Ever dreamed of throwing an epic party or putting on a rock show, only to be stopped by a confusing mess of wires and expensive gear? It’s a common frustration for anyone wanting to make some noise without breaking the bank. Finding a powered mixer that sounds good and doesn’t cost a fortune can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
You want to plug in your microphone and speakers and get going, but the world of audio equipment can be overwhelming. You worry about buying something that won’t work well or will break after a few uses. Luckily, you don’t need to be a sound engineer to get great sound. This post is here to help you navigate the options and find a powered mixer that fits your budget and your needs.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a powered mixer a good choice, and we’ll even look at some fantastic options that won’t empty your wallet. Let’s dive in and find the perfect powered mixer to bring your sound to life!
Our Top 5 Cheap Powered Mixer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Powered Mixer Detailed Reviews
1. Norpro Cordless Mini Mixer
Rating: 9.2/10
The Norpro Cordless Mini Mixer is a handy little gadget that can help you with many kitchen tasks. This 5-piece set in white is perfect for beating eggs, whipping cream, and blending drinks. It’s also portable and lightweight, making it easy to take anywhere.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile and can be used for so many things!
- Beat eggs, whip cream, and blend drinks easily.
- It’s portable and lightweight, so you can use it at home or on the go.
- Comes with four different attachments for beating, whipping, mixing, blending, and frothing.
- Great for making meringues, salad dressings, and frothing drinks.
- Perfect for mixing hot chocolate, instant coffee, and powdered drinks.
- It’s a great tool for travel, camping, RV trips, or even a dorm room.
- It’s efficient and simple to operate.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs 2 AA batteries, which are not included.
- It’s not designed for thick liquids, so keep that in mind.
This mini mixer is a convenient and fun tool for anyone who enjoys making quick and easy treats or drinks. Its portability makes it a fantastic companion for any adventure.
2. Bonsenkitchen Powerful Milk Frother for Coffee
Rating: 9.3/10
Transform your home coffee experience with the Bonsenkitchen Powerful Milk Frother. This sleek black, battery-operated wand is designed to create luscious, creamy froth for all your favorite drinks in mere seconds. Its powerful motor and food-safe stainless steel whisk work together to deliver barista-quality results without leaving your kitchen.
What We Like:
- Quick Frothing: It whips up rich, creamy froth in just 15-20 seconds, making your coffee instantly more enjoyable.
- Versatile Use: This frother isn’t just for coffee; it’s great for matcha, protein shakes, hot chocolate, and more.
- Easy Handling: The ergonomic, lightweight design fits comfortably in your hand for effortless frothing.
- Travel-Friendly: Its portable size means you can take your frothing power with you, even when traveling.
- Simple Cleanup: A quick rinse under water with the whisk on is all it takes to clean.
- Reliable Support: Bonsenkitchen offers a lifetime quality commitment and technical support.
What Could Be Improved:
- Batteries Not Included: You’ll need to purchase 2 AA batteries separately to get started.
The Bonsenkitchen Milk Frother is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves creamy, frothy drinks. It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and delivers impressive results, making it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen.
3. Maker hart JUST Mixer S Portable 3 Channels Stereo IN Mini Audio Mixer/2 Stereo Output/Battery/USB Power/3C Device
Rating: 8.6/10
The Maker hart JUST Mixer S is a handy little gadget for anyone who needs to mix sound. It’s small and you can take it anywhere. This mixer lets you connect up to three sound sources. You can get two different sound outputs from it. It can be powered by batteries or a USB cable, making it super flexible.
What We Like:
- It’s very portable and easy to carry around.
- You can power it with batteries or USB, which is super convenient.
- It has three channels, so you can plug in multiple things.
- The sound quality is surprisingly good for its size.
- It’s simple to set up and use right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The knobs could feel a bit sturdier.
- More input options would be awesome, like XLR.
- The casing feels a little basic.
The Maker hart JUST Mixer S is a great option for basic audio mixing on the go. It offers good value for its features and portability.
4. OVENTE 5-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Stainless Steel Mixing Whisk
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to whip, mix, and blend with ease using the OVENTE 5-Speed Electric Hand Mixer in vibrant red! This handy kitchen gadget is designed to make your baking and cooking tasks simpler and more enjoyable. Its compact size and lightweight design mean you can tackle any recipe without feeling weighed down.
What We Like:
- Self-Control Speed: With 5 adjustable speeds, you can perfectly control your mixing. Go slow for gentle blending or fast for whipping cream.
- Mix & Whip with Ease: The powerful 150-watt motor and stainless steel whisk beaters handle everything from thick cookie dough to light meringues.
- Ergonomically Designed: It feels comfortable in your hand. Changing speeds is a breeze, and the beater eject button keeps your hands clean when you’re done.
- Hassle-Free Cleanup & Storage: Wiping the motor is easy. The beaters are dishwasher safe. The snap-on storage case keeps everything together and prevents lost parts.
- US-Based Customer Service: Buy with confidence knowing OVENTE offers a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful for its size, very heavy doughs might require a bit more effort.
- The cord storage within the case is convenient, but a longer cord would offer more flexibility in the kitchen.
This OVENTE hand mixer is a fantastic tool for home cooks and bakers. It’s a reliable and user-friendly appliance that makes kitchen tasks much easier.
5. Behringer Europower PMP550M 5-channel 500W Powered Mixer
Rating: 8.5/10
The Behringer Europower PMP550M is a compact and powerful powered mixer designed to make your sound setup simple and effective. With 500 watts of clean power, it can easily drive your speakers for small to medium-sized gigs or events. This mixer packs a lot of useful features into a small package, making it a great option for musicians, DJs, and anyone who needs a straightforward audio solution.
