Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $236

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your creativity with the Alto Professional Live 1202, a versatile 12-channel mixer designed to meet the demands of both live performances and studio sessions. Whether you’re a solo artist performing at a small venue or part of a full-stage band, this mixer delivers the flexibility and quality you need for a seamless audio experience. Its 7 balanced XLR inputs with switchable phantom power provide robust connectivity options, while the 3-band EQs on each channel allow for precise tonal shaping.

The Live 1202 stands out with its high-headroom, ultra-low-noise DNA microphone preamps, ensuring pristine sound quality that captures every nuance of your performance. Analog compression on the first four channels allows you to achieve a tight, cohesive mix effortlessly. This mixer is also equipped with a USB audio interface, enabling you to record your mix directly to your computer in 24-bit audio, perfect for further editing and post-production.

For those looking to add depth and texture to their sound, the Live 1202 includes 100 high-quality Alesis DSP effects, ranging from reverb and delay to chorus and flanger. Its color-coded interface and LED indicators make navigating the mixer intuitive, even in dimly lit environments, ensuring you can focus on what matters most: your music.

Key Features:

  • 12-channel, 2-bus mixer with comprehensive routing options
  • 7 balanced XLR inputs with switchable phantom power
  • 3-band EQs on each channel
  • USB audio interface for direct 24-bit recording
  • 100 built-in Alesis DSP effects
  • Color-coded interface for easy navigation
  • High-headroom, ultra-low-noise microphone preamps
  • Analog compression on channels 1-4

Product specs

Brand Alto Professional
Model 1202 Professional Live Mixer
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes

FAQs

How many channels does the Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer have?

The Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer features 12 channels, making it suitable for small to medium-sized live performances and studio setups.

Does the Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer support phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer includes phantom power, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require it.

What types of effects are included in the Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer?

The Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer comes with built-in effects like reverb, delay, and chorus/flange, providing versatility for live sound and recording.

Can I connect the Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer to a computer via USB?

Yes, the Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer offers USB connectivity, allowing you to record and playback audio directly to and from your computer.

What is the weight and size of the Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer?

The Alto Professional Live 1202 mixer weighs 9 lbs and measures 14.1 inches in width, 13.6 inches in depth, and 3.1 inches in height, making it compact and portable for various setups.

expert island

expert island

How to Setup Your Alto LIVE1202 Audio Mixer 12 channel with USB

Video thumbnail for How to Setup Your Alto LIVE1202 Audio Mixer 12 channel with USB by expert island

How to Setup Your Alto LIVE1202 Audio Mixer 12 channel with USB

expert island

expert island

Video thumbnail for Review of the Alto LIVE1202 how to hook up your Audio Mixer 12 channel with USB by expert island

Review of the Alto LIVE1202 how to hook up your Audio Mixer 12 channel with USB

expert island

expert island

Video thumbnail for Alto Professional Live1202 Review & Issues by Greg Schiller

Alto Professional Live1202 Review & Issues

Greg Schiller

Greg Schiller

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality with clear audio and minimal noise or hiss

  • Versatile with multiple aux and sub out sends for flexible monitor mixes

  • Intuitive controls and smooth operation for easy use

  • Solid construction with a good aesthetic, fits well in various setups

  • High-quality effects, particularly reverb, enhancing vocal performances

  • Compact footprint suitable for small to medium venues

  • Mute lights provide clear visual indicators for live sound management

  • Highly recommended for live performances, practice sessions, and small gigs

CONS

  • Known issue with USB interface causing noise and recording whine

  • Potential for channel bleed into Aux Out, impacting audio routing

  • Some units report internal grounding issues causing hum in monitors

  • Manufacturer's lack of response to long-standing USB issues

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alto Professional Live series 1202.

Features and functionality

  • Channel inserts allow for preamp-first signal routing before outboard effects, offering cleaner cable management.

    Source
  • The DBX-266xs compressor's gain should remain at unity to prevent noise floor elevation, suggesting adjustments primarily happen at the preamp stage.

    Source
  • The mixer’s power supply is a specific pain point, with users wishing for a standard D plug cable to avoid reliance on expensive, proprietary adapters.

    Source
  • Digital mixers with stage box and CAT5 connectivity are preferred for reducing cable clutter and improving stage setup efficiency.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SM7B microphone, typically used for singing, requires a high-quality preamp like the Grace M101 for spoken word setups on the Alto Professional Live 1202.

    Source
  • Users recommend digital mixers like the X32 for venues with challenging acoustics due to their flexible EQ and feedback control capabilities.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using the mixer's channel inserts with a 1/4 inch split cable optimizes signal chain when integrating a compressor and voice effects.

    Source
  • Acoustic foam placement is crucial; avoid reflective surfaces behind the mic to minimize unwanted room noise capture in streaming setups.

    Source
  • Incorrect power supply polarity is reported to potentially damage the mixer, emphasizing the importance of using the correct model-specific power adapter.

