The best mixers for podcasting give every voice its own control path, let you hear the result without distracting delay, and make it practical to record more than one source at once. A podcast mixer combines microphone and other audio inputs into a recording or stream, so you can set levels per speaker rather than trying to repair an uneven conversation later.
I would not tell every new creator to buy one. A solo show with a USB microphone and no live sound sources can start without a separate unit, while a show with XLR microphones, co-hosts, remote guests, music, or live production benefits quickly from dedicated controls.
For this guide to the best mixers for podcasting in 2026, I compared the supplied specifications, stated feature sets, and customer-rating data for ten current products. The list includes compact USB podcast interfaces, conventional channel mixers, and self-contained production consoles, because “mixer” means different things depending on whether you record alone, with two people, or around a guest table.
The short answer is simple: buy enough microphone inputs for the people who will be in the room at the same time, then choose the workflow you will actually use. Forum discussions repeatedly flag two avoidable problems—running out of XLR inputs and getting lost in remote-call routing—so I have put those decisions ahead of flashy extras.
These are the top 3 picks for podcasting (July 2026)
The RØDECaster Pro II is the broadest production pick for a multi-source studio, the MAONO P2 is a strong fit when two XLR microphones and a computer or mobile device meet, and the Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 focuses its capability on one demanding XLR microphone. They are three very different answers to the same recording problem.
The best mixers for podcasting in 2026 cover ten distinct workflows
Use this overview as a routing map, not a ranking based on feature totals. A solo XLR show has different needs from a four-microphone roundtable, and a compact interface can be the more sensible audio mixer for podcasting when its inputs match the show.
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MAONO P2 Hybrid Interface
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FIFINE AmpliGame SC3
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RØDE RØDECaster Pro II
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MAONO PS22 Lite
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MAONO MaonoCaster G1 NEO
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MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
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TKLBLS 4 Channel Mixer
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RØDE RØDECaster Duo
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Elgato Wave XLR MK.2
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Mackie DLZ Creator XS
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1. MAONO P2 is the best fit for a dual-XLR computer and mobile setup
Pros
- Dual USB connectivity
- 56dB mic gain
- Low-latency monitoring
- Loopback routing
- Aluminum housing
Cons
- Small review count
- Two channels only
The MAONO P2 makes the strongest case when two people need XLR microphones and the recording may move between a computer, phone, or iPad. Its dual USB arrangement is the useful distinction here: the supplied details specify MFi-certified connectivity alongside computer operation, which gives a small recording desk more options than a single-device interface.
I like that the core claim is not only convenience. The P2 lists two XLR inputs, 56dB of gain, a stated -130dB EIN figure, ASIO support, and 24-bit/192kHz recording, so it puts meaningful audio-interface fundamentals ahead of decorative production controls.
Independent mute controls and loopback are practical for recording a desktop source or running a live conversation. Direct monitoring matters just as much: hearing your microphone without computer-delay distraction makes it easier to keep speaking naturally.
The available rating is 4.8 from 41 reviews, which is encouraging but still a limited pool compared with some products in this list. I would treat that rating as one signal rather than proof that it answers every workflow.
The MAONO P2 fits two-person shows that switch devices
Choose it when your usual session is two local XLR microphones and you want the option to work from a computer or compatible mobile device. It also suits a creator who wants routing software and loopback without stepping up to a large podcast studio mixer.
Its stated compatibility covers Android, ChromeOS, Windows, iOS, and macOS, plus a long list of recording and streaming applications. That range is helpful if a podcast alternates between edited episodes and a live video companion.
The MAONO P2 needs a realistic channel plan before purchase
Two microphone inputs means two local XLR voices at once; a surprise third in-room guest needs another recording path. Do not mistake its two-channel design for a four-person roundtable solution just because it accepts multiple device types.
Its included ProStudio 2 software may add routing flexibility, but software configuration still takes attention. I would write down each source—microphones, call audio, music, and computer playback—before deciding it replaces a larger board.
2. FIFINE AmpliGame SC3 is the clearest hands-on desktop control option
Pros
- Individual controls
- Front mute button
- Phantom power
- Custom sound buttons
- Plug and play
Cons
- No XLR cable
- Does not accept USB mics
The FIFINE AmpliGame SC3 is a compact streaming-style mixer built around one XLR microphone input and front-panel controls. It gives separate control of microphone, line input, headphone, and line-out channels, which can feel less abstract than learning a software routing panel.