What We Like:
- It delivers a strong 500 watts of power, which is plenty for many live sound situations.
- The built-in effects processor adds a nice touch, letting you add reverb or delay to your vocals or instruments without extra gear.
- The FBQ Feedback Detection system is a lifesaver. It helps you find and get rid of annoying microphone feedback, keeping your sound clean.
- A 7-band graphic equalizer gives you precise control over the tone of your sound, helping you tailor it to any room.
- With 5 channels, you can connect multiple microphones and instruments easily.
- It’s quite affordable, offering great value for the features it includes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has effects, they might not be as high-quality as dedicated effects units.
- The build quality, while decent for the price, might not feel as robust as more expensive mixers.
- The fan can sometimes be a bit noisy, especially in quiet environments.
Overall, the Behringer Europower PMP550M is a solid choice for those needing a powerful, feature-rich, and budget-friendly powered mixer. It simplifies your setup and offers essential tools for good live sound.
Your Guide to Finding a Great Cheap Powered Mixer
What is a Powered Mixer?
A powered mixer is a handy tool for anyone who needs to amplify sound. It combines a mixer and an amplifier in one unit. This means you can plug in your microphones and instruments directly into it. The mixer lets you control the sound levels for each input. The amplifier then makes the sound louder so it can be heard through speakers. It’s like having a sound control center and a megaphone all in one!
Why Choose a Cheap Powered Mixer?
You might need a cheap powered mixer for many reasons. Maybe you’re just starting out with a band. Perhaps you want to set up sound for small events like parties or presentations. Or maybe you just need a reliable way to amplify a few microphones for a karaoke night. A cheap powered mixer is a budget-friendly way to get good sound without breaking the bank.
Key Features to Look For
Number of Channels
Think about how many things you need to plug in. Each input (like a microphone or a guitar) needs its own channel. Most cheap powered mixers have between 4 and 12 channels. For a small band, 8 channels might be enough. If you have more instruments or microphones, you’ll need more channels.
Power Output (Wattage)
The wattage tells you how loud the mixer can make your sound. Higher wattage means more power. For small rooms or quiet events, lower wattage is fine. For larger spaces or louder music, you’ll need more power. Check the wattage to make sure it’s enough for your needs.
Built-in Effects
Some powered mixers come with built-in effects like reverb or delay. These can make your sound richer and more interesting. Reverb can make voices sound like they’re in a big hall. Delay can add an echo. These can be fun bonuses!
EQ Controls
EQ, or equalization, lets you adjust the bass, middle, and treble sounds. This helps you shape the tone of your instruments and voices. Good EQ controls give you more control over how your sound will be heard.
Portability and Size
If you plan to move your mixer around a lot, look for one that is not too heavy or bulky. Some are designed to be compact and easy to carry.
Important Materials
Most powered mixers are made with strong metal or sturdy plastic. This helps protect the electronics inside. Metal casing is generally more durable and can handle being moved around more. Plastic casing is usually lighter.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built mixer will last longer. Look for solid knobs and buttons that feel good to use. A mixer with a strong casing will be more resistant to damage.
Sound Quality
Even cheap mixers can sound good. Read reviews to see what other people say about the sound. Some mixers can sound clear and crisp, while others might have a bit of a hiss or hum.
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making reliable audio equipment. Even on a budget, choosing a mixer from a reputable brand can give you more confidence in its quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Bands
A cheap powered mixer is great for small bands playing in clubs or at parties. You can plug in guitars, keyboards, and microphones. It helps keep your sound balanced and loud enough for the audience.
For DJs
DJs can use powered mixers to connect turntables or controllers and amplify their music. They can also connect microphones for announcements.
For Public Speaking and Presentations
If you need to amplify a microphone for a speech or a presentation, a simple powered mixer works well. You can connect it to speakers and ensure everyone can hear clearly.
For Home Studios
While not as common, some people use powered mixers in small home studios to connect instruments and microphones for recording or practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many channels do I really need on a cheap powered mixer?
A: Count how many microphones and instruments you will plug in at once. Add one or two extra channels for future use. Most small setups need 4 to 8 channels.
Q: Is a higher wattage always better for a cheap powered mixer?
A: Not necessarily. Higher wattage means more volume, but it also means more power consumption. Choose a wattage that fits the size of the room and the type of event you are hosting.
Q: Can I connect my phone or computer to a cheap powered mixer?
A: Yes, many powered mixers have auxiliary inputs (often 3.5mm or RCA jacks) that let you connect devices like phones and computers to play music.
Q: What are “effects” on a mixer?
A: Effects are sound enhancements like reverb or delay. They add depth and character to your sound, making vocals or instruments sound more interesting.
Q: Do I need separate speakers if I buy a powered mixer?
A: Yes, a powered mixer amplifies the sound, but you still need passive speakers to actually produce the sound that people hear.
Q: How can I improve the sound quality from a cheap powered mixer?
A: Use good quality microphones and cables. Make sure your audio sources are clear. Adjust the EQ controls to get the best tone for your sound.
Q: What does “phantom power” mean?
A: Phantom power is a voltage that some microphones, especially condenser microphones, need to work. If you plan to use these types of microphones, make sure your powered mixer has a phantom power switch.
Q: Can a cheap powered mixer power large speakers?
A: It depends on the mixer’s wattage and the speakers’ power requirements. You need to match the mixer’s output power to the speakers’ needs to avoid damage.
Q: How do I connect instruments like guitars to a powered mixer?
A: Most mixers have instrument inputs (often ¼-inch jacks). You will need a cable to connect your guitar to the mixer’s input.
Q: What is “gain” on a mixer?
A: Gain is the first level of volume control for each channel. You use it to set the initial loudness of your microphone or instrument before you adjust the main fader.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.