Are you on the hunt for a digital mixer but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available? Don’t worry — Sweetwater is here to guide you through the digital-console jungle. In this article, we’ll dive deep into five of our favorite sub-$4,000 mixers along with two of our best-selling higher-end models. We’ll compare their connectivity and networking capabilities, onboard processing, screens and physical interfaces, expandability, and more.
PreSonus StudioLive 32SC
The PreSonus StudioLive 32SC packs a lot of power for a portable console. It features 32 input channels, 40 mixing input channels, and 24 buses supported by eight high-quality XMAX microphone preamps, eight mic/line combo inputs, and an AES digital output. Unique to the StudioLive series are FlexMixes — the 32SC includes 16 FlexMixes — that can be used as aux buses, subgroups, or matrix mixes for nearly limitless routing options.
The StudioLive 32SC’s FLEX FX multi-effects processor provides four internal effects buses that you can load with a variety of reverbs, delays, and other effects and route any channel through. Additionally, Fat Channel processing offers vintage-style EQ and compressor models on every input channel and output bus.
Navigating the 32SC is a breeze, thanks to its vibrant 7-inch touchscreen and digital channel scribble strips. The 32SC features 17 touch-sensitive motorized faders and an intuitive array of single-function controls, making it incredibly user-friendly. Its comprehensive scene management streamlines complex mixing tasks, ensuring an efficient workflow. Additionally, the UC Surface touch-control application for Mac, Windows, iPad, and Android allows seamless bidirectional control of the 32SC — even from multiple devices simultaneously.
The 32SC supports AVB over Ethernet right out of the box, allowing you to expand your I/O with PreSonus’s NSB networked stage boxes. It features a built-in 64-in/64-out USB audio interface and offers comprehensive DAW control with advanced Studio One integration, MCU emulation for Logic, and HUI emulation for Pro Tools. This makes the 32SC a powerful addition to any studio setup. Additionally, you can create multitrack recordings and conduct virtual soundchecks using the 32SC’s onboard SD card recorder.
The 32SC offers seamless plug-and-play compatibility with PreSonus’s EarMix personal monitor systems through its native AVB networking capabilities. Additionally, the PreSonus QMix-UC software allows multiple musicians to simultaneously control their StudioLive monitor mixing from their iOS or Android mobile devices.
To top it off, the PreSonus StudioLive 32SC provides flawless interoperability with PreSonus’s Capture live recording software and Studio One music production software, making it one of the most effective digital mixers for recording applications.
Yamaha DM3-D
The Yamaha DM3-D is among the most compact and portable digital mixers on this list, boasting an impressive array of features that defy its small size. It offers 22 input channels, comprising 16 mono channels, one stereo channel, and two stereo effects returns. Additionally, it’s equipped with 16 exceptionally clean mic preamps and eight versatile analog outputs.
The DM3-D exemplifies Yamaha’s decades-long legacy of producing high-grade digital effects. It equips you with 18 exceptional effects, including the renowned REV HD and REV R3 reverb algorithms. It also features a graphic EQ on channels 1–6 and on the stereo channels.
When it comes to straightforward setup and operation, the DM3-D is hard to beat. Its intuitive 9-inch touchscreen and single touch-and-turn knob make managing any application effortless, allowing you to focus on your music rather than a complex interface. Additionally, its nine motorized faders provide hands-on control that doesn’t require a user manual to understand. QuickPro Presets enable easy optimization for a wide variety of microphones and output equipment. Furthermore, the DM3 Editor software allows you to set up the mixer in advance of the performance while DM3 StageMix facilitates wireless mixing from anywhere in the venue with a mobile device.
The DM3-D features a built-in 16-in/16-out Dante interface, allowing seamless integration with an Ethernet audio network. It pairs perfectly with the Tio1608-D2 stage box for quick and easy system setup. Additionally, you can connect the mixer to your computer, which transforms it into an 18-in/18-out USB audio interface with DAW control via the mixer’s faders and buttons. The DM3-D also supports direct recording to a USB drive.
Crafting in-ear mixes with the DM3-D is deceptively simple. For starters, it’s equipped with six mono or three stereo mixes. Next, the DM3-D allows monitor levels to be controlled intuitively with the faders. Finally, MonitorMix software lets each performer adjust their own monitor using their mobile device.
You can also take custom control over the Yamaha DM3-D via OSC, USB-MIDI, and Yamaha’s powerful ProVisionaire sound system management software, making it a smart choice for a wide range of applications.
