Imagine a band playing a concert. All the different instruments, from roaring guitars to delicate vocals, need to sound just right. How do they make sure everything blends perfectly? That’s where a 24-channel mixer comes in! It’s like a super-powered control center for sound.
But choosing one can feel like trying to sort through a giant box of LEGOs. There are so many buttons and knobs, and figuring out which mixer is best for your needs can be confusing. You want great sound, but you don’t want to waste time or money on something that won’t work for you.
Don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a good 24-channel mixer. We’ll break down the important features and help you discover the perfect one for your next project. Get ready to take control of your sound!
Our Top 5 24 Channel Mixer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 24 Channel Mixer Detailed Reviews
1. Mackie ProFX22v3 22-Channel Professional Analog Mixer with USB
Rating: 9.2/10
The Mackie ProFX22v3 is a powerful and versatile mixer designed for anyone who needs to create great sound. Whether you’re a musician playing live, a podcaster, or a streamer, this mixer has the features to help you shine. It’s built to handle all your audio needs, from big shows to small home studios.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile! It works great for live shows, recording at home, making videos, and live streaming.
- It has 17 Onyx mic preamps. These give you lots of clean gain, which is perfect for microphones popular with content creators.
- You can record in super clear 24-bit/192kHz quality. This means your recordings will sound the best possible.
- The 2×4 USB connection lets you create custom mixes on your computer. This is helpful when you need to hear specific tracks while playing along.
- The GigFX effects engine has 24 cool effects. You can easily add reverbs, delays, and more to make your sound exciting.
- The easy-to-use knob lets you switch between your computer’s sound and the mixer’s direct sound. This is awesome for recording new parts over existing tracks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the effects are great, some users might want even more advanced control over them.
- For absolute beginners, the sheer number of channels and options might feel a little overwhelming at first glance.
This mixer offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a fantastic tool for making your audio sound professional and polished.
2. Behringer EURODESK SX2442FX Ultra-Low Noise Design 24-Input 4-Bus Studio/Live Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamplifiers
Rating: 9.1/10
The Behringer EURODESK SX2442FX is a powerful and versatile mixer that can handle both studio recording and live performances. It offers a lot of inputs and useful features for its price. This mixer uses special XENYX mic preamps for clear sound. It also has cool “British” EQs to shape your audio. You can send your sound to different places with its 4 bus outputs. Plus, it has a special output for a subwoofer. Two built-in effects processors give you lots of creative options.
What We Like:
- It has many inputs, so you can connect lots of microphones and instruments.
- The XENYX mic preamps deliver clear and clean sound.
- The British EQ helps you fine-tune your audio with ease.
- It includes two separate effects processors with many presets like reverb and delay.
- The dedicated subwoofer output is great for live sound systems.
- It offers a lot of features for its affordable price.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the sheer number of features a bit overwhelming at first.
- While good for the price, the build quality might not be as robust as much more expensive professional mixers.
For musicians and sound engineers looking for a feature-rich mixer without breaking the bank, the Behringer EURODESK SX2442FX is a solid contender. It offers a great balance of functionality and affordability.
3. Mackie Onyx Series
Rating: 8.7/10
The Mackie Onyx Series, 24-Channel Premium Analog Mixer with Multi-Track USB (Onyx24) is a powerful tool for musicians and sound engineers. It brings together classic analog warmth with modern digital convenience. This mixer is designed to handle a wide range of audio tasks, from live performances to studio recording.
What We Like:
- You can record your music in high quality at 96kHz / 24-bit directly to your computer through USB.
- It also lets you record and play back stereo sound easily using an SD card.
- The mixer features Mackie’s famous Onyx mic preamps, which give you plenty of clean gain (up to 60dB).
- The sound shaping is excellent with the legendary Perkins “British style” EQ, which has a sweepable midrange for fine-tuning.
- A built-in digital effects engine offers a variety of reverbs, delays, and other effects you can customize.
