Buying Guide

The Best Podcast Mixers for Video Podcasts: Our Picks

We looked at 8 podcast mixers for video podcasts 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 Podcast Mixers for Video Podcasts look similar but differ in practice, so the spec sheet hides real gaps.

Every pick here was judged on real channel count and preamp quality, because these separate real capability from claims.

Quick Picks

Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best Overall

    FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer

    Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around

    Our take Check price for FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Worth Considering

    FIFINE AmpliTank K688CT Podcast Microphone Kit

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for FIFINE AmpliTank K688CT Podcast Microphone Kit (opens in a new tab)

  3. Solid Alternative

    MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Premium Pick

    MAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer

    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 MAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer (opens in a new tab)

  5. Runner-Up Pick

    FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone for Gaming Streaming

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone for Gaming Streaming (opens in a new tab)

  6. Worth a Look

    6-Channel Professional Audio Mixer

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for 6-Channel Professional Audio Mixer (opens in a new tab)

  7. Great Alternative

    FIFINE AmpliTank K688 Dynamic Microphone

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for FIFINE AmpliTank K688 Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)

  8. Best Value

    BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording

    Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use

    Our take Check price for BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer

Best Overall1 of 8

FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer 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

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.

FIFINE AmpliTank K688CT Podcast Microphone Kit covers similar ground, though the front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use is what tips the choice one way or the other.

This one is the right call 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

  • 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
FIFINE AmpliTank K688CT Podcast Microphone Kit

Also Worth Considering2 of 8

FIFINE AmpliTank K688CT Podcast Microphone Kit on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FIFINE AmpliTank K688CT Podcast Microphone Kit 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

Experience natural sound reproduction with the podcast microphone with boom arm to preserve the audio sound without distortion. Equipped with both USB and XLR connections, recording studio microphone kit offers versatility to suit your streaming/gaming needs.

Crafted from durable metal, the boom arm microphone stand ensure secure placement of the XLR/USB dynamic microphone, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer.

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

  • Authentic sound integrity
  • Flexible connectivity options
  • Robust boom arm support

Pros

  • Authentic sound integrity
  • Flexible connectivity options
  • Robust boom arm support
  • Intuitive controls

Cons

  • Gain staging takes some practice to get right
  • More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar

Solid Alternative3 of 8

MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar 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

Dual USB ports with mfi-certified connectivity connect your computer and phone or ipad simultaneously. 56db dual XLR audio interface compatible with most condenser and dynamic microphones.

Held up against FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is built for podcasters, streamers, and musician creators.

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

  • Hybrid connectivity
  • Studio-grade audio
  • Stream and record without the guesswork

Pros

  • Hybrid connectivity
  • Studio-grade audio
  • Stream and record without the guesswork
  • Record guitar tutorials, cover songs, and vocal

Cons

  • More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
  • Gain staging takes some practice to get right
MAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer

Best Premium Pick4 of 8

MAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

MAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer 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

Upgraded podcast equipment bundle: elevate your podcasting, streaming, and studio recording with the e2 gen2 podcast equipment bundle. Crystal-clear audio with XLR interface: the e2 gen2 podcast interface has two premium and low-noise preamps, delivering up to 60db of gain.

Add personality with 8 custom sound effects: bring your content to life with the e2 gen2's 8 customizable sound effect buttons, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer.

This fits best if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Gain staging takes some practice to get right, so budget a little setup time before your first real recording.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Upgraded podcast equipment bundle
  • Crystal-clear audio with XLR interface
  • Add personality with 8 custom sound effects

Pros

  • Upgraded podcast equipment bundle
  • Crystal-clear audio with XLR interface
  • Add personality with 8 custom sound effects
  • Ultimate convenience for podcasters and content creators

Cons

  • Gain staging takes some practice to get right
  • More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone for Gaming Streaming

Runner-Up Pick5 of 8

FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone for Gaming Streaming on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone for Gaming 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

Operated with frequency response of 50hz-16khz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (not included).

Weighing this against FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer, skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

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

  • Natural audio clarity
  • XLR connection upgrade-ability
  • USB connection with handy mute

Pros

  • Natural audio clarity
  • XLR connection upgrade-ability
  • USB connection with handy mute
  • Soothing controllable RGB

Cons

  • More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
  • Gain staging takes some practice to get right
6-Channel Professional Audio Mixer

Worth a Look6 of 8

6-Channel Professional Audio Mixer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

6-Channel Professional Audio 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

Dejasound FX series 6-channel professional mixer is designed for advanced mixers, distinguishing it from beginner versions. Each dejasound FX series 6-channel professional mixer includes one mixer, one power cable, and one user manual.

Held up against FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is the dejasound FX series 6-channel mixer is equipped with 48v phantom power, bluetooth functionality, and a USB interface, making it easier to connect external devices and wirelessly transmit audio.

