Choosing one of the best Soundcraft audio mixers for live streaming starts with your setup: how many microphones and instruments you need to connect, whether you want built-in effects, and how you’ll send audio to your computer. The Notepad-12FX is the most straightforward choice here for streaming because its listed features include USB I/O. The EPM8 and FX16ii offer more traditional live-mixing controls, but their supplied specifications do not list USB connectivity.
Quick Comparison
| Soundcraft mixer | Key features | Best suited for | Streaming connection note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundcraft Notepad-12FX | USB I/O, Lexicon effects, mic/line and stereo inputs | Smaller streaming and recording setups | USB I/O is listed |
| Soundcraft EPM8 | Eight channels, auxiliary buses, swept-mid EQ on mono inputs | Live mixes needing hands-on routing and EQ | USB I/O is not listed in the supplied specifications |
| Soundcraft FX16ii | 16 mono microphone channels, four-bus design, Lexicon effects | Larger live or multi-source setups | Direct outputs are listed; USB I/O is not |
Our Picks: Best Soundcraft Audio Mixers For Live Streaming reviews
Soundcraft Notepad-12FX: Best for a Simple USB Streaming Setup
The Notepad-12FX is a small-format analog mixer with a useful feature for streamers: USB I/O for connecting with a computer. It has four mic/line combo inputs and two stereo line inputs, so you can combine microphones with stereo sources such as music or other audio gear. The supplied details do not specify the exact USB channel routing, so check that it suits your computer and streaming software before you buy.
Soundcraft lists preamps, three-band EQ on the mic inputs, and built-in Lexicon reverb, chorus, and delay. These tools let you shape vocals and add effects without relying entirely on software. In a live stream, that can be convenient when you want basic control at the mixer. Use effects with care: a little ambience can add depth, while too much can make speech harder to understand.
Its compact format and computer connection make it the most direct fit among these three choices for a small streaming desk. It is also suited to podcasting or a home recording setup where you want to connect a few sources. It has fewer listed mic inputs than the EPM8 or FX16ii, so it is not the best match if you need to mix a large group of microphones.
A practical limitation is that USB I/O alone does not confirm every detail of computer routing or monitoring. Before building your workflow around it, verify how the mixer handles playback and recording for your specific setup. If you need many microphone channels or more advanced routing, consider a larger mixer and plan for the computer connection separately.
Pros:
- USB I/O is listed for computer connection.
- Four mic/line combo inputs and two stereo line inputs support several source types.
- Three-band EQ is available on mic inputs.
- Built-in Lexicon reverb, chorus, and delay add onboard effects options.
Cons:
- Has fewer listed mic inputs than the EPM8 and FX16ii.
- The supplied details do not explain the exact USB routing options.
Verdict: Choose the Notepad-12FX if you want a compact Soundcraft mixer with listed USB I/O for a smaller streaming or podcast setup.
Soundcraft EPM8: Best for Hands-On Eight-Channel Mixing
The EPM8 is an eight-channel analog mixer aimed at users who want direct control over a live mix. Its listed connections include XLR and quarter-inch sockets, RCA stereo playback inputs, and record outputs. Two configurable auxiliary buses add routing options for a setup that needs more than one basic mix.
For shaping sound, the EPM8 has three-band EQ with a swept mid on mono inputs. That gives you control over where the midrange adjustment sits, which can help when balancing voices and instruments. The supplied specifications also list TRS insert sockets on all mono inputs and the mix output, a feature that may suit a setup using external audio processing.
The main streaming question is how to connect it to your computer. USB I/O is not listed in the supplied specifications, so do not assume the mixer can connect directly to a computer as a USB audio device. You may need a separate audio interface, and should confirm the signal path and connections you need before purchasing.
The product data marks this model as unavailable, so check the listing before planning a build around it. If you can source one and already have a suitable computer interface, the EPM8 may suit a small live production that benefits from physical controls and auxiliary routing. Compared with the Notepad-12FX, it lists more traditional connection and routing features but not USB I/O. Compared with the FX16ii, it is the simpler option in terms of listed inputs and bus architecture.
Pros:
- Eight-channel format for a multi-source live mix.
- Two configurable auxiliary buses are listed.
- Swept-mid EQ is available on mono inputs.
- Includes RCA stereo playback inputs and record outputs.
Cons:
- USB I/O is not listed, so a separate computer interface may be needed.
- The supplied product data marks it as unavailable; check the listing before buying.
Verdict: Consider the EPM8 if you want hands-on analog mixing and can confirm both its availability and your computer-interface plan.
Soundcraft FX16ii: Best for Larger Multi-Source Live Setups
The FX16ii is the largest mixer in this selection by listed microphone-channel count. Its specifications include 16 mono microphone channels, four stereo returns, and a four-bus architecture with subgroups that can be routed to the mix. That gives it more room for a stream with several microphones, instruments, or other live sources than the Notepad-12FX or EPM8.
It also includes a 24-bit Lexicon digital effects processor. Direct outputs are listed for individual multi-track recording, which may be useful when you want separate channel signals for a recording workflow. These connections can add flexibility, but they do not mean the mixer connects directly to a computer over USB: USB I/O is not listed in the supplied details.
