This article compares three of the most popular USB audio mixers to see if one stands out above the others. If you need an audio mixer for live events, video streaming, home recording, or video conferencing, keep reading to see which one is right for you.
Quick Answer: The Mackie ProFX10v3 is our favorite USB audio mixer in this group, thanks to its helpful extra features. The Yamaha MG10XU comes a close second, while the Behringer Q1202 is a distant third.
- Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB: https://currentprice.io/qx1202usb
- Yamaha MG10XU: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
- Mackie ProFX10v3: https://currentprice.io/profx10v3
Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB Audio Mixer
The Behringer Xenyx Q1202 is marketed as a premium USB audio mixing console, but we don’t feel that is the case. Every analog Behringer mixer we have ever owned has had massive build quality issues.
When buying this mixer for comparisons and reviews, it took us three attempts to find a new one that was working! After a week, the power supply is now making a loud buzzing sound; we will be returning our Behringer mixer.
The console we are reviewing doesn’t have a built-in FX module like the other mixers. However, this feature is available on other Behringer Q1202 models, so it’s not fair to mark it down on that alone.
Features We Like
- Main stereo output fader
- FX send sub-master
- Main stereo output affects the USB output
This is not true of the Yamaha or Mackie consoles. - 4 Compressors
Compared to the 2 on the Yamaha and Mackie.
Yamaha MG10XU USB Audio Mixer
The Yamaha MG10XU is a step up from the Behringer in terms of reliability. We have 15 of these mixers, which have seen action at between 5,000 and 7,000 events. In all that time, we’ve never had a single hardware-related issue.
Features We Like
- 26 dB pads for the XLR/Combi Jack inputs
Allows 4 x instrument-level inputs without a DI box. This is missing on the Behringer. - 4 dB more gain than the Behringer
While maintaining comparable levels of noise. - USB input channel strip
The Yamaha gives you full control over incoming USB audio, which is lacking on the Behringer. - Balanced outputs and XLR outputs
An upgrade over the Behringer. - Line-level RCA inputs
Mackie ProFX10v3 USB Audio Mixer
We feel the Mackie ProFX10v3 is another step up from the Yamaha MG10XU. It is our favorite mixer that we’re comparing.
The Mackie only loses ground to the Yamaha in having 2 direct instrument level inputs compared to the Yamaha’s 4.
Features We Like
- 4 x Channel inserts
These allow you to use an external compressor, reverb unit, or other effects modules. - Channel mute buttons
Helpful for live events and streaming as you can set your channel levels in advance and then mute/unmute as required without losing your mix. - 3 Band EQ on all channels
For line-level channels, the Behringer has no EQ, and the Yamaha only has 2 band EQ. - Individual control knobs for headphones and studio monitors
The Behringer and Yamaha only have one knob that does both. - 4 audio inputs through 1 USB cable
You can blend two of these with live mixer audio at zero latency.
Behringer vs Yamaha vs Mackie Specs
Behringer Q1202 | Yamaha MG10XU | Mackie ProFX10v3 | |
Channels | 12 | 10 | 10 (4 x mono, 3 x stereo) |
Computer Connectivity | USB (2 x 2) | USB (2 x 2) | USB (2 x 4) |
Mic Inputs | 4 x XLR | 4 x XLR-1/4″ Combo | 2 x XLR-1/4″ combo, 2 x XLR |
Line Inputs | 12 x TRS | 6 x TRS | 2 x 1/4″, 4 x 1/4″ (2 x stereo), 1 x 1/8″ (stereo) |
Phantom Power | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Main Outputs | 4 x TRS | 2 x XLR, 2 x TRS | 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4″ (L/R), 2 x 1/4″ (control room) |
Aux Sends | 1 x Post | 1 x Post | 1 x FX Send (post) |
Inserts | None | None | 4 x 1/4″ (channel) |
Headphones | 1 x 1/4″ | 1 x 1/4″ | 1 x 1/4″ |
USB | 1 x Type B | 1 x Type B | 1 x Type B |
EQ Bands | 3-band EQ (4 channels), 85Hz Low-cut Filter | 3-band EQ (4 channels), 2-band EQ, 80Hz High Pass Filter | 3-band EQ, 100Hz Low-cut Filter |
Signal Processing | 4 x Channel Compressors | 2 x Channel Compressors | 2 x Channel Compressors |
Effects | Klark Teknik FX (100 Presets) | SPX effect processors (24 FX) | GigFX Engine (24 FX) |
Best Small Audio Mixer Under $230 Pricing
- Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB: https://currentprice.io/qx1202usb
- Yamaha MG10XU: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
- Mackie ProFX10v3: https://currentprice.io/profx10v3