For a condenser microphone, its 48V phantom-power support is a real selection point. It also lists a volume fader, dedicated mute and monitor buttons, and USB-C power, so the core recording actions are reachable without hunting through menus.
The four customizable sound-effect buttons, six voice modes, and auto-tune options point this model toward creators who want quick live embellishments. I would see those as optional tools rather than a substitute for getting the microphone level right first.
The product has a 4.4 rating from 4,625 reviews, the largest review count in this lineup. That volume of feedback gives the rating more context, though the stated limitations still matter for a podcast setup.
The FIFINE SC3 fits one-microphone live and recorded shows
It is a sensible choice for a solo creator who records an XLR microphone, monitors with headphones, and may also route a line source into a stream. The physical fader and visible mute control can reduce the complexity overwhelm forum users often mention.
It can also serve a streamer who wants effects buttons without adding a large mixing board for podcasting. Compatibility is stated for Mac and Windows, as well as OBS, Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok workflows.
The FIFINE SC3 needs an XLR microphone and cable plan
This unit is not compatible with USB microphones, and the supplied information says an XLR cable is not included. If you already have a USB microphone, adding this mixer does not create a clean XLR path for it.
One XLR input also means it is not the answer for two local microphone hosts. A remote co-host can be possible only if you carefully plan the separate line and computer audio routes.
3. RØDE RØDECaster Pro II is the full production console for a multi-source studio
RØDE RØDECaster Pro II All-in-One Production Solution for Podcasting, Streaming, Music Production and Content Creation,Black
Pros
- Four Revolution preamps
- Dual USB and Bluetooth
- SMART pads
- APHEX processing
- Multi-track recording
Cons
- Complex for beginners
- Large desktop footprint
The RØDE RØDECaster Pro II is the most complete production solution in this group for a show that needs more than basic level control. It has four Neutrik combo inputs with Revolution preamps, dual USB channels, Bluetooth, and recording to microSD card, external storage, or a computer.
That specification gives a four-person local podcast a direct microphone path without an extra preamp. It also leaves room to route a remote caller or computer source separately, which is far more useful than trying to squeeze everything through one mixed feed.
The processing is unusually broad: the listed tools include APHEX Aural Exciter, Big Bottom, and Compellor processing, plus compressor, de-esser, high-pass filter, noise gate, and EQ. Eight SMART pads with eight banks provide up to 64 actions for cues, stings, censor functions, or other repeatable moves.
Its 4.4 rating comes from 1,263 reviews. I would choose it for capability and routing depth, not because a first-time podcaster must have every option on day one.
The RØDECaster Pro II fits four local microphones and layered production
Pick it when a show has regular co-hosts or guests, uses music and call sources, and needs a repeatable recording hub. The four combo inputs are the key fact: they align with four local microphone or instrument sources without workarounds.
Multi-track recording is also appealing when each speaker needs separate post-production adjustment. That lets an editor address one loud laugh or soft-spoken guest without changing every other microphone in the conversation.
The RØDECaster Pro II needs time set aside for routing choices
A console with dual USB, Bluetooth, pads, onboard processing, and several recording destinations needs a labeled setup routine. I would save a simple input map and test a remote-call session before recording an important interview.
It may be more interface than a single-host show requires. If you never use more than one mic and do all processing in software, a smaller USB podcast mixer can leave the desk and workflow calmer.
4. MAONO PS22 Lite is the compact choice for one XLR host who records to software
Pros
- High-resolution recording
- 56dB preamp
- 48V phantom power
- Direct monitoring
- Compact design
Cons
- DAW driver setup needed
- One XLR path
The MAONO PS22 Lite is better described as a compact podcast audio interface than a live-production console. Its focus is one XLR microphone path, 56dB preamp gain, 48V phantom power, direct monitoring, and 24-bit/192kHz recording for a creator working mainly through a DAW or recording application.
I would place it with a desk-based solo show that also records guitar or bass. The product details list an instrument input with adjustable impedance, while the stated software support includes common programs such as Audacity, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools.