    Source

User experience

  • The mixer’s USB functionality can introduce noise, possibly due to grounding issues, prompting users to opt for external audio interfaces.

    Source

Build quality

  • Users describe the mixer as having poor build quality, with issues like insufficient power supply voltage and unreliable components leading to frequent malfunctions.

    Source
  • It's reported that Alto mixers are unreliable, prompting recommendations for more durable options like used Allen & Heath or Yamaha analog mixers.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Several users prefer older Mackie models, like the Mackie 402-vlz4, citing them as more reliable with better features compared to the Alto Professional Live 1202.

    Source
  • Multiple users suggest considering digital options like the X32 for superior compressor and EQ capabilities on each channel, enhancing drum mic management.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest considering used alternatives, such as the Mackie 1202 vlz(1), which can be found for around $75 and are perceived as offering better value and durability.

    Source
  • A Yamaha MGP24x at $1200 is noted as a potentially better choice than the Alto, given Yamaha's reputation and specs.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
barry_thornton

Awesome Mixer!

I went to Guitar Center in Greensboro with my Yamaha Stagepas 300. I was looking for a way to either add extra inputs, or ditch it and move to something else. I had researched the Alto line to be a pre-amp for my Yamaha but I ask Tim my sales guru who plays in a local band in Greensboro, Jane Doe, what he suggested and he said the Alto is very versatile and to get it and trade in the Yamaha and add a set of Harbringer 15", 600 watt speakers. It rocks!

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Alto Mixers

Alto ZMX 122FX

$55.00 - $159.00

 
Neon Vines
1 artist using
Behringer Xenyx 802 Mixer

$28.00 - $415.00

# 1

Rank

Machine Girl Unknown Mortal Orchestra Dylan Walker
13 artists using
Behringer X32 Rack

$677.00 - $989.00

# 2

Rank

Rabea Massaad Dean Lamb Justin Deblieck
15 artists using
Yamaha MG10XU

$213.37 - $294.99

# 4

Rank

Tyler Larson Kazumoto Endo Shota Izawa
4 artists using
Yamaha MG12 XU

$338.46 - $429.99

# 6

Rank

Kevin Parker Underworld Richard Devine
5 artists using
Mackie 1202VLZ4

$222.00 - $329.99

# 7

Rank

Paul McCartney Ryuichi Sakamoto Ela Minus
4 artists using
Behringer Xenyx 502

$45.30 - $89.00

# 8

Rank

Steve Hillage Samus Paulicelli Krzysztof Drabikowski
5 artists using
Mackie 802-VLZ4

$180.25 - $219.99

# 9

Rank

Grimes Alexander 23 kid606
5 artists using
YAMAHA MG 16XU

$200.00 - $674.99

# 10

Rank

St. Vincent Positive Mental Trip The Toxic Avenger
5 artists using
Behringer XENYX 1204USB mixer

$129.00 - $209.00

# 11

Rank

Mauro Remiddi Larry Gus DJ FABI
3 artists using
Mackie Mix8

$95.00 - $99.99

# 13

Rank

Evgeniy Gorbunov Alex Melton Astro (Hiroshi Hasegawa)
4 artists using
Mackie MicroSeries 1202-VLZ

$75.00 - $329.99

# 14

Rank

Richie Castellano lifelike Chief Xcel
3 artists using
Behringer Xenyx X1222USB

$189.00 - $309.00

# 15

Rank

Lil Ugly Mane Jeff Ellis Joe Rogan
4 artists using
Yamaha MG06X

$139.79 - $175.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Clem Burke Yusuke (Lynch)
4 artists using
Behringer Eurorack Pro RX1602

$65.00 - $219.50

# 17

Rank

Yuki Kajiura Danny Federici
2 artists using
Soundcraft EPM6

$279.00 - $382.00

# 19

Rank

Toro y Moi goreshit Daniel Hayhurst
4 artists using
Allen & Heath ZED-10

$244.00 - $399.99

# 20

Rank

Emika STATIK SKY NL Tom Alexander Schmitt
5 artists using
Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer

$849.99 - $1,049.99

# 21

Rank

Tim Hecker Ulrich Schnauss Sidney "Senator Predator" Mills
4 artists using
Behringer Xenyx 1202fx

$35.00 - $295.00

# 22

Rank

Danny Serrano
1 artist using
Yamaha MG10

$181.00 - $219.99

# 23

Rank

VOIA Ben Minal
2 artists using
Behringer XENYX X2222 USB Mixer

$205.00 - $329.00

# 24

Rank

Samus Paulicelli pauldrums
2 artists using
Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

$550.00 - $1,271.95

# 25

Rank

Kassian Franz Alice Stern
2 artists using
Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX

$99.00 - $179.00

# 26

Rank

Holly Drummond Mario Siperman Yegua
3 artists using

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides