The 10 Best DSLR Audio Mixers
This wiki has been updated 18 times since it was first published in January of 2020. DSLR audio mixers provide recording flexibility when using multiple microphones in a studio or on location to capture better sound than a camera's built-in mic. Designed for independent videographers, these selections accept a variety of mics for mixing sound directly to your camera's audio input, eliminating the need for an external recorder and syncing audio in post-production. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Tascam DR-60DMKII
2. Comica CVM-AX3
3. Marantz PMD-602A
Editor's Notes
January 17, 2020:
Studies show that people will put up with the worst quality video but won't tolerate poor quality audio. Audio is often the distinguishing factor between what is considered an amateur or professional production, and it's what causes videographers the most headaches. The audio captured with the mic that's built-in to most DSLRs, as featured on our best DSLR cameras ranking, is typically thin and lacks the "presence" that handheld or boom mics can provide.
The solution is to use better quality mics, and even multiple mics, to capture the audio of an interview or event. If you don't want to use the "dual-system" method employed in professional filmmaking where the audio is captured on an external recorder and then later synchronized to the picture in post-production, or if you're a "crew of one" shooting a vlog and need a simple, portable solution, then consider one of the DSLR mixers I've included in this list.
DSLR audio mixers come in a wide variety of flavors and configurations but are all made to do one thing: take the audio from one or more microphones that normally won't connect directly to your camera and send their signal to your camera's built-in recorder. The difference between audio mixers and adaptors is that adaptors just convert one type of plug to another so you can use any mic you'd like with the traditional 1/8-inch audio input found on most DSLRs. I'm focused here on actual mixers that allow you to mix the audio from one or more mics into one audio stream that goes into your camera. The functions are as varied as the price tags, but there's something available for every videographer, from beginner to pro. I included mixers ranging from the high-end Tascam DR-60DMKII that accepts the professional XLR connector and can record onto an internal SD card, to the no-frills BOYA by MP4 that only accepts mics with 1/8-inch plugs like those used for headphones. Several mixers on the list can be mounted between the camera and a tripod like those featured on our tripods For DSLR cameras ranking. Mid-range mixers of note are the Movo AM200 and Saramonic SMARTRIG+ which provide two-channel mixing with lightweight portability and zero learning curve.
The mixers in this list were chosen for portability, ease of mounting directly to camera or tripod, and the ability to mix more than one audio source directly to your camera's audio input, all without breaking the bank.
4. Saramonic SMARTRIG+
5. Movo AM200
6. Kopul CMX-1-V2
7. Azden FMX-DSLR
8. Beachtek DXA-Micro Pro
9. Andoer WS-VS
10. Boya by MP4
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.