Its 106dB dynamic range and ASIO drivers are technical reasons to consider it when clean capture and low latency are the priority. The ProStudio routing software adds virtual channels and loopbacks for people who need computer audio in a session.
The listed rating is 4.4 from 475 reviews. That is more established feedback than a just-launched model, while still leaving the decision to the specific number of microphones you need.
The MAONO PS22 Lite fits a focused single-host recording chain
Choose it if you want one XLR microphone, headphones, and a laptop or tablet recording setup that can later expand into music work. It is portable at 0.43 kilograms, so it does not demand a permanent console location.
For a beginner, the dedicated recording, live-broadcast, and instrument modes may make the first configuration less intimidating. Direct monitoring is the feature I would switch on before adjusting anything in software.
The MAONO PS22 Lite needs software attention and host limits
The stated drawback is that a DAW requires driver selection, so it is not entirely plug-and-forget. Take a few minutes to select the interface as both input and monitoring device, then record a brief test before the first episode.
One microphone path is a firm limit for local guests. A show with a regular second host should start with a dual-XLR design such as the P2 or E2 Gen2 rather than adding adapters later.
5. MAONO MaonoCaster G1 NEO is the streaming-oriented option with quick voice controls
Pros
- Phantom power
- One-click noise reduction
- Custom sound pads
- Bluetooth input
- Loopback
Cons
- Not for USB mics
- Not compatible with Xbox
The MAONO MaonoCaster G1 NEO gives a solo XLR creator a compact control surface with Bluetooth, loopback, sound pads, and one-click noise reduction. It has four stated channels and concentrates on live voice treatment, which gives it a different character from a plain recording interface.
The pro-preamp supports 48V phantom power, so a condenser microphone is within its intended use. The controls also include reverb, sidechain, voice-changing modes, and custom pads for voice tags or repeatable clips.
I would be selective with those effects for a conversation-first podcast. Noise reduction can be helpful in a distracting room, but a steady microphone position and sensible gain are still the first defense against uneven sound.
The G1 NEO is rated 4.3 from 1,167 reviews. Its broad compatibility list includes phones, computers, tablets, PS4, PS5, OBS, Discord, Twitch, and YouTube, which helps a show that crosses between podcasting and live content.
The G1 NEO fits creators who record and stream from the same desk
This is a strong match for one XLR voice, a computer, and a need to bring in Bluetooth accompaniment or desktop audio. The front-facing live controls can make a recurring stream feel more immediate without a separate effects unit.
The 12 RGB color variations are a presentation detail rather than an audio reason to buy, but the loopback and custom pads can be useful production features. I would prioritize those functional tools when comparing it with another streaming mixer.
The G1 NEO needs compatibility checks before it becomes the hub
The manufacturer specifically says it is not for USB microphones. It also lists incompatibility with Xbox and MAONO devices, so confirming every existing device first avoids a dead end.
Like other compact streaming interfaces, it does not replace a dedicated multi-microphone roundtable board. If guests are a central part of the format, count separate XLR paths before choosing its live effects.
6. MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2 is the portable dual-host recording solution
Pros
- Two XLR inputs
- 60dB preamps
- Internal battery
- Custom sound buttons
- Bluetooth
Cons
- No phone power delivery
- 48kHz maximum sample rate
The MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2 is built for a two-person show that may record away from a fixed desk. It has two XLR combo inputs with 60dB gain preamps, a built-in 1500mA battery stated to run for up to eight hours, Bluetooth, and USB-C plus 3.5mm connections.
That battery is the feature that separates it from many desk-first interfaces. I would consider it for interviews in a quiet location, temporary studios, or a show that wants to keep the same two-microphone workflow when traveling.
Eight customizable sound-effect buttons, one-touch mute, pitch-changing effects, and six preset reverbs support a more produced recording. The listed maximum sample rate is 48kHz, which is a normal working rate for spoken-word recording even though some interfaces in this guide specify 192kHz capability.
The product is rated 4.3 from 289 reviews. Its lower review count makes the specification match especially important: this is a capable portable unit if its dual-XLR layout matches your actual show.
The E2 Gen2 fits two local hosts who need location flexibility
Pick it when two XLR microphones are the center of the show and an internal battery reduces power-cable dependence. It is also relevant when a phone, tablet, or computer may supply background audio or connection options.
