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
- 10-Input Stereo Mixer with SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio-grade discrete class-A D-PRE preamps with inverted Darlington circuit - providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
- 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
- 18x4 24-bit or 96 kHz, USB 2. 0 (over USB-C connection) audio recording interface; record every channel plus the main mix
- 2x2 SD recorder (record main mix); supports SD and SDHC formats up to 32 GB
- 18-channel analog mixer with 12 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps plus two instrument inputs, 16 balanced line level inputs, 2 insert points, Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 17 or 18) with Bluetooth 5. 0 wireless, RCA inputs, 1 or 8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD or USB stereo playback, Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch jack
- Complete recording solution: Includes Capture live-recording software and Studio One Artist DAW for Mac and Windows
- Global plus 48V phantom power
- 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.
- This Mackie ProFX12v3 12-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 7 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.
- EXCEPTIONAL SOUND CLARITY: Achieve studio-quality recordings with 24-bit/192kHz resolution, perfect for live sound, home recording, and streaming. Blend inputs effortlessly with a single knob for optimal monitoring.
- POWERFUL MICROPHONE PREAMPS: Features 10 Onyx mic preamps with up to 60dB gain, ensuring ultra-low noise and high-fidelity sound. Ideal for content creators demanding superior mic performance.
- EXTENSIVE SOUND CONTROL: Manipulate audio effortlessly with 24 DSP effects and a comprehensive 14-band EQ. High pass filters remove unwanted noise, ensuring a pristine audio environment for any performance.
- VERSATILE INPUT OPTIONS: Supports both XLR and unbalanced 1/4" connections, complete with +48V phantom power. Includes a LED peak level indicator and 10-segment stereo output meter for precise control.
- DURABLE AND SECURE BUILD: Housed in a sturdy steel chassis with sealed rotary controls, this compact DJ mixer is designed to resist dust and grime, offering reliable performance under rigorous conditions.
- 【Multi-Functional Compact Blender】 Plug and Play, Lightweight, Convenient, Convenient and Functional
- 【Good Recording Experience】 USB-B socket built-in recording card with built-in USB recording sound card, enhance your computer or phone audio playback or recording experience
- 【USB Audio Interface and Lossless Connectivity】 Connect to a U disk to play audio or record audio to a U disk for easy and quick connection mixing via mobile phone, iPad, etc
- 【4 Channel Audio Mixer】 Built-in 99 modes digital echo machine, 4 channel DJ mixer with stable power supply, effectively filter the AC signal interference and make the sound more clear and delicate
- 【PROFESSIONAL SOUND MIXER】 It works with IOS, Android, tablet, and MP3 players
- ipad/android tablet controlled 18-input digital mixer for studio and live application
- 16 award-winning midas pro microphone preamplifiers
- Built-in tri-mode wifi router for direct operation—no need for external routers
- 18 x 18 channel, bidirectional usb2.0 interface
- Dugan-style auto-mixing automatically manages microphone gain sharing
- Mini Mixing Console:6-INPUT, 2-BAND EQ, +48V Phantom Power:Kmise 6-Channel audio mixer includes 4 MIC/LINE Mono inputs + 1 Stereo input ,2 Band EQ,great for users' audio creation.Ultra-musical EQ on all channels to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character.48V phantom power selection enables the mixer to be used with condenser microphone and wired mic.
- USB AUDIO INTERFACE:2 USB ports, equipped with USB power cable;The USB interface allows MP3/WAV/Lossless APE/FLAC music playing through a U-disk.You can play and record straight to PC/ external USB/ flash drive.Recording to computer please use noise filter cable(No including)
- BT Feature Mixer:BT connects your ipad, iphone and Android smartphone wirelessly, and then plugs in the mic to play music, karaoke, live broadcast,etc.Compatible for USB, Flash Reader, MP3. Connect your external USB, computer PC, flash drive or BT device to Mix & Record.Use the built in controls to play/pause, skip tracks and switch between modes.
- Professional Mixer Function:stereographic EQ,GAIN trim,99 DSP EFFECTS, can be applied to the output of synthetic / recorded sound and create the required sound quality effects for different scenes.
- Portable DJ Mixer:This sound board has a simple operation panel,complete and full tuning ability.Suitable for music recording,small bands show,network anchoring,daily live broadcasts,ZOOM meetings,wedding etc.
- [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.
- 【Powerful 12-Channel Professional Mixing Console】Unleash your creativity with this powerful 12-channel mixer, featuring XLR and stereo line inputs for versatile audio connections. Each channel is equipped with independent GAIN, EQ, AUX, and PAN controls for precise sound shaping and a mute button to instantly silence individual inputs. With intuitive design and advanced functionality, this audio mixer is perfect for achieving professional-grade audio in any setting.
- 【Preset 99 DSP Effects】The sound mixer features 99 built-in DSP effects, allowing you to effortlessly switch to the corresponding effect for different scenarios. This versatile professional mixer is perfect for high-quality on-stage performances, live gigs, DJ events, karaoke, and parties.
- 【Main Output 7-Band EQ Adjustment】In addition to the 3-band EQ adjustment per channel, the mixer also offers a 7-band EQ adjustment for the main output, allowing you to finely tune the audio to meet the needs of different sources. This analog mixer delivers accurate, crisp, and clear sound quality.
- 【+48V Phantom Power & PAD Switch】This mixer’s hybrid jack inputs support 48V condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, electric guitars, DI boxes, and more. Use the +48V Phantom Power button for condenser microphones, and the PAD switch to adapt MIC to line-level signals while attenuating high-level inputs from instruments, ensuring distortion-free clarity. Perfect for professionals and creators alike!
- 【Bluetooth Connection】This DJ mixer features built-in Bluetooth control, allowing you to pair it with Bluetooth devices such as tablets, phones, and more to input music or voice directly into the mixer. It includes built-in controls for play/pause, song switching, and mode selection. The Bluetooth connection works within a range of 33 feet.
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.