Best Digital Mixers Under $5,000

[@sweetwater]

Looking for a great digital mixer under $5000? Learn more about all of the products in this video here 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3163935/789347/11319?u=www.sweetwater.com/c265--Digital_Mixers?sb=popular&params=eyJyYW5nZSI6eyJQcmljZSBSYW5nZSI6eyJsb3dlciI6IiIsInVwcGVyIjoiNTAwMCJ9fSwiZmFjZXQiOnsiQXZhaWxhYmlsaXR5IjpbIkluIFN0b2NrIl19fQ&QioE6yb-M&subID1=bsQioE6yb-M-Best-Digital-Mixers-Under-5000

[@petterrong1590]

Several things that I feel are important to point out: X32 has 40 input channels, but only 32 with full channel processing and only 32 regular input routings. The last 8 are AUX channels with limited processing, where only 6 of them has actual routing points (which have weird quirks as to what order you can route them), the last two being by default sourcing from the USB player. The last two USB player AUX channels can, as all channels can, be sourced from a different input, but unlike the 38 other channels, it doesn't have an actual input routing, so you only have those 38 + USB player to choose from, as well as buses and FX returns (which is rather pointless since those already have their own channels) It also does not have 25 buses and 6 matrixes in the way that Mitch presents. 6 of those 25 buses are the 6 matrices. It has 16 mix buses, 6 matrices, one main stereo bus and a main mono bus with limited send capabilities. On the software side there is absolutely no difference between X32 and M32, so every feature will be the same in that respect. Weird that Mitch seems to present them as two entirely different consoles, not mentioning that they're basically the exact same mixer engine inside two different hardware controllers. Almost every feature mentioned is identical on both mixers, besides the pre-amps. He even did a mischaracterization, when he said that X32 has 4 FX processors and M32 has 8, which is wrong. They both have 8 FX processors. SQ5 doesn't have 36 buses - it has 12 stereo buses + 3 stereo matrices + LR + 4 FX sends (which seems to be mono). The buses and are selectable as either mono or stereo, but you can't split a stereo bus into 2 mono buses, nor can you split the stereo matrices, so why A&H choose to say it has 36 buses I have no clue. You can't have 24 mono buses or 6 mono matrices. It's like saying Behringer Wing has 96 channels. It has 48, but they can either be stereo or mono. It doesn't have 96 mono channels. And Mitch says that correctly there, so why use different logic when comparing specs? Also weird that he mentions that SQ5 is compact and rackmountable, not mentioning that both X32 and M32 has those form factors as well All in all, a very weird presentation of the mixers

[@paulson2008]

So if you have to buy and it should be future proof then which one would you buy?

[@petterrong1590]

​@@paulson2008 Wing or SQ5 would be my top choices. I hate that A&H has not even considered making a rackmountable version of SQ. The market for X32 Rack and M32C is definitely there, even top level audio companies use them for various tasks where a console is not needed, yet they claim that there is no market for a SQ rack. A Wing rack would be excellent as well. Wing is the mixer in this range with the best overall features. 3 AES50 ports (and therefore direct compatibility with every product AES50 product, like most of the X/M32, SD, S, DL and DN lines) , SC port for multichannel line level over regular XLR, 48 channels with mono/stereo/mid side without linking channels (like the SQ does), backup/alternate inputs, 16 stereo AUX buses, plugin-style selectable processing on all channels without having to use insert points (though you can do that as well), something not even found on higher end consoles, width control on panning, even input balance for stereo channels (which besides individual trim, I've never seen any other console do), EQ band soloing, envelope visuals for the stock compressor, tap point EQ per channel and much more. I don't like the tap point system in itself, very weird they didn't just replicate the one from X32 and make them individual instead of in pairs. The way it is now, you can't send a channel pre-EQ to one monitor feed and post-EQ to another (which I usually do for keys, overheads and bass to their respective monitors) but still more flexible than most that just have pre/post, and they did make sub group and post fader separate so can still do 3 separate points per channel

[@babysunn2]

Mannnnn, I Guess You Told HIM 😂😂😂😂... I Have The X32, So If You Were I, Should I Upgrade To The Wing Or Something Else... Or Should I Just Stick It Out Until I Can Justify A Better Purchase?