For live streaming, the FX16ii makes the most sense when you need its larger input count and routing options, and you have a plan for getting the audio into your computer. Depending on your workflow, that may involve additional equipment. Its many channels may be unnecessary for a solo host or a simple two-microphone show, where the Notepad-12FX is a more direct option.
The product data marks the FX16ii as unavailable, so confirm the listing before making it the center of your setup. Its scale and feature set are better suited to a more involved live production than a minimal streaming desk.
Pros:
- Sixteen mono microphone channels support larger source counts.
- Four-bus architecture includes subgroups routable to the mix.
- Built-in 24-bit Lexicon digital effects processor.
- Direct outputs are listed for individual multi-track recording.
Cons:
- USB I/O is not listed, so plan for a separate computer connection if needed.
- The supplied product data marks it as unavailable; verify availability before purchasing.
Verdict: Choose the FX16ii only if you need its larger input count and routing features and can confirm availability and a workable computer-audio path.
How to Choose a Soundcraft Mixer for Live Streaming
Count your microphones and other sources
Start by listing everything you plan to connect at the same time: microphones, instruments, stereo playback, and any other audio sources. The Notepad-12FX lists four mic/line combo inputs and two stereo line inputs. The EPM8 is an eight-channel mixer, while the FX16ii lists 16 mono microphone channels plus four stereo returns. Match the input options to your actual setup rather than buying more channels than you can use.
Check how the mixer connects to your computer
A mixer’s audio controls and its computer connection are separate considerations. USB I/O is listed for the Notepad-12FX, making it the most straightforward computer-connected option in this group based on the supplied details. USB I/O is not listed for the EPM8 or FX16ii. If you choose one of those, confirm whether you need an external interface and how its connections will work with your streaming computer.
Decide how much routing you need
For a simple stream, you may only need to balance a few sources into one mix. If you want separate auxiliary mixes or subgroup routing, the EPM8 lists two configurable auxiliary buses, while the FX16ii has a four-bus architecture with subgroups routable to the mix. More routing can help with complex productions, but it can also add setup steps. Choose based on the mix you need to create.
Consider EQ and effects
EQ helps adjust the tone of voices and instruments, while effects such as reverb, chorus, and delay change the sound in other ways. The Notepad-12FX lists three-band EQ on mic inputs and built-in Lexicon effects. The EPM8 lists three-band EQ with a swept mid on mono inputs. The FX16ii lists a 24-bit Lexicon effects processor. If you mainly stream spoken content, clean, clear speech may matter more than having many effects.
Plan for monitoring and recording
Think through how you will listen to the mix while streaming and whether you also want to record separate sources. The FX16ii lists direct outputs for multi-track recording, while the EPM8 lists record outputs. The Notepad-12FX lists USB I/O, but the supplied details do not explain its exact routing. Check the product information and your other equipment to make sure the mixer supports the monitoring and recording path you intend to use.
Check availability and the complete setup cost
The supplied product data marks the EPM8 and FX16ii as unavailable. Availability can change, so verify the listing before choosing either model. Also account for any additional equipment you may need, such as a separate audio interface for a mixer without listed USB I/O. This helps you compare complete setups rather than mixers alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Soundcraft mixer in this list is the simplest choice for streaming to a computer?
The Notepad-12FX is the clearest fit based on the supplied specifications because it lists USB I/O. Check the product details to confirm the USB routing works with your computer and streaming software.
Can I connect the EPM8 directly to a computer with USB?
USB I/O is not listed in the supplied EPM8 specifications. Check the product listing, and plan for a separate audio interface unless you confirm another suitable computer connection.
Does the FX16ii support multi-track recording?
Its supplied specifications list direct outputs for individual multi-track recording. They do not list USB I/O, so confirm what additional equipment your recording or streaming setup requires.
Which mixer is best for a stream with several microphones?
The FX16ii lists 16 mono microphone channels, the largest mic-channel count in this group. Make sure you also have a suitable way to route its audio to your computer.
Are built-in effects necessary for live streaming?
No. Effects can add character or ambience, but a clear, balanced voice is usually the priority for spoken streams. The Notepad-12FX and FX16ii list built-in Lexicon effects; choose them if those tools fit your workflow.
Is the Notepad-12FX suitable for a small podcast setup?
It may be a good fit for a smaller setup because it lists USB I/O, four mic/line combo inputs, two stereo line inputs, and built-in effects. Check the exact USB routing and input needs for your show before buying.
Are the EPM8 and FX16ii available to buy?
The supplied product data marks both models as unavailable. Check their Amazon listings for current availability before planning your setup around either one.
Final Recommendation
For most smaller live streams, the Soundcraft Notepad-12FX is the most practical pick in this group because its listed USB I/O makes computer connectivity more direct, and its inputs suit a modest collection of sources. Choose the EPM8 if you prefer hands-on routing and EQ and can arrange a separate computer connection. The FX16ii is the better match for a larger multi-source production, provided you confirm availability and plan how to get its audio into your streaming system.