Soundcraft 12 channel Audio mixer Notepad 12fx Review, Analog Mixing Console w/ USB, Lexicon Effects

The Notepad-12FX 12-channel mixer makes it easy to get legendary Soundcraft sound for your music, podcasts or videos.
audio mixer tutorial
Only a $139.00 USD at the time of this review.
Find it on amazon.com amzn.to/2Frrblm
Notepad-12FX Small-format Analog Mixing Console with USB I/O and Lexicon Effects
The Notepad-12FX combines professional-grade analog components, renowned HARMAN digital signal processing and a built-in USB audio interface to use with your favorite Mac or PC editing software. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter or a podcaster, the Notepad-12FX mixer offers best-in-class features like Lexicon® effects so you can bring a level of polish to your creative productions that are sure to impress.
Features
Get legendary Soundcraft quality from professional microphone preamps
Easily record, edit and playback from your Mac and PC with an integrated USB audio interface-simply plug-and-play with your Mac*
Sweeten your mix with HARMAN digital signal processing including iconic Lexicon reverb, echo, and delay
Getting a great mix is easy with a familiar channel strip layout that includes EQ, aux send, master fader level, and rotary headphone volume control
A durable metal enclosure that’s built-to-last
Notepad's integrated USB audio interface allows you to easily record, edit and play projects using your favorite audio software. By combining Soundcraft legendary audio performance and the built-in USB interface for your computer, Notepad offers the best of both analog and digital audio in a no-compromise solution.
You’ll find yourself right at home with Notepad’s traditional channel strip layout. Aux sends and three EQ controls per channel give you a level of convenience often reserved for larger consoles. A rotary headphone volume control makes it easy to adjust your personal listening level, while a master fader level with LED metering provides precise control over your master output signal. Designed for home studios, rehearsals, live performances, and podcast production, the Notepad series provides a layout that’s familiar to audio professionals yet easy to grasp for beginners. From capturing monologues to interviews with multiple panelists, Notepad mixers are designed to help you share your ideas with the world.
The deceptively compact Notepad mixers easily fit in a gear bag and provide plenty of capability for writing sessions, rehearsals and gigs. Notepad mixers are engineered to provide iconic Soundcraft performance and allow you to connect your favorite gear like microphones, guitars, keyboards and more. With three models available (Notepad-5, -8FX and -12FX), there’s a Notepad mixer that’s a perfect match-whether you’re a singer-songwriter or a small rock ensemble. Amazon links may be paid links
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

[@toneranger]

Great review thank you. This tricky to use live, you can't tell when it's on unless you press the delay button to activate the tempo light, this was a major issue at the 1st gig I did with the 12FX, so much so I bypassed the unit completely and went direct into the speaker, and there are no mute buttons for the mics and no Footswitch for the FX, more suited to studio or podcast chats than acoustic acts or bands in my opinion. The power socket at the back is like 12v a guitar pedal input, very flimsy, causes pops if moved. I just sold mine.

[@waynesilverman3048]

But apart from the control issues would you recommend it for synth,recording ,what should I get for a jam ect

[@DebErney]

GREAT TIPS FOR SETTING UP A MIXER. Just got this and checking it out. Nothing short of amazing. I'm pretty happy with it.

[@subhadeepdas3944]

Does it support Multitrack recording with usb for DAW recording ? I want to record 4 Electric guitars at same time and edit individual Guitars 1 at a time inDAW.

[@ausmac]

A demo of the reverbs would have been helpful.

[@churchofdeliverance4802]

we connect our acoustic guitar in channel 1 and connect the mixer to computer through USB, the signal comes into the computer is MONO not stereo. what to do?

[@AT-wl9yq]

The power switch is no big deal. On a solid state preamp like this, leaving it on all the time is better for it than turning it on and off. Some manufacturers actually recommend it.

[@scourneene]

Is it possible to run out through the 1/4" aux jack to an amp as my bass amp doesn't have a XLR connection on it. Thanks!