[@Uneedhelp91]

That is one of the biggest problems with my SQ6. I love the thing. Obviously it can do "36 buses" but will only let you do 12 stereo or 12 mono busses. It annoys me that you can't do 24 mono. I think the only reason why you can't is the 12 buttons on the console. If you have the AR2412 you have 12 outs at the stage and 12 at the console. Other than that I enjoy it ☺️

[@danielungureanu430]

I think that you should consider the entire ecosystem. As we are using x32 and we already have digital snakes and personal monitor devices, the simplest way for upgrade is the Wing

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I use the X32 (from Sweetwater!) in my home studio. Not because I need digital mixing capability, but because it gives me 32 channels of clean audio to feed into my DAW, at a price far below what you would pay for a 32 channel audio interface. On top of that, you get all the capabilities that the mixer gives you - that's just an added bonus.

[@naakaalastudio6655]

Great mixers.

[@parkmedia]

Exactly.

[@mixedbytc]

There's a reason it's cheaper than an interface. The converters and preamps aren't studio quality

[@Max16032]

For a home studio, they're ok, though

[@mixedbytc]

@@Max16032 not to my ears

[@jdavi195]

The Midas M32 has very warm preamps, and is very user friendly.. yamaha mixers can be a bit heavy menu diving but it's very reliability.

[@keithrichards4296]

QU-32 user here - sound wise (preamps and converters) I still didn't find nothing better in the same range. Did a complex acoustic live recording these days for a label, using the USB direct to Pro Tools, flawless and absolute pristine sound, people just don't believe that I used just a QU-32.

[@je-freenorman7787]

soundscraft Impact is better than Qu

[@keithrichards4296]

@@je-freenorman7787 Good to know. Hope to have a chance to try it.

[@hibbasc1]

I've mixed on all of these with the exception of the WING and the SQ5 and TF5 bubble to the top for me. The TF5 is incredibly easy to use. I was able to configure/program it with multiple (completely different) scenes for an auditorium install referring to the manual only once to figure out the key combo to get to the DCA's. Super fun mixer to work on. The preamps in the SQ5 just sound over the top amazing, and it too is easy to use and very well-laid out. The more I use those, the less I like the X32 interface/workflow. Either way - it's great that we have so many options including some not mentioned (e.g. Soundcraft).

[@kevinvelasco9142]

Of the ones presented here since youve used them all, which one gives the multitrack option? ive been trying to find out but nobody seems to mention it, i need a mixer that records everything separetely instead of just one mix, what would you recommend?

[@hibbasc1]

@@kevinvelasco9142 they will all record multi track to a DAW. The SQ5 will also record multi track to a USB drive.

[@kevinvelasco9142]

@@hibbasc1 so all of the multi track to a daw? Great now I really can check which one is better for me, thanks

[@thetruckmobilerecodingunit5569]

I have the Presonus StudioLive 32S and I am VERY HAPPY with it and what it does and how it sounds and it's price. 50 years ago, in 1972 when I worked in a gold record Recording Studio, this much recording power would have cost millions. Sweetwater is The Place To Buy From

[@ronengel4586]

I’ve had Behringer, Tascam, and Presonus digital mixers an now I’ve got a Soundcraft Expression 2 and I love it, nice preamps, great eq and compressors and Lexicon reverbs. It’s the best sounding mixer I’ve ever had. I’ve also got a Ui16 and a Ui24 both of which are great as well.

[@EnochGitongaKimathi]

I have had the original Presonus StudioLive 32 since 2017. I used it at Live events FOH and Monitor Mixer; as well as a studio mixer, interface and controller. It is time to upgrade to 96kHz, a better display for better outdoor use and USB4/TB4 support. AVB Milan support!

[@jeremythornton433]

I had the original StudioLive 16.4.2 mixer but I had replace it. I bought the series 3 32SC. I just use it in my home studio. The old one would over heat and cause endless problems.

[@EnochGitongaKimathi]

@@jeremythornton433 I'm glad you mentioned the over heating. I used the Presonus StudioLive inside a Mall with a glass ceiling. it was a hot summer day and the mixer kept switching off after some time due to overheating. The glass ceiling allowed for the heat from the sun's rays to pass through.

[@joejurneke9576]

Love this guy. He does such a terrific job!

