Which mixer fits a small live rig?
Count stereo instruments and microphones first, then decide whether the mix goes to speakers, a computer or a phone.
Why these? These compact mixers suit small live rigs; we compare where their microphone and stereo inputs can send your mix.
Content updated · Clarified who each option suits.
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Analog mixer
Mackie Mix5
Choose forOne mic and two stereo sources
Beginner
A compact analog mixer known for simple routing, combining one microphone and two stereo sources without USB recording.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
Compact USB mixer
Behringer Xenyx Q502USB
Choose forRecording a small stereo mix
Beginner
An analog mixer with digital USB stereo recording, known for combining a microphone and stereo sources in a small footprint.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
Analog mixer
Yamaha MG06
Choose forTwo microphones and stereo gear
Intermediate
An analog mixer known for straightforward live routing, with two mic preamps, stereo line inputs, and XLR outputs.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
Analog mixer
Allen & Heath ZED-6 Mixer
Choose forMicrophones, instruments and synths
Intermediate
An analog mixer known for direct instrument inputs and compact live routing; this plain ZED-6 has no USB audio.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
Mixer · USB + effects
Alto Professional TrueMix 800FX USB Mixer
Choose forMixing with onboard effects
Advanced
An analog mixer with digital effects and USB audio, known for combining small setups with onboard processing.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
Mobile mixer
Roland Go Mixer Pro X
Choose forRecording music on your phone
Advanced
An analog-input mobile mixer with digital USB output, known for combining microphones and instruments for phone recordings.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
A few useful differences
| Instrument | Approach | Choose for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mackie Mix5 | Analog mixer | One mic + two stereo sources | No USB audio or aux send |
| Behringer Xenyx Q502USB | Compact USB mixer | A small stereo recording setup | USB stereo mix, not separate tracks |
| Yamaha MG06 | Analog mixer | Two microphones + stereo gear | Plain MG06 has no USB or effects |
| Allen & Heath ZED-6 Mixer | Analog mixer | Microphones, instruments, and synths | Plain ZED-6 has no USB or effects |
| Alto Professional TrueMix 800FX USB Mixer | Mixer · USB + effects | A mixer with built-in effects | Verify USB routing before recording |
| Roland Go Mixer Pro X | Mobile mixer | Phone-based music videos | Compact controls; check phone support |
Count inputs before buying; a stereo USB mix does not preserve each instrument as a separate track, and plain analog mixers need an interface for computer recording.
Sources & shopping notes
Stages describe routing needs: beginner for a few sources, intermediate for more microphone or instrument connections, advanced for effects or mobile routing; not sound-quality grades.
Research-based comparisons. Check the exact model, condition, delivery country, and current availability at each retailer.
Mackie Mix5 ↗ZED-6 ↗Yamaha MG series specifications ↗Behringer Q502USB ↗Yamaha MG series ↗TrueMix 800FX manual ↗GO:MIXER PRO-X compatibility ↗