Buying Guide
The Best Behringer Podcast Mixers for a Better Desk Setup
We looked at 8 behringer podcast mixers side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read8 products evaluated
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Best Behringer Podcast Mixers span solo setups to full consoles, which is exactly why guest count changes what you need.
We compared this lineup on verified channel count, not marketing claims, since marketing copy tends to obscure this.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
Behringer FLOW 8 8-Input Digital Mixer with Bluetooth Audio and App Control
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Behringer FLOW 8 8-Input Digital Mixer with Bluetooth Audio and App Control (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer
Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Our take Check price for FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps (opens in a new tab)
Runner-Up Pick
Behringer Xenyx 1202SFX 12-channel Analog Streaming Mixer
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Behringer Xenyx 1202SFX 12-channel Analog Streaming Mixer (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Behringer XENYX 502S Premium Analog 5-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Behringer XENYX 502S Premium Analog 5-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
Behringer X AIR XR18 18-Channel
Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Our take Check price for Behringer X AIR XR18 18-Channel (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle with Audio Mixer & 3.5mm Mic for Streaming
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle with Audio Mixer & 3.5mm Mic for Streaming (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 8
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface is the top pick in this comparison.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound. Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output.
Held up against Behringer FLOW 8 8-Input Digital Mixer with Bluetooth Audio and App Control, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording.
Go with this pick if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. More channels than you actually need just adds desk clutter and unused knobs, so match the channel count to your real guest count.
Key dimensions & specs
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting
Pros
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect
Cons
- More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
- Gain staging takes some practice to get right
Also Worth Considering2 of 8
Behringer FLOW 8 8-Input Digital Mixer with Bluetooth Audio and App Control on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Behringer FLOW 8 8-Input Digital Mixer with Bluetooth Audio and App Control is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Ultra-low noise, high headroom digital mixer with wireless remote control. Flow app for bluetooth remote control from ios/android mobile phones or tablets.
60 mm channel faders and master rotary control with LED collar, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Gain staging takes some practice to get right, so budget a little setup time before your first real recording.
Key dimensions & specs
- Ultra-low noise, high headroom digital mixer
- Flow app for bluetooth remote control
- 60 mm channel faders and master rotary
Pros
- Ultra-low noise, high headroom digital mixer
- Flow app for bluetooth remote control
- 60 mm channel faders and master rotary
- Ez-gain function analyzes the signals
Cons
- Gain staging takes some practice to get right
- More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
Best Value3 of 8
FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer is the most affordable pick here that still clears the capability floor for this category.
Best for
- Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Why we like it
One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure.
The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface.
This one is the right call if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. More channels than you actually need just adds desk clutter and unused knobs, so match the channel count to your real guest count.
Key dimensions & specs
- XLR mic input
- Individual channel control
- Mute and monitor
Pros
- XLR mic input
- Individual channel control
- Mute and monitor
- Sound effects
Cons
- More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
- Gain staging takes some practice to get right
Another Strong Option4 of 8
Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Behringer XENYX 1204USB Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer. Neo-classic "british" 3-band eqs for warm and musical sound.
Set next to Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface, the two land close enough on paper that it's worth comparing both listings directly on the spec that matters most for your setup.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Gain staging takes some practice to get right, so budget a little setup time before your first real recording.
Key dimensions & specs
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- Neo-classic "british" 3-band eqs for warm
Pros
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- Neo-classic "british" 3-band eqs for warm
- Straightforward setup based on the listed specs
Cons
- Gain staging takes some practice to get right
- More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
Runner-Up Pick5 of 8
Behringer Xenyx 1202SFX 12-channel Analog Streaming Mixer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Behringer Xenyx 1202SFX 12-channel Analog Streaming Mixer is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
12-channel analog mixer with 4 mic preamps.
Against Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. More channels than you actually need just adds desk clutter and unused knobs, so match the channel count to your real guest count.