[@dogyomusic8121]

Thanks for the size reference

[@Keninoz1]

Thx. Very informative & practical :)

[@kk117]

I have this notepad12fx and my question for lexicon effects is that with all three buttons pressed, the tempo lights will go off. While watching your your presentation, I saw the tempo light still blinking. Does it mean my machine is not working properly? Please advise

[@MOHANMSHARMA]

My notepad 12 fx produces system sound or hiss noice, if i turn its both red nobs ( gain) at full level, even if no mic is connected. Is this normal or I need replacemwnt??

[@hugoapolaya]

Hola, si tuviera que elegir entre la EPM 6 y la Note Pad 12 fx cuál elegiría. Gracias

[@bathizargupta249]

I'm not finding any info in the user manual about how to use the external effects channel. I tried routing the AUX line out into a reverb pedal then the output from the pedal into channel 11 (EXTERNAL FX). I am curious as to whether my reverb pedal produces a better reverb than the built in Lexicon effects.

[@Loroini]

hi! didi you work out how to connect it l;ike you said? did you need to reamp the signal befor going intor effect pedals or it worked only with cables and mixer?

[@sarkf2408]

Comparing this with Yamaha MG10xu? which one is better for live performance. thanks

[@benficacm]

Would be interested in a comparison between this and the A&H zedi10. Mainly for live performance and some DJ work. I’m assuming the preamps are probably on par with each other but the tweaking of live sound makes me lean towards the zedi10. I’m torn.

[@YevezNutZ]

Can't find the USB audio resolution anywhere on Souncraft's web page or manual? I guess if they don't advertise it, it must not be 24 bit - 192 khz but probably 16 bit at 44.1 or 48khz? Also, is true that the mixer doesn't have an on-off switch?

[@miroslavploscar9824]

hi there,i own this mixer,butt with main efx on,i turn the level off on mic chanel and sound is steal there,how can be adjusted?help,mike

[@mudassark6189]

Can we take vocals with effect to the usb out with this mixer??

[@bhargavtej2912]

Hi sir Does the condencer mic work with the mixer ??

[@leonbanks719]

does this mixer have monitoring feature like the note5

[@baudelaire6647]

Thanks for the video my friend, I have the same mixer and mic but I cant turn on those effects, what is wrong? Do I must connect the mixer to the computer to get those efects?

[@lucn6173]

It is the perfect review.

[@djgarett]

great video! would you recommend this for mobile gigs that require dj setup, multiple mics and aux cables? I would like everything controlled through this mixer instead of my dj setup...

[@TozeCerdeira]

Hello dear friend can you please make a video of recording audio toa computer. I would like to buy this mixer but does it record 4 independent channels in one take? Working as a 4 multitrack recorder. Thanks

[@williebrianjones6905]

Hi, i just bought a 12fx an havent a clue what the tap funtion does. Thoughts? I did enj8y your presentation. Kudos. You can hear me at reverbnation. Best wishes willie brian jones

[@expertisland]

From the Manual hope this helps - (Studio-grade Reverb, Chorus and Delay with tap tempo, designed to add a truly professional edge to your productions.) you can find full how to on page 42 and 43 here is a link to the manual www.soundcraft.com/en/products/notepad-12fx#downloads_and_docs

[@praveenkumar-wi3ej]

Hi, actually my idea is to connect to iphone via USB to record my audios, will I be able to get all effects on USB, I want stereo so recording via USB. Please guide

[@peterschaefer1665]

Hello! Thanks for the info. In your opinion, this mixer or allen & heathe zed10fx?

[@synkmusiq]

I recently bought this mixer. It's very good. But I have a confusion that how does it control AUX VOLUME and FX LEVEL with the same knob "AUX/FX" . Because usually there will two dedicated knobs per channel to control FX level and AUX volume separately. So, how can I control AUX and FX separately in this mixer?

[@MediaArchive]

This mixer has some unusual design features, but I mostly love it. You really can't do both a proper monitor mix AND use the internal (or external) FX - you have to pick one or the other.