[@petterrong1590]

1:31 Why did you point towards the assignable controls section of the X32 while claiming it has "4 on-board digital processors" when 1. It has 8 processor slots (just like the M32) and 2. The assignable controls section has nothing to do with those FX processor slots, other than the fact that it can be mapped to control parameters of the FX units?

[@stephendverner]

I love that 3 of the 6 mixers are from Behringer/Midas. I mix weekly on the X32 at my theatre and M32 at church. Both are great.

[@thetruckmobilerecodingunit5569]

I have the PreSonus 32S and I love it!

[@iamchandlar]

FAIR WARNING: I have 3 of the Midas M32R Mixers I use for my live audio gigs. One needs a power supply... The wait for the power supply is 1-3 YEARS. Consider that when purchasing

[@yookalaylee2289]

I've used the MIDAS, Behringer, Yamaha, and A&H. Midas is by far the best for the money.

[@johnmcquay82]

I like how points of view differ. Of the 6 mixers mentioned, I would take the A&H. I've mixed on all of them except the Wing, and the A&H is the best one for me.

[@allensguerrier474]

​@@johnmcquay82 Which one the qu or the sq series..Because I've been struggling to know what to go with(budget consideration) or just a presonus cause I hear it's easy...idk but I'm a fan of allen heath though I'm not a tech guy

[@luisramonpachecoclaudon9963]

Buen día Hacen envios a México de una mixer digital Midas M32?

[@phestudiosja]

What about the Soundcraft SI Impact?

[@EverywhereisHE]

What about the QSC TouchMix 30...?

[@GuidoGautsch]

Use the 8 at work and it's excellent - would expect even more from the 30!

[@MarvinSheats]

I know that's right. That's what I use in my Home Studio. I actually had to take my TouchMix to church a couple of weeks ago because our old Allan & Heath analog mixer was making some internal noise which was to loud for service and my TouchMix 30 performed awesomely. Still a good review of the other mixers.

[@molotulo8808]

I love my Tascsm model 24, but i would have spent several extra thousands of dollars for an awesome mixer.. love my tascam...great mixer...just wish i had 35 plus channels

[@andreamazza-7MZ_R3bornDigital]

I own an M32 and I love it!

[@tonyhudspeth3861]

hi guys great video ..can you do the same for studio mixers please kudos as usual to mitch and his presentation

[@trippypages7309]

👍👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿

[@sherrokinchen5253]

What’s up with Peavey Electronics two digital mixers the DR16 and aureus 28 And the two hybrid mixers the FX 24 and 32 with built-in ferret feedback system. I was wondering do all those six mixers have a ferret feedback system where it’s set up to filter out the degenerative feedback when you’re to close to the loudspeakers and it starts to squeal?

[@jamescave7102]

I need to think about the Presonus mixers now, that would save a lot of money

[@McTroyd]

My employer has installed a couple dozen PreSonus 32S mixers over the last couple years, and I've laid hands on most of them as the field engineer, setting up for customers. This mixer became an unexpected favorite of mine, because it presents as a super-simple audio mixer, arguably simpler than a straight-up analog console. But, it has enough flexibility to get lost in the weeds experimenting, as you'd expect from a professional-grade piece of audio hardware. My background is almost exclusively live engineering, and if I were buying a live mixer that I expected others to also use, this would be high on my list.

[@jamescave7102]

@@McTroyd Wow, thank you, I’m sold by the way you put it. I always thinking analog mixers, and can never afford one, and i do have some outboard gears. I’ll see how i can implement them with the 32S,

[@deanreyes5024]

I have the studiolive 32 from sweetwater and I love it. money well spent.

[@McTroyd]

@@deanreyes5024 It's an awesome mixer, isn't it? As easy as any digital mixer I've used to train a new person, but it stays out of the way as you do progressively fancier things with it. I could cover the sound for a mid-size auditorium with nothing but that mixer, some amps, & speakers.

[@not0evn]

I ran the presonus 24.4.2 for 5 years and completely loved it. Based on the media I ordered a midas m32. Used it for a week and then sent it back in exchange for studiolive 32sx. Once your hooked into the presonus workflow nothing else is as intuitive or fun

[@songdre]

I have the Presonus Studiolive 32sx in my Studio.

