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Digital Mixer is a modern audio mixing device that uses digital technology to process and adjust audio signals. Digital mixers offer unparalleled flexibility in audio processing with the ability to store and restore settings, making them increasingly essential in professional audio environments. Research shows a 40% reduction in setup time compared to analog systems.

This device stands out with advantages such as integrating many diverse audio processing features, the ability to store settings, flexible remote control and high sound quality. However, digital mixers also have some limitations such as signal latency, high cost and require specialized knowledge to operate.

Digital mixers are widely used in many fields such as performance stages, professional recording studios, karaoke systems, and conference sound.

This equipment is classified according to many criteria such as purpose of use (karaoke mixer, performance mixer, recording mixer), operating technique (full digital or hybrid), and number of input channels (4-8 channels or 16-32 channels or more).

The digital mixer market is diverse with many prestigious brands such as Yamaha, Behringer, Soundcraft, Allen & Heath, Midas, Roland, Presonus and Tascam, meeting the needs from popular to professional with different features and advantages.

If you are interested in digital mixers, please refer to the details in the article below.

What is a digital mixer?

A digital mixer is a modern audio mixing device that uses digital technology to process and adjust audio signals.

This is one of the popular types of mixers in professional sound systems, widely used in large stages, halls, recording studios, wedding sound systems, bars, clubs, and many other spaces.

Advantages and disadvantages of digital mixer

Digital mixers are the ideal choice for professional sound systems thanks to their modern features, flexible storage and processing capabilities, compact design, superior sound quality and diverse connectivity.

However, digital mixers have some disadvantages such as signal latency, high cost, and complexity in use that can be a barrier for some users. But for those with experience and the right budget, this is still a great choice for professional sound systems.

What are the advantages of digital mixers?

Here are the 6 main advantages of digital mixers:

Integrates many modern features: Digital mixers are equipped with a variety of audio processing tools such as EQ, compressor, reverb, delay and many other effects. This helps users easily customize the sound according to their needs without the need for additional external processing devices.
Ability to store and recall settings: One of the great advantages of digital mixers is the ability to store sound settings. This is very useful when using in repeat events or performances, saving time and effort when having to set up from scratch.
Flexible remote control: Many digital mixers support remote control via an app on a phone, tablet, or computer. This allows the sound technician to adjust the sound from anywhere in the event space.
Compact, space-saving design: Compared to analog mixers, digital mixers are often more compact in design but integrate more features. This helps save space and makes them easier to move, especially suitable for mobile sound systems.
High sound quality and precise processing: Digital mixers use digital signal processing (DSP) technology, allowing for high-precision sound processing, minimizing noise and distortion. This ensures better output sound quality, suitable for large stages or professional studios.
Scalability and diverse connectivity: Digital mixers often support a variety of modern ports and protocols such as USB, Ethernet, or Dante, making it easy to integrate with other audio devices or audio network systems.

What are the disadvantages of digital mixers?

5 disadvantages of digital mixers to be aware of:

Signal delay: Digital mixers need to convert audio signals from analog to digital for processing, then convert them back again. This process can cause greater signal latency than analog mixers, especially in real-time applications.
High price: Digital mixers are often more expensive than their analog counterparts, making them less suitable for those on a budget or with small sound systems.
Depends on software and control device: Some digital mixers require the use of software on a computer or phone for calibration. This can be inconvenient if you don't have the right equipment or if the software fails.
More complex failure potential: Due to the use of digital technology and complex electronic components, digital mixers can be more difficult to repair when problems arise, and the repair cost is also higher than analog mixers.
Difficult to use for beginners: Digital mixers often integrate many features and complex interfaces, requiring users to have certain knowledge and skills to operate. New users may take a long time to get familiar with and exploit all the features of the device.

What applications does a digital mixer have in a sound system?

Digital mixer is an indispensable device in modern sound systems, from performance stages, recording studios, to home karaoke and is widely used in mobile and conference sound systems.

In addition, digital mixers also help connect electric instruments such as keyboards and electric guitars effectively, so they are a priority choice for bands.

Audio signal mixing and processing

A digital mixer is capable of receiving multiple input signals from different sources such as microphones, musical instruments, or music playback devices. It then processes and mixes these signals to create high-quality output sound, suitable for each space and purpose.