Behringer WING Compact
As its name suggests, the Behringer WING Compact condenses the processing power, channel count, effects, expansion slots, and digital I/O of the company’s full-size — and incredibly feature-rich — WING into a more compact digital mixer. This 48-stereo-channel unit features 40 stereo input channels and eight stereo aux channels complemented by 24 premium Midas Pro mic preamps and eight Midas outputs. It additionally includes AES/EBU stereo digital I/O, MIDI I/O, and a GPIO port.
The WING Compact is replete with built-in effects. The Standard FX rack, featuring eight true-stereo processors, delivers a wide range of modulation, EQ, and dynamics effects. On top of that, the Premium FX rack includes eight true-stereo processors with algorithms from TC Electronic’s M3000 multi-effects processor as well as effects from Lexicon, Quantec, and EMT. The 40 stereo input channels are equipped with built-in EQ and dynamics, some of which emulate legendary hardware from renowned manufacturers such as Pultec, SSL, SPL, Neve, Focusrite, dbx, Universal Audio, elysia, and Empirical Labs. Moreover, this digital mixer’s four main, eight matrix, and 16 stereo aux buses all feature dual inserts, an 8-band parametric EQ, a stereo imager, and extensive dynamics processing.
The WING Compact is meticulously crafted for intuitive hands-on control. It boasts a 10-inch multi-touch screen with adjustable swivel, and rotary controls for touch-sensitive channel editing. The mixer features 13 smooth, motorized 100mm faders divided into three configurable sections. Customization is a breeze with eight user-configurable buttons that can be assigned to suit your workflow demands. The WING Compact’s novel Sources paradigm shifts the focus to the recording configuration of your source audio unlike traditional channels. Furthermore, the WING CoPilot and WING Edit applications enhance your experience by providing customizable control, remote mixing, and offline mixing capabilities via your computer or mobile device.
The WING Compact stands out as one of the most expandable digital mixers on this list. It features three AES50 ports, enabling plug-and-play remote I/O connectivity for up to 144 input and output signals. This mixer is compatible with a wide range of Behringer and Midas digital stage boxes, and its 32-channel StageConnect interface simplifies connecting to analog stage boxes. A 64-in/64-out I/O port allows seamless integration with Dante networks via the WING-Dante expansion card. You can also connect the mixer to your computer, transforming it into a 48-in/48-out USB audio interface with HUI and Mackie Control DAW remote functionality. Last, the WING-Live card captures up to 64 channels of 32-bit/48kHz audio onto a pair of SD or SDHC cards.
The WING Compact makes creating in-ear mixes incredibly easy. Its 32-channel StageConnect interface can be dedicated to personal monitoring, providing ample channels to work with. The mixer is fully compatible with Behringer’s Powerplay distribution modules and digital personal-monitoring solutions. Moreover, adjusting monitor mixes is quick and straightforward with the WING Compact’s unique “sends on fader” workflow, and musicians can easily create their own monitor mixes by using the WING Q app on their mobile devices.
Simply put, the Behringer WING Compact is one of the most powerful digital mixers in its class.
Midas M32R LIVE
The Midas M32R LIVE combines the best of classic British console designs with modern technology to create the ultimate portable digital mixer. Jam-packed with connectivity, the M32R LIVE houses 40 input channels and 25 time-aligned, phase-coherent mix buses reinforced by 16 award-winning Midas PRO mic preamps. These preamps are truly stellar, derived from Midas’s industry-standard XL4 and Heritage 3000 consoles used by top artists such as Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, and others.
The M32R LIVE boasts eight powerful digital signal processing effects engines. Leveraging Midas’s True Physical Modeling technology, they offer spot-on emulations of legendary audio processors including the Urei 1176, Teletronix LA-2A, and Fairchild 670 compressors as well as Pultec EQP-1A and MEQ-5 equalizers. With over 50 processors at your disposal, you can replace entire racks of costly and delicate outboard gear while enhancing your mixes with unparalleled sound-shaping capabilities.
Getting your hands on the M32R LIVE is a delight. Its full-color 5-inch TFT display consolidates all essential information in one convenient location, and its daylight-viewable design ensures visibility in any lighting conditions. The M32R LIVE also features 17 Midas PRO motorized faders crafted with ultra-straight, high-grade-steel guide rods and smooth, polished surfaces — you’ll notice the quality immediately! Additionally, the revolutionary Cue List feature allows you to automate complex shows effortlessly. Plus, you can enjoy wireless remote control with Midas iPhone and iPad applications.