The 60dB preamps are worth noting for dynamic microphones that need substantial gain. Still, I would run a short level test with your specific microphone and speaking distance rather than assume any stated gain figure solves every voice.
The E2 Gen2 needs an external charging plan for connected phones
The supplied information says it does not support phone charging or power delivery. A longer session with a phone connected therefore needs a separate power source rather than relying on the mixer to top it up.
Two XLR inputs are enough for two local speakers, not four. For a growing guest format, decide whether recording sessions will remain two-person or whether a four-input production console is the safer starting point.
7. TKLBLS 4 Channel Podcast Audio Mixer is the conventional board for hands-on EQ
Pros
- Four inputs
- 48V phantom power
- 3-band EQ
- PAD switch
- USB recording
Cons
- Limited stock
- Smaller review base
The TKLBLS 4 Channel Podcast Audio Mixer takes the familiar compact-console approach: four channel inputs, XLR and stereo line inputs, a three-band EQ per channel, USB recording, Bluetooth 5.0, and a stated 99 DSP effects. It is aimed at someone who prefers knobs and channel-strip controls to an app-led workflow.
Its 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones, while the PAD function reduces a high-output source by 26dB. That is useful when an input is overloading, though a normal spoken-word microphone should be set with gain and level controls rather than treated as a high-output source.
The 80Hz high-pass filter is a practical spoken-word feature because low-frequency handling noise and desk rumble often live below the useful voice range. I would engage it only after listening through headphones, since every microphone and room behaves differently.
The listed customer rating is 4.3 from 110 reviews. That is a small review base, but the published hardware features provide a coherent option for a creator who wants manual channel shaping.
The TKLBLS mixer fits hands-on creators with several analog sources
Choose it when physical EQ, XLR input capability, a line source, and Bluetooth playback belong in the same small setup. The four-channel layout makes more sense for a flexible desk than a one-knob interface when you are routinely balancing sources.
USB recording and OTG support also make it relevant to a home-studio or mobile-device workflow. I would label channels during setup so microphone, music, and phone sources cannot be confused mid-session.
The TKLBLS mixer needs a measured approach to effects
Ninety-nine DSP effects sounds expansive, but voice clarity normally benefits from restraint. Start with clean gain, the high-pass filter where appropriate, and modest EQ before adding reverb or delay that can make speech less intelligible.
Availability is stated as limited in the supplied demand data, and the review base is modest. If this is the central recording device for an ongoing show, verify the current listing details and keep a simple backup recording option.
8. RØDE RØDECaster Duo is the compact premium console for two XLR microphones
Pros
- Ultra-low-noise preamps
- Two combo jacks
- Touchscreen
- Six SMART pads
- APHEX effects
Cons
- Two local mic inputs
- Requires desk space
The RØDE RØDECaster Duo compresses much of the larger RØDECaster concept into a two-input configuration. It has two Neutrik combo jacks, four broadcast-quality faders, a high-resolution touchscreen with haptic feedback, six SMART pads with bank switching, and listed APHEX processing.
Its Revolution preamps are specified at -131.5dBV EIN and 76dB gain. In plain terms, that is substantial gain headroom for a quiet dynamic microphone, making it a useful contender when a low-output mic is paired with a close, natural speaking voice.
I would value its physical faders as much as the screen. During a two-person conversation, quick level moves are easier when both speakers have a defined control position and headphone monitoring is part of the routine.
The listed rating is 4.2 from 677 reviews. It is not a miniature four-person board, but it is a thoughtfully sized production console for a show that wants polished control without the larger Pro II footprint.
The RØDECaster Duo fits dedicated two-person shows with demanding microphones
It suits two permanent hosts who use XLR microphones, want processing near the source, and may add music or recurring sound cues. The stated 76dB gain is a major point for anyone otherwise considering an extra inline gain device.
The TRRS input for headset monitoring and the pad system also help a podcast that includes calls, clips, or recurring segments. I would set up a simple pad bank for only the cues that will be used consistently.
The RØDECaster Duo needs an honest guest-count forecast
Two combo inputs means two local microphones directly. A show that expects regular in-person panels should not buy based only on its compact form and then discover it needs more microphone paths.