Applications in performance stages and halls

Digital mixers are commonly used in professional stage and auditorium sound systems. Thanks to their precise signal processing and integration of many sound effects, mixers help optimize sound quality for live performances, conferences, or large events.

Professional recording studio

In recording studios, digital mixers are indispensable tools for processing sounds from musical instruments and vocals. It allows engineers to adjust tones, add effects, and balance sounds to create a complete, high-quality recording.

Family and professional karaoke system

Digital mixers are also used in karaoke systems, from home to professional. They help adjust the volume, balance vocals and background music, and add effects like echo or reverb to create a more immersive karaoke experience.

Connect to electronic instruments and modern devices

Digital mixers are capable of connecting to a wide variety of electronic instruments such as keyboards, electric guitars, or digital music players. This makes them ideal for bands, DJs, or modern music performances.

Applications in mobile audio systems

With its compact design and remote control via app, the digital mixer is perfect for mobile sound systems, such as outdoor events, fairs, or road shows.

Conference sound system

Digital mixers are also used in conference sound systems where multiple microphones and different input signals need to be handled. It helps ensure clear, noise-free sound, and is suitable for large spaces.

Digital Mixer Classification

Digital mixers come in many different types, classified based on intended use, operating technique, number of input channels, or brand.

Classification by purpose of use

Digital mixers are designed to serve different needs in the audio field. There are 3 common types including:

Karaoke mixer: This type of mixer is optimized for home or professional karaoke systems. It often integrates effects such as echo and reverb to support vocals, making the sound more vivid.
Live Sound Mixer: Used in live performances, stages, or halls. This type of mixer is capable of handling multiple input channels at the same time, integrating powerful audio processing tools to ensure the best sound quality in large spaces.
Studio Mixer: This type of mixer is designed for professional recording studios. It supports detailed signal processing, integrates many effects and the ability to connect to other recording devices to create high-quality recordings.

Classification by operating technique

Based on signal processing and operating techniques, digital mixers can be divided into 2 types:

Full Digital Mixer: The entire audio signal is digitized and processed using digital technology. This type allows for in-depth fine-tuning, fast and accurate signal processing, and integrates many modern features.
Analog mixer operated digitally (Hybrid Mixer): This is a mixer that combines analog and digital technology. The audio signal is still transmitted according to analog principles, but has integrated digital features for signal processing, providing flexibility in operation.

Classification by number of input channels

Digital mixers can also be classified based on the number of input channels it supports:

Few channel mixer (4-8 channels): Suitable for small sound systems such as home karaoke or small events.
Multi-channel mixer (16-32 channels or more): Used in large sound systems such as stages, halls, or professional studios, where multiple sound sources need to be processed at the same time.

Classification by brand and price segment

In addition to the above classifications, digital mixers are also divided by brand (such as Yamaha, Behringer, Allen & Heath, Soundcraft, etc.) or price segment (from popular to high-end) to suit the needs and budget of users.

Top best digital mixer products today

There are 8 digital mixer products on the market that are highly appreciated by users: Yamaha TF Series; Behringer X32; Soundcraft Si Impact; Allen & Heath QU Series; Midas M32; Roland V-Mixer Series; Presonus StudioLive Series; Tascam Model 24. See details of outstanding advantages to make the right choice.

Yamaha TF Series

Yamaha TF Series is a professional digital mixer line, designed with a friendly, easy-to-use interface. It integrates features such as EQ, compressor, and powerful sound effects.

Characteristics:

Supports multiple input channels (16, 24, or 32 channels).
Integrated touch screen for quick and accurate operation.

Application: Suitable for performance stages, halls, and professional studios.

Behringer X32

The Behringer X32 is one of the most popular digital mixers available today, thanks to its powerful processing capabilities and reasonable price.

Characteristics:

Supports 32 input channels and 16 output buses.
Integrate remote control interface via application on phone or tablet.
Ability to store and recall presets.

Application: Widely used in live performances, halls, and studios.

Soundcraft Si Impact

The Soundcraft Si Impact is a premium digital mixer that delivers exceptional sound quality and an easy-to-use interface.

Characteristics:

Supports 40 input channels.
Integrated Lexicon, DBX, and BSS effects.
Ability to connect to devices via Dante protocol.

Application: Suitable for large stages, halls, and professional music events.