As a podcaster, life becomes a lot easier when you have the right equipment. If you’re currently stuck with a simple audio interface or portable recorder, you’ll probably benefit from upgrading your setup to a multitasking mixer that can serve every function you may need as your podcast grows and your creative ideas expand. Since content creation has becomes such a big thing, it’s challenging to sort through all the available products to find which models truly deliver. So, we’ve been highly selective in our choices: here are some of the very best options on the market.
Mixers for Multiple Speakers
For many podcasters, a good mixer can do it all: multitrack mixing and on-board recording, a variety of inputs, good preamps, sound pads, and some decent effects processing. It should also function as an audio interface should you choose to record straight to your computer and process and edit sound from your DAW.
RODE RODECaster Pro II
The RODECaster Pro II is a mainstay, top-of-the-line audio production centerpiece that stands out not only for its exceptional functionality but also for its studio-quality recording. The RODECaster Pro II features premium high-performance preamps that deliver impressive transparency and detail with ultralow noise and serious gain. So, even low-output dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B work perfectly without the need for mic boosters or lifters.
You’ll also get a whole suite of studio-quality effects processors, including a de-esser, noise gate, high-pass filter, as well as a compressor and leveler. All these processors are fully adjustable on the huge onboard screen. Additionally, you’ll find a bunch of effects, including delay, reverb, pitch, and more.
Of course, a huge feature on this unit is the fully customizable mixer, which manages and controls all your audio inputs. In addition to the four combo XLR/TRS inputs for mics and instruments, you’ll also have dual USB-C interfaces for connecting to computers and smartphones simultaneously. (And yes, it has four headphone outs and Bluetooth connectivity.) All the channels are assignable, allowing you to allocate any of your audio inputs to any of the six physical faders or three virtual faders available on the touchscreen. So, you get nine channels in total.
The eight SMART pads are also worth mentioning, as they give you access to eight banks for a total of 64 sound effects or music cues. The pads can also be programmed to send MIDI commands to software and hardware, and they can execute mixer functions like fades, music ducking, and bleeping.
Finally, this feature-rich studio is very intuitive and easy to use, which means there is almost zero learning curve - with the RODECaster Pro II, you should be able to start recording on day one.
TASCAM Mixcast 4
If you’re recording with multiple speakers, check out TASCAM’s Mixcast 4, which offers up to four combo ¼-inch microphone/line inputs and selectable ¼ inch or 3.5mm connections to interface with phones (also connectable via Bluetooth) and other devices. In total, you’ll be able to record up to 14 tracks at once.
One great thing about all-in-one mixers is that, thanks to built-in storage, you don’t have to constantly be tethered to a computer. So, you can pretty much record wherever you like using an SD card. That being said, the Mixcast 4 does feature a USB audio interface that allows you record straight to the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) on your computer.
The Mixcast 4 features eight faders and eight sound pads (with eight banks), allowing you to not only adjust edit and trigger your sound effects but also adjust levels between pads.
Finally, if you don’t already have a DAW, you can use the included Podcast Editor software for basic editing and mixing tasks and control over the sound pads.
Mackie DLZ Creator
If you’re looking for a real deal permanent installation podcast mixing solution, the Mackie DLZ Creator is a great way to go, featuring four Oynx80 mic preamps, four more inputs (1/4” and 3.5mm TRS ins), four independent headphone outs, and a stereo monitor out. Controlling the devices is easy with a 10.1” touchscreen that includes “Mix Agent,” a virtual audio assistant that guides you though setup and automation.
You can integrate a phone call into the mix via Bluetooth without worry of voice echo and record all audio either into a computer or straight to an SD card, and the DLZ now has full NDI integration for workflows across ethernet networks.
Zoom LiveTrack L-8
While we don’t have the space to deeply explore all of our favorite models, we couldn’t write this article without mentioning the all-in-one mixer Zoom LiveTrak L-8 all-in-one mixer. Popular among podcasters, the LiveTrack L-8 offers several standout features, including accommodation for up to 6 on-site podcast participants, a portable USB or battery-powered design that allows you to record on location, and several other features specifically targeted for the podcasting crowd.
In fact, the Zoom LiveTrack lineup has plenty of great options that can fit your scale and budget, from the portable L6 and L6max to the tricked out L12Next.
