RECOMMENDED AUDIO MIXERS

 

When you have multiple microphones and audio sources, an audio mixer is needed to balance the levels of all audio inputs. This can be done in a few different ways with a few different types of equipment.

 

There are a few things that make certain mixers stand out among the rest.  Depending on your setup, a few things have to be considered when picking a mixer including the following:

 

  • Inputs – must have at least 4 microphone inputs
  • Gain – control over each input individually
  • Portability – needs to be small enough and light enough to carry

 

Here are some recommended options for audio mixers to help you find the right one for you:

1. Nady RMX6 6-channel Rackmount Microphone Mixer

The Nady RMX6 is an easy-to-use microphone mixer that can mix up to 6 microphones simultaneously. This option is the cheapest recommendation on this list, but it is still a very good option. It has 2 more channels than the other two options on the list.

 

Each microphone input has a corresponding knob on the front of the mixer.  Each channel also has phantom power available just in case your microphones need it. All things considered, this mixer is a great value that should be given serious consideration.

 

  • 6 microphone inputs
  • XLR or 1/4″ output
  • Designed for ease of transport & maximum durability

 

Review:

Inexpensive, clean, solid rackmount mixer. I’ve had this mixer for almost 5 years and it still works like brand new. Very clean, no noise, no problems.
Legal Video Audio Mixer

Item Weight: 6.39 pounds
Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 8 inches

Rating
★★★★★

2. Shure SCM268 4-Channel Microphone Mixer

The Shure SCM268 is a very compact 4 channel microphone mixer that is simple and easy to use. It is about half the width of the option above and very portable.  There is even an auxiliary input with separate level control for other audio recordings or audio from videos played in the deposition.

 

With its lightweight and small enclosure, this is a great audio mixer to transport to and from your deposition shoots.  For under $400, this is a great mid-range item to get quality audio from your deposition video shoots.

 

  • 4 microphone inputs
  • Compact & durable design
  • Single & dual mount options

 

Review:

I own a video company and need to take my equipment with me every day so I was looking to downsize my mixer and found this one. It is super small yet great quality. Normally I only need 4 mics so it is perfect. From time to time I need to add a 5th mic and have a splitter. When I do this the XLR connect is great and there is no loss of quality with the sound.

Legal Video Audio Mixer

Weight: 4 pounds
Dimensions: 14 x 3.4 x 10.2 inches

Rating
★★★★★

3. Shure SCM410 4-Channel Automatic Mixer

Another great option from Shure is the SCM410 4-Channel Automatic Mixer. This mixer is a more advanced version of the option above. It has all the features of the SCM268 plus automatic level control as well as EQ for each input.

 

The automatic level control activates when more than one microphone is plugged into the mixer. It reads the mic levels and balances them out so that all inputs are evenly heard on the mix. This feature makes this option worth its higher price tag. It does your job of adjusting audio levels for you!

 

Just like the other option from Shure, this mixer is easily transported and works very well as an audio mixer for deposition videos with multiple microphones. All three options are great values within their respective price ranges, but this one gets my highest recommendation for the automatic level controls.

 

  • Automatic level control
  • 4 microphone inputs
  • Compact & durable design

 

Review:

When I’m on an assignment where there are lots and lots of mics, I count on Shure automatic mixers to deliver a bright, clean audio feed to my headset and digital recorder. With Shure automatic mixers, I know I’m going to hear the speaker’s name the instant it’s spoken, not a second or two later.

 

And forget about running a manual mixer with all slides brought up until the room rings with feedback. Only active mics are activated — instantly, intelligently, and automatically — with the Shure SCM410. Say good-bye to muddy sounding manual sound systems.

 

Move up to the SCM410. It’s lightweight, compact, easy to set up. Dial it in and forget about it. It’s the one thing you won’t have to worry about at your next big meeting.

Legal Video Audio Mixer

Weight: 6.85 pounds
Dimensions: 15 x 10.4 x 3.2 inches

Rating
★★★★★

Choosing the Right Legal Video Audio Mixer

An audio mixer ensures you are able to produce a legal video with clear, consistent audio footage. This is crucial to your success in the industry. While an audio mixer is a significant investment, you will see the benefit of this piece of equipment in every area of your business.

 

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