This allows you to control the mixer through any device’s browser, not just a device that can handle an app. Ui16’s main talking point is its HTML5 control. The mixer has all the features (inputs, EQ controls, effects, etc.) that you could ask for, making it great for those who want the tech-savvy connectivity but don’t want to pay through the nose for it.
Of course, this is among the pricier of the mixers on the list, but when you consider the impressive features, a huge number of channels, and technical innovations, as well as Allen and Heath’s track record for producing durable, professional hardware, you’ll thank yourself for spending a little extra.
Indeed, the only downside of the mixer may be that you have to use an iPad app for the master controls: sorry, Android fans. Another fresh feature is the ability to mix any performer’s monitor from their own device, be it android or iOS. It also features its own DSP and has the multitrack capability, as well as direct-to-USB multitrack recording. The Qu-Pac has every input imaginable, as well as all the other necessary professional features: invisibly quiet preamps, hundreds of effects, and USB compatibility. It makes for an impressive amount of high-quality hardware packed into a small, but incredibly powerful, box. The Qu-Pac is Allen and Heath’s QU-32 mixer, but a stripped back version and reduced to simply 16 ( or 38, with the purchase of a little additional hardware) channel inputs. If you’re looking for a mixer that has 16 channels and a truckload of digital effects, and you have no sentimental attachment to analog design, look no further than this Allen and Heath technological marvel. It can handle up to 12 inputs and play back 10 simultaneously for live streaming or performance situations. This model is also more of a hybrid than the Yamaha: while it was built specifically for podcasting, it can function well for small home music recording projects too. These make it easy to run your own talk show with the Zoom LiveTrak: you can accept calls and play pre-recorded scenes or sound-effects while streaming a podcast. Specifically useful for podcasters or small radio program hosts are the phone compatibility, sound trigger pads, and the pre-recorded scene callback. While it doesn’t bear the name recognition or the minimalistic design of the Yamaha, the model is packed with its own unique set of useful features for podcasters and streamers. Zoom offers another podcasting-specific design with the LiveTrak, which, like the Yamaha AG03, was designed specifically with this growing home-studio market in mind.
The hardware is high quality (16 clean, low-noise, gain-programmable Midas preamps) and the software is reliable and stable.Īlong with the clean design and solid reliability, the X-32 Producer’s innovations don’t hurt: instead of only working with smartphones and tablets, the control app is compatible with iOS, PC, android, Windows, and Linux. Even without its innovative standout features, it’s a solid piece of equipment for a reasonable price: 40 input channels with 16 XLR Inputs (great for singer-songwriters and coffee-shop performers) 8 multi-effects processors, phantom power for condenser mics, and durable, rack-mountable design. Behringer balances new technology with user-friendliness and a killer price to create a great mixer for your home studio.