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Soundcraft Notepad-8FX
The Notepad-8FX connects via USB and suits you if you need a compact mixer for a small studio setup.
8-channel number of inputs
- Number of Inputs
- 8-channel
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 podcasters
- Podcasters
- Live streamers
- Small church volunteers
- Home studio hobbyists
$53 over the category median
- This Mixing Console
- $250.74
- Median of the 112 Mixing Consoles we screened
- $197.97
- Range
- $104.68 to $9970
- Cheaper than this one
- 72 of those 112
Where the Notepad-8FX Fits
Soundcraft Notepad-8FX mixes 8-channel audio signals for users who need to run a podcast with 4 guests or a small multi-track session.
A 2.2-pound weight makes a mixing table easy to move between different recording spaces or live setups. The Soundcraft Notepad-8FX offers this portability while providing an integrated USB audio interface for direct recording to a computer.
Because the Notepad-8FX features a channel strip layout with EQ and an aux send, you can shape individual signals before they hit the master fader. It provides a clear path from your microphones to your recording software.
We evaluated 112 mixing consoles and selected the Notepad-8FX for a full review because it is one of the most-rated products that passed screening, with 996 buyer ratings. This review is for users who need a portable mixer with built-in effects.
For a fully digital alternative, see the Soundcraft Ui24R spec breakdown.
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-8FX
Best for: You need a compact mixing desk to record a multi-track session for a small group or mix a DJ set with multiple controllers.
The Notepad-8FX is a practical choice for these tasks at the $250.74 price point.
- Pro: The 8-channel input count provides enough connections for up to 4 guests in a podcast.
- Pro: Integrated Lexicon effects like reverb and delay provide high-quality processing without extra hardware.
- Pro: A metal enclosure provides physical durability for a portable mixing table.
- Con: The 8-channel limit prevents you from connecting a full studio rack of outboard gear which typically requires 12 to 16 inputs.
- Con: It lacks the capacity to mix a live band with a full drum kit, which usually requires 16 to 24 inputs.
Don’t buy this if: You require more than 8 simultaneous input connections for a large-scale live band or studio setup.
Price assessment: The $250.74 price is fair for a mixer that includes both a USB interface and Lexicon-branded digital signal processing.
EB Servant score: 7.4/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
The Specifications That Matter
| Number of Inputs | 8-channel |
| Connectivity Type | USB |
| Control Interface | Analog |
| Built-in Effects | Yes |
| Rack Mountable | No |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Dimensions | 10.7 x 11.9 x 3.5 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
The 8-channel Number of Inputs measures the total quantity of individual audio signals that can be connected simultaneously.
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.
Before You Buy: Mixing Console Checklist
The first thing to check is whether the 8-channel count meets your specific signal requirements before you order.
- ☐ Confirm you need exactly 8 inputs — if you require more than 8 connections for a full studio rack, you will need to buy a larger mixing table.
- ☐ Check that your computer is Mac or PC compatible — if your operating system is unsupported, the USB interface will not function.
- ☐ Verify you have a corded electric power source — if your space lacks a nearby outlet, you will be unable to power the unit.
- ☐ Ensure you do not need more than 8 inputs for a full band — a band with a full drum kit requires 16 to 24 inputs, which this unit does not provide.
- ☐ Budget for 8-channel capacity — if you need to record a multi-track session for a large group requiring 12 to 16 inputs, this model will fall short.
- ☐ Check for signal clarity to avoid input clipping — if you ignore proper gain staging, the signal will suffer permanent harmonic distortion.
- ☐ Verify your output path to avoid feedback loops — ensure the mix output does not feed back into the input chain without proper gating or EQ.
You should not buy this mixing console if your project requires more than 8 simultaneous audio signals.
Performance: What the Specs Deliver
HARMAN Digital Signal Processing
The Notepad-8FX includes Lexicon reverb, echo, and delay effects to shape your audio output. These digital signal processing tools allow you to add depth to a vocal track or space to an instrument without needing external outboard hardware. For example, you can apply a Lexicon reverb to a dry podcast host’s voice to make it sound like they are speaking in a studio hall rather than a bedroom.
Because these effects are integrated into the mixing console, they provide a convenient way to process signals before they reach the master fader. This setup allows you to manage your signal chain within a single device, though the 8-channel limit means you must prioritize which inputs receive these specific processing effects during a multi-track session.
