10 Best Mixers for Podcast Streaming and Recording | 2025

by

So, you’re ready to take your podcast to the next level, and you’ve realized that a simple USB microphone might be holding you back. That’s where a dedicated audio mixer comes in. It’s the command center for your sound, giving you hands-on control over levels, EQ, and effects for multiple microphones and guests. Whether you’re streaming live to an audience or recording a multi-person interview, the right mixer is the difference between an amateur-sounding show and a professional production that keeps listeners coming back.

Choosing the perfect mixer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your needs depend on your setup: how many hosts you have, if you take live callers, or if you need to connect cameras and computers simultaneously. This guide is designed to cut through the noise. We’ve tested and researched the top options for 2025 to help you find the ideal mixer for your specific podcasting and streaming workflow. We’ll break down everything from compact USB-friendly units to advanced broadcast consoles.

Our Picks for the Best Mixers for Podcast Streaming and Recording

Rode Rodecaster Pro II

If you’re looking for what I consider the ultimate all-in-one solution for podcasting, the Rodecaster Pro II is it. This thing is a powerhouse. It’s built like a tank and comes packed with features that feel like they were designed specifically for podcasters and streamers. You get four combo jacks that can handle both XLR microphones and instrument cables, plus Bluetooth connectivity for bringing in audio from your phone or playing sound effects from an app. The standout feature for me is the massive, full-color touchscreen. It makes navigating the onboard sound pads, setting up multitrack recording to an SD card, and applying the excellent Aphex effects incredibly intuitive.

What really sets the Rodecaster Pro II apart is its smart mixing capabilities. You can create separate mixes for yourself, your guests, and your live stream, which is a game-changer. The audio processing is top-notch; it makes even basic microphones sound rich and professional with minimal effort. It also integrates seamlessly with computers as a USB audio interface, offering incredible flexibility. While it’s a significant investment, it essentially replaces a mixer, an audio interface, a stream deck, and a whole rack of outboard gear. For a serious podcasting setup that needs to handle multiple hosts, remote guests, and live production, this is my top recommendation.

Pros

  • Brilliant touchscreen interface for easy control
  • Onboard sound pads and effects are incredibly useful
  • Multitrack recording directly to SD card

Cons

  • High price point may be overkill for solo podcasters
  • Large physical footprint requires significant desk space

Zoom PodTrak P8

The Zoom PodTrak P8 is a fantastic option for podcasters who value portability and the ability to record remote interviews directly. As someone who has used Zoom’s field recorders for years, I appreciate the familiar, rugged design. It’s battery-powered, which means you can record a high-quality podcast literally anywhere—a coffee shop, a conference, or your living room. It features four XLR inputs, each with its own gain control and headphone mix, making it perfect for roundtable discussions. The ability to connect two smartphones via the supplied TRRS cables for recording phone calls with excellent audio quality is a huge plus.

Where the PodTrak P8 really shines is in its simplicity and focus on the podcasting workflow. It has dedicated buttons for adding sound effects and music beds, which is great for live-style shows. The built-in auto-level function is helpful for beginners to avoid clipping. While it doesn’t have the massive screen or the extensive onboard processing of the Rodecaster Pro II, it records multitrack audio directly to an SD card, giving you plenty of flexibility during editing. It also works as a USB interface for computer recording. For podcasters on the go or those who frequently incorporate phone interviews, the P8 offers a unique and powerful set of features.

Pros

  • Highly portable with battery operation
  • Excellent for recording remote guests via phone connection
  • Simple, intuitive interface perfect for beginners

Cons

  • Small screen can be less intuitive than a touchscreen
  • Plastic build feels less premium than some competitors

GoXLR Mini

For the solo streamer or podcaster who is all about voice effects and creative audio routing, the GoXLR Mini is a legendary piece of gear. Its main appeal is the fantastic voice modulation effects. With the click of a button, you can become a robot, a giant, or apply a crisp radio-style voice effect that makes you sound like a professional broadcaster. The large, motorized fader is satisfying to use for controlling your microphone level or music volume. It’s designed to work hand-in-hand with its powerful software, giving you immense control over different audio channels within your computer.

