

While it doesn’t bear the name recognition or the minimalistic design of the Yamaha, the model is packed with its own unique set of useful features for podcasters and streamers. Specifically useful for podcasters or small radio program hosts are the phone compatibility, sound trigger pads, and the pre-recorded scene callback. These make it easy to run your own talk show with the Zoom LiveTrak: you can accept calls and play pre-recorded scenes or sound effects while streaming a podcast. This model is also more of a hybrid than the Yamaha: while it was built specifically for podcasting, it can function well for small home music recording projects too. It can handle up to 12 inputs and playback 10 simultaneously for live streaming or performance situations.

If you’re looking for a mixer that has 16 channels and a truckload of digital effects, and you have no sentimental attachment to analog design, look no further than this Allen and Heath technological marvel. The Qu-Pac is Allen and Heath’s QU-32 mixer, but a stripped-back version and reduced to simply 16 ( or 38, with the purchase of a little additional hardware) channel inputs. It makes for an impressive amount of high-quality hardware packed into a small, but incredibly powerful, box. The Qu-Pac has every input imaginable, as well as all the other necessary professional features: invisibly quiet preamps, hundreds of effects, and USB compatibility. It also features its own DSP and has multitrack capability, as well as direct-to-USB multitrack recording. Another fresh feature is the ability to mix any performer’s monitor from their own device, be it android or iOS. Indeed, the only downside of the mixer may be that you have to use an iPad app for the master controls: sorry, Android fans. Of course, this is among the pricier of the mixers on the list, but when you consider the impressive features, a huge number of channels, and technical innovations, as well as Allen and Heath’s track record for producing durable, professional hardware, you’ll thank yourself for spending a little extra. Limited tech compatibility (Apple only for master control)įor this model, Soundcraft took the idea of the Behringer XR16 and the Allen and Heath QU-SB, and took the price point down.

The mixer has all the features (inputs, EQ controls, effects, etc.) that you could ask for, making it great for those who want tech-savvy connectivity but don’t want to pay through the nose for it. Ui16’s main talking point is its HTML5 control.
