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Soundcraft Notepad-12FX
The Notepad-12FX processes 12 channels of audio, so it suits you if you need a portable desktop mixer.
12-channel number of inputs
- Number of Inputs
- 12-channel
4.3/5 from 996 buyers
- Average buyer rating
- 4.3 out of 5
- Ratings behind it
- 996
- What that supports
- A large enough sample to read as a real buyer signal
- Where it comes from
- The product listing, read 9 November 2026
3 deciding specs not stated
- Power Output
- Not stated in the listing – confirm with the seller before ordering
- Sampling Rate
- Not stated in the listing – confirm with the seller before ordering
- Bit Depth
- Not stated in the listing – confirm with the seller before ordering
Suits podcast hosts
- Podcast hosts
- Live streamers
- Small church worship teams
- Bedroom music producers
Where the Notepad-12FX Fits
Soundcraft Notepad-12FX mixes 12-channel audio signals for users who need to record a multi-track session for a small group or run a podcast with 4 guests.
A 12-channel mixer allows you to record a multi-track session for a small group by providing enough inputs for every instrument and vocal. The Soundcraft Notepad-12FX facilitates this by offering 12-channel capacity alongside Lexicon reverb, chorus, and delay effects.
The Notepad-12FX is priced around $250.74 and features a USB hardware interface for connecting to a computer. This setup allows for a streamlined workflow when moving from a live mix to a digital recording.
This model was selected from 112 mixing consoles as one of 15 for a full review because it is among the most-rated products that pass screening, holding 996 buyer ratings. Our full review is based on a spec breakdown of the options we compared.
For those seeking a fully digital workflow, read our spec breakdown of the Ui24R.
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. This product is one of 15 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked November 2026).
The Short Answer on the Notepad-12FX
Best for: you need to record a multi-track session for a small group or run a podcast with up to 4 guests.
The Soundcraft Notepad-12FX is a capable choice for these tasks at the $250.74 mark.
- Pro: The 12-channel mixer provides enough inputs to connect a full studio rack of outboard gear.
- Pro: Integrated Lexicon reverb, chorus, and delay provide built-in effects without extra hardware.
- Pro: The 4 mic/line combo inputs allow for flexible connection of different microphone types.
- Con: The 12-channel limit is not enough to mix a live band with a full drum kit.
- Con: The lack of rack mountable hardware means this unit requires a dedicated surface for placement.
Don’t buy this if: you need to mix a live band with a full drum kit, which requires at least 16 to 24 inputs.
Price assessment: The $250.74 price is a fair entry point for a mixer including Lexicon effects and USB I/O.
EB Servant score: 7.4/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
For more compact options, see our list of the best small audio mixer for home studio setups.
The Specifications That Matter
| Number of Inputs | 12-channel |
| Connectivity Type | USB |
| Control Interface | Analog |
| Built-in Effects | Yes |
| Rack Mountable | No |
| Item Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 13.4 x 11.9 x 3.5 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
The 12-channel Number of Inputs measures the total quantity of individual audio signals that can be connected simultaneously.
Before You Buy: Mixing Console Checklist
The first thing to check is the 12-channel input count to ensure your specific project fits the mixer’s capacity.
- ☐ Confirm the 12-channel count—if you need to mix a live band with a full drum kit, you will lack enough inputs for the full setup.
- ☐ Verify the USB I/O—this allows you to record your mix directly into a laptop, which removes the need for a separate audio interface.
- ☐ Check the corded electric power source—since the power supply is included, you will not need to purchase a separate power brick upon unboxing.
- ☐ Measure the 13.4 x 11.9 x 3.5 inch dimensions—if your workspace is smaller than this footprint, the mixing table will not fit your desk.
- ☐ Check for Lexicon effects—these built-in tools provide reverb, chorus, and delay to prevent a dry mix without requiring external hardware.
- ☐ Monitor your gain staging to avoid input clipping—failing to manage levels correctly results in permanent harmonic distortion.
You should not buy the Notepad-12FX if your project requires more than 12 simultaneous inputs, such as a large-scale touring production.
Performance: What the Specs Deliver
Built-in Lexicon reverb, chorus, and delay effects
The Notepad-12FX includes Lexicon reverb, chorus, and delay to provide internal signal processing for your mix. These built-in effects allow you to add spatial depth or modulation to your inputs without needing external hardware units. Having these options integrated into the mixing table means you can manage your signal chain entirely from the console’s surface.
Notepad-12FX provides these effects as a way to expand your sonic palette, similar to how a multi-tool provides different blades for different tasks. Because these are built-in, you can apply them to your tracks while keeping your workspace clear of extra cables. The inclusion of Lexicon-branded algorithms provides a specific standard of processing for your live or studio signals.