Its depth of processing also brings configuration choices. Save a repeatable profile for your microphones, headphones, and remote-source routing, so the touchscreen does not become a last-minute distraction before every recording.
9. Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 is the high-gain solo XLR interface for stream-linked shows
Pros
- 80dB gain
- Ultra-low-latency monitoring
- Onboard DSP
- Touch mute
- Stream Deck integration
Cons
- One XLR input
- Recent operating systems required
The Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 centers its design on one XLR microphone and unusually high stated gain. With 80dB available, onboard voice enhancer, compressor, EQ, touch mute, LED feedback, and ultra-low-latency monitoring, it is tailored to a solo voice that also feeds a live computer workflow.
I would pay attention to that gain number if a dynamic microphone feels too quiet through a basic interface. More clean gain can remove the need to push a weak preamp to its noisier upper range, although microphone placement remains the first tool for a full voice.
The Wave FX Processor supports DSP effects and VST plug-ins, while the Wave Link app handles routing and control. Stream Deck integration is a specific advantage for creators who want to trigger a mute, level adjustment, or production action from a broader desktop control setup.
It carries a 4.2 rating from 107 reviews. The interface records at a stated 24-bit/48kHz resolution, which is well aligned with spoken-word production and live streaming.
The Wave XLR MK.2 fits solo dynamic-mic users who stream
Choose it when one quality XLR microphone is the whole local voice setup and gain headroom is a concern. The onboard compressor and EQ can give a creator a controlled starting point before sending audio to streaming or recording software.
The touch mute and LED level feedback make sense for a live host who needs a silent, obvious way to step away. I would still keep headphones connected and listen for routing changes rather than trusting the lights alone.
The Wave XLR MK.2 needs current computer software and a single-host format
The listed system requirement is Windows 11 or newer, or macOS 14.2 or newer, and Wave Link requires Windows 11 or an Apple Silicon Mac. Confirm the computer before making it the heart of the podcast setup.
It has one XLR input, so it does not cover two local hosts. For a remote guest, the computer can handle the call source, but test mix-minus carefully to stop the guest from hearing their own delayed voice.
10. Mackie DLZ Creator XS is the guided touchscreen mixer for two microphones
Pros
- Easy and Pro modes
- AutoMix
- Onyx80 preamps
- Touchscreen
- SD recording
Cons
- Two microphone AutoMix limit
- Condenser mics need phantom power
The Mackie DLZ Creator XS approaches podcasting as a guided production task rather than a traditional mixer lesson. It combines a 7-inch touchscreen, three user modes called Easy, Enhanced, and Pro, Mix Agent technology, Onyx80 mic preamps, Bluetooth, USB-C, and SD card recording.
That progressive interface is its strongest reason to consider it. I would start in the Easy mode if routing language is unfamiliar, then move toward Enhanced or Pro only when a show needs more control over its own workflow.
AutoMix for up to two microphones can help hold a conversation together when two speakers have different levels or distances from the mic. It does not remove the need for sensible placement, but it is a targeted answer to a common co-host problem.
The product is rated 4.0 from 129 reviews. It also lists multitrack recording through USB-C, NDI, or SD card, six customizable trigger pads with eight banks, and voice effects such as censor, duck, and fade.
The DLZ Creator XS fits two-person shows that want setup guidance
Pick it for two local microphones when the team values a touchscreen and staged control modes more than a dense panel of knobs. Its Mix Agent and AutoMix tools are directly aimed at reducing the setup barrier that many first-time mixer buyers describe.
SD card recording offers a standalone recording option, while Bluetooth and USB-C give it flexible source connections. That combination can be useful for a podcast that records episodes and streams occasional video sessions.
The DLZ Creator XS needs phantom-power and channel expectations checked
The supplied product note says condenser microphones require 48V phantom power. Check that setting before connecting a condenser mic, and do not turn it on blindly for every source in a mixed setup.
Its AutoMix capability is specified for two microphones, so treat it as a two-host solution rather than a group-panel console. More guests may require different routing and a model with enough direct microphone inputs for the room.
You need a podcast mixer only when its routing solves a real recording problem
A mixer is not mandatory for every podcast. If you record alone with a USB microphone, do not include remote guests, and are content to adjust levels after recording, starting with the microphone and recording software can be simpler.
