The best Soundcraft digital mixer for pro audio, hands down, is the Ui24R. You get 24 mic preamps, onboard DSP, and flexible multi-device Wi‑Fi control, plus USB recording for fast setup and studio-grade playback. It blends powerful processing with scalable I/O for live and studio work, while remaining portable enough for on-site gigs. You’ll appreciate the intuitive layout, clear metering, and remote control across devices. If you want the full picture, you’ll find more details ahead.
| Soundcraft Ui24R: 24-Input Digital Mixer w/ DSP (Rack) |  |
Best All-Around | Control: Wireless control via multiple devices | Input Channels: 24 inputs | Built-in DSP/Effects: Dbx, DigiTech, Lexicon processing; Lexicon FX | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Soundcraft Ui16 Remote-Controlled 16-Input Digital Mixer |  |
Remote-Control Master | Control: Remote control via multiple devices | Input Channels: 16 inputs | Built-in DSP/Effects: Dbx, DigiTech, Lexicon processing; Lexicon FX | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Soundcraft Ui12 Remote-Controlled 12-Input Digital Mixer |  |
Compact Pro Control | Control: Remote control via cross-platform devices | Input Channels: 12 inputs | Built-in DSP/Effects: Dbx, DigiTech, Lexicon processing; Lexicon FX | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Soundcraft Notepad-8FX USB Audio Interface Mixer with Effects |  |
Entry-Level with FX | Control: Not applicable (not a digital mixer with remote control focus) | Input Channels: 8 inputs | Built-in DSP/Effects: Lexicon effects built-in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Soundcraft Si Impact 40-channel Digital Mixer |  |
Ultimate Studio-Stage Bridge | Control: Remote control via multiple devices | Input Channels: 32 input channels | Built-in DSP/Effects: Onboard DSP; generic DSP with multiple processing | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Soundcraft Ui24R: 24-Input Digital Mixer w/ DSP (Rack)
The Soundcraft Ui24R stands out for its integrated 24-input capacity with onboard DSP and versatile wireless control, making it the best choice for live sound teams that need both all-encompassing processing and remote operation. You gain 24 input channels with Studer preamps and dbx/DigiTech/Lexicon processing, plus three Lexicon FX buses for reverb, delay, and chorus. Control up to 10 devices simultaneously via Wi‑Fi or Ethernet, with independent onboard networking for flexible setup. It records multi-track rechtstreeks to USB or computer, and supports USB playback in MP3/WAV/AIFF. Subgroups, mute/view groups, and real-time analyzers ensure precise, reliable live mixes.
- Control:Wireless control via multiple devices
- Input Channels:24 inputs
- Built-in DSP/Effects:Dbx, DigiTech, Lexicon processing; Lexicon FX
- USB Connectivity/Recording:USB playback/record to USB storage or computer
- Outputs:Main XLR/quarter-inch + 4 Aux + 2 headphone
- Weights/Size:4.62 pounds; 24 x 22 x 10 inches
- Additional Feature:Independent Wi‑Fi/Ethernet control
- Additional Feature:Multi-device control (up to 10)
- Additional Feature:USB media player + recording
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Soundcraft Ui16 Remote-Controlled 16-Input Digital Mixer
If you need robust remote control across devices, the Soundcraft Ui16 stands out with its cross-platform, tablet-to-PC control and real-time analysis, letting you manage a 16-input digital mixer from iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, or Linux. You gain multi-device access (up to 10) with independent Wi‑Fi and Ethernet, ensuring reliable connectivity in live environments. Built-in processing from dbx, DigiTech, and Lexicon delivers professional sound, including AFS2, Amp Modeling, and three Lexicon busses. Each input features 4-band EQ, HPF, compressor, de-esser, and gate; outputs sport graphic EQ, gate, and compressor, plus real-time analyzers for precise tuning.
- Control:Remote control via multiple devices
- Input Channels:16 inputs
- Built-in DSP/Effects:Dbx, DigiTech, Lexicon processing; Lexicon FX
- USB Connectivity/Recording:USB playback/record
- Outputs:Main XLR/quarter-inch + 2 Aux? (Outputs listed: main stereo, two headphone, etc.)
