Mixers

This category is for sound mixers that run live sound: bars, cafés, events, karaoke, rehearsal rooms and livestreams — from Yamaha, Soundcraft, StudioMaster, Proel and PreSonus. Looking for a DJ mixer for your decks? Those are in DJ equipment.

How to choose:

• Channels: count microphones, instruments and music sources together and keep one or two spare. In Yamaha's MG range the number is the channel count: the MG06X has 6, the MG10X and MG10XU have 10.
• Effects: models marked X or FX have built-in effects such as reverb and delay for vocals — the Yamaha MG10XU, for example, has SPX effects.
• USB: a USB connection records the mix on a computer or plays music from it; the MG10XU sends a stereo signal to the computer and back.
• Livestreaming: the Yamaha AG03MK2 and AG06MK2 are made for streaming, with loopback that blends your microphone with music from the computer.
• Size: compact mixers such as the Soundcraft Notepad and Proel Playmix suit small venues; bigger mixers add channels and sends for stage monitors.

Need the whole system planned and set up? Muse Inc also works on sound for venues for clubs, bars and hotels.