USB Interface Connectivity
The Notepad-12FX features USB I/O, which allows you to connect the mixing console directly to a computer for digital recording or playback. This connection point enables you to capture your 12-channel mix as a digital stream, making it suitable for a home studio setup. You can use this to record a multi-track session for a small group, as the 12-channel count provides enough inputs for this workload.
Notepad-12FX supports USB connectivity to bridge the gap between your analog signals and your digital workstation. This interface allows you to act as an external sound card, capturing the output of your microphones and instruments into your software. While it handles a 12-channel mix, it is not enough to mix a live band with a full drum kit, which typically requires 16 to 24 channels.
3-Band EQ on mic inputs for frequency shaping
The Notepad-12FX provides 3-band EQ on mic inputs to shape the frequency response of your primary sound sources. This control allows you to adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies to clear up muddy signals or add presence to a vocal. By using these specific frequency bands, you can ensure each microphone has its own space in the overall mix.
Notepad-12FX uses 3-band EQ to give you a foundational level of tonal shaping for every connected microphone. This specific level of control is sufficient for balancing a podcast with 4 guests, as it provides the necessary tools to manage individual voices. If you require more surgical frequency adjustments, you would need to look for a console that specifies more bands or a different EQ architecture.
Common Buyer Jobs Checked Against the Notepad-12FX’s Specs
The Notepad-12FX against the jobs buyers ask about, worked out from its listed number of inputs and a typical need for each job.
| Job | What it takes | Notepad-12FX |
|---|---|---|
| Connect a full studio rack of outboard gear | at least 12 to 16 count | Only at the easier end of that range – 12 count |
| Record a multi-track session for a small group | at least 8 to 12 count | Yes – 12 count |
| Mix a live band with a full drum kit | at least 16 to 24 count | No – 12 count |
| Run a podcast with 4 guests | at least 8 count | Yes – 12 count |
| Mix a DJ set with multiple controllers | at least 6 to 8 count | Yes – 12 count |
How the Notepad-12FX Compares to Other Mixing Tables
The Notepad-12FX provides the largest number of inputs among the comparable mixing tables we evaluated, featuring a 12-channel count.
- The Notepad-12FX offers 12-channel capacity, while the Soundcraft Notepad-8FX provides 8-channel capacity.
- The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 Mixer provides 10 channels, which is fewer than the 12 channels on the Notepad-12FX.
- The Mackie ProFX10 GO provides 10 channels, whereas the Notepad-12FX provides 12 channels.
- The Yamaha MG10XU Analog Mixer provides 10-channel capacity, while the Notepad-12FX provides 12 channels.
What the deciding spec costs here: Measured as price per unit of Number of Inputs, the reviewed product works out to $20.90 against a $24.96 median across the 102 other screened products that state the spec, and 42 of them deliver more of it per dollar. The cheapest screened product that beats its 12-channel is the XTUGA at $104.68 with 6/8/12/16 channel inputs, which is $146.06 less than this one for more of the spec that decides this category.
If you need a slightly smaller footprint, view our full review of the Notepad-8FX.
Where This Price Sits
The Notepad-12FX provides a 12-channel mixer for $250.74, positioning it near the $250 average of the similar mixing console products we compared. At this price point, you get a 12-channel count that supports recording a multi-track session for a small group or running a podcast with 4 guests. You trade off the higher input counts needed for a full live band drum kit, which typically requires 16 to 24 channels, for a compact 2.2-pound footprint and built-in Lexicon effects.
For example, you can use this to record a 4-guest podcast where each person has a dedicated mic input and the Lexicon reverb adds depth to the voices. It provides enough inputs for this task while keeping the setup portable enough to move between rooms.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 112 products screened for this category, this one’s 4.3 rating places it #47, on 996 ratings – above the 53-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 36 of them.
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From Delivery to First Use with This Mixing Table
Setting up the Notepad-12FX
You must have a corded electric power source available before the Notepad-12FX can be used.
- Connect the power cord to a standard wall outlet to provide electricity to the unit.
- Plug your microphones into the 4 mic/line combo inputs using XLR cables for balanced connectivity.
- Connect your instruments or line gear to the 2 stereo line inputs using TRS cables to ensure balanced signals.
- Connect the mixer to your computer via the USB hardware interface to begin digital recording.
Warranty and support: what to check
Warranty coverage and support terms vary by the specific seller and your country of purchase.
- Confirm the phantom power output level on the unit, as this value is not stated and is required for condenser microphones.
- Verify the USB port compatibility with your specific computer to ensure the hardware interface connects without a hub.
- Check the physical dimensions of 13.4 x 11.9 x 3.5 inches against your workspace to ensure the mixer fits your desk.
Test the Lexicon reverb and delay effects immediately upon arrival to ensure the built-in processing functions as expected before the return window closes.