This fits best 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

  • Advanced mixing experience
  • Complete accessories ready for use
  • Wireless audio capabilities

Pros

  • Advanced mixing experience
  • Complete accessories ready for use
  • Wireless audio capabilities
  • Rich sound effect adjustments

Cons

  • Gain staging takes some practice to get right
  • More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
FIFINE AmpliTank K688 Dynamic Microphone

Great Alternative7 of 8

FIFINE AmpliTank K688 Dynamic Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FIFINE AmpliTank K688 Dynamic Microphone 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

Featured with durability and adaptability, the metal-build podcast microphone, with SPL of 130db, will not distort the audio from vocal, video or music recording to keep its originality. XLR microphone reduces circuit noise interference and enhances the sense of audio space.

Side by side with FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer, the real difference worth noting is provided with both XLR to USB connections, the dynamic USB microphone is a significant benefit for you to record in various ways working with windows or mac os.

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

  • Clean sound quality
  • Upgrade XLR output
  • Convenient USB output

Pros

  • Clean sound quality
  • Upgrade XLR output
  • Convenient USB output
  • Mute and gain control

Cons

  • More channels than you need adds real desk clutter
  • Gain staging takes some practice to get right
BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording

Best Value8 of 8

BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording 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

Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio interface covers it all, USB sound card for mac or PC delivers 48 kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time. 2 in/2 out and connect more devices: the portable audio interface has 2 jacks: 2 combo XLR/mic/line inputs with phantom power for recording guitar, vocals or line-in signals.

48v phantom power: for reliable power, the stage audio mixer is equipped with +48v phantom power, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer.

This fits best if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. Gain staging takes some practice to get right, so budget a little setup time before your first real recording.

Key dimensions & specs

  • USB audio interface
  • 2 in/2 out and connect more devices
  • 48v phantom power

Pros

  • USB audio interface
  • 2 in/2 out and connect more devices
  • 48v phantom power
  • Sound mixer interface for fuss-free monitoring

Cons

  • Gain staging takes some practice to get right
  • More channels than you need adds real desk clutter

How We Chose These Podcast Mixers for Video Podcasts

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

XLR Channel Count vs Actual Guest Count
Every person recording with a professional XLR microphone needs their own dedicated channel, so the real question isn't a mixer's total channel count, it's how many you'll actually use at once for your typical episode format.
Mixer vs Simple Audio Interface
Whether you need a full mixer or just a simple interface comes down to guest count and whether you want physical, real-time control during recording.
Built-In Recording vs Computer-Only Operation
Some podcast mixers include an SD card slot for standalone recording independent of your computer, acting as a safety backup if your recording software crashes mid-episode.
Gain Staging and Preamp Quality
Preamp quality determines whether your microphone sounds clean or noisy at typical recording gain levels, and this varies more between budget and premium mixers than most spec sheets reveal.
USB Connectivity and Driver-Free Operation
Most modern podcast mixers connect via USB and work as a plug-and-play device on Windows and Mac without separate driver installation, avoiding compatibility headaches after routine OS updates.

What to Look for in a Podcast Mixer for Video Podcasts

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. XLR Channel Count vs Actual Guest Count

    Every person recording with a professional XLR microphone needs their own dedicated channel, so the real question isn't a mixer's total channel count, it's how many you'll actually use at once for your typical episode format. Buying fewer channels than your regular guest count forces mic-sharing, while buying far more just adds desk clutter. Count your typical setup, host plus regular co-hosts plus the occasional guest, and buy one or two channels above that real number.

  2. Mixer vs Simple Audio Interface

    Whether you need a full mixer or just a simple interface comes down to guest count and whether you want physical, real-time control during recording. A solo host gets identical audio quality from a compact interface at a lower price, while multiple live microphones benefit from a mixer's independent hardware controls for gain and muting on the fly.

  3. Built-In Recording vs Computer-Only Operation

    Some podcast mixers include an SD card slot for standalone recording independent of your computer, acting as a safety backup if your recording software crashes mid-episode. A computer-only mixer relies entirely on your software running correctly for the full session with no fallback. Check specifically for an SD card slot or standalone recording mode if session reliability matters to you.

  4. Gain Staging and Preamp Quality

    Preamp quality determines whether your microphone sounds clean or noisy at typical recording gain levels, and this varies more between budget and premium mixers than most spec sheets reveal. A cheaper preamp can introduce audible hiss well before you've reached a usable recording volume, especially with a quieter dynamic microphone. Check independent reviews specifically for preamp noise at real-world gain settings.

  5. USB Connectivity and Driver-Free Operation

    Most modern podcast mixers connect via USB and work as a plug-and-play device on Windows and Mac without separate driver installation, avoiding compatibility headaches after routine OS updates. A mixer requiring proprietary drivers can occasionally lag behind operating system updates, risking your gear temporarily not working. Check whether the listing advertises 'class-compliant' or 'driver-free' USB operation.

How to Choose a Podcast Mixer for Video Podcasts

Solo host or 1 guestBOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording
2-3 people in the room
4 or more guests regularlyMAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer

Lowest price in this lineupBOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording
FIFINE AmpliTank K688CT Podcast Microphone Kit
MAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer

MAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer)
Gives you physical faders and knobs for live gain riding, useful when hosting 3+ guests.
BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording)
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.

Standalone SD card recording as a backupCheck 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.
FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer 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 MAONO E2 GEN2 Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface Mixer justifies the extra cost.
You're a solo host just starting out, where BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording 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: FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.

Browse all podcast mixers for video podcasts on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.