Key dimensions & specs
- 12-channel analog mixer with 4 mic preamps
- Streaming capabilities
- 12 x 1/4" line
Pros
- 12-channel analog mixer with 4 mic preamps
- Streaming capabilities
- 12 x 1/4" line
- USB connectivity
Cons
- More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
- Gain staging takes some practice to get right
Worth a Look6 of 8
Behringer XENYX 502S Premium Analog 5-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Behringer XENYX 502S Premium Analog 5-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording. Award winning xenyx microphone preamp for warm and musical sound.
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface lands in a similar spot overall, but the deciding factor between the two is stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Gain staging takes some practice to get right, so budget a little setup time before your first real recording.
Key dimensions & specs
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting
- Award winning xenyx microphone preamp for warm
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect
Pros
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting
- Award winning xenyx microphone preamp for warm
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds
Cons
- Gain staging takes some practice to get right
- More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
Best Premium Pick7 of 8
Behringer X AIR XR18 18-Channel on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Behringer X AIR XR18 18-Channel is the priciest pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Why we like it
Ipad/android tablet controlled 18-input digital mixer for studio and live application. 16 award-winning midas-designed, fully programmable mic preamps for audiophile sound quality.
Side by side with Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface, the real difference worth noting is built-in tri-mode wi-fi router for direct operation-no need for external routers.
Choose this if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. More channels than you actually need just adds desk clutter and unused knobs, so match the channel count to your real guest count.
Key dimensions & specs
- Ipad/android tablet controlled 18-input digital mixer
- 16 award-winning midas-designed, fully programmable mic preamps
- Built-in tri-mode wi-fi router for direct operation-no
Pros
- Ipad/android tablet controlled 18-input digital mixer
- 16 award-winning midas-designed, fully programmable mic preamps
- Built-in tri-mode wi-fi router for direct operation-no
- 18 x 18 channel, bidirectional USB interface
Cons
- More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
- Gain staging takes some practice to get right
Also Worth Considering8 of 8
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle with Audio Mixer & 3.5mm Mic for Streaming on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
5mm Mic for Streaming is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Works as an audio mixer station. Four user recordable, eight built-in special audio effects, and various adjustments available for your creation.
Podcast equipment soundboard supports up to 2 people, 4 devices, and 4 platforms to stream simultaneously, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Gain staging takes some practice to get right, so budget a little setup time before your first real recording.
Key dimensions & specs
- All in one and easy to use
- Special effects
- Born for live streaming
Pros
- All in one and easy to use
- Special effects
- Born for live streaming
- Start your concert
Cons
- Gain staging takes some practice to get right
- More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
How We Chose These Behringer Podcast Mixers
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- XLR Channel Count vs Actual Guest Count
- Channel count should match your actual recording habits, not the maximum you might theoretically need someday.
- Mixer vs Simple Audio Interface
- A dedicated podcast mixer gives you physical faders and EQ knobs and often on-device SD card recording, while a simpler audio interface just converts microphone signal to digital audio with fewer physical controls.
- Built-In Recording vs Computer-Only Operation
- Standalone SD card recording, offered by some but not all podcast mixers, gives you a backup independent of your computer's recording software, protecting a session if your software crashes or your computer has an issue mid-recording.
- Gain Staging and Preamp Quality
- Gain staging means setting each microphone's input level correctly, not too quiet, which introduces background hiss when boosted later, and not too loud, which causes clipping that can't be fixed after recording.
- USB Connectivity and Driver-Free Operation
- Class-compliant, driver-free USB operation means your mixer works immediately on Windows and Mac without installing separate software, which matters most after a routine operating system update, since proprietary drivers can lag behind and temporarily break compatibility.
What to Look for in a Behringer Podcast Mixer
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
XLR Channel Count vs Actual Guest Count
Channel count should match your actual recording habits, not the maximum you might theoretically need someday. A mixer with fewer channels than your regular guest count forces awkward compromises mid-recording, while one with far more just clutters your desk with unused controls. Count your typical episode's real microphone count and buy a small margin above it.