- Weights/Size:7.9 pounds; 19 x 7 x 4.3 inches
- Additional Feature:Subgroups and snapshot recall
- Additional Feature:Real-time spectrum analysis
- Additional Feature:USB media playback/record
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Soundcraft Ui12 Remote-Controlled 12-Input Digital Mixer
Designed for live engineers who need remote flexibility, the Soundcraft Ui12 stands out with its fully remote-controlled 12-input setup and built-in Wi‑Fi/Ethernet for tablet or laptop control. You get four XLR combo mic/line inputs, four XLR mic inputs, two instrument inputs, and stereo RCA line in, all accessible via cross‑platform control. The interface provides fully recallable mic gain with phantom power, and processing includes 4‑band PEQ, HPF, compressor, de-esser, and noise gate, plus an on‑input RTA. Outputs feature 31‑band graphic EQ, noise gate, and compression on all paths, with balanced main XLR/¼” jacks, two AUX, and dual headphone outs. USB media integrates MP3/WAV/AIFF playback for on‑site cues.
- Control:Remote control via cross-platform devices
- Input Channels:12 inputs
- Built-in DSP/Effects:Dbx, DigiTech, Lexicon processing; Lexicon FX
- USB Connectivity/Recording:USB playback and USB audio
- Outputs:Main balanced XLR/quarter-inch; two headphone outputs; two Aux
- Weights/Size:(not explicitly stated in summary)
- Additional Feature:Remote mic gain control
- Additional Feature:Real-time input RF/Analysis
- Additional Feature:2-channel USB media playback
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Soundcraft Notepad-8FX USB Audio Interface Mixer with Effects
Soundcraft Notepad-8FX stands out for performers and creators who want studio-grade sound in a portable, plug‑and‑play package, because its 8-channel layout includes built-in Lexicon effects and USB audio interfacing. You get professional mic preamps, DSP effects, and a familiar channel-strip layout with EQ, aux send, master fader, and headphone control. Its durable metal enclosure supports road use, while USB connectivity enables easy Mac/PC recording and playback. Suitable for home studios, podcasts, and live streams, it blends balance and flexibility with straightforward control, delivering reliable sound quality and integrated effects without complexity. This model remains a compact, feature-rich workspace.
- Control:Not applicable (not a digital mixer with remote control focus)
- Input Channels:8 inputs
- Built-in DSP/Effects:Lexicon effects built-in
- USB Connectivity/Recording:USB audio interface
- Outputs:Main stereo outputs; no dedicated multi-aux listed
- Weights/Size:2.2 pounds; 10.7 x 11.9 x 3.5 inches
- Additional Feature:Built-in Lexicon effects
- Additional Feature:USB audio interface
- Additional Feature:Portable, durable metal chassis
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Soundcraft Si Impact 40-channel Digital Mixer
The Soundcraft Si Impact stands out for its combination of 40 DSP input channels and 32 mic preamps, making it ideal for mid-sized live productions that demand analog-like workflow with robust digital processing. You access 80-channel flexibility, 31 output buses, and a 5-inch touchscreen, plus multicolor fader LCDs for quick visual feedback. With 32 mic/line inputs, 26 motorized faders, and onboard DSP, you gain real-time processing, 4 matrix buses, and 20 aux sends for authoritative deployment. Stagebox connectivity and USB 32×32 support streamline recording and playback, while FaderGlow indicates status. Practical, portable design weighs 53 pounds for versatile venues.
- Control:Remote control via multiple devices
- Input Channels:32 input channels
- Built-in DSP/Effects:Onboard DSP; generic DSP with multiple processing
- USB Connectivity/Recording:USB interface/recording
- Outputs:Main outputs, multiple buses, stagebox connectivity
- Weights/Size:53 pounds; 27.6 x 12.9 x 9.1 inches
- Additional Feature:32 mic preamps
- Additional Feature:27+ faders with LCDs
- Additional Feature:Stagebox built-in connectivity
Factors to Consider When Choosing Soundcraft Digital Mixer
When selecting a Soundcraft digital mixer, you should evaluate preamps and gain structure to guarantee clean front-end signal integrity. Consider onboard DSP capabilities, I/O expansion options, and remote control features to match your workflow and future-proof the rig. Also assess recording and playback options to align with your production needs and data management requirements.
Preamps And Gain Structure
Preamps and gain structure are critical because clean, low-noise inputs and well-optimized level management prevent a cascade of distortion and tonal loss as you route signals through a Soundcraft digital mixer. High-quality preamps deliver a low noise floor and ample headroom, preserving detail from dynamic or sensitive mics. Proper gain structure means setting input levels to maximize signal strength without clipping, reducing hiss, noise, and compression artifacts later in the chain.
Many digital mixers offer configurable gain controls per channel, promoting consistent levels across sources and simplifying scene and mix management. Maintaining correct gain staging throughout the signal path protects overall clarity, enhances headroom, and ensures predictable behavior during fader rides, group routing, and master output processing. This focus directly influences intelligibility, tonal balance, and headroom across live and studio workflows.
