Mixers with multitrack USB recording can send more than a stereo mix to a computer while keeping channel control at the desk. The models below cover live rooms, DAW-led sessions, card-based recording, portable work, and larger fixed rigs.
Start with the number of sources you need to connect, then compare the recording and monitoring features each listing names. The Mackie and Zoom models cover different channel counts, while the Tascam Model 12 adds DAW control and MIDI features for a desk that also handles hardware instruments.
The right mixer is the one whose stated channel, USB, recording, and monitoring features match the way you record.Best Mixers with Multitrack USB Recording Compared
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mackie ProFX16v3 16-Channel Mixer, USB Recording, GigFX Effects | Best fit: Fits bands and venues that need 16 channels without a digital learning curve Recording: Mix the room and record the multitrack at the same time Controls: Onyx Preamps: 60 dB of clean gain on every mic channel | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Tascam Model 12 All-in-One 12-track Digital Multitrack Mixing and Recording Studio, Mixer, USB Audio Interface and DAW Controller | Best fit: 12 in / 10 Out USB Audio Interface for DAW Connectivity Recording: Click Output with TAP TEMPO Controls: Onboard MIDI Functionality | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Mackie Onyx Series, 16-Channel Premium Analog Mixer with Multi-Track USB | Best fit: High-resolution 96kHz / 24-bit multi-track recording to Mac/PC via USB plus direct to SD card stereo recording and playback Recording: Award-winning Onyx mic preamps provide up to 60dB of gain and Legendary Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange Controls: Robust digital effect engine, including user-customizable everbs, delays, and more | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Battery Powered Mixer/Recorder for Musicians & Podcasters | Best fit: EIGHT CHANNELS FOR BANDS AND PODCASTERS – Captures 12 tracks simultaneously at 24-bit/96kHz directly to SD card, delivering professional-quality audio for podcasts, live performances, and studio sessions Recording: SIX PREAMPS WITH -121DBU NOISE FLOOR – Features a -121dBu noise floor with up to +54dB of gain, 3-band EQ, and onboard effects on every channel for clean, versatile signal handling across your entire mix Controls: FOUR HEADPHONE OUTPUTS, THREE CUSTOM MIXES – Provides four headphone outputs with three independent monitor mixes, giving every performer their own personalized mix for rehearsals and live shows | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Mackie Onyx Series, 8-Channel Premium Analog Mixer with Multi-Track USB | Best fit: ONYX MIC PREAMPS: Features up to 60dB of gain. If output volume seems low, check that the "Main Mix" fader and individual "Channel Gain" knobs are set to appropriate levels. Designed for ultra-low noise, even at high gain settings Recording: High-resolution 96kHz / 24-bit multi-track recording to Mac/PC via USB plus direct to SD card stereo recording and playback Controls: Award-winning Onyx mic preamps provide up to 60dB of gain and Legendary Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Mackie Onyx Series, 12-Channel Premium Analog Mixer with Multi-Track USB | Best fit: High-resolution 96kHz / 24-bit multi-track recording to Mac/PC via USB plus direct to SD card stereo recording and playback Recording: Award-winning Onyx mic preamps provide up to 60dB of gain and Legendary Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange Controls: Robust digital effect engine, including user-customizable everbs, delays, and more | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Zoom LiveTrak L6 Mixer/Recorder for Musicians & Podcasters | Best fit: TEN TRACKS TO SD CARDS UP TO 1TB – Records 10 discrete tracks plus a full stereo mix to SD cards up to 1TB, giving bands, streamers, and solo performers a complete recording solution in a compact package Recording: NO CLIPPING, NO GAIN SETTING EVER – Delivers clip-free audio every time without the need to set gain, ensuring perfect recordings whether you're capturing whisper-quiet acoustic instruments or loud live performances Controls: RECORDS TO CARD AND COMPUTER SIMULTANEOUSLY – Functions as a 32-bit float audio interface for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android while simultaneously recording to SD card, and doubles as a DAW control surface for seamless studio integration | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Mackie Onyx Series, 24-Channel Premium Analog Mixer with Multi-Track USB | Best fit: High-resolution 96kHz / 24-bit multi-track recording to Mac/PC via USB plus direct to SD card stereo recording and playback Recording: Award-winning Onyx mic preamps provide up to 60dB of gain and Legendary Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange Controls: Robust digital effect engine, including user-customizable everbs, delays, and more | Check Price on Amazon |
1. Mackie ProFX16v3 — Best for Full-Band Tracking
A band or church that wants to mix the room by hand and record the multitrack needs a desk with enough inputs. The Mackie 2057323-00 is a 16-channel analog mixer for bands, churches, and small venues, and Mackie’s listing says it fits venues that need 16 channels without a digital learning curve.
