Best Small Digital Mixer (2026): 3 Picks Compared

Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank

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The Allen & Heath CQ-12T leads this list with 12 channels, a 7-inch touchscreen and 16x16 USB audio. The Mackie DLZ Creator XS follows with 6 channels and 2 mic preamps, while the Behringer P16-HQ adds 16 channels and 3-band EQ per channel.

The picks at a glance

#	Pick	Product
1	Best Overall	Allen & Heath CQ-12T Digital Mixer	Check on Amazon
2	Runner-Up	Mackie DLZ Creator XS Compact 6-channel Digital	Check on Amazon
3	Also Great	Behringer Powerplay P16-HQ 16-Channel Digital Personal Monitoring	Check on Amazon

Which one should you buy?

Users who want 12 channels and Bluetooth input: Allen & Heath CQ-12T Digital Mixer See pick 1More picks: Best Audio Mixer with Bluetooth
Creators who want 2 mic preamps and 6 pads: Mackie DLZ Creator XS Compact 6-channel Digital See pick 2
Performers who control their own monitor mix: Behringer Powerplay P16-HQ 16-Channel Digital Personal Monitoring See pick 3

Want the full range? Best Mixing Board ranks the top audio mixers for every buyer, or browse all 176 guides.

The 3 picks, ranked

1Best Overall

Allen & Heath CQ-12T Digital Mixer

Mixer channels / decks not stated in the listing
USB audio to computer
Bluetooth
1-year warranty stated

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Best Overall here with 12 channels, a 7-inch touchscreen and 16x16 USB audio.

Who it suits

Users who want 12 channels and Bluetooth input
Buyers who want SD record and playback

Skip it if

You need more than 12 channels at once
You need more than 10 mic or line inputs

It has 12 channels with 10 mic or line inputs, 5 of which are combi, plus a stereo line input. A 7-inch touchscreen with rotary control and 3 custom SoftKeys handle control, and stereo Bluetooth input covers wireless sources. It carries a 16x16 USB interface and 16x16 SD record/playback, and it weighs 8.9 lb.

2Runner-Up

Mackie DLZ Creator XS Compact 6-channel Digital

Mixer channels / decks: 6
Mic preamps: 2
Bluetooth

9.1Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Runner-Up here with 6 channels, 2 mic preamps and 6 assignable pads.

Who it suits

Creators who want 2 mic preamps and 6 pads
Buyers who want headphones and XLR cables included

Skip it if

You need more than 6 channels at once
You need more than 2 mic preamps at once

The bundle holds the mixer, studio mixing headphones and two 25ft XLR cables. It has 6 channels with 2 mic preamps, 4 assignable rotary knobs, 6 assignable pads and 3 modes. A 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and USB connections round out the setup.

3Also Great

Behringer Powerplay P16-HQ 16-Channel Digital Personal Monitoring

Mixer channels / decks: 16
Bluetooth not stated in the listing
EQ bands per channel: 3

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Also Great here with 16 channels, 3-band EQ per channel and solo/mute functions.

Who it suits

Performers who control their own monitor mix
Users who want 16 channels and 3-band EQ

Skip it if

You need more than 16 channels at once
You need a mixer that weighs under 3 lb

It has 16 channels with 3-band EQ per channel and adjustable mid-band frequency on the main channel. Solo and mute functions, backlit controls and LED indicators cover live use, and a single Ultranet connection carries power and audio. It weighs 3 lb and runs on corded electric power.

Side by side

Product	Mixer channels / decks	Mic preamps	USB audio to computer	Built-in effects / amp models	48V phantom power	Bluetooth	EQ bands per channel	Weight	Warranty
Allen & Heath CQ-12T Digital Mixer	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	8.9 lb	1-year
Mackie DLZ Creator XS Compact 6-channel Digital	6	2	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated
Behringer Powerplay P16-HQ 16-Channel Digital Personal Monitoring	16	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	3	3 lb	Not stated

How we ranked these audio mixers

Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.

Mixer channels / decks weight 3
Mic preamps weight 2
USB audio to computer weight 2
Built-in effects / amp models weight 1
48V phantom power weight 1
Bluetooth weight 1

Buying advice: small digital mixer

Count the channels you need

Channels decide how many sources you mix at once. The Allen & Heath CQ-12T has 12 channels, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS has 6 channels and the Behringer P16-HQ has 16 channels. Count your microphones and line sources first, then pick the channel count that covers them.

Check the touchscreen and control layout

Touchscreens speed up control on a digital mixer. The Allen & Heath CQ-12T has a 7-inch touchscreen with rotary control and 3 custom SoftKeys. The Mackie DLZ Creator XS has a 7-inch touchscreen with 4 assignable rotary knobs and 6 assignable pads.

Use Bluetooth and USB for wireless sources

Bluetooth input brings wireless audio into the mix. The Allen & Heath CQ-12T has a stereo Bluetooth input, and the Mackie DLZ Creator XS supports Bluetooth and USB connections. The Behringer P16-HQ uses a single Ultranet connection for power and audio instead.

Frequently asked questions

How many channels do I need?

Count your sources first. The Mackie DLZ Creator XS has 6 channels, the Allen & Heath CQ-12T has 12 channels and the Behringer P16-HQ has 16 channels. Pick the count that covers your microphones and line sources.

What comes in the Mackie bundle?

The bundle holds the Mackie DLZ Creator XS mixer, studio mixing headphones and two 25ft XLR cables. The mixer itself has 6 channels, 2 mic preamps and a 7-inch touchscreen.

Can I record with the Allen & Heath CQ-12T?

Yes. It has a 16x16 USB interface for audio to a computer and 16x16 SD record and playback. A 7-inch touchscreen with rotary control and 3 custom SoftKeys handle control.

What is the Behringer P16-HQ for?

It is a 16-channel digital personal monitoring mixer. Performers control their own monitor mix with level, panorama and EQ adjustments, and a single Ultranet connection carries power and audio.