Zoom PodTrak P4next
If you need something affordable and super portable that can record up to four speakers at once, the Zoom PodTrak P4next is a great choice. The P4next comes with four XLR inputs with up to 70 dB of gain and +48V Phantom, along with AI noise reduction so you can get hums, buzzes, or outside noises out of the mix before even taking the track into post.
Video Switchers with Integrated Audio Mixers
Video podcasters are painfully aware of how complicated the job of multi-cam switching can be, especially when it involves incorporating a variety of media and graphics. A simple and intuitive all-in-one solution that can seamlessly take care of all your video and audio sources might be the answer to a smooth podcasting experience.
RODE RODECaster Video
For all the video podcasters out there, the RODE RODECaster Video and RODECaster Video S are devices that merge impressive HD video switching technology with the high-performance audio control we’ve seen from previous RODECasters.
Unlike other impossibly complicated video switchers on the market, the RODECaster Video Series is designed to be user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. You’ll get a wide range of connectivity options, allowing you to hook up to a variety of video sources, as well as up to 20 possible audio sources (or nine stereo channels) using both wired and wireless connections. Easily switch between video sources and build up different richly composed scenes that integrate multilayered video, media, and graphics. And if you already own a RODE audio setup, simply use the USB-C ports or RODE Central software to configure your arsenal of devices.
If you’re really interested, we have the RODECaster Video on display at the Midtown Manhattan Superstore, so you can try it out yourself and see if it’s the right product for you!
Mixers for Solo and Duo Podcasters
Whether you’re a solo podcaster with killer music skills or a pair of buddies looking to amuse and entertain, we’ve selected our favorite fun mixers to bring your tomfoolery to the next level.
BOSS Gigcaster 5
Particularly suitable for podcasters who love to incorporate music and fun effects in their creative projects, the BOSS Gigcaster 5 is the perfect power-house mixer. Feature-packed with functionality for solo/duo podcasters as well as for musicians and vocalists, this system is an incredible toolbox for almost any production or livestreaming endeavor.
Let’s start with all the basics. The Gigcaster 5 functions as a USB audio interface and provides 2 XLR inputs, 2 line inputs, and a Hi-Z input. But in addition to that, this station boasts an extensive dedicated preset library for sound processing of guitars, basses, vocals and speaking.
You can also expect 100 ready-to-play sounds and 200 user locations for storing parameter adjustments and custom-built setups. In addition, it features a built-in tuner and support for the GA-FC and GE-FAC EX Footswitch. So, you can perform hands-free with control over all your functions and effects. It also sports nifty features like a ducking function that will automatically attenuate your music when you speak.
Like the mixers mentioned above, the Gigcaster 5 supports onboard high-resolution recording via optional microSD media. So, you can capture all your podcasts and jams without having to be connected to a computer. And yes, it has Bluetooth.
Yamaha AG08
Though the Yamaha AGO8 mixer may be optimally designed for a podcast host and guest, it also prides itself on being an all-in-one 8-channel production station. In fact, it’s a particularly versatile mixing console given its diverse assortment of inputs, outputs and USB routing options.
You’ll find 2 channels for your main mics, guitar, and bass with phantom power options should you want to hook up a condenser mic. The pre-amp also accommodates those famous yet demanding dynamic mics that require +60 dB or more of gain. These two main channels feature customizable button functions that activate compressors, EQ, a guitar amp simulator, a series of customizable FX and presets, and an absurdly fun voice changer with adjustable dials.
The remaining 6 channels offer a host of line inputs including ¼ inch, 3.5mm, RCA and TRRS for mobile devices or zoom conferences and gaming. To compliment the two mic channels, you’ll find two headphone outputs (as well as a headset output) with the option of creating a personal mix for each set of headphones with only the channels you want to hear. Lastly, you can count on 6 sound pads to trigger your sampled/recorded and imported audio clips.
Apart from the onboard features, a major component of the AG08 is the controller app, which you can run from any computer or iPad to customize your audio. Although we don’t have the space to explore the controller’s deep functionality, know that virtually every element can be manipulated. The controller even sports a mastering tool to normalize your audio for professional streaming standards.
For more information about the podcast mixers listed, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages or come into our Midtown SuperStore to talk to one of our pro audio experts directly. Feel free to drop us a line via phone, text chat, or video chat, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