You can mix the room and record the multitrack at the same time. Mackie states 60 dB of clean gain from its Onyx preamps on every mic channel, which is the figure to compare against how quiet your microphones are.
Decision point: 16 channels on an analog desk, with no digital learning curveFor related desk decisions, see our guide to Thunderbolt audio interfaces and our guide to USB-C audio interfaces.
Our TakeBuy the Mackie 2057323-00 if you run a band or a small room and want 16 channels you can mix by hand while USB records the multitrack. Skip it if you record only a few sources, since the smaller desks on this page list fewer channels.
- A 16-channel analog layout suits a band or small venue and avoids a digital learning curve.
- You can mix the room and record the multitrack at the same time.
- Mackie states 60 dB of clean gain from the Onyx preamps on every mic channel.
- The GigFX engine has 24 built-in effects.
- The Mackie 2057323-00 is a 16-channel desk, so count your microphones and line sources before you buy.
- USB recording assumes a computer in the chain, so confirm your DAW routing first.
- The listing centers on routing and effects, so check that they cover any workflow beyond live mixing and USB recording.
2. Tascam Model 12 — Best for DAW Control
When the DAW is the center of the session, the USB interface is the part of the desk that counts. The Tascam MODEL 12 is a 12-track digital multitrack mixer and recorder, and Tascam’s listing for the Model 12 describes a 12 in / 10 out USB audio interface for DAW connectivity.
It also lists a click output with tap tempo and onboard MIDI, which suits a desk that runs hardware instruments.
Decision point: 12 in / 10 out USB audio interface for DAW connectivityFor a related desk decision, see our guide to desktop audio racks.
Our TakeBuy the Tascam MODEL 12 if the DAW is the center of your session and you need a 12 in / 10 out USB interface on the same desk. Skip it if you want a purely analog signal path, since the listing calls it a digital multitrack.
- Tascam lists a 12 in / 10 out USB audio interface for DAW connectivity.
- Tascam lists a click output with tap tempo.
- Tascam lists onboard MIDI functionality for hardware instruments.
- Tascam includes a 1-knob compressor and 3 band EQ on all input modules.
- Tascam provides two headphone outputs with individual volume and source selection.
- The MODEL 12 is a 12-track desk, so count your sources against what the Model 12 lists.
- USB recording suits a computer workflow, so confirm your DAW routing first.
3. Mackie Onyx16 — Best for SD-Backed 96kHz Capture
Some sessions need a computer recording and a stereo copy on a card. The Mackie Onyx16 is a 16-channel analog mixer that records multitrack over USB, and Mackie’s listing names 96kHz / 24-bit recording to a Mac or PC, plus direct SD-card stereo recording and playback.
Mackie describes its Onyx preamps as award-winning, with up to 60dB of gain, and pairs them with a Perkins “British style” EQ with a sweepable midrange. A digital effect engine adds user-customizable reverbs and delays.
For a related desk decision, see our guide to dynamic XLR microphones.
Our TakeBuy the Mackie Onyx16 when you want to record multitrack over USB and keep a stereo copy on an SD card. Mackie’s listing names 24-bit recording at 96khz over USB. Choose the Onyx12 or Onyx24 instead if you need a different channel count.
- Mackie lists 96kHz / 24-bit multitrack recording to a Mac or PC over USB, plus direct SD-card stereo recording and playback.
- Mackie describes award-winning Onyx preamps with up to 60dB of gain and a Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange.
- A digital effect engine with user-customizable reverbs and delays.
- The Onyx16 is a 16-channel desk, so count your sources before you buy.
- USB recording needs a computer in the chain, so confirm your DAW routing first.
- The listing centers on routing and control features, so check that they fit a workflow beyond USB and SD recording.