A mixer or audio interface becomes more useful when you use XLR microphones, need more than one local microphone, want direct headphone monitoring, bring in a call or music source, or need live controls. Its job is to make those sources manageable at the moment of recording, not to create good sound from poor placement.
The right input count equals your maximum local microphone count
For one local host, a one-XLR interface such as the PS22 Lite or Wave XLR MK.2 can be enough. For two local hosts, choose a model with two direct XLR or combo inputs, such as the P2, E2 Gen2, or RØDECaster Duo.
For four people speaking in the room, a four-input production console such as the RØDECaster Pro II is the direct fit in this lineup. Do not count a Bluetooth connection, a line input, or a headphone output as an additional microphone path.
The correct gain level depends on the microphone and speaking distance
Gain amplifies the microphone signal before it is recorded. Quiet dynamic microphones often need more gain than a condenser microphone, especially if the speaker sits farther away, which is why the 76dB and 80dB figures on the RØDECaster Duo and Wave XLR MK.2 stand out.
Phantom power is different from gain. The 48V setting supplies power to compatible condenser microphones; it does not make a weak dynamic microphone louder in the same way a preamp gain control does.
A mix-minus feed keeps a remote guest from hearing an echo
Mix-minus sends the remote guest a mix of the show without their own returned voice. Without it, the guest can hear a delayed loop of themselves, which makes conversation difficult and is one of the recurring remote-recording frustrations raised in podcast forums.
Before an interview, connect the call source, speak into each local mic, and ask the guest whether they hear themselves echoing back. Change one routing step at a time and write down the final path so the next call does not start from zero.
Multi-track recording gives the editor more rescue options
A stereo mix combines the whole show into one file. Multi-track recording keeps sources apart, allowing an editor to adjust an overly loud guest, remove a cough from one microphone, or balance music without changing every voice.
The RØDECaster Pro II, Mackie DLZ Creator XS, and other computer-linked interfaces in this guide offer stated recording or routing options suited to more controlled post-production. If you publish with little editing, fast direct controls may matter more than separate tracks.
The cleanest first setup uses fewer cables and a written source map
Start with microphone to XLR input, headphones to the mixer or interface, then USB to the recording device. Add one source at a time: computer playback, phone, Bluetooth, or a remote caller, while labeling the cable and confirming its level in headphones.
I recommend recording a one-minute test with every expected source before a guest arrives. Listen for delay, a doubled remote voice, low microphone level, and whether a mute button affects the source you think it affects.
These FAQ answers clarify the podcast mixer decisions people ask most
What mixers do streamers use?
Streamers use compact XLR interfaces and production consoles based on how many voices and sources they manage. In this lineup, solo streamers can use the Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 or MAONO G1 NEO, while multi-source creators can use the RØDECaster Pro II or Mackie DLZ Creator XS for routing, pads, and recording options.
What equipment do most podcasters use?
A practical podcast setup centers on a microphone, headphones, a recording device or computer, and a recording application. Add an XLR interface or mixer when you need an XLR microphone path, direct monitoring, multiple local microphones, a remote-call route, or live source control.
Do I need a mixer for podcasting?
You do not need a mixer for a simple solo show with a USB microphone and a computer. You benefit from one when your setup has XLR microphones, more than one local speaker, remote guests, music or sound cues, live streaming, or a need for direct headphone monitoring.
How many XLR inputs do I need for a podcast?
Choose at least one direct XLR input for every local microphone that will be live at the same time. One host needs one input, two local hosts need two, and a four-person roundtable needs four; a remote guest normally arrives through a separate computer, phone, Bluetooth, or line route rather than using another local mic input.
The RØDECaster Pro II leads for full studios, while smaller models win when the show is simpler
For four local XLR microphones and a layered production workflow, the RØDECaster Pro II is the clearest all-in-one choice. For a two-host desk, look first at the MAONO P2, MAONO E2 Gen2, or RØDECaster Duo; for one XLR voice, the PS22 Lite and Wave XLR MK.2 are more focused answers.
The best mixers for podcasting in 2026 are not the ones with the most buttons. Pick the product that matches the number of local voices, microphone type, recording destination, and remote-call plan, then make a short monitored test recording before your first real episode.