer and need to do it for yourself. The fact that you can control things from a digital device while on stage is a huge advantage.
How many channels do I need on a digital mixer?
I would both look at how many microphones and instruments you need now and then think about the growth of your band or act - this is so you dont have to repurchase and waste money in the future. A solo person might only need a small mixer but a full band can quickly run out of channels.
Can I record with a digital mixer?
Some digital mixers actually can record directly by USB, SD card or into a DAW - these are highlighted in the article above.
If recording your live shows or rehearsals matters is of high importance, double check to make sure the options are there before buying because not every digital mixer can do this.
Are digital mixers hard to use?
Like all new tech, it can be a bit scary and complex looking at first but over time you will get a better understanding - it also matters about how much effort you put upfront to reduce the learning curve. The main things to learn are gain, EQ, effects, sends and saving the setup. Once you've done that, it will click into place and a digital mixer can actually make live sound easier.
Summary - The Best Digital Mixers
Digital mixers have helped to transform what is possible in live sound today, not just at the pro level but for everyone. They have the advantage of being compact, powerful and easier to integrate into your current setup.
As you have seen from the above, they come in different budgets and can fit almost all experience levels. These are probably not needed for someone at the very beginner stage, but they are definitely useful for those starting their live music journey.
- Behringer XAir XR18 is the most versatile pick with professional features at great value.
- Allen & Heath CQ-18T is perfect for musicians and producers who want touchscreen control and smart audio tools.
- Yamaha DM3 Standard is the premium option for serious professionals and professional environments.
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