- You can stream audio wirelessly from your phone or tablet directly to a channel strip using Bluetooth.
What Could Be Improved:
- For beginners, the sheer number of features might seem a little overwhelming at first.
- While the digital effects are good, some users might desire even more advanced or a wider variety of built-in sonic options.
The Mackie Onyx24 is a fantastic mixer that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for professional sound quality and flexible features.
4. TKLBLS Professional Audio Mixer
Rating: 9.5/10
The TKLBLS Professional Audio Mixer is a robust 24-channel sound board built for clarity and flexibility. It’s designed to handle everything from lectures and meetings to church services and voice recording, offering a wide range of features for precise audio control.
What We Like:
- It has plenty of inputs: 20 microphone and 4 stereo inputs.
- Each mic input has its own 48V phantom power switch, which is great for condenser mics.
- You get two DSP reverb effects that can be used together or separately for rich sound.
- The dual 7-band EQ and mid-range frequency selection let you fine-tune your sound.
- It includes a PAD attenuation function to prevent loud signals from distorting.
- Real-time monitoring and 100mm faders give you smooth control over volume.
- The mixer is built with a tough metal chassis for durability.
- There are 4 group outputs for flexible routing of your audio.
What Could Be Improved:
- The extensive features might be a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners.
This audio mixer offers impressive power and control for its class, making it a solid choice for many audio applications.
5. G500X 12 16 20 24 32 Channels Audio Mixer
Rating: 9.0/10
The G500X-24 audio mixer is a powerful and versatile tool for anyone looking to enhance their sound. Whether you’re setting up for karaoke, recording in your studio, streaming live, or performing on stage, this mixer brings professional-grade features to your fingertips. Its multiple channel options mean you can connect a variety of microphones and instruments, making it ideal for bands, solo artists, and podcasters alike.
What We Like:
- It has a 6th generation 2x99DSP Digital Double Effector for awesome sound.
- You get 99 different digital effects to play with.
- The 9-band stereo EQ lets you fine-tune your sound perfectly.
- It provides +48V phantom power, which is great for condenser mics.
- Bluetooth and USB support make it easy to play music or your recordings.
- It handles many audio file types like MP3, AAC, and FLAC.
- The mixer offers a wide range of fun effects like reverb, echo, and distortion.
- Its controls are simple and easy to understand.
- The design is small and neat, fitting anywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- More detailed instructions could be helpful for beginners.
- A built-in power adapter would make it even more convenient.
The G500X-24 mixer is a fantastic option for its price and features. It’s a solid choice for improving your audio setup.
Choosing Your Sound Command Center: A 24-Channel Mixer Buying Guide
So, you’re looking to take your audio setup to the next level with a 24-channel mixer. That’s a big step! A mixer is like the brain of your sound system. It lets you control all your microphones, instruments, and other audio sources. A 24-channel mixer gives you tons of room to grow and handle complex projects. Let’s break down what to look for.
What to Look For in Your 24-Channel Mixer
When you’re picking out a 24-channel mixer, several things make a big difference. Think of these as your must-haves.
Key Features to Consider
- Number of Inputs: You’re already set on 24 channels, but check the types of inputs. Do you need lots of XLR inputs for microphones? How many line inputs for keyboards or drum machines? Some mixers have combo jacks that accept both.
- EQ (Equalization): This is how you shape the tone of your sound. Look for mixers with at least a 3-band EQ (low, mid, high) on each channel. More advanced EQs offer parametric mids, which give you finer control.
- Aux Sends and Returns: These are super important for effects like reverb or delay. More aux sends mean you can send your sound to more effects at once.
- Subgroups: These let you group channels together. For example, you can group all your drum mics to control their overall volume with one fader.
- Built-in Effects: Many mixers come with pre-loaded effects like reverbs, delays, and choruses. These can be handy for live sound or quick recordings.
- USB Connectivity: This is a game-changer for recording. A mixer with USB lets you send each channel’s audio directly to your computer for multi-track recording.