[@serhiy2020]

When are we going to get some new mixers?? All of these are at least 5 years old I'd want to see the next version of M32 with a larger touch screen and individual gain controls/multi function knob for each of the channels on the board. Same as what we had with Midas Pro2 series

[@Andrew_Head]

No Soundcraft?

[@chrisdore5726]

Thanks Mitchell! Would you please do a review of rack mount digital mixers? That would really help bands who travel and don't have roadies or a dedicated FOH engineer or monitor mixer!

[@chrisdore5726]

Sorry for the Mitchell, autocorrect got me!

[@faustomelchiorre4285]

Hi, which of that mixers you would recommend to be used with Prot tools? Thanks

[@rizki_kikiandrian3141]

Soundcraft si impac?

[@BigMacBook1300]

Love the shirt 👔👍🏿

[@flavanthensome]

How do the mic pres on these compare to what you would find on a desktop or rackmount audio interface?

[@TimMilliken]

They won’t hold you back from getting great recordings. You have to spend real channel strip money to get better sound. The A/D is also just as important and is the same thing. Big price upgrade will have very minimal return from these mixers. I have UA Apollo and external preamps but I could record anything and everything with a modern digital mixer and be happy.

[@tosinoyinbo-wv1hp]

I need one digital mixer x32 behringer how will I do the processing

[@Josibias1]

Soundcraft Si impact???

[@jrhproductions54]

What about the QSC Toutch Mix I have one and love it

[@allensguerrier474]

My church is trying to get a 24 channel mixer. What would anyone in this forum suggest between Allen and heath qu24 and Presonus live studio, and any other Digital console anyone have in mind????

[@robertfinch6602]

I went to a Church they had A Digidesign D-Show System 96+ something channels, plug-ins..They Also fed that into Pro Tools. On top of that they also had a Midas Pro 1 in another building..Probably around 300,000 I’d say wrapped up In just Sound!! 😂 The Whole Shebang as they say..

[@dannykhines]

I am a huge Allen & Heath fan. If you can afford to move to the SQ series, it is better than the QU series. However, the QU is a solid mixer.

[@Scott__C]

Presonus is very solid. Haven't used the A&H, but they have a good reputation.

[@allensguerrier474]

​​@@Scott__C I wanted a presonus too but I heard they that they have bugg issues so rn I'm sitting between presonus and A&H QU

[@allensguerrier474]

​@@dannykhines yeah unfortunately the sq doesn't fit in our budget

[@balla2172]

I love how the price was stated..

[@audiotom2010]

And don’t forget that all 28 outs of the Wing can be stereo!

[@kennyrodel8965]

Those are Not the best mixers under 5000$. These are the Mixers under 5000$.

[@Xandalfo]

Would love to see one on digital mixers under 1K!

[@davidgekler]

Great but only a couple available now🙄

[@karl1949]

Miiiiiiitch! Thanks Sweetwater.

[@shehenshah9537]

I am actually very surprised that QSC Touchmix 30 Pro isn't on this list. 😳 it's a formidable piece of hardware that offers unmatched versatility.

[@macarraotecladista]

I agree, for who dont need the live faders practicality, the 30-pro is a beast. I've been using it for over 5 years and until today I still haven't regretted buying it.

[@loveaboveall2382]

Sq5 or Wing?

[@criqdekuyper9259]

Kudos to Presonus and Yamaha for including combi inputs. Not everyone uses only Mic’s…

[@dmoss1285]

I use the Behringer SD16 for this very reason. 16 channel digi snake and every single channel is a combi jack which I use frequently. I never have to use D.I boxes for keys and such and never have any noise problems.

[@joelmacias8818]

The wing also has combi inputs, but it only has 8 channels , as it relies heavily on stageboxes

[@poncharellocr]

You missed the presonus 64s

[@EmmanuelJosueHasbun]

your missing the qsc touchmix 30

[@Enonymouse_]

The sq5 is highly recommended

[@aaronaustin7760]

I've worked with the X32/M32 for years and love the versatility, but the customer support has become non-existent.

[@Scott__C]

Behringer is terrible. I have an XR18 and I sent them an email about the terrible built in wireless and they basically responded in a not nice way because I dared to tell them that including WEP was ridiculous as it had been cracked over 10 years prior.

