If you’ve been considering getting into DIY home recording, the odds are a good number of those tracks are being laid down in your living room or den, on a computer and a microphone, with a pair of headphones on your head and a mouse in your hand. With the advent of digital recording and the ease with which it can be applied, the home studio has gone from an extravagance for professional musicians to a viable option for just about anyone who has a computer.
However, there’s a big difference between doing a track on your computer and doing a track on a computer. The former is pretty straightforward—click record, sing into your computer’s microphone, and you’re recording. However, recording with a microphone connected requires an input from the outside world, which is where a good recording mixer comes in.
A good recording mixer will take a microphone signal and make it presentable to your computer, with a clean, clear sound and a volume level that can be controlled. But there are so many options out there, and not all of them are good. So we decided to do some research on the best unpowered recording mixers out there.
Read on to learn more about our favorite options.
Our Editor’s Best Unpowered Recording Mixers Reviews
- 【Versatile Playback Options】Enjoy seamless music and audio playback with built-in MP3 support, USB drive compatibility, and stable Bluetooth wireless streaming—perfect for background tracks, intros, or remote control music access.
- 【6-Channel Input】Easily manage up to 6 separate input sources simultaneously, including microphones, instruments, and media players. Each channel features independent GAIN and EQ knobs for fine-tuned control, while dedicated left/right sliding faders allow intuitive and accurate volume balancing during live performances or streaming sessions
- 【XLR & LINE Combo Jacks with +48V Phantom Power】This audio mixer supports both XLR and 1/4" LINE inputs via versatile combo jacks, offering maximum compatibility with dynamic mics, instruments, or condenser microphones. Activate the built-in +48V phantom power with a simple switch to unlock full potential for studio-quality sound in professional recording, podcasting, or live vocal applications
- 【Precision Sound Shaping】Shape your audio output with independent high and low EQ controls on each channel, making real-time tone adjustments easy and effective. The built-in digital delay processor adds dimension and depth to vocals or instruments—perfect for enhancing live sound, creating atmosphere in karaoke sessions, or adding subtle spatial effects during livestreams
- 【Multi-Scene Versatility】Capture every performance or session clearly through the dedicated REC OUT jack, allowing for direct recording to an external device without extra setup. Whether used for home karaoke, KTV rooms, podcast production, conference audio control, livestreaming, or mobile stage shows, this mixer delivers professional features in a compact, easy-to-use design
- [Improved Sound Quality] The PC audio mixer comes with one XLR microphone interface and one instrument interface. The two input interface aims to elevate your recording or instrument creation to studio-level performance. The audio interface delivers original sound reproduction that captures every nuance for your podcasting.
- [XLR Microphone Interface] Equipped with XLR microphone interface, the recording audio interface grant you the freedom to connect your XLR microphone to capture studio-grade vocals. Enjoy convenience of 48V phantom power for directly using with condenser microphone and an intuitive mic gain knob to fine-tune input levels.
- [Instrument Input and Audio Output] Whether you're a guitarist or bassist, the podcast mixer get you covered. Connect dedicated instrument input and experience rich and authentic tones. Audio output with a separate volume knob ensures precise control over playback levels.
- [Direct Monitor Functionality] Stay in control of your sound with the direct monitor featured on the vocal audio interface. Adjust the volume using the dedicated monitoring knob, allowing you to monitor your recordings in real-time.
- [Compatibility and User-Friendly] Compatibility of the audio mixer ensures smooth operation with both Mac and PC, and you can connect with instrument while the plug-and-play functionality makes installation a breeze.
- MobileMix is a portable audio mixer for phones, tablets and DSLRs, designed to capture great audio as easily as you capture great video. It even runs on a rechargeable USB battery (sold separately).
- Mix up to 8 channels– mics, instruments, audio from a smartphone, and even phone calls via Bluetooth–all with professional sound quality.
- Send your mix to 2 connected smartphones and/or cameras, so you can record/stream for multiple platforms, or both vertical- and landscape-oriented video at the same time.
- Connect speakers and up to 3 headphones (two ¼” with separate volume controls, plus one ⅛”) so everyone can easily monitor the sound.
- Finally a real mixer you don’t have to plug in. Just connect a USB battery pack, stash it in the storage compartment, and you can track and stream for hours, far away from an outlet.
- Micfuns Unpowered Recording Mixers 7-Channel Bands Mixing Boards For Studio Recording
- 【4.5 inch Adjustable Angle Screen】The G10 adopts a comfortable slope control panel design, a 4.5-inch high-definition dot-matrix LCD colorful display screen with 6 angle adjustments, to achieve a real dynamic music spectrum, rich tunes, pitch adjustment, and real-time storage, provide users with an immersive live visual and control experience.
- 【All-in-one Podcast Kit】G10 Podcast Equipment offers a one-stop solution that allows for the recording and mixing of sound sources without complicated settings. Allows you mix mic inputs, optimize and change your voice, control all volumes of your audio sources, input external audio from your phone or PC, and delivers superb sound quality to your devices. The podcast equipment that lets you start live streaming or podcasting easily.