The M32R LIVE offers remarkable expandability. With AES50 networking, it supports up to 96 inputs and 96 outputs, and it is compatible with a variety of Midas digital stage boxes. You can also connect the mixer to your computer, transforming it into a 32-in/32-out USB audio interface with remote control emulations of Mackie Control and HUI protocols. Additionally, the preinstalled Klark Teknik DN32-LIVE expansion module provides 32 channels of live recording and playback.
Creating effective in-ear mixes with the M32R LIVE is incredibly straightforward. Moreover, it’s fully compatible with Midas’s HUB4 Pro 96k monitor system hub and the DP48 personal mixer.
Featuring high-resolution 40-bit floating-point digital processing and an elegant design by Bentley Motors’ industrial designer Rajesh Kutty, the Midas M32R LIVE is a compact digital mixer with a truly stunning design.
Allen & Heath SQ-5
The Allen & Heath SQ-5 is a compact yet powerful mixing console brimming with connectivity options. It boasts 48 input channels and 36 buses complemented by 16 premium mic preamps, three stereo matrix mixes, 12 line-level outputs, and an AES digital output.
The SQ-5 is deeply processing ready, featuring eight stereo effects engines with dedicated returns. Each input includes a highpass filter, a noise gate, a 4-band parametric EQ with RTA, and a peak/RMS compressor. Additionally, mixes benefit from both a parametric EQ and a 28-band graphic EQ along with a compressor. The SQ-5 also includes the RackExtra library, providing access to emulations of legendary reverbs, delays, modulation effects, and more. Automatic mic mixing is available, simplifying the management of large multi-mic setups.
Taking command of the SQ-5 is incredibly intuitive, thanks to its high-resolution 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. You’ll appreciate the lightning-fast workflow enabled by the drag-and-drop layout while each strip features Allen & Heath’s patented chromatic channel metering system for vivid at-a-glance level indication. Additionally, the SQ-5 boasts 17 motorized faders with six layers, eight user-assignable soft keys, and high-grip illuminated encoders to ensure clear visual feedback and outstanding hands-on control. The SQ Control and SQ MixPad applications further enhance your experience by offering customizable control, wireless mixing, and offline show preparation via your computer or mobile device.
The SQ-5 excels in audio networking, starting with an SLink port that supports straightforward remote audio and expansion by accommodating up to 48 microphone inputs via Allen & Heath’s Everything I/O series of stage boxes. Additionally, a 64-in/64-out I/O port allows integration with Dante, Waves, or MADI networks via expansion card. You can also connect the mixer to your computer, transforming it into a 32-in/32-out USB audio interface with DAW control using the mixer’s faders, rotary controls, and soft keys. Finally, SQ-Drive enables direct recording to a USB drive.
The SQ-5 is tailor-made for crafting in-ear mixes. It’s fully compatible with Allen & Heath’s ME personal mixing system, and it allows you to create up to 12 stereo mixes with super-low latency and parametric and graphic EQ on every mix. Additionally, up to eight performers can build their own monitor mixes using the SQ4You personal mixing app on their mobile devices.
Boasting high-resolution 96kHz FPGA processing, the Allen & Heath SQ-5 is a powerful, compact mixer that tackles live music, worship, A/V, and educational applications with equal confidence.
Waves eMotion LV1 Classic
The Waves eMotion LV1 Classic represents a substantial upgrade from the more affordable options on this list. Its inputs span a generous 64 channels with 44 stereo mix buses bolstered by 16 outstanding Waves IONIC Signature preamps along with eight matrix mixes, 12 line-level outputs, and AES I/O. These features make it the perfect choice for large-scale applications.
As one of the industry’s premier plug-in developers, Waves is renowned for cutting-edge digital effects. As you’d expect, the eMotion LV1 Classic’s onboard processing is unparalleled, flaunting industry-leading compression, EQ, dynamic EQ, vocal tuning, feedback control, analog saturation, and more available on every channel via an 8-slot processing rack. Additionally, you can upgrade the eMotion LV1 Classic with any of over 160 live-optimized Waves plug-ins, including models of SSL, API, and Abbey Road analog processors; CLA-2A and CLA-76 compressors; and Dugan auto-mixing.