Built-in USB connectivity records mixes directly to Mac or PC
The Notepad-8FX functions as a USB audio interface, providing a direct path to record your mix into a Mac or PC. This connectivity means you can capture your 8-channel input directly into a digital audio workstation (DAW) without needing a separate external interface. You can use this to record a multi-track session for a small group where each person has their own dedicated input.
The USB interface supports plug-and-play functionality with your computer, simplifying the setup for live streaming or home recording. Since the device is an 8-channel mixer, you can route your inputs to the computer while simultaneously using the analog controls to adjust levels and effects in real-time.
Professional microphone preamps provide clean gain for 8 channels
Soundcraft professional microphone preamps provide the initial gain for your connected microphones and instruments. These preamps ensure that your signals reach a usable level while maintaining clarity, which is necessary for capturing clean audio from various sources. You can connect up to 8 channels, which provides enough inputs to run a podcast with 4 guests while leaving room for additional instruments.
The preamps work alongside the channel strip layout, which includes an EQ for each of the 8 channels. This layout lets you shape the frequency response of each individual input, helping you manage the balance between a loud kick drum and a quieter vocal. However, because the mixer is limited to 8 channels, it is not sufficient for mixing a live band with a full drum kit that requires more inputs.
The Notepad-8FX Job by Job: What Its Figures Cover
The Notepad-8FX 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-8FX |
|---|---|---|
| Run a podcast with 4 guests | at least 8 count | Yes – 8 count |
| Record a multi-track session for a small group | at least 8 to 12 count | Only at the easier end of that range – 8 count |
| Mix a DJ set with multiple controllers | at least 6 to 8 count | Yes – 8 count |
| Connect a full studio rack of outboard gear | at least 12 to 16 count | No – 8 count |
| Mix a live band with a full drum kit | at least 16 to 24 count | No – 8 count |
How the Notepad-8FX Compares to Other Mixing Consoles
Choosing a mixing console with fewer inputs than your project requires results in a need to source additional hardware or compromise on the number of signals you can process simultaneously.
The Notepad-8FX provides 8-channel capacity, which allows you to run a podcast with 4 guests or mix a DJ set with multiple controllers. For larger projects, such as connecting a full studio rack of outboard gear or mixing a live band with a full drum kit, the 8-channel count is not enough to accommodate the 12 to 24 inputs typically required for those tasks.
The Notepad-8FX offers several distinct advantages over the other mixing desks in our comparison:
- The Soundcraft Notepad-12FX, Allen & Heath Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 Mixer, Mackie ProFX10 GO, and Yamaha MG10XU Analog Mixer all provide more than the 8-channel count found on the Notepad-8FX.
- The Soundcraft Notepad-12FX, Allen & Heath Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 Mixer, and ALTO TrueMix 800FX Audio Mixer all match the Notepad-8FX at the $250.74 price point.
- The Yamaha MG10XU Analog Mixer and Mackie ProFX10 GO are both $0.75 cheaper than the Notepad-8FX.
If you need to connect more than 8 signals at once, the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX is the better pick for your setup.
What the deciding spec costs here: Measured as price per unit of Number of Inputs, the reviewed product works out to $31.34 against a $24.47 median across the 102 other screened products that state the spec, and 71 of them deliver more of it per dollar. The cheapest screened product that beats its 8-channel is the DX12 – 12 Channel Audio Mixer at $104.68 with 12-Channel, which is $146.06 less than this one for more of the spec that decides this category.
If you require more input channels, view our full review of the Notepad-12FX.
Consider the No Rockville RPM45 performance overview if you need a powered mixer.
From Delivery to First Use with This Mixing Table
Setting up the Notepad-8FX
You must have a corded electric power source available before the Notepad-8FX can be used for mixing.
- Place the 10.7 x 11.9 inch mixing table on a flat surface.
- Connect the power cable to a standard wall outlet.
- Plug your microphones into the 8-channel inputs using XLR cables for balanced connectivity.
- Connect the unit to your computer via the USB hardware interface.
- Verify the phantom power status in the manual to ensure it supports your specific condenser microphones.
Warranty and support: what to check
Warranty coverage and support terms vary by seller and your specific country.
- Confirm the USB connection is recognized by your operating system to ensure the integrated interface functions for recording.
