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Our Top 3 Mixing Consoles
The best digital mixer for ipad control is the Behringer XR18 which provides an 18-input digital mixer for users requiring high-density connectivity for studio or live applications.
If you read one thing on this page, read these 3.
#1 – Behringer XR18
Best for: users requiring high-density inputs for live sound or studio setups with a tablet-controlled interface.
Why the Behringer XR18 is our #1 pick
- Listed at $509 in November 2026 – entry among those compared; the price moves, so check it
- 4.6 rating from 797 ratings
Number of Inputs: 18-input
To put that number of inputs in context, pick #2 states 8 and pick #3 states 24 input.
#2 – Behringer FLOW 8 Digital Mixer
Best for: those seeking a budget-friendly entry point for remote-controlled mixing via a mobile app.
Why the Behringer FLOW 8 Digital Mixer is our #2 pick
- Listed at $179 in November 2026 – entry among those compared; the price moves, so check it
- 4.4 rating from 100 ratings
Number of Inputs: 8
For comparison on number of inputs, pick #1 states 18-input and pick #3 states 24 input.
#3 – Soundcraft Ui24R
Best for: large-scale productions needing 24 inputs and simultaneous Wi-Fi and Ethernet control for multiple devices.
Why the Soundcraft Ui24R is our #3 pick
- Listed at $509 in November 2026 – entry among those compared; the price moves, so check it
- 4.4 rating from 994 ratings
Number of Inputs: 24 input
Against the other picks on number of inputs, pick #1 states 18-input and pick #2 states 8.
You might also consider our full review of the Notepad-12FX for a smaller footprint.
How EB Servant picked: we started from the 200 most-reviewed mixing console listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories, off-category products and 6 listings whose price did not fit their specifications, and 112 qualified. The picks on this page were selected from those 112 candidates against this topic’s requirements. The order of the picks reflects fit to this topic; each shows its rating and the number of ratings behind it, so you can weigh how much to trust it. Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked November 2026).
What We Recommend and Why
A successful mobile mixing workflow allows you to manage complex signal chains from a distance without compromising on the number of available channels. This mobility is only possible when the hardware includes a built-in router or dedicated remote-control app to maintain the link between the tablet and the console.
The Behringer XR18 provides the necessary 18-input capacity for large-scale projects, whereas the Soundcraft Ui24R is the choice for users needing 24 input options. The Behringer FLOW 8 is a suitable pick for those who prefer a more compact, Bluetooth-enabled setup.
Our team selected these 3 models after screening 112 mixing consoles at EB Servant to ensure they met our requirements for tablet-controlled operation. The shortlist covers a price range from $179 to $509, with a median price of $509.
Examine the technical requirements to ensure your hardware meets the minimum necessary specs.
Find answers to common questions in the FAQ.
Explore the detailed reviews for an in-depth analysis of every individual product.
Mixing Consoles in Brief, Before You Read the Rest
- Top pick: Behringer XR18 at $509 (Number of Inputs: 18-input).
- Also picked: Behringer FLOW 8 Digital Mixer at $179; Soundcraft Ui24R at $509.
- We compared 5 Mixing Consoles, from $179 to $539, median $509.
- Best buyer rating in the comparison: Behringer XR18 at 4.6/5 from 797 ratings.
Full Comparison Table of Sound Boards
| Product | Price | Rating | Number of Inputs | WiFi signal range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behringer XR18 | $509 | 4.6 (797 ratings) | 18-input | Tri-mode Wi-Fi router |
| Behringer FLOW 8 Digital Mixer | $179 | 4.4 (100 ratings) | 8 | Bluetooth Connectivity |
| Soundcraft Ui24R | $509 | 4.4 (994 ratings) | 24 input | Simultaneous Wi-Fi and Ethernet |
| Behringer X Air XR16 Digital Mixer | $509 | 4.3 (147 ratings) | 16 | — |
| QSC TouchMix-8 Digital Mixer | $539 | 4.4 (114 ratings) | 12 | — |
Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding. “Not stated” means the manufacturer listing does not give that figure – we do not estimate it.
Among our top picks, the Behringer FLOW 8 Digital Mixer is the value leader at $22.38 per input, providing an accessible entry point for tablet-controlled mixing.
The Full Review of Each Mixing Console We Picked
The 3 picks below are reviewed in the same order as the cards above.
Behringer XR18
The XR18 made the list because it provides a high 18-input count for professional use while offering a tablet-controlled interface for remote workflows.
What we like: This mixer provides 16 MIDAS-designed fully programmable mic preamps and a built-in Tri-mode Wi-Fi router for stable wireless control. It includes Dugan-style Auto-mixing, a method for sharing microphone gain automatically to prevent individual channels from overpowering the mix.
Keep in mind: The XR18 is not rack mountable, which may limit its placement options in a permanent studio rack setup.