Mixer vs Simple Audio Interface
A dedicated podcast mixer gives you physical faders and EQ knobs and often on-device SD card recording, while a simpler audio interface just converts microphone signal to digital audio with fewer physical controls. A solo host recording to a laptop rarely needs a mixer's hardware complexity and gets identical audio quality from a simpler interface at a lower price, while three or more live microphones benefit from independent hardware gain and mute controls.
Built-In Recording vs Computer-Only Operation
Standalone SD card recording, offered by some but not all podcast mixers, gives you a backup independent of your computer's recording software, protecting a session if your software crashes or your computer has an issue mid-recording. A computer-only mixer has no such fallback. Check for this feature specifically if long or high-stakes sessions are common for you.
Gain Staging and Preamp Quality
Gain staging means setting each microphone's input level correctly, not too quiet, which introduces background hiss when boosted later, and not too loud, which causes clipping that can't be fixed after recording. Preamp quality varies significantly between budget and higher-end mixers, with cheaper units sometimes introducing audible noise even at moderate gain, especially with lower-output dynamic microphones. Check user reviews for preamp noise complaints at typical gain levels.
USB Connectivity and Driver-Free Operation
Class-compliant, driver-free USB operation means your mixer works immediately on Windows and Mac without installing separate software, which matters most after a routine operating system update, since proprietary drivers can lag behind and temporarily break compatibility. Check the listing specifically for this language rather than assuming any USB mixer works identically.
How to Choose a Behringer Podcast Mixer
| Solo host or 1 guest | |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people in the room | Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface |
| 4 or more guests regularly | Behringer X AIR XR18 18-Channel |
| Lowest price in this lineup | |
|---|---|
| Behringer FLOW 8 8-Input Digital Mixer with Bluetooth Audio and App Control | |
| Behringer X AIR XR18 18-Channel |
- Behringer X AIR XR18 18-Channel)
- Gives you physical faders and knobs for live gain riding, useful when hosting 3+ guests.
- Simpler and cheaper for a solo host or two-person show, less desk footprint but fewer physical controls.
Skip the full mixer if you're a solo host recording to a laptop.
| Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface | |
| Standalone SD card recording as a backup | Check the listing specifically for an SD card slot |
- Zero-latency direct monitoring and simple loopback routing so you can hear yourself and other audio without lag while broadcasting.
- Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface is worth checking against its specific monitoring-latency spec before assuming any mixer handles live streaming equally well.
- You're hosting multiple guests regularly and want physical channel control, where Behringer X AIR XR18 18-Channel justifies the extra cost.
- You're a solo host just starting out, where FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a mixer if I'm podcasting solo?
A solo host recording to a laptop gets the same audio quality from a simple USB audio interface as from a full mixer, at a lower price and with far less setup complexity.
How many channels do I need on a podcast mixer?
Count your typical recording setup, host plus regular co-hosts plus the occasional extra guest, and buy a mixer with one or two channels above that real number rather than the maximum available.
What's the difference between a podcast mixer and an audio interface?
A mixer gives you physical hardware controls and sometimes standalone SD card recording, while a simpler audio interface just converts microphone signal to digital audio for your computer with fewer physical controls and usually a lower price.
Can I use a podcast mixer for livestreaming too?
Yes, many podcast mixers work well for livestreaming, but check specifically for zero-latency direct monitoring and simple loopback routing if you need to hear game or call audio mixed with your mic in real time.
Do I need XLR microphones to use a podcast mixer?
Most podcast mixers are built around XLR inputs for professional microphones, so a USB-only microphone typically can't plug directly into a mixer's XLR channels without an adapter.
What happens if my computer crashes during a recording?
If your mixer has an SD card slot for standalone recording, the session may still be captured independently of your computer; without that feature, a crash during recording typically means losing the entire session.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all behringer podcast mixers on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.