I find the GoXLR Mini’s routing capabilities to be its strongest asset for streaming. You can separate your game audio, browser audio, music, and microphone into different channels and create a separate mix for your stream versus what you hear. This prevents alert sounds or game audio from blasting your viewers. It’s important to note that it only has one XLR input, so it’s really built for a single-person setup. While the company behind it has changed hands, the software is stable and widely supported. If your primary focus is streaming on platforms like Twitch and you want to add serious production value to your voice, the GoXLR Mini is a ton of fun and very effective.

Pros

  • Excellent and fun voice effects
  • Great software for advanced audio routing
  • Compact size fits well on any desk

Cons

  • Only one XLR input, limiting for multi-person shows
  • Relies heavily on software, which can be a point of failure

Behringer Xenyx 1204USB

If you’re on a tight budget but need a mixer that can handle a small band or a podcast with multiple hosts, the Behringer Xenyx 1204USB is a classic workhorse. This mixer offers an incredible amount of connectivity for its price. You get four microphone preamps with XLR inputs, additional line inputs, and even stereo channels for connecting things like a phone or music player. The built-in USB interface lets you connect directly to your computer for recording or streaming, which is a essential feature that wasn’t always available on analog mixers in this price range.

I’ve used older versions of this mixer for live sound and basic recording, and they are surprisingly capable. The Xenyx preamps are quiet for the price, and having a 3-band EQ plus a basic compressor on each channel gives you a good amount of control over your sound. It’s a purely analog mixer, so there are no fancy digital effects or screens—what you see is what you get. This can be a good thing if you prefer a hands-on, knobs-and-faders approach. While it won’t have the pristine sound quality of more expensive mixers, the Behringer 1204USB is the best way to get a full-featured, multi-channel mixing solution without spending a lot of money.

Pros

  • Extremely affordable for the number of inputs
  • Simple, straightforward analog controls
  • Includes a basic USB audio interface

Cons

  • Preamps can be noisy compared to higher-end models
  • USB interface is stereo-only, not multitrack

Yamaha MG10XU

When it comes to building a foundation of clean, reliable sound, Yamaha is a brand I always trust. The MG10XU is a step up from the budget mixers in terms of build quality and audio performance. The highlight here is Yamaha’s renowned discrete Class-A D-PRE preamps. In simple terms, this means your microphones will sound clear, detailed, and have a bit more headroom before distorting. This mixer has four combo XLR/jack inputs, making it flexible for microphones and instruments. It also includes a built-in USB interface and, importantly, some very usable SPX digital effects for adding a bit of reverb or delay to vocals.

The MG10XU feels solid and professional. The knobs and faders have a smooth, quality feel that inspires confidence. It’s a no-nonsense mixer that focuses on delivering great sound above all else. The one-knob compressors on the first two channels are a nice touch for helping to control dynamic voices without needing deep technical knowledge. While it doesn’t have the podcast-specific features of a Rodecaster or PodTrak, it’s a fantastic choice for musicians, vocalists, and podcasters who prioritize audio fidelity and want a mixer that will last for years. It’s the perfect bridge between an entry-level board and pro-level gear.

Pros

  • Excellent sound quality with high-quality preamps
  • Durable, road-worthy construction
  • Includes good-sounding digital effects

Cons

  • Lacks dedicated podcasting features like sound pads
  • USB interface is stereo-only

Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK

For the podcaster who is also a musician or needs serious recording capabilities, the Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK is a unique and powerful tool. The “MTK” stands for Multitrack, and that’s the key feature. Unlike most mixers that only send a final stereo mix to your computer via USB, this one can send every single input to your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) as a separate track. This is a massive advantage in post-production. If one guest’s audio is too quiet or another clips, you can fix each person’s track individually without affecting the others.

Beyond its technical prowess, the Signature MTK is just a pleasure to use. Soundcraft is famous for its console-quality preamps and EQ, and you can hear the difference. The sound is warm and musical. It also includes Lexicon effects, which are some of the best in the business. This mixer works beautifully as the heart of a home studio, allowing you to record a podcast and then easily switch to recording a band or a musical performance. It’s more of a traditional studio mixer than a podcasting-specific gadget, but for anyone who needs maximum flexibility and the best possible audio for editing, the multitrack USB functionality is unbeatable in this price range.