Soundcraft Ui24R
The Soundcraft Ui24R is included for its 24-input capacity and extensive signal processing options for users requiring a high-density mixing console.
What we like: This model features 24 inputs and independent network interfaces for simultaneous Wi-Fi and Ethernet control. It includes 3 dedicated Lexicon FX busses for reverb, delay, and chorus, alongside 31-band graphic EQ and noise gate on all outputs.
Keep in mind: While it supports up to 10 simultaneous control devices, the 3 mix buses may limit complex routing for large productions.
Behringer FLOW 8 Digital Mixer
The FLOW 8 is a budget-friendly entry point for tablet-based mixing, offering a compact way to manage a small signal chain remotely.
What we like: This unit features Bluetooth connectivity and a remote-controlled app for easy access on mobile devices. It offers 8 channels and a 10 x 2 USB audio interface for recording or streaming.
Keep in mind: With only 8 inputs, this mixer is intended for small setups and may lack the expansion required for larger bands.
Which mixer offers the best value for a small band that only needs 8-12 channels?
The Behringer FLOW 8 provides the best value for a small band needing 8-12 channels because its $179 price point covers the 8-input requirement without the cost of higher-tier hardware. If you need more than 8 inputs but fewer than 18, the XR18 provides a larger buffer of inputs for $509. For your specific needs, count your required microphones and instruments; if you have 8 or fewer, the FLOW 8 is the most economical choice, but if you anticipate growing to 12 channels, the XR18 provides the necessary overhead.
Use our audience checklist to see which console matches your specific workflow.
Consult the buying guide to understand the technical criteria for selecting a tablet-ready mixer.
View the comparison table to see all featured models side by side.
If you need high-quality onboard processing, see the best compact mixer with lexicon effects.
What to Look For in an Audio Mixer
Stability of the dedicated tablet app interface
Prioritize a mixing console that supports a dedicated tablet app, the software interface used to manage the mixer’s parameters remotely. You can control all 24 inputs on the Soundcraft Ui24R from a tablet or phone, while the Behringer XR18 allows for 18-input control. These options provide a more streamlined workflow than the Allen & Heath SQ Series, which serves as the industry benchmark for mid-range digital mixing workflows. Because the Ui24R supports up to 10 simultaneous control devices, you can distribute the workload across multiple tablets to prevent software lag during complex mixes.
How a built-in Wi-Fi router improves signal range
Select a mixer with a built-in Wi-Fi router, like the Behringer XR18, to ensure a stable connection for your tablet-controlled mixing console. A dedicated router maintains the signal over a larger area than a standard hotspot, which can drop out as you move around the stage. The Soundcraft Ui24R provides independent network interfaces for simultaneous Wi-Fi and Ethernet control, offering a secondary wired path if wireless range becomes an issue. While the Yamaha CL/QL Series is the professional standard for large-scale touring, these models provide the necessary wireless infrastructure for mobile setups without requiring external networking hardware.
Remote control capacity for every input channel
You can control every input on the Soundcraft Ui24R, which features a 24-input capacity, or the 18-input count on the Behringer XR18. Some mixers limit remote control to a subset of channels, but these models allow you to manage the full signal path from your tablet. The Behringer FLOW 8 provides 8 channels of remote-controlled mixing, making it a smaller-scale option for compact rigs. If your setup requires more than 18 channels, none of the models on this page provide the necessary capacity to reach that level of input count.
Minimizing network latency between tablet and mixer
Minimize delay by using a wired connection or a high-speed Wi-Fi router, as network latency can cause a disconnect between your tablet’s movements and the mixer’s output. The Soundcraft Ui24R supports Ethernet control alongside Wi-Fi to minimize these delays for time-sensitive tasks. While the Dante standard is a common networking standard for digital audio that helps synchronize signals across a network, none of the models on this page state they support it. For the best response, keep your tablet within a clear line of sight of the mixer’s internal router or network ports.
How touchscreen responsiveness affects mixing console control
Choose a model with a stable tablet app to ensure your touch inputs translate quickly to the mixing console. You start by opening the app on your tablet, move a fader on the screen, and see the mixer react instantly to the change. The Soundcraft Ui24R and Behringer XR18 both use tablet-controlled interfaces to provide this experience. Because the FLOW 8 uses a remote-controlled Bluetooth connection, you may experience a different response time than the direct Wi-Fi or wired connections used by the other models.
For a more portable option, explore how the Notepad-8FX performs in various scenarios.