[@darylfields43]

How to connect DJ controller to sound craft mixing board

[@ivyroy2568]

Excellent review. I have soundcraft 10 mixer. Wanted to know which channel to use to plug in my karaoke through iPad or iPhone. Secondly how to fix it to my MAC desktop during my online singing .

[@stephenhernandez4403]

Can you plug a amp in the mixer??

[@geoffk777]

I'm a little confused abot the FX loop. You can get a Stereo FX return, but it seems that you can only send out to the FX loop in mono (via the Aux out). Doesn't this kind of defeat the whole purpose of running stereo effects?

[@jazzmart82]

Not really. A stereo signal can be created from a mono signal with an appropriate effect device (e.g. stereo delay). In addition, with this device, the mono aux can be turned into a stereo aux at the touch of a button (above the effect section).

[@DjDezzy]

@@jazzmart82 As I understand it, if you press the button, your mono AUX becomes an additional headphone output. Probably handy for doing podcasts.

[@javierpadrosierra8532]

Can you do a review on NOVIK NEO NVK-16M USB MIXER, NOW WITH BLUETOOTH, MP3 player, Compatible with USB and SD memories, DSP with 99 internal effects, 3 Stereo channels, Graphic Equalizer

[@anilmayur]

sir pls explain Soundcraft Notepad-12FX Small-format Analogue Mixing Console with USB I/O and Lexicon Effects vs Behringer Xenyx 1204USB 12-Channel USB Mixer

[@phantazzor]

Could you put it on somlike audiofuse ?

[@bryanmona9090]

Which would you pick between this Soundcraft, Behringer QX1202USB or the Mackie Mix12Fx?

[@expertisland]

if it is to record on your computer I would go with the soundcraft for the 4ch usb output to the PC. the Behringer and Mackie only have 2ch to the PC

[@bryanmona9090]

@@expertisland thank you so much gor your answer. in terms of quality/price that will be working also for live performances, which one would you choose?

[@silkandolive]

Can you connect a turntable (that doesn't have it's own preamp) into rca channels 9/10? Thanks!

[@expertisland]

Sorry for the late reply it will still need a pre-amp like the pp444 from pyle $15 you can find it on amazon amzn.to/2QiOvXs

[@charlienegron]

Excellent review, thank you for doing it, I just wished there were more time spent on the PC installation side. The mixer comes with no instruction manual or instructions for installing updates and when you go to the Soundcraft website its very unclear on the procedure steps. Downloaded both the Control Software and the current driver but Windows 10 said it's not "signed" so it won't install properly. Any suggestions? Like you perfectly described on your video, main purpose I went with this model was for the USB connection to a DAW. Thanks for reading and I look forward to more of your videos! Nicely done!

[@tfadd12]

Charlie, having the same issue. Please let me know what you figured out..message me on FB if you will..thanks..Thomas Faddis..

[@AT-wl9yq]

Right click on the icon and pick the option that says "run as administrator". That may get it working. Also, your internet security options might be set too high. You may have to lower them for the install.

[@Noah-gq7pq]

do they make a 4 channel mixer

[@expertisland]

They make a 5 and 8 channel.

[@corymeyer9394]

I hate to be critical about a good presentation but those buttons below the mic inputs are “High Pass Filters” not “Low Pass”

[@expertisland]

I Talk about your comment in this Q&A Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/amerhaqIjsxlbsk

[@CoolCat11]

Hi. Thanks so much for this. I haven’t used mixers for many years but I know my way around them. This really feels like a ridiculous question - is there a power on/off button? Or is it ‘on’ when the power supply is plugged in? Also this mixer came with no user’s manual so I was irritated and left to download it. The on/off switch - is that also missing? Thanks again.

[@toneranger]

Great review, no Footswitch input to mute the FX ? 👍🏻

[@expertisland]

No foot switch

[@coppermeloman9143]

... 👍👍 !!