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Onboard DSP Capabilities
Onboard DSP is a key differentiator when selecting a Soundcraft digital mixer, providing real-time processing like EQ, dynamics, and effects without extra hardware. You gain immediate control over signal shaping with built-in processing that stays consistent across live and studio environments. High-quality onboard DSP reduces latency, preserving timing and phase relationships during performances and recordings.
The available DSP effects vary by model, so evaluate the range you need for your typical setups and genres. Advanced DSP features support scene recall, precise channel tuning, and customized sound settings, enabling quick, repeatable setups for different venues or sessions. By handling these tasks onboard, you simplify setup, cut gear requirements, and boost overall portability without compromising sonic integrity.
I/O Expansion Options
I/O expansion options determine how many external devices and stage boxes you can connect to augment input and output capacity. You’ll want versatile I/O that supports a range of analog and digital interfaces, including AES/EBU, Dante, or MADI protocols, to match your workflow. The availability of additional I/O modules lets you tailor the setup for live sound, recording, or broadcast environments without overhauling the mixer.
A modular I/O design lets you add or upgrade connections as needs evolve, enhancing long-term scalability. Check compatibility and the number of expansion slots or ports to ensure growth aligns with future workflows. Prioritize a system that offers clear upgrade paths and minimal cabling complexity while preserving clean signal integrity. This balance drives flexible, future-ready configurations.
Remote Control Features
Remote control features define how you’ll manage the mixer from anywhere in the venue or studio. You’ll value remote capabilities that let you adjust settings and monitor audio at a distance, boosting flexibility during live performances or recording sessions. Compatibility across iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux is essential for seamless remote management.
The ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously—often up to 10—enables collaborative control without bottlenecks. Look for remote mic gain control, phantom power adjustment, and real-time frequency analysis to enhance precision and convenience. A user-friendly interface matters, but so do security options like lockouts and snapshot recalls to preserve control integrity while permitting remote access. In practice, these features translate to faster setup, fewer on-site adjustments, and cleaner, more reliable outcomes.
Recording And Playback
Recording and playback capabilities directly shape your workflow. You’ll want multi-track recording of all input channels directly to USB or external storage, ensuring your session logs stay complete without extra routing. Check compatibility with MP3, WAV, and AIFF so playback fits varied delivery or archival needs. Built-in media players and recording features matter for seamless, in-session capture and review, reducing dead air between takes.
Real-time monitoring with easy access to recorded tracks lets you audition, edit, and refine on the fly. Consider how many recording channels you have and whether the mixer supports simultaneous playback and recording to match your workflow demands. In short, robust recording and flexible playback drive efficiency and reliability.
FX And Dynamics
Are built-in effects and dynamics a deal-breaker for your Soundcraft digital mixer? You’ll evaluate onboard effects like reverb, delay, and chorus for live and recorded audio without external processors. Signal processing features—dynamic range compression, noise gates, and de-essers—control levels and suppress noise or flutter, impacting overall clarity. The quality of onboard processing directly affects sound richness and professional polish, so test depth, latency, and tonal character.
Real-time adjustment and recall of effects and dynamics allow consistent profiles across performances, reducing setup time and errors. Advanced models with multiple effect buses and customizable processing chains offer flexibility for complex mixes, enabling precise routing and sequencing. Prioritize processors that match your typical venues, genres, and workflow.
User Interface Intuition
Efficient navigation hinges on a well-designed user interface that lets you learn quickly and operate confidently. An intuitive UI reduces learning time and lets you operate the mixer effectively, so you can focus on sound. Clear labeling, organized controls, and logically grouped functions enhance ease of use, enabling faster setup and fewer errors. Touchscreen displays with customizable layouts boost accessibility to advanced features and settings, letting you tailor the workspace to your workflow.
Consistent control placement across devices supports seamless remote operation and minimizes user mistakes during gigs or remote sessions. Visual feedback—meters, color coding, and real-time analyzers—helps you make informed adjustments efficiently, translating data into actionable decisions without second-guessing your mix. In short, intuitive design drives reliability and speed.
Conclusion
If you’re weighing a Soundcraft path, you’ll find the Ui-series lines offer modern flexibility without overreach, while the Si Impact leans into larger, studio-grade control. The Ui24R and Ui16 strike a balance of portability and DSP depth, whereas the Notepad-8FX excels as a simple, reliable interface. Overall, none fall flat; each nudges you toward clearer, more reliable mixes. In short, you’re not settling—you’re choosing a capable, future-ready workflow.