What Each Job Calls For vs What These Picks State
Match the job you actually need done to the figure it calls for, then check which picks state that figure or more. Where none do, the row says so.
| What you want to do | The figure it calls for | Picks at or above it |
|---|---|---|
| Control a mobile mixing setup from a phone or tablet | Bluetooth connectivity | FLOW 8 |
| Run a mid-sized live mix with tablet control | 18 inputs | XR18 |
| Manage a large-scale production with tablet control | 24 inputs | Ui24R |
These figures are the levels this category is generally held to, not manufacturer claims. A pick at or above a figure states that number; how it reaches it and the rest of your setup still decide the job, so check them against your own workload before buying.
Who Buys Mixing Consoles, and What It Really Costs
Who buys a mixing console, and what each one needs
- House worship leaders — tablet control for mixing without a large physical footprint
- Podcast producers — 24-bit / 48kHz resolution (standard for high-quality digital audio) for clear voice recording
- Mobile DJs — remote software interface to manage the mix from a handheld device
- Live streamers — 48V Phantom Power (power for condenser microphones) for high-quality vocal inputs
- Conference organizers — enough input count (total quantity of simultaneous signals) to handle multiple microphones
What a sound board really costs, and where to buy one
What to budget for on top of the sound board
- Microphones — required to capture the source audio signal
- Cables — XLR or TRS (balanced connectors) to connect inputs to the console
- Tablet mount — hardware to secure the control device during a performance
- Internet router — provides the network connection for remote software control
What you can leave out of the budget
- Analog mixing desk — unnecessary when using a digital mixer with tablet control
- External power supply — most units run on standard wall outlets or batteries
Where this kind of product is normally sold
- Musical instrument retailers — offer hands-on testing and manufacturer warranties
- Online electronics marketplaces — provide competitive pricing and wide shipping options
- Pro audio specialty stores — provide expert advice on signal flow and connectivity
What It Takes to Run One, and What to Verify
Power and connection requirements for remote mixing
You need a corded electric power source to operate these mixing consoles. Each unit requires a flat surface to sit on while you manage your audio signals.
- The Soundcraft Ui24R requires a dedicated Wi-Fi router or Ethernet connection for remote control, as it provides independent network interfaces for simultaneous Wi-Fi and Ethernet control.
- The Behringer XR18 includes a built-in Tri-mode Wi-Fi router, which provides wireless connectivity for the tablet-controlled interface without needing an external hub.
- The Behringer FLOW 8 connects via Bluetooth, which allows for remote-controlled mixing without a dedicated Wi-Fi router or wired network.
Verifying Your Order
Warranty cover and return windows differ by seller and country. Confirm these details before the return window closes.
- Verify that the number of inputs matches your requirements, as the Soundcraft Ui24R provides 24 inputs while the Behringer FLOW 8 provides 8.
- Check that the device is not physically damaged, as the Soundcraft Ui24R is rack mountable and the Behringer XR18 is not.
- Confirm the connectivity type, such as the USB hardware interface on the XR18 and Ui24R or the Bluetooth connectivity on the FLOW 8.
Plug the unit into power and perform a basic signal test with a microphone or instrument to ensure the routing is correct before you begin your session.
Mixing Consoles: The Questions This Choice Raises
Is there a hidden cost for the mixer app?
The mixer app for the Behringer FLOW 8 does not require a monthly subscription or one-time license fee, as the remote control app is included with the hardware. While the Soundcraft Ui24R and Behringer XR18 also support tablet control, the provided data does not state if their specific software requires a separate purchase.
What happens to the mix if the tablet loses its connection?
The mixing console maintains the current mix even if the tablet loses its connection, as these units process audio internally rather than relying on the remote for real-time signal pathing. Because the Behringer XR18 and Soundcraft Ui24R use internal Wi-Fi routers or independent network interfaces, the audio continues to run even if the remote link drops.
Can I use my existing iPad or do I need a specific Android device?
You can use your existing iPad or Android device because the Behringer XR18 and Soundcraft Ui24R are compatible with both iOS and Android systems. The Behringer FLOW 8 also supports remote control via an app, though the data does not specify a required hardware model beyond the included remote control app.
Which tablet-controlled mixing console should I buy?
The mixing console you should buy depends on your required input count and budget. The Soundcraft Ui24R provides a 24-input capacity for $509, while the Behringer XR18 offers 18 inputs for the same $509 price point. If you need a more compact entry point, the Behringer FLOW 8 provides 8 inputs for around $179.
Check the setup and warranty notes for installation requirements and manufacturer support details.
Review the article scope to see exactly which brands and models are included.
Browse our top picks for a quick glance at the best-performing options.
Who Should Skip These Sound Boards
If your work involves large-scale touring that requires the processing power of the Yamaha CL/QL Series, these options may not meet your requirements. These models are designed for high-headroom processing and large-scale infrastructure that exceeds the capacity of a tablet-controlled mixing console.
For those requiring high-headroom processing and large-scale touring capabilities, you should look for professional-grade mixing consoles. You may also find a more specific setup in our guide for best mixing console for beginners.