[@set.adrift.somewhere]

Great video! Can I use this for Mobile DJ applications? I'm planning to replace my Yamaha MG12XU with this. I like the smaller footprint, less weight and willing to forego Yamaha's compressor. I'll have 2 inputs for the DJ controller, 2 for the mics and the rest as extra for CD player, instruments, etc. Output to powered speakers and subwoofers. Thanks!

[@expertisland]

if you're looking great quality in a small package this is the one.

[@OG96932]

how the hell do you turn it on

[@andydelga]

it doesn´t have a power buttom. So when you plug it into an electrical socket you are ready to go!

[@bobstewartfolk]

Was the hiss coming from the mixer ?

[@expertisland]

That was back in the old days before using noise filters, post-amplification & Compressors ( I was the one Take wonder with my DSLR )😀

[@bobstewartfolk]

@@expertisland ah... 😁

[@andreronda6700]

I want to make a recording, me singing with use of audio backings. The backings are on my PC. It is clear to me that my voice will be recorded via the USB into my DAW, since the mic is plugged in the soundcraft. But my question is, will the audio backing (which comes out of my PC into the mixer via USB) also simultaneously be recorded together with my vocals back into the DAW?

[@Imasphere]

I can do this using Large Band on my Mac so I suppose you can do the same on a PC. It is a bit confusing to switch the inputs on the software side but it's doable.

[@Imasphere]

I meant Garage Band (autocorrect)

[@antonius9098]

Nice video! What's the sample rate of it? How many tracks can you record at the same time?

[@junkmail7165]

44.1 or 48k up to 24bit & up to 4 tracks

[@antonius9098]

Ty... I was pretty sure it would be 2 stereo channels 192hz audiophile quality or 4 mono channels 96hz... Most audio interface usb 2.0 4/4 usually perform slightly better...

[@junkmail7165]

@@antonius9098 yup, this unit is still pretty nice. depending on your daw you're recording into you can record stereo (ch 1+2) ch(3+4) or mono ch (1,2,3, or 4). the sample rates i guess are a tradeoff since this is a mixer and interface.

[@expertisland]

recording options are all listed here for the Notepad-12FX (4 in total) Using the Soundcraft USB Audio Control Panel for PC on the Soundcraft.com website, users can select the “Audio Routing” tab, to select the point in the console feeding the USB bus to computer. For Inputs 1+2 the routing is fixed from: Mic Inputs 1+2 For Inputs 3+4 the routing can be selected from: Mic Input 3+4 Stereo Input 5+6 Stereo Input 7+8 Mix L+R Sorry I have not yet load the software yet on my laptop and there are no details in the manual

[@praveenkumar-wi3ej]

Can I get all reverb effects on the USB port?

[@expertisland]

You need to select the Main out on the software CH3 and CH4 to get the all the effect to your computer

[@praveenkumar-wi3ej]

@@expertisland you mean that it's not available on USB port?

[@praveenkumar-wi3ej]

@@expertisland thank you

[@robertnitschke89]

What is the USB for? Hook up to????what??

[@seddyseddised9385]

Your computer

[@MediaArchive]

It has a built-in 2 in x 4 out USB audio interface for multitrack work.

[@gracewavesrecordschristian1881]

this mixer effects will not work on live use

[@DanielCardei]

i want to buy a new mixer to kill the fusss sound in the background but i think you need it more lol

[@rugrat1965]

Don't like the fact that 48v is always on. No thanks!

[@expertisland]

Me too, But I have to say never had a problem because of it.

[@madmac66]

God it pisses me off when manufacturers (and reviewers alike) can’t tell the difference between a channel and an input. This has 12 inputs but only 6, maybe 7 channels if you count the RCA/USB return

[@madmac66]

Pan and tilt. Are you f-ing kidding me. Are we reviewing a tripod here or a mixer. Geez amateur hour

[@donm386]

Hi Sir, can you please show me how it can be used for zoom or Google meet meeting s