4. Zoom LiveTrak L-8 — Best for Portable Sessions
A rehearsal or podcast with several people in headphones needs separate monitor mixes more than it needs a big desk. The Zoom LiveTrak L-8 is a battery-powered mixer and recorder, and Zoom’s listing leads with “EIGHT CHANNELS FOR BANDS AND PODCASTERS”. Zoom says the L-8 captures 12 tracks simultaneously at 24-bit/96kHz directly to an SD card.
Zoom’s feature heading is “SIX PREAMPS WITH -121DBU NOISE FLOOR”, with a -121dBu noise floor, up to +54dB of gain, 3-band EQ, and onboard effects on every channel. Four headphone outputs carry three independent monitor mixes, giving every performer their own blend.
For a related desk decision, see our guide to balanced TRS cables.
Our TakeBuy the Zoom L-8 if you record a band or a podcast with several headphone mixes and want the SD card to do the recording. Zoom says it captures 12 tracks at 24-bit/96khz to SD. Skip it if you need more than eight channels, since several Mackie desks on this page list more.
- Under “EIGHT CHANNELS FOR BANDS AND PODCASTERS”, Zoom lists 12 tracks captured simultaneously at 24-bit/96kHz directly to SD card.
- Under “SIX PREAMPS WITH -121DBU NOISE FLOOR”, Zoom lists a -121dBu noise floor with up to +54dB of gain and 3-band EQ on every channel.
- Four headphone outputs with three independent monitor mixes give every performer their own mix.
- It records to an SD card and a computer over USB at the same time.
- The Zoom LiveTrak L-8 is an eight-channel mixer, so compare that count with your own input list before choosing the L-8.
- USB recording suits a computer workflow, so confirm your DAW routing first.
5. Mackie Onyx8 — Best for Compact Multitrack Desks
A few microphones and a laptop do not need a big board. The Mackie Onyx8 is an 8-channel analog mixer with multitrack USB, and it is the smallest Onyx on this page. Mackie lists up to 60dB of gain on its Onyx mic preamps and says they are designed for ultra-low noise, even at high gain settings. If output volume seems low, check the “Main Mix” fader and the individual “Channel Gain” knobs.
Like the other Onyx desks, it records multitrack at 96kHz / 24-bit to a Mac or PC over USB and records stereo directly to an SD card. Mackie describes award-winning Onyx preamps with up to 60dB of gain and a Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange.
For a related desk decision, see our guide to portable audio interfaces.
Our TakeBuy the Mackie Onyx8 when you record a handful of microphones and want Onyx preamps, which Mackie lists at up to 60db of gain, on the smallest Onyx desk. If the output sounds low, set the Main Mix fader and the Channel Gain knobs first, as Mackie’s listing advises. Choose the Onyx12 or Onyx16 if you need more channels.
- Mackie lists up to 60dB of gain on the Onyx mic preamps, designed for ultra-low noise even at high gain settings.
- Multitrack recording at 96kHz / 24-bit to a Mac or PC over USB, plus direct SD-card stereo recording and playback.
- Mackie describes award-winning Onyx preamps with up to 60dB of gain and a Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange.
- A digital effect engine with user-customizable reverbs and delays.
- Bluetooth streaming directly to a channel strip.
- The Onyx8 is an 8-channel desk, so count your sources before you buy.
- USB recording needs a computer in the chain, so confirm your DAW routing first.
- The listing centers on preamps and routing, so check that they fit a workflow beyond USB and SD recording.
6. Mackie Onyx12 — Best for Small Ensembles
A small ensemble can outgrow the smallest desk quickly without needing the biggest one. The Mackie Onyx12 is a 12-channel analog mixer with multitrack USB. Mackie’s listing names multitrack recording at 96kHz / 24-bit to a Mac or PC over USB, plus direct SD-card stereo recording and playback.
Mackie describes the preamps as award-winning, with up to 60dB of gain, alongside a Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange and a digital effect engine with user-customizable reverbs and delays.
Decision point: 96kHz / 24-bit multitrack USB recording to a Mac or PC, plus direct SD-card stereo recordingFor a related desk decision, see our guide to active direct boxes.
Our TakeBuy the Mackie Onyx12 if a small ensemble needs more channels than the Onyx8 but fewer than the Onyx16. Mackie’s listing names 24-bit multitrack recording at 96khz over USB.