Pros

  • True multitrack recording over USB for ultimate editing control
  • Outstanding Soundcraft preamps and EQs
  • High-quality Lexicon effects

Cons

  • Larger and more complex than podcast-focused mixers
  • Higher price point geared towards serious audio work

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen

While technically an audio interface and not a traditional mixer, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is such a common and effective solution for podcasting that it deserves a spot on this list. Its primary job is to get audio from your microphones into your computer with fantastic quality. The Scarlett preamps are legendary for being clean, quiet, and featuring the “Air” mode, which adds a bright, open quality that is flattering on voices. The 18i8 gives you four combo XLR/jack inputs with

Buying Guide for the 10 Best Mixers for Podcast Streaming and Recording | 2025

Choosing the right mixer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your podcast setup. It’s the central hub where all your audio comes together, and the right one can make your workflow smooth and your sound professional. As someone who has tested a lot of gear, I want to help you figure out what to look for.

First, think about your inputs. How many people will regularly be on your show? If it’s just you, a simple two-channel mixer might be enough. But if you host roundtable discussions with three or four guests, you’ll need a mixer with at least four XLR microphone inputs. Always plan for one more input than you think you need—it’s better to have room to grow.

Next, consider your connectivity. For modern podcasting and streaming, a built-in USB audio interface is non-negotiable. This is what lets you send your mixed audio directly to your computer for recording or broadcasting to platforms like Zoom or Twitch. Some advanced mixers even offer multitrack recording over USB, which gives you much more control in post-production because each microphone is recorded on its own separate track.

Sound quality is paramount. Look for mixers with good preamps. High-quality preamps provide clean gain, meaning you can turn up the volume on quiet microphones without introducing a lot of hiss or noise. This is a key difference between budget and pro-level gear. Also, check for essential features like EQ knobs to shape your voice tone, compression to even out your audio levels, and sound effects for things like intro music or stingers.

Finally, think about your workflow. Do you need faders for smooth level adjustments, or are knobs (potentiometers) okay? Are physical buttons important for you, or are you comfortable controlling some features via software? Your answers will guide you toward a mixer that feels intuitive and helps you create your best content.

FAQ

What is the main difference between an audio interface and a mixer?

This is a common point of confusion. An audio interface’s main job is to get audio in and out of your computer. It’s great for recording one or two microphones directly. A mixer, on the other hand, is designed for blending multiple audio sources together in real-time. The line has blurred because most modern podcasting mixers have a USB audio interface built right in. So, while you can think of an interface as a simple gateway, a mixer is a full control center for live audio mixing.

How many channels do I need for a basic podcast?

For a solo host or a two-person interview podcast, a mixer with two XLR microphone inputs is the absolute minimum. However, I almost always recommend starting with at least four channels. This gives you flexibility to add a co-host, a guest, or a dedicated input for your intro music or a soundboard without having to upgrade your gear immediately. It’s a small investment that future-proofs your setup.

Why are USB mixers so popular for podcasting?

USB mixers are popular because they combine the best of both worlds: the hands-on physical control of a traditional mixer with the easy connectivity of a computer audio interface. With a single USB cable, you can send your perfectly mixed audio to your recording software or live streaming platform. This simplicity is a huge advantage for podcasters who want to focus on their content rather than complex technical setups.

Is it worth getting a mixer with multitrack USB recording?

If you are serious about having the highest quality audio and maximum editing flexibility, then yes, a mixer with multitrack recording is absolutely worth it. Instead of receiving one single stereo mix from the mixer, your computer records each microphone to its own separate audio track. This means if one person coughs or talks over someone else during the recording, you can edit that specific track without affecting the others. It’s a professional feature that saves a lot of headaches in post-production.

Can I use a mixer for live streaming as well as recording?

Absolutely. In fact, a good mixer is a fantastic tool for live streaming. It allows you to manage your microphone levels, play intro music, and add sound effects on the fly, all while sending a clean, balanced audio signal to your streaming software like OBS or Streamlabs. This makes your stream sound much more polished and engaging for your audience. The right mixer is a core component for any podcaster who also streams.

What is a good beginner-friendly mixer for podcast streaming and recording?

For someone just starting out, I often point people towards compact mixers like the Behringer Xenyx 1204USB or the Yamaha MG10XU. They offer a great balance of essential features, solid build quality, and a manageable price point. They have the necessary XLR inputs, built-in USB connectivity, and basic effects, making them a perfect platform to learn on before moving to more advanced equipment.

Leave a Comment