The Notepad-12FX: Remaining Questions
Can the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX record a multi-track session for a small group?
Yes, the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX provides 12-channel inputs, which is enough to record a multi-track session for a small group. This capacity allows you to capture multiple instruments or vocals simultaneously without running out of available channels.
Does the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX have built-in effects?
The Soundcraft Notepad-12FX includes built-in effects, specifically Lexicon reverb, chorus, and delay. These internal processors allow you to apply spatial and time-based effects to your mix without needing external hardware.
How many inputs does the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX have?
The Soundcraft Notepad-12FX features a 12-channel mixer with 4 mic/line combo inputs and 2 stereo line inputs. This configuration supports up to 12 individual audio signals, making it sufficient for running a podcast with 4 guests or mixing a DJ set with multiple controllers.
Is the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX compatible with USB for recording?
Yes, the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX features USB I/O, which allows you to connect the mixer to a computer for digital recording or playback. Because it uses a USB hardware interface, you can integrate it into a standard studio workflow using a corded electric power source.
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Is the Notepad-12FX Right for You?
Who the Notepad-12FX suits and the jobs it is the wrong choice for, listed below with the reason for each.
Who this mixing console is for, and what it does well
Who the Notepad-12FX suits
- Podcast hosts — the USB I/O allows for direct recording into a computer
- Live streamers — the Lexicon reverb and delay effects provide high-quality audio processing in real-time
- Small church worship teams — the 4 mic/line combo inputs allow for multiple instruments and vocals
- Bedroom music producers — the compact 2.2-pound weight and 12-channel capacity fit small workspaces
- Mobile DJs — the corded electric power and portable 13.4 x 11.9 inch dimensions make it easy to transport
What this mixing table handles well
- Recording a multi-mic vocal track — the 4 mic/line combo inputs
- Adding spatial depth to a mix — the Lexicon reverb and delay
- Streaming audio to a PC — the USB I/O hardware interface
- Tuning a live microphone — the 3-band EQ on mic inputs
- Mixing a small band — the 12-channel mixer capacity
What this sound board is the wrong choice for
- Recording a full 12-piece brass section — the limit of 4 mic/line combo inputs
- Connecting multiple external hardware synthesizers — the limited 2 stereo line inputs
- Mixing a large conference with 20+ microphones — the 12-channel mixer size
What to budget alongside this mixing console, and what to skip
Accessories worth buying with the Notepad-12FX
- XLR cables — to connect microphones to the 4 mic/line combo inputs
- USB cable — to utilize the USB I/O hardware interface
- Studio monitors — to hear the output from the 12-channel mixer
- Microphones — to utilize the Soundcraft preamps
- Power strip — to provide the required corded electric power
Accessories you can skip buying for this mixing console
- External reverb pedal — the Lexicon reverb is built-in
- External delay unit — the Lexicon delay is built-in
- External chorus effect — the Lexicon chorus is built-in
Where to Buy This Mixing Console
When we looked in November 2026, the Notepad-12FX was listed at $250.74 – a snapshot that may have changed since.
Mixing consoles are sold by the retailers below – we do not track which of them has the Notepad-12FX in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- Guitar Center (online and physical stores) — physical showroom for testing and in-store returns
- B&H Photo Video (online only) — fast shipping and reliable professional gear selection
- Amazon (online only) — wide variety of budget and entry-level brands
- Musician’s Friend (online only) — large selection of gear and trade-in options
- Full Compass (online only) — business and trade accounts for professional setups
- Sweetwater (online only) — extensive inventory and expert technical support
Final Verdict on the Notepad-12FX
The Notepad-12FX features a 12-channel mixer capacity, which provides enough inputs to record a multi-track session for a small group or run a podcast with 4 guests. If you need to mix a live band with a full drum kit, you will find the 12-channel count insufficient for the 16 to 24 inputs typically required for that task.
You can determine if this mixing table fits your workflow by counting the number of simultaneous audio signals you need to manage. If your requirement is 12 or fewer, the Notepad-12FX provides the necessary connections; if you require more than 12, you will need to select a larger console.
You should choose the Notepad-12FX if you need a compact mixing console to manage a small studio setup or a podcast with up to 4 guests. This model is available for around $250.74.
The Notepad-12FX includes Lexicon reverb, chorus, and delay effects, which are standard tools for adding depth to digital and analog signals. It also features 4 mic/line combo inputs, allowing you to connect a variety of microphones and instruments to the same physical points.
The Notepad-12FX holds a 4.3 rating from 996 buyer ratings, providing a significant sample of user feedback to support its position in the market. It also includes USB I/O for digital connectivity and 3-band EQ on the mic inputs to shape individual signals.
Skip it if: You need to mix a live band with a full drum kit or require more than 12 simultaneous inputs for a large-scale production.