- Mackie lists 96kHz / 24-bit multitrack recording to a Mac or PC over USB, plus direct SD-card stereo recording and playback.
- Mackie describes award-winning Onyx preamps with up to 60dB of gain and a Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange.
- A digital effect engine with user-customizable reverbs and delays.
- The Onyx12 is a 12-channel desk, so count your sources before you buy.
- USB recording needs a computer in the chain, so confirm your DAW routing first.
7. Zoom LiveTrak L6 — Best for 32-bit Float Sessions
A solo performer or small band that cannot rehearse gain settings wants a recorder that does not clip. The Zoom L6 is a battery-powered mixer and recorder, and Zoom says it records 10 discrete tracks plus a full stereo mix to SD cards up to 1TB, under the headline “TEN TRACKS TO SD CARDS UP TO 1TB”.
Zoom’s headline is “NO CLIPPING, NO GAIN SETTING EVER”, and the listing says the L6 delivers clip-free audio without the need to set gain. It also works as a 32-bit float audio interface for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android while it records to the card, and it doubles as a DAW control surface.
Decision point: 10 discrete tracks plus a full stereo mix on SD cards up to 1TB, so check that a 1TB card is enough for your longest sessionFor a related desk decision, see our guide to studio monitor isolation pads.
Our TakeBuy the Zoom L6 if you want the SD card to hold the tracks of a band, stream, or solo session. Zoom names 10 discrete tracks plus a stereo mix on cards up to 1tb, so buy a card at or under 1tb.
- Zoom lists 10 discrete tracks plus a full stereo mix on SD cards up to 1TB, headlined “TEN TRACKS TO SD CARDS UP TO 1TB”.
- Zoom says the L6 delivers clip-free audio without the need to set gain.
- It works as a 32-bit float audio interface for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android while recording to the SD card, and it doubles as a DAW control surface.
- Zoom lists a 3-band mid-sweepable EQ, AUX sends, pan, and onboard delay, echo, and reverb on every channel.
- The L6 lists two combo and four stereo inputs, so a band with many microphones should check the input count first.
- USB recording suits a computer workflow, so confirm your DAW routing first.
- The listing centers on its recording and control features, so check that they fit a workflow beyond SD and USB recording.
8. Mackie Onyx24 — Best for Large Fixed Rigs
A studio or live rig that mixes many sources at once needs the most channels it can get. The Mackie Onyx24 is a 24-channel analog mixer with multitrack USB, and it has the most channels on this page. Mackie names 96kHz / 24-bit multitrack recording to a Mac or PC over USB, plus direct SD-card stereo recording and playback.
Mackie describes award-winning Onyx preamps with up to 60dB of gain and a Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange, plus a digital effect engine with user-customizable reverbs and delays.
Decision point: 96kHz / 24-bit multitrack USB recording across the most channels on this page, so count your sources first Our TakeBuy the Mackie Onyx24 if a large fixed rig needs the most channels in this guide. Mackie’s listing names 24-bit multitrack recording at 96khz over USB. Skip it if you record a few sources, since the smaller Onyx desks and both Zoom models list fewer channels.
- Mackie lists 96kHz / 24-bit multitrack recording to a Mac or PC over USB, plus direct SD-card stereo recording and playback.
- Mackie describes award-winning Onyx preamps with up to 60dB of gain and a Perkins “British style” EQ with sweepable midrange.
- A digital effect engine with user-customizable reverbs and delays.
- Bluetooth streaming directly to a channel strip.
- The Onyx24 keeps its USB recording inside a 24-channel mixer, so one desk handles both mixing and multitrack capture.
- The Onyx24 is a 24-channel desk, so confirm you need that many channels before you buy.
- USB recording suits a computer workflow, so confirm your DAW routing first.
Buying Guide
Count the sources before comparing the mixer
Choose the board around the number of sources you must capture together. Mackie 2057323-00 is listed as a 16-channel mixer, while Mackie Onyx24 is listed as a 24-channel model, and those figures set the physical scale of the desk.
A smaller setup can start with the inputs named in the product listing. Zoom L-8 lists six combo and two stereo inputs, while Zoom L6 lists two combo and four stereo inputs alongside its 10-channel description.