[@dmoss1285]

@@Scott__C Pretty easy to plug in a router of your choice there. You have to admit at the price point the XR18 is incredible for the features. I have one in the rack for a backup of my X32 and I use one in my studio as well. I consider the sucky built in wireless a back up of a backup as I carry 2 cheap routers in my bag at all times.

[@Scott__C]

@@dmoss1285 Well, it's just the fact that as it exists it's useless and slow. Why say you have a feature and put it in if it doesn't work? I'd emailed them about it and they were very indignant about it.

[@audioentertainment]

@@Scott__C I have an XR18 and since my Ipad updated the app crashes every time I try to use it. I do create my own closed network with a router because the wifi range is really lame. I am looking to go to the Presonus 32s - I have used it with a play I ran audio for- I just can't bring myself to give more money to Behringer

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

There more for show in so many videos you see the producers plonk a laptop with a DAW using its mixer sat ontop of there big physical mixer that sits there gathering dust.

[@maidiaeventproductions7885]

I will pick up a soundcraft Si impact over a X32 anytime.

[@smartm123]

A&H QU32 ??

[@danielavery7034]

I still would rather have an analog console. I don't like firmware/software dependent gear.

[@dmoss1285]

I used to be in that same thought process but finally made the jump a few years back. Honestly you are really cheating yourself out of some fantastic life changing features. I happen to run a X32 and have never had a failure, ever.

[@InVisionsynthmindscape]

@@dmoss1285 For my use, the X32 is great for me (I only study electronic music) from 2017 to today I have not encountered any problems yet I am very satisfied, certainly I would have preferred the M32 but I see that the X32 is still valid as quality \ price after about 10 years after its release. (I don't work for Behringher).

[@hipnessfactortube]

MIDAS AES50

[@ronaldcoleman9370]

I want them all!!! Haha!!!

[@gameplayti2909]

Nice.

[@realSethMeyers]

My two cents, avoid Yamaha TF.

[@youknowmyname5695]

Why???

[@drummerhoward]

I love ui24r

[@Hyakman5408]

I'd toss Behringer from the list (any audio equipment list, honestly) for poor quality, and keep the rest. Have used several of their products over the years and have had no end of trouble. Blech.

[@tecnetworkintouch]

This is NOT a complete list if it does not include the ZOOM LiveTrak L-20

[@loveaboveall2382]

The zoom doesn't hold a candle to any of these. No motorized faders Only 20 channels (4 of them are stereo) Preamps are subpar Very little head room It should be on a list of mixers for $1000 or less. That's the mixer I'm using at my church, and let me tell you... We desperately need an upgrade. I'm thinking the wing or the X32 or the sq5

[@RogueYogis]

Different category. But I love my l20. I does a bunch of stuff and for way less money. Records multi track directly to a SDHC card. For an extra 40 bucks for the Bluetooth card you can operate it from an Ipad. True, it doesn't have motorized faders, but at least it has faders. For a band on a budget that loves to multi track record their shows it's great!

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Awesome

[@CameronLawson2001]

Yeah I’m not usually a negative guy, but the explanation here is kinda garbage and basically reading off the features on the website. A bunch of marketing buzzwords. The X32 and M32 are identical consoles, one with upgraded preamps and a different form factor. Completely left out of the video.

[@biwashstha]

its been 7 years we are using x32 in our Church.

[@lashbay5951]

Why make it so complicated just use a cell phone

[@sunnytimoglobal]

I live music band I don't like the Wings

[@MsvNAgm1DTNllc.]

Pick me 😂

[@Scott__C]

So mostly a Behringer ad. Folks, don't buy Behringer. Yamaha, Allen and Heath and Presonus are all solid options.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Behringer is great.

[@Scott__C]

@@HOLLASOUNDS Only the price.

[@mareikemacinnes7764]

@@Scott__C Tell that to Dave Rat, the FOH of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. He is an absolute live technology expert and likes the Behringer / Midas mixing consoles. ;) Greetings from Germany

[@Scott__C]

@@mareikemacinnes7764 The old Midas stuff was killer. Behringer built their company by copying others' work.

[@mareikemacinnes7764]

@@Scott__C So according to your theory, everyone who builds a compact mixer today ultimately steals the idea from Mackie, who was the first to build the professional compact mixer?