- Check the physical condition of the metal enclosure and rotary headphone volume control for any shipping damage.
- Verify that the 8-channel input count matches your required number of signals to avoid needing a larger mixing desk.
Connect the Notepad-8FX to your studio monitor and run a test signal through the Lexicon effects on the day it arrives.
The Notepad-8FX: Remaining Questions
Can I expand my setup later if I hit the 8-channel limit?
The Notepad-8FX provides 8-channel mixing, which is sufficient to run a podcast with 4 guests or mix a DJ set with multiple controllers. Because this mixing console does not state a method for adding more inputs, you should plan your current signal chain to fit within these 8 channels if you do not intend to switch to a larger mixing table later.
Does it work with my Mac without special drivers?
Yes, the Notepad-8FX is plug-and-play with Mac, meaning it functions as an integrated USB audio interface without requiring manual driver installation. This allows you to connect the device and begin recording or mixing immediately once the USB connection is established.
Is the Soundcraft Notepad-8FX worth the price?
If you need a compact mixing desk with Lexicon reverb and echo, the Notepad-8FX offers these features for around $250.74, a price point that includes a metal enclosure and a 4.3 rating from 996 buyers.
How many people can I record at once?
You can record up to 8 people simultaneously because the Notepad-8FX provides 8-channel mixing. This count is enough for a small group multi-track session, though it is not enough for mixing a live band with a full drum kit which typically requires 16 to 24 channels.
Is the Notepad-8FX Right for You?
Who the Notepad-8FX suits and the jobs it is the wrong choice for, listed below with the reason for each.
Who the Notepad-8FX is for, and what it does well
Who this mixing desk suits
- Podcasters — the integrated USB audio interface and Lexicon effects allow for high-quality recording directly to a computer
- Live streamers — the plug-and-play USB connectivity and 8-channel inputs allow for easy integration of multiple game and audio sources
- Small church volunteers — the metal enclosure and professional preamps provide a durable, reliable way to mix a small worship team
- Home studio hobbyists — the Lexicon reverb and delay effects provide high-end spatial processing in a compact, affordable footprint
- Content creators — the 8-channel mixer allows for simultaneous management of microphones and external devices for multi-track recording
What this mixing console handles well
- Recording vocals for YouTube — the Soundcraft professional microphone preamps and Lexicon reverb
- Live streaming gaming audio — the integrated USB audio interface and plug-and-play compatibility
- Mixing a small band — the 8-channel mixer and Lexicon delay
- Podcast production — the channel strip layout with EQ and Lexicon echo
- Desktop audio monitoring — the rotary headphone volume control and compact dimensions
What the Notepad-8FX is the wrong choice for
- Recording a full live orchestra — the 8-channel input limit
- Large venue sound reinforcement — the compact 10.7 x 11.9 inch size and lack of high-count outputs
- Complex multi-track studio production — the 8-channel mixer limitation
- High-end studio mastering — the entry-level 8-channel configuration
What to budget alongside the Notepad-8FX, and what to skip
Accessories worth buying with this mixing table
- Microphones — to utilize the professional preamps and 8-channel inputs
- XLR cables — to connect external audio sources to the mixer inputs
- Studio headphones — to use with the rotary headphone volume control
- Computer — to utilize the integrated USB audio interface and Mac/PC compatibility
- Speaker stands — to position the mixer and speakers in a workspace
Accessories you can skip buying for this mixing console
- External USB audio interface — the product already includes an integrated USB audio interface
- External reverb unit — the product features integrated Lexicon reverb and delay
- External echo processor — the product features integrated Lexicon echo
Where to Buy This Mixing Console
When we looked in November 2026, the Notepad-8FX 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-8FX in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- 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
- 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
Final Verdict on the Notepad-8FX
If you need to record a multi-track session for a small group or mix a DJ set with multiple controllers, the Notepad-8FX provides enough capacity. The 8-channel mixer handles up to 8 simultaneous audio signals, which covers the easier end of the 8 to 12 count range typically required for small group recordings.
You should choose the Notepad-8FX if you want a compact mixing table with built-in effects and a metal enclosure for around $250.74. The 4.3 rating from 996 buyers provides a significant signal of how this unit performs in real-world use.
Skip it if: you need to connect a full studio rack of outboard gear or mix a live band with a full drum kit, as the 8-channel count is insufficient for those tasks.