Choosing a mixer for music audio production can be a head-spinner. Do you need to capture a full band rehearsal to a memory card? Do you want to adjust levels from a phone while you walk the room? Or do you just need a compact box for podcast mics and a couple of instruments? The four mixers here take very different approaches. One is a small mixer, two are Zoom LiveTrak L-12 recorders, and one is a Soundcraft digital mixer. Prices range from $168 to $699.99, so budget matters as much as channel count.
Quick Take
The Behringer Flow 8 is the least expensive mixer here, and the Soundcraft Ui24R is the most expensive. The two Zoom LiveTrak L-12 listings share the same mixer/recorder foundation, but their conditions and prices differ. If you want a compact utility mixer, the Flow 8 is the easy pick. If you want a mixer with a built-in recorder, the LiveTrak L-12 covers that. And if you want wireless remote control, the Ui24R is the one to pick.
Side-by-Side Price Comparison
| Product | Price | Price Bar | Channels | Signature Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behringer Flow 8 | $168.00 | 8 | Bluetooth | |
| Zoom LiveTrak L-12 (Used) | $250.00 | 12 | 12-track recording to SD | |
| Zoom LiveTrak L-12 (Refurbished) | $359.99 | 12 | USB audio interface, 12-track recording | |
| Soundcraft Ui24R | $699.99 | 24 | Built-in Wi-Fi, rack mountable |
Decision Matrix
Here's how to match the mixers to your workflow:
- For a small studio, podcast corner, or compact live setup: Behringer Flow 8.
- For band rehearsal recording and mixing: Zoom LiveTrak L-12 (used or refurbished).
- For remote wireless mixing and recording with lots of inputs: Soundcraft Ui24R.
Product Notes
Zoom LiveTrak L-12 12-channel Digital Mixer / Recorder
Choose the refurbished LiveTrak L-12 when you want a mixer/recorder with a 14-in/4-out USB audio interface and the ability to send each discrete channel to your DAW. The built-in 16 effects and 3-band mid-parametric EQ per channel give you plenty of tonal control for live or studio work. The catch is that this is the higher-priced of the two Zoom listings, and it is condition-labeled "Very Good - Refurbished." If you need the USB interface and want a unit that has been through a refurbishment process, this is the LiveTrak to buy.
Zoom LiveTrak L-12 12-Channel Digital Mixer Multitrack Recorder Tested Works
This used LiveTrak L-12 gives you the same mixer/recorder foundation as the refurbished listing, but at a lower price. The included AD-19 AC adapter means you are not hunting for a power supply, and the description details simultaneous multi-track recording, 14-track playback, XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power, and 5 independent headphone mixes. The trade-offs are the used condition, no original box or manual, and a no-returns policy. If you want a working mixer/recorder without paying for a refurbished premium, this is the pragmatic pick.
Soundcraft Ui24R Wireless 24-channel Digital Mixer/USB Multi-Track Recorder
The Soundcraft Ui24R is the largest mixer in this group: a desktop or rack-mountable mixer with 24 channels, built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, and the ability to control it from up to 10 devices via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It also works as a USB multi-track recorder and includes Lexicon, dbx, and DigiTech processing. The main compromise is the open-box condition and the price, which sits well above the other three mixers. If your work needs a large channel count, wireless control, and a single box that can act as a stagebox and recorder, the Ui24R is the one to consider.
Behringer Flow 8 8-Input Digital Mixer with Bluetooth
The Behringer Flow 8 is the compact Bluetooth mixer in this lineup: an 8-input digital mixer built for studio tracking, live sound, and podcasting. It has two Midas mic preamps with 48V phantom power, plus additional XLR/TRS and Hi-Z stereo line inputs, totaling eight channels. Every channel includes a compressor and access to up to two preset effects, which is a lot of processing capability for a small mixer. The limitation is the channel count: 8 inputs is the fewest in this comparison, so larger ensembles will run out of space quickly. For a portable, low-priced starting mixer, the Flow 8 is a solid pick.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
Final recommendations by use case: For podcasting or a small home studio, the Behringer Flow 8 is the right place to start. For rehearsals or demo recording, use the used Zoom LiveTrak L-12 to keep costs down. If you want the same LiveTrak capabilities in a refurbished condition, the refurbished L-12 is the higher-priced option. For a wireless, rack-mountable mixer with lots of inputs and remote control from anywhere in the venue, the Soundcraft Ui24R is the one to choose.
