
With the growth of DAW-less setups, small-footprint home studio mixers have enjoyed something of a renaissance. As our collections of synths, drum machines and samplers grow, so too does our need to connect them somewhere so they’re ready for action when the inspo hits. Even as audio interfaces have grown in capability, having a cheap, basic mixer can be hugely beneficial for studios and live performances.
The Soundcraft Notepad-12FX we’re looking at today positions itself as a compact yet powerful mixing solution for musicians and podcasters, bridging analogue sound quality with USB connectivity. Two boxes ticked. Designed for both home studios and portable use, this mixer combines pro-level sound in a space-efficient package. Featuring Soundcraft’s well-respected entry-level preamps, and some bona fide Lexicon effects built-in, the Notepad-12FX is ideal for those looking to add professional sheen to their recordings without excessive bulk.