The 11 Best Karaoke Mixers in 2023 – Reviews & Buyer Guide

If the first time you saw one, you scratched your head perplexed in front of all those knobs and inputs, you may probably have some doubts on how to choose a karaoke mixer.

Don’t worry, though, because there are many ‘entry-level’ models on the market with a simple layout that allows you to start using them immediately.

On the other hand, the mixers are not only used for large concerts but also simply to connect a microphone and a speaker to organize a fun karaoke evening with your friends and family.

Here we had selected the best karaoke mixer for you that are present below.

Karaoke Mixer Buyer Guide

Channels

Seeing the image of a mixer, you have probably seen a series of knobs and inputs, usually divided by columns.

These represent the controls of the different channels available, in which the different musical instruments, devices, speakers or microphones are connected according to requirements.

Count that a professional mixer can even have 40 channels, but obviously, we are talking about expensive products used by recording studios or sound technicians who earn their bread with music.

If you want to set up karaoke, you just need two channels and outputs for the speakers so that you can opt for a small mixer. Such a model is also perfect for the voices of a band or to amplify an acoustic or classical guitar.

Dj Mixer

You have probably heard of DJ mixers and consoles, but you don’t know how they differ. Well, the DJ mixer is very similar to a standard model with its inputs and its knobs, but it has some more functions such as the Crossfader that allows you to switch from one channel to another for mixing tracks.

Usually, DJ mixers connect to one or more turntables, the ‘turntables’ used by rap DJs for scratching and mixing. DJ consoles, on the other hand, are more suitable for beginners and intermediate deejays.

As they have all the controls and usually have an integrated sound card that allows you to connect passive speakers. If you want to start practising, we recommend you opt for a console, as it is more versatile and easier to use.

Dimensions and Materials

Some mixers can be very cumbersome, so if you are looking for a product to use at home or in a small rehearsal room, we advise you to be very careful with this detail.

Usually, the dimensions go hand in hand with the channels; therefore, by buying a product with 2 or 4 channels, you will still be able to find the necessary space to fix it.

Also make sure that the materials are well made, especially if you intend to transport the mixer from home to the rehearsal room or to the venue where the performance will take place.

For Beginners

Mixers are complex enough devices to use, especially if you are a beginner and have no notion of sound engineering. On the other hand, when you are in front of all those knobs and buttons, you can be intimidated, without knowing what you need to do to connect and activate a microphone.

This mixer is a good solution for those looking for a very easy to use the product the immediate and straightforward layout allows you to find the right connection for the microphone or speakers immediately.

So you can immediately set up a system for a party in a small room or a rehearsal room, adjusting the volumes simply and intuitively.

Versatile

The compact size makes it very practical to carry, very comfortable, therefore for musicians or DJs who are used to go around clubs to play live.

The mixer can be placed on a table or desk without taking up too much space, to always find room for the rest of the instruments.

DJs will enjoy the presence of various mixing controls such as the Post Fader FX which allows you to use the mixer with turntables.

Nothing professional is to be expected, but newbies will still be able to appreciate this function and start practising before moving on to a real DJ mixer.

Sound

On an audio level, this mixer does not disappoint with an excellent stable sound and without distortion. The sound timbre is reminiscent of the classic ‘British’ band, so if attached to good speakers, you can get a nice warm and round vintage sound typical of the 60s-70s rock.

An ideal solution for a band of this genre who wants to buy a mixer for their rehearsal room, or only for the various live shows they plan to do.

Obviously, in this case, to obtain the best sound for the voice and the amplified instruments, it is necessary to learn a minimum of notions on the equalization of the mixer channels.

How to Use the Mixer?

The mixer is one of those devices in front of which even the most experienced musicians often have no idea where to get their hands.

It is no coincidence that to understand how to use it, and you need to practice a lot and study. We can just give you some tips, so you can start to see what the essential functions are and where to connect your microphone and speakers.

According to The Needs

Using a mixer depends a lot on what you want to do. For example, if your purpose is to practice singing or amplify your voice in the rehearsal room, then all you have to do is attach the mixer to the power outlet and connect the microphone to the appropriate Jack input (XLR).

Once this is done, you will have to find the channel where you have attached the microphone and turn up the volume, trying the voice.

Usually, the volume, equalization and microphone input are on the same column as the mixer. Still, if you purchased a product with only two channels, you would have no difficulty finding the right one. If possible, get help from a member of the band, so you can check the vocals while adjusting the volumes.

A Chest Is Essential

Remember that the mixer does not have an internal speaker; for this, you will necessarily have to connect it to speakers.

To amplify the microphone, you can use a single active speaker connected to the mixer, which we recommend you keep on a pole so that the other instruments do not dominate the voice. This is very important, especially if you play in a band with distorted electric guitars and a drum kit.

For karaoke, instead, you must also connect the device from which to play the pieces on one of the output channels to the mixer, keeping the microphone at the input so that you can superimpose your voice over the music.

Equalization

As for the equalization of the microphone channel and the speakers, you will have to try to get a good mix of bass and treble by making several attempts. Always remember that many mixers have a red LED signal that lights up when the ‘peak’ of the volume is reached.

The ‘peak’ is the limit in which the sound emitted by the voice or instrument can be reproduced without distortion or rustling and above all, without destroying the instrumentation! Always be very careful not to pull the volume to the maximum.

If you organize a party in a small venue, always remember to invite the right number of people, as the more you are, the more the sound will be ‘obstructed’ by the bodies in front of the speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Mixer Used For?

The mixer, as the name implies, is a device that allows you to mix between the various instruments on a stage or to adjust the values ​​of the different audio tracks during the production of a disc.

In principle, it is mainly used for live events, and in recording studios, although it is a trendy device even by DJs who use turntables, it is also used for setting up karaoke evenings or for conferences where there are multiple interlocutors at the microphone.

How Does an Audio Mixer Work?

The audio mixer has several channels that can range from two to forty. Each channel has an input in which to connect an instrument or a microphone.

For example, on a four-channel mixer, it is possible to connect two microphones and two keyboards to be able to amplify them through speakers, always connected to the mixer.

Through the audio mixer, it will be possible to adjust the volumes and equalization of the various instruments or associate the channels to different audio tracks during the production of musical pieces in the studio.

How to Adjust a Mixer for Singing?

Simply connect the microphone to the mixer via a jack or XLR cable. Instead of maximizing the volume, try the voice by gradually raising it and trying to find the right compromise with the other instruments present in the rehearsal room or with the volume of the piece on which you want to practice.

Always pay attention to the ‘peak’, that is the limit in which the sound can be reproduced without distortion and without damaging the system (and often also your hearing). Mixers usually have a red LED that lights up when this peak is reached, so always check it out and don’t overdo it.

How to Connect External Effects to The Mixer?

To connect external effects to the mixer, you will have to use a special cable, connecting it to one of the channels. For example, you can think of connecting your DJ console, speakers and microphone to a single mixer in order to manage the equalization and volume of each connected device.

DJ mixers are ideal for using turntables, as they have a crossfader and different controls on the two channels that allow you to mix tracks with precision.

How to Connect the Mixer to The Pc and To the Speaker?

On the back of the mixer, you will find the L \ R inputs to connect the speaker. As for the PC, you can connect it to one of the channels.

In order to manage the volume directly from the mixer without having to intervene on the computer’s audio settings. If your PC has an internal sound card, you can use it as a ‘pre-amplifier’ for passive speakers.