Soundcraft Notepad-5

The Soundcraft Notepad-5 is a compact 5-channel analog mixer with a built-in USB audio interface, perfect for podcasts, streaming, small meetings, home recording, and simple live setups. It combines a professional Soundcraft microphone preamp with line and RCA inputs, a monitor send, and a familiar channel layout in a durable metal enclosure small enough for any desk.

Highlights

• 5 channels in a compact desktop format
• Professional Soundcraft mic preamp on channel 1
• 1/4-inch line inputs and stereo RCA inputs
• Integrated USB audio interface for recording and playback
• Monitor send and switchable monitor/headphone output
• XLR main outputs and durable metal enclosure

Soundcraft Notepad-5: Small Mixer, Big Sound

The Notepad-5 brings Soundcraft’s decades of mixing heritage to a compact, affordable format. Its professional mic preamp delivers clean, detailed sound for vocals and speech, while line and RCA inputs accept keyboards, media players, and computers.

USB Recording and Playback

The built-in USB audio interface lets you record your mix directly to a Mac or PC and play audio back from the computer, ideal for podcasts and streaming. It’s plug-and-play on Mac, and Windows uses Soundcraft’s driver.

Setting Up the Notepad-5

Connect a microphone to channel 1, line-level sources to channels 2 and 3, and stereo RCA sources to channels 4 and 5. Connect the XLR main outputs to powered speakers, plug in headphones, and connect USB to your computer for recording. Set gain and EQ for each channel, then adjust the master level.

What to Pair With the Notepad-5

Pair the Notepad-5 with a dynamic microphone, closed-back headphones, powered speakers or studio monitors, and quality XLR and instrument cables.

Simple, Familiar Controls

Each channel offers gain or trim, EQ, a monitor send, and level control, and the master section includes a master level knob, LED meters, and a rotary headphone volume control, so anyone can get a great mix quickly.

Flexible Monitoring

A dedicated button switches the 1/4-inch monitor output between a mono line output for a stage monitor and a stereo headphone output, adapting the Notepad-5 to recording or live use.

Built to Last

A durable metal enclosure protects the Notepad-5 from the knocks of everyday use, and it ships with an external power supply.

Where to Use It

The Notepad-5 is ideal for solo podcasters, meeting rooms, classrooms, small worship spaces, and home studios that need one microphone plus playback sources.

Mixing Tips

Set the mic gain first so the meters peak around 0 dB when speaking normally, then bring up playback sources to sit underneath. Use the EQ sparingly, cutting a little low end on vocals to reduce rumble and boom.

Notepad-5 vs. Notepad-8FX

The Notepad-5 handles one microphone plus playback sources, while the Notepad-8FX adds a second mic preamp, more inputs, Lexicon effects, and ducking for two-person shows and small live gigs.

Soundcraft Notepad-5 FAQ

Can I record to my computer? Yes. The built-in USB interface records and plays back audio.

How many microphones can I connect? One, on channel 1. For more mics, consider the Notepad-8FX or Notepad-12FX.

Soundcraft Notepad-5 Specifications at a Glance

• Channels: 5
• Mic preamps: 1
• Inputs: 1 mic, 2 x 1/4-inch line, stereo RCA
• Outputs: XLR main L/R, 1/4-inch monitor/headphone
• USB: audio interface (record and playback)
• Meters: 4-segment LED
• Power: external supply (included)

Who Buys the Soundcraft Notepad-5

• Podcasters and streamers
• Meeting rooms and classrooms
• Home studios
• Small venues and coffee shops

Why Buy the Soundcraft Notepad-5 From Metro Sound & Lighting

Metro Sound & Lighting isn’t a catalog-only retailer. We design, install, and service sound systems in-house, so our team can help you choose the right mixer and support it after the sale. We offer B2B and integrator pricing for churches, schools, and venues.

Browse more options in our Analog Mixers category, or see the full specifications on the official Soundcraft Notepad-5 product page.