- 【Bring The Studio Home】The G10 with 5 preset reverb modes, You can adjust the length and depth of reverb freely, 12-step auto-tune, 3 modifiable tones (Treble, mid-range, bass), and pitch changer knobs. Pro features like sidechain, music only, Dry/wet recording, and loopback switch are also included. These functions make this audio interface more entertaining and meet more live recording needs.
- 【Born for Live Streaming】In order to meet the needs of different scenes and live streaming content, we have added a new sound mode saving function on the G10 sound card. It can save your different voice modes, no need to set the sound again. A total of 19 voice modes can be saved for different needs. Just you set it up, save, switch to it, and you live stream or podcast with it.
- 【Excellent performance with superior preamp】Built-in quality pre-amps and support phantom power for best performance of XLR microphone. Dual DSP audio processors and the DENOISE function will provide a clearer sound. Moreover, G10 also supports the simultaneous inputs of a 6.35mm dynamic mic, 3.5mm mic, and headset mic, achieving multi-person input.
- Fully upgrade!!! Specially designed an input impedance switch to switch between 1K(default) and 4.7K, can match with different audio source well.
- MC5 stereo audio mixer with 4 channel 3.5mm inputs and 1 channel 3.5mm output, which is capable of mixing the signals from CD players, instruments, portable recording devices, video playback devices and so on.
- Mini size with exquisite appearance, passive circuit design won’t boost or reduce the audio signal. And MC5 can work without battery or external power, very convenient to carry and use any time any where.
- With one main output volume knob and four independent input volume knob, 4 channels input have no interference to each other. Providing the highest sonic quality even at maximum output level.
- 【Professional Podcast Equipment Bundle】- equipped with PKPRO microphone, G10 sound board Power cable、headset、Connecting line、Microphone XLR cable、OTG cable,、microphone stand、This professional studio equipment was designed for podcasting, streaming and recording music and short video. What you get is a complete set of professional podcast equipment bundle. One set can meet all your needs and you don’t need to buy other equipment again.
- 【Bring the Studio Home】– The G10-PKPRO podcast microphone bundle lets you mix all sounds on the soundboard with flexibility and ease. Simple, user-friendly controls allow you to get started quickly. It includes sound effects like reverb, voice changer, tone, pitch, auto-tune, and more, optimizing and beautifying your voice for a more professional and entertaining audio experience.
- 【Rich Sound Customization】This audio mixer interface offers 4 voice variations and 16 built-in effects for live streaming. With 57 professional functions, it covers all essential tools for sound editing, voice modulation, and dynamic content creation. Designed for streamers, podcasters, and gamers – transform your audio instantly!
- 【Plug and Play】Universal Compatibility: G10-PKPRO podcast kit studio offers an all-in-one onboard recording/processing solution for streamer, online podcaster and gamers. Works well on PC, Smartphone, Tablet, Windows, iOS, Android and more, plug and play, no need drivers. As well as supporting USB digital connection 3.5mm analog transmissions, BT wireless input Song accompaniment
- PAY ATTENTION - After you get the condenser microphone bundle, please charge it first. We are a company dedicated to the research and development of podcast kit, if you have any questions in the process of use, please contact us in time, we will solve any problems for you within 12 hours.
- >> Stereo 2 input / 1 output: It can connect 2 audio inputs at the same time. Each track has an independent volume adjustment knob, which can be output by headphone and speaker.
- >> The perfect way to listen to music and mix multiple sound sources incl. smart phones, tablets, computers, MP3 players, CD, etc.
- >> The unit may also be used as a 1 in 2 out stereo splitter box when all controls are turned completely clockwise
- >> Ultra-small mixer: Easy to carry and operate and mix multiple sound sources without limitation and boundary; Plug and play, no power supply required, small size, easy to place, suitable for your desktop and office.
- >> Note:This passive product does not need power supply, and there is no internal amplifier circuit compensation, so the output will be attenuated (high impedance load attenuation is small, low impedance load attenuation is large)
- This Mackie ProFX16v3 16-Channel Unpowered Mixer comes with all the manufacturer accessories and a Mackie 1-year USA warranty along with a 21-piece bundle which includes 4x Mophead 10' TRS balanced male to male 1/4" cable, 4x 10' XLR male to XLR female cable, 2x TRS 1/4" stereo to 3.5mm TRS adapter, 10x cable ties and Circuit City microfiber cloth.
- Designed for maximum versatility making it perfect for live sound, home recording, content creation, and live streaming with included Waveform OEM DAW and DAW Essentials Collection of 16 contemporary FX plug-ins for use with any DAW.
- Equipped with 11 Onyx mic press offering up to 60dB of gain and ultra-low noise performance. Perfect for microphones popular with content creators that require high-gain preamps.
- Lay down your tracks in incredible 24-bit/ 192kHz quality for the cleanest recordings possible 2x4 USB I/O allows you to create two custom mixes on your computer to send back in to the mixer, great for situations when you need to monitor specific tracks during playback in addition to the full mix.
