ART MX822

If you want to save space then an 19" rack mixer does the job and there are not too many choices on the market. The ART MX822 is a stereo 8 channel mixer with an effects send, pan and individual level control and for just over £150. On paper this mixer had what I wanted in features. Set up is easy if mono (L) then sound appears L+R. 8 stereo inputs give the mixer a lot of flexibility with channel 1 being XLR Mic with 48v phantom power.

Now to the bad points; turning up the main volume brings with it an a lot of noise. In fact at higher volumes the buzz would make this unit unusable. I tested with just my KRK Rokit speakers, 1m of XRL speaker cable, and nothing on the inputs and you can physically hear a lot of noise. I assume this noise is due to cheap circuitry on the mixers output stage. At lower volumes it is just workable. As I'd already thrown the box away and set up my studio I decided to keep although I think spending more money on something like the Tascam LM8 ST will give you better results and later on I will change. Personally, I cant really recommend the MX822. If ART had got produced a noise free mixer this would have been a nice little unit.