Soundcraft
Soundcraft Notepad-5
Best compact mixer for solo podcasters and small home studio setups.
Introducing the Soundcraft Notepad-5, a compact and versatile audio mixer engineered for intuitive control and professional sound quality. This mixer is ideal for small live performances, podcasting, or home studio setups, providing essential mixing functions with built-in effects to elevate your audio. Its user-friendly interface ensures effortless operation, while its robust construction delivers Soundcraft's signature audio performance in a portable design. Perfect for creators and musicians seeking dependable audio solutions.
$111.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 369
#141 in Audio Mixers
Price vs Category Average
-88%
Below average
Mixer Type
Analog
/ Analog
Who it's for
- Podcasters and musicians prioritizing clean, professional-grade audio fidelity
- Home recordists needing a simple, all-in-one computer recording solution
- Mobile creators requiring a space-saving mixer for tight workspaces
Who should skip it
- Producers needing precise tone control across all input channels
- Live performers requiring custom monitor mixes or external effects
- Field recordists needing a truly portable, battery-powered setup
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
Delivers the clean, transparent sound signature expected from professional Soundcraft preamps.
Portability
Compact footprint fits easily into any backpack or crowded desktop setup.
Ease of Use
Intuitive layout allows beginners to start mixing without a steep learning curve.
Build Quality
Robust metal chassis withstands the rigors of frequent travel and live use.
Onboard Effects
Essential reverb and delay options provide quick polish for vocals and instruments.
Input Versatility
Five channels offer enough flexibility for solo performers and simple podcast setups.
Key Specs
Mixer Type
Analog
Number of Channels
5
Built-in Effects
Reverb, Delay
Phantom Power
False
USB Bus Powered
False
Rack Mountable
False
Control Type
Faders
Features
- Built-in Reverb and Delay effects
- Compact and portable design
- Signature Soundcraft audio quality
- User-friendly interface
- Ideal for live performances
- Suitable for podcasting and home studios
- 5 input channels
What customers say
The Soundcraft Notepad 5 offers exceptional value, delivering professional sound quality in a compact, durable unit. Users consistently praise the clean, high fidelity tone from its preamps, which exceed expectations for an entry level device. Its robust metal construction inspires confidence in its longevity. The straightforward two in two out USB interface simplifies digital recording. While beloved for portability and audio fidelity, its ultra compact design presents limitations. The single microphone input and fixed USB routing are common functional constraints for users needing more flexible control over multi person setups.
Know before you buy
No, the Notepad-5 does not offer phantom power. You will need to use dynamic microphones or provide external power for your condenser mics.
The Notepad-5 is a traditional analog mixer and does not feature a built-in USB audio interface. You will need an external interface if you intend to record directly into your computer software.
The mixer features integrated Lexicon-style effects, specifically Reverb and Delay. These are useful for adding depth to vocals or instruments during live performances or podcasting.
Yes, it is well-suited for simple podcasting setups where you need to mix one or two microphones with an external audio source. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for smaller desk spaces.
The unit is powered by an external power supply rather than USB bus power. Ensure you have access to a standard wall outlet for your setup.
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