Match USB routing to the DAW job
Prioritize the stated USB input and output count when the computer needs separate tracks. Tascam MODEL 12 lists a 12-in/10-out USB audio interface, a figure that directly describes its DAW connection.
For Mackie choices, compare the listed multitrack USB recording resolution. Mackie Onyx16, Mackie Onyx8, Mackie Onyx12, and Mackie Onyx24 each list 96kHz/24-bit multitrack recording to Mac or PC.
Decide whether SD recording belongs in the workflow
Use the recording destination named for the model to choose between computer-led and card-led sessions. Mackie Onyx16 lists direct-to-SD stereo recording, while Zoom L-8 lists simultaneous recording to SD card and computer.
A dedicated recorder can change setup choices when the listed track count suits the session. Zoom L6 lists ten discrete tracks plus a stereo mix to SD cards up to 1TB, whereas Tascam MODEL 12 emphasizes its USB interface and DAW control.
Plan monitoring before adding more inputs
Check the number of headphone outputs and monitor mixes when performers need separate listening control. Zoom L-8 lists four headphone outputs and three independent monitor mixes.
A studio desk can also benefit from individual headphone volume and source selection. Tascam MODEL 12 lists two headphone outputs with those controls, which is a different monitoring arrangement from the four-output Zoom layout.
Choose the control features you will use
Pick the board whose listed control and processing features fit the session rather than assuming every mixer has the same workflow. Mackie 2057323-00 lists 24 built-in effects, while Tascam MODEL 12 lists one-knob compression and three-band EQ on all input modules.
Consider MIDI, sound pads, and 32-bit float only when they serve the recording plan. Zoom L6 lists MIDI, effects, four assignable sound pads, and 32-bit float audio, whereas Tascam MODEL 12 lists onboard MIDI and DAW control.
FAQ
Can these mixers send separate tracks to a DAW?
Yes, the models in this guide are selected for their USB multitrack descriptions rather than a basic stereo-only USB role. The Model 12 explicitly lists a 12-in/10-out USB audio interface, and the Mackie Onyx products list multitrack recording to Mac or PC.
Match the stated input or track count to the tracks you plan to arm in your DAW. The figure is model-specific, so a 16-channel board and a 10-channel board should not be treated as interchangeable.
Is SD-card recording the same as USB multitrack recording?
No, the listing language distinguishes the recording destinations. The Onyx models describe direct-to-SD stereo recording, while the LiveTrak L-8 lists simultaneous recording to SD card and computer.
Use the wording for the exact model to decide what gets written to the card and what reaches the computer. The L6 separately lists ten discrete tracks plus a stereo mix to SD cards up to 1TB.
Which model is best for several headphone listeners?
The Zoom LiveTrak L-8 is the clearest fit when several people need headphones, because its listing names four outputs and three independent monitor mixes. The Model 12 instead lists two headphone outputs with individual volume and source selection.
Those descriptions point to different session shapes rather than a universal winner. A two-person desk can value the Model 12 controls, while a larger monitored session can use the L-8 layout.
Do I need MIDI on a multitrack mixer?
No, MIDI is only needed when it serves instruments or synchronization in the setup. The Model 12 lists onboard MIDI functionality, and the L6 lists MIDI I/O alongside its other recording controls.
If MIDI is not part of the session, compare channel count, USB routing, and monitoring instead. The Mackie options put their listed emphasis on multitrack USB, preamps, EQ, effects, and SD stereo recording.
What makes the L6 different from the other portable choices?
The Zoom LiveTrak L6 stands out because its listing names 32-bit float audio, ten channels, MIDI, effects, sound pads, and battery power. It also describes ten discrete tracks plus a stereo mix to SD cards up to 1TB.
That feature set suits a buyer who wants those named controls in one compact recorder and mixer. The L-8 is the better comparison when four headphone outputs and three monitor mixes are the deciding figures.
Bottom Line
The Mackie ProFX16v3 fits a 16-channel room-and-record job, the Tascam Model 12 brings 12-in/10-out USB plus DAW and MIDI features, and the Zoom LiveTrak L6 adds 32-bit float with a 10-channel description. Choose the stated channel, routing, recording, and monitoring details that line up with the session.