The eMotion LV1 Classic features a massive 21.5-inch multi-touch screen, making it one of the most intuitive digital mixers in its class. It also boasts 17 motorized faders with an incredibly organic feel alongside 17 multipurpose encoders with mini displays that allow extensive customization of important mixer functions and user-defined actions, including mapped plug-in control. You’ll also appreciate the eMotion LV1 Classic’s integrated per-channel LCD metering, which provides instant visual feedback. The MixTwin application allows you to control the eMotion LV1 Classic from anywhere in the venue while the MyFOH app offers independent iPad control over mixer levels, panning, and sends.
The eMotion LV1 Classic offers next-level expandability. You can add more I/O with Waves Ionic stage boxes, which provide the same superior sound, limitless headroom, exquisite dynamics, and low noise floor as the main unit. If you need more processing power, then you can integrate up to three additional SoundGrid servers into your setup plus four more for redundancy. The eMotion LV1 Classic supports Dante and MADI expansions as well as an external touchscreen and additional tactile fader banks. You can also network multiple consoles at different mix positions to accommodate FOH, monitors, or broadcast applications with straightforward I/O sharing and real-time gain tracking.
The eMotion LV1 Classic makes creating in-ear mixes absolutely painless, providing you with 24 mono or stereo aux mixes. Additionally, the MyMon mobile application allows up to 16 performers to control their personal monitor mixes, enabling them to adjust input levels, mute, pan, apply post-mix EQ, and link channels to custom single-fader groups all without affecting the house mix.
Renowned Waves processing meets ample expandability — that’s the Waves eMotion LV1 Classic in a nutshell.
Allen & Heath Avantis Solo
The Allen & Heath Avantis Solo is another high-end offering with an elevated feature set. With 64 input channels, 42 buses, and a fully configurable mix architecture, the Avantis Solo empowers you to manage larger mixes with superior quality and precision. Additionally, it features six XLR inputs, six XLR outputs, and an AES digital output.
Right out of the box, the Avantis Solo offers substantial processing power, including 12 RackExtra FX slots with dedicated stereo returns. Each input features highpass and lowpass filters, a noise gate, a parametric EQ, and a compressor. Mixes benefit from both a parametric EQ and a 28-band graphic EQ along with a compressor. The Avantis Solo also includes a next-generation 61-band RTA with comprehensive history views. Automatic mic mixing simplifies the management of large-scale setups with multiple microphones. Finally, the Avantis Solo allows you to elevate your effects to the highest tier with an optional dPack upgrade, granting access to DEEP and Dyn8 processing derived from Allen & Heath’s flagship dLive series.
The Avantis Solo’s ultra-responsive 15.6-inch touchscreen turbocharges your workflow with expansive screen real estate. You gain absolute control over your layout and mix-bus architecture while the mixer’s Continuity UI leverages drag-and-drop gestures, physical controls, and at-a-glance navigation to make managing your mix fast and easy. Configurable widget areas allow you to load up scenes, meters, and use RackExtra FX. Additionally, the Avantis Solo boasts 12 motorized faders with six layers and a whopping 18 user-assignable soft keys. The Avantis can be controlled using the Avantis Director software, MixPad app, and Custom Control app or from a remote controller or GPIO interface, with support for up to 48 IP remote controllers over a standard TCP/IP network. A word clock input is also on tap for lock-tight synchronization with other digital systems.
The Avantis Solo leaves plenty of room for expandability, starting with an SLink port that supports remote audio and expansion by generously accommodating up to 64 channels at a time with 72 fader strips via Allen & Heath’s Everything I/O series of stage boxes. Additionally, two 128 x 128 I/O ports facilitate integration with Dante, Waves, gigaACE, and MADI networks via expansion cards at 96kHz, widening the scope for system integration, FOH and monitor splits, and multitrack recording.
Crafting in-ear mixes with the Avantis Solo is child’s play. Not only is it fully compatible with Allen & Heath’s ME personal mixing system, but performers can also build their own monitor mixes using the Avantis OneMix personal mixing app on their mobile devices.
The Allen & Heath Avantis Solo is the perfect step up for large-scale mixing and recording applications.
Mix It Up
Whether you’re searching for a portable digital mixer for your live shows, a feature-rich console for your house of worship, or a comprehensive unit for large-scale events, there’s undoubtedly a model that’s perfect for your needs. Give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700, and we’ll help you find the one that’s tailor-made for you!