- With a single knob, you can blend between monitoring your computers output and a direct feed from the mixer. Great for recording overdubs alongside a pre-recorded track.
- Mackie ProFX10 GO is a professional analog mixer and USB-C audio interface that can run on a rechargeable, swappable battery for up to 8 hours, so you’re always ready to mix on the GO.
- Connect your phone or tablet to the dedicated Bluetooth channel to send and receive audio wirelessly. Play songs, perform over backing tracks or even stream live to your favorite apps.
- Enhance your sound using high-resolution GigFX+ effects including reverbs, delays, choruses and more. Edit and save your own presets on the fly via the full-color LCD screen.
- Capture your event or performance with three USB-C recording modes: Standard for the full mix with effects, Loopback to include computer audio, and Interface to record channel 1-2 directly with no effects.
- Mackie ProFX10 GO lets you unplug from the wall and conquer remote gigs and live events with high-headroom, low-noise Onyx preamps, tone-shaping EQ and analog compression.
Best Unpowered Recording Mixers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best unpowered mixer you should consider following options:
1. Channel count: The first thing you should look at is the number of channels the mixer offers. A two-channel mixer is pretty much useless, unless you want to record a stereo track.
A 2-channel mixer is mainly used for recording a stereo track, or you can use it as an additional channel for an existing mixer. If you plan to purchase an unpowered mixer, you should buy one with at least 3 to 4 channels.
2. Inputs and outputs: The next thing you should look at is the number of inputs and outputs the mixer offers. You can easily find out this information from the product specifications.
You will find two types of inputs and outputs in an unpowered mixer. Firstly, there are the insert points that let you connect the mixer to an external source.
Secondly, you will find line inputs and outputs that are used to connect the mixer to other devices.
3. Headphone output: A headphone output is important as it lets you monitor the audio while recording. It’s also vital for live performances, so the audience can listen to the music without taking off the headphones.
4. Auxiliary input: The AUX input is one feature you will find on most unpowered mixers. It’s mainly used to connect an external source, such as a music player or an external microphone.
This input is mainly used to connect an external source, such as a music player or an external microphone. It’s important to have this input when you record a podcast or any other audio-based project.
5. Outputs: An unpowered mixer usually offers a stereo output, along with an internal speaker. This output is mainly used for playing back the audio.
The internal speaker is useful when you want to monitor the audio, but you don’t want to use headphones. It’s also good for live performances, so the audience can listen to the music without using headphones.
6. Quality of sound: The quality of sound is something that is often overlooked by people. You should make sure the mixer offers a good sound quality.
There are two aspects that affect the overall sound quality of a mixer. Firstly, you should look at the number of channels the mixer offers. The more channels the mixer has, the better the overall sound quality.
Secondly, you should make sure the mixer offers good quality preamps. Preamps are responsible for converting an analog audio signal into a digital one.
The more channels the mixer has, the better the overall sound quality. Secondly, you should make sure the mixer offers good quality preamps.
Preamps are responsible for converting an analog audio signal into a digital one. The better the preamps, the better the overall sound quality.
You will find two types of preamps in an unpowered mixer. Firstly, there are channel strips that offer great sound quality.
Secondly, there are internal speakers that offer a poor sound quality. The internal speakers are mainly used to monitor the audio and are not meant for live performances.
7. Price: The price of the mixer is something that matters a lot to most people. You will find mixers with different price points, depending on the features they offer.
You will find inexpensive mixers that offer basic features, while there are expensive ones that offer advanced features.
You can find a good quality mixer that offers all the essential features for around $100. On the other hand, you can also find expensive ones that offer additional features for
What else you should know about unpowered recording mixers
1. What are the best unpowered recording mixers?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific needs of the person using the mixer. Some good unpowered recording mixers include the Mackie 402VLZ4, the Yamaha MG10XU, and the Presonus StudioLive 16.4.2.
2. What are the features of a good unpowered recording mixer?
Some features of a good unpowered recording mixer are:
-Low noise
-Frequency response
-Distortion
-Signal to noise ratio
-Crosstalk
3. How do I choose the right unpowered recording mixer for my needs?
The first question you need to ask is how many channels you need. The number of channels will determine the size of the mixer. The next question is what type of inputs you need. The most common are XLR, 1/4″, and RCA. The last question is what type of outputs you need. The most common are 1/4″, XLR, and RCA.
4. What are the benefits of using an unpowered recording mixer?
Some benefits of using an unpowered recording mixer are that they are usually lighter and more portable than powered mixers, and they often cost less. Unpowered mixers also typically have more channels than powered mixers, which can be beneficial if you need to mix a large number of signals.
5. How do I get the best results from my unpowered recording mixer?
There are a few things you can do to get the best results from your unpowered recording mixer. First, make sure that all of your input levels are properly adjusted. Second, use high-quality cables to connect your mixer to your recording device. Third, use a low-noise recording environment if possible. Finally, make sure that your recording device is properly calibrated.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best unpowered recording mixers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best unpowered recording mixers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.