- Preamps: These are the circuits that boost your microphone signal. Good preamps are clear and quiet, giving you a clean sound.
Important Materials
The build quality matters for durability and sound.
- Metal Chassis: Mixers with strong metal casings tend to last longer and handle being moved around. They feel more robust.
- Quality Faders and Knobs: Smooth, responsive faders and knobs feel better to use and are less likely to break. Cheap ones can feel loose or stiff.
What Makes a Mixer Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a mixer a joy to use or a source of frustration.
Factors that Improve Quality
- Clear Preamps: As mentioned, good preamps are essential. They don’t add unwanted noise.
- Solid Build: A well-built mixer feels sturdy and reliable.
- Intuitive Layout: When channels and controls are organized logically, it’s easier to find what you need.
- Good EQ: Responsive and effective EQ controls help you sculpt your sound perfectly.
Factors that Reduce Quality
- Noisy Preamps: If your preamps hiss or hum, they can ruin your audio.
- Flimsy Construction: A mixer that feels like it could break easily is a bad investment.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure out what a button does, it’s a problem.
- Limited Features: Not having enough aux sends or a basic EQ can hold you back.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your mixer will guide your choice.
Who Needs a 24-Channel Mixer?
- Bands and Live Performances: If you have a full band with multiple vocalists, drums, guitars, and keyboards, you’ll need all those channels.
- Small Churches or Event Spaces: These venues often have many microphones for speakers, singers, and instruments.
- Home Studios: For serious home recordists who want to capture full bands or complex podcast setups, a 24-channel mixer offers plenty of flexibility.
- Sound Engineers: Professionals who mix live shows or studio sessions often need this many inputs.
Making the Most of Your Mixer
- Practice with it: Get familiar with all the knobs and buttons.
- Read the Manual: It might seem boring, but it’s full of helpful information.
- Invest in Good Cables: Cheap cables can cause noise and connection problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about 24-Channel Mixers
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for?
A: You should look for a good number of XLR inputs for microphones, effective EQ on each channel, enough Aux Sends for your effects, and USB connectivity for recording. Subgroups and built-in effects can also be very helpful.
Q: Are there specific materials that make a mixer better?
A: Yes, a metal chassis makes a mixer more durable. Also, look for mixers with faders and knobs that feel smooth and responsive, not loose or stiff.
Q: What’s the difference between a good and a bad mixer?
A: Good mixers have clear, quiet preamps and a solid build. They are easy to understand and use. Bad mixers have noisy preamps, feel flimsy, and have confusing controls.
Q: Can I use a 24-channel mixer for just a few microphones?
A: Yes, you can. Even if you don’t use all 24 channels, having more inputs gives you room to grow and connect more gear later. It also allows for more creative routing.
Q: What is an Aux Send and why do I need it?
A: An Aux Send lets you send a copy of your audio signal to an external device, like a reverb or delay effect. You need it to add special sounds to your music or voice.
Q: What does USB connectivity do for me?
A: USB connectivity allows you to send the audio from each channel of your mixer directly to your computer. This is great for recording multiple tracks at once in your digital audio workstation (DAW).
Q: How important are the preamps in a mixer?
A: Preamps are very important. They boost your microphone signal. Good preamps are clear and quiet, giving you a clean sound without unwanted noise or distortion.
Q: What are subgroups used for?
A: Subgroups let you group multiple channels together. For example, you can put all your drum mics into one subgroup to control their overall volume with a single fader, making mixing easier.
Q: Is a 24-channel mixer overkill for a small home studio?
A: It depends on your needs. If you record full bands or have many instruments and vocals to record simultaneously, it’s very useful. If you only record one or two things at a time, a smaller mixer might be enough.
Q: How do I choose between analog and digital 24-channel mixers?
A: Analog mixers offer a hands-on, tactile experience and often have a warmer sound. Digital mixers offer more features like recallable settings, built-in processing, and often easier computer integration, but can have a steeper learning curve.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!