I believe most radio stations would want an imposing looking audio mixer, since it forms kind of a control hub for the atmosphere and kind of says "IMPORTANT RADIO CONTROL CENTER". But at KDX we are cramped for space because we live in a homeless tent under a bridge (hyperbole), so I love this very small ultra compact but very professional mixer which is expandable.

RDL Audio Mixer

@carl-blare Don't know about imposing. I started out with one of those on loan and it was taken back by its owner. Shopping new at B&H is out of my league. Although your device second hand in good shape would be good. I was thinking 8 - 12 channels. I did see a rack mounted one I really like.

Which, by the way, I have imminent plans to put the gear on a rack for space saving purposes.

I think I found my RDL Mixer on Amazon for a much reduced price. It may have been used, but in perfect condition.

At the risk of not sounding professional, I use a Steinberg DAC (a CL something or other, I believe, not in front of it right now) combined with my computer.  2 1/4 inch microphone inputs with phantom power, 2 1/4 inch outputs, XLR inputs & outputs, RCA In & Out.   I also use microphone preamps (that plug directly into the microphone & are powered by the phantom power) when necessary (although usually not, as there is some amplification in the DAC).

I also have a Behringer USB desktop microphone that sounds better than most other microphones I've tried.  It's my go to.  So you can't always discount off name brands.

Edit: It's a CI1, I also have a traditional 2 microphone mixer as well.  Both were picked up at thrift shops, seemingly brand new.  You don't have to pay big bucks to get something decent (although I suppose everyone's definition of 'decent' is different).

Posted by: @centinel

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So as of 2024, what kind of board is everyone using for their station? Or are you using anything at all?

I am making good use of the TASCAM Mixcast 4.  It's only four microphone channels, but has blue tooth, computer (via USB), and internally generated sounds via the colorful buttons all on individual sliders for good control of levels.  It's really designed for podcasts, but has nicely become a bit of a swiss army knife sound system for other needs.  When not recording podcasts (to an SD Card), I leave it attached (via USB) to my regular PC for microphone and headphone requirements... it just sort of found a place to be at my work/radio station.

The price point isn't terrible and there are quite a few listed on E-bay for less making giving it a try even more possible.

As with any fully digital system like this, it might have quirks, but mine has worked very well so far.  I did update the firmware once after receipt per Tascam's suggestion.

This is almost off topic as its obviously a different league than the Tascam and RDL mixers ( by the way I see a used RDL like Carl's on ebay right now for $64).

But what I want to ask about is this mixer bundle I see on both ebay and Amazon for $30-$33 and free shipping!.. It's got everyting.. How can this be $33? Has podcasting caused such a Manufacturing craze that a studio can be made dirt cheap now?? This has got to be a toy box or something.

Recording Studio Equipment Podcast Equipment Bundle Kit Audio Interface DJ Mixer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/395344212783

Something cheap that might be more workable is this one I'm looking at on both Amazon and Walmart on sale for $54: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pyle-4-Channel-Bluetooth-Sound-Board-Mixer-System-for-DJ-Studio-Audio/890300316

Pyle 4 Channel Bluetooth Sound Board Mixer System for DJ Studio Audio

(Amaxon description): Pyle Professional Audio Mixer Sound Board Console System Interface 4 Channel Digital USB Bluetooth MP3 Computer Input 48V Phantom Power Stereo DJ Studio Streaming FX 16-Bit DSP Processor
200+ bought in past month

@richpowers I found a video of the supposed instructions for the first item from Amazon but from this video of instructions I still don't know what this is supposed to do or be used for? I think your second item is more like a regular mixer.
As usual anything from Amazon can't be linked!

@richpowers Here's a video demo of your second choice, the pyle 4 channel sound board and it seems for that price it's not bad. Some of the functions are shown here...

@mark The first one I wasn't considering, I was just awed over everything that's included for a grand total of $30! It has to be absolute junk. Has to be. The Pyle though is usually about $120 and Pyle has put a 40% discount on it.

But you know what? I dont think I even need a mixer, at least not right now.  I was just looking about.

What did you end up using? I recall you sent that last experiment back.

Me,  I don't use mixers or sound boards as I am not live. All automated with Salamandra(formerly was using Zara) and everything pre-done. Even the jingles are done with imagingthing. It just runs itself. Everything on schedule.

Exactly. Me too.

But you must have bought that mini mixer you sent back for some reason.

@richpowers What I got was little 6 band EQ, wasn't a mixer, a cheap one and it went in the garbage! I got instead a Behringer FBQ 800 9 band EQ but now that Salamandra has a 10 band EQ on board I have no need for the Behringer either. I now have more control of the audio before it leaves the computer.
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwaDVBR29DuJ7Pf4b_kmIT4VZJfHAI-zownYgBp_2tkRsmdmeV1JKrTaZ1WHGYQLaJgJCx7_tuQdikkbz_MAjum45hHyJflkgZzCfngQ

When I first set up my little Part 15 station, I used a Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro mixer that I had previously used for work. I also have EV RE27N/D and Shure SM7 mics on booms that were used with it. It was fun doing occasional live on-air stuff with my best friend, who had also been a DJ in a previous life. Only a few neighbors, to my knowledge, have ever listened to the station. The majority of the time, I'm pretty confident that no-one is listening, so I graduated to an exclusively automated set-up like @mark. Laptop for automation, with a Behringer UCA202 audio interface, for better quality audio than the onboard sound. The UCA202 goes straight into a Schlockwood SW200 processor, which feeds the Rangemaster.

Talking of mixing boards, my friend and I were out walking in Berkeley one day a few months ago, when we came across a little Mackie board in virtually new condition, sitting out on the street. A club was redoing their sound system, and getting rid of the Mackie. It was only 6 or 8 channels, with rotary pots, but in excellent condition, so I took it. I ended up giving it to my pal, to remind her of her DJ days, though I know she's not using it. Kinda wish I'd hung onto it, but oh well!

In addition to that, about a month ago, a neighbor across the street put an old Roland VS-880 Digital Workstation out on the sidewalk, complete with optional effects board. It's 1990's technology. You can do more with software these days, but I couldn't help myself, and took it. It was in good condition, in a protective case, with all the manuals, and an AKG electret condenser microphone. I joked to my pal that we could almost put together a small community radio station with all the gear we find out on the street! I'll probably end up selling the digital workstation, but it's fun finding all this stuff - one of the advantages of living in a densely populated area!

As far as recommendations for affordable mixers, I'm a fan of Mackie. They have an MX series, with little mixing boards as low as $70. They're aimed more towards production and recording use than on-air radio, but I like the features and quality they offer at competitive prices.