NAMM 2026: Proel DIGIPAD 8 is a new compact 8-channel digital mixer with motorized faders, built-in DSP effects, and an audio interface.
Every year, NAMM showcases dozens of new audio interfaces, mixers, and MIDI controllers. This year shows no signs of slowing down.
Proel, an Italian brand, is presenting the DIGIPAD 8 at NAMM 2026, an exciting compact digital mixer.
Proel DIGIPAD 8
When I first saw the Proel DIGIPAD 8, I thought, “Oh, Behringer has updated its Flow 8 digital mixer.” Yes, the design is very similar, but it offers a unique feature set.
DIGIPAD 8 is a digital mixer with eight channels lined up on the top panel: two combo XLR-F/jacks, two XLR-F/Hi-Z, and two stereo pairs (L/R mono).
In addition, there are two XLR-M outputs, a stereo AUX output, two 3.5mm headphone sockets on the side, and a dedicated FX send on the backside.
A highlight is the operation. The mixer and channels are controlled by 30mm motorized faders, buttons, and a 3-inch touchscreen.
The developers promise that the Moto Faders respond quickly and precisely, giving you instant access to saved scenes and enabling seamless transitions even in the most challenging live situations. Moto faders in a mixer of that size are rare but very welcome.
Remote Control & Audio Interface
In addition to the moto faders, you have dedicated channel and menu buttons, as well as a push encoder, providing you with haptic control. Alternatively, you can pair the Proel DIGIPAD 8 with the dedicated app for your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The connection is made via the built-in Wi-Fi module, which links the mixer to the app. The latter gives you full access to all mixer features, including the ability to save and recall your favorite configurations.
Handy, DIGIPAD 8 is also a 24-bit/48 kHz USB audio interface that lets you record your channel to your computer or mobile device. A dedicated Bluetooth channel lets you stream music wirelessly with a single touch.
Further, you can find a small DSP effects engine, consisting of fully-adjustable 4-band full parametric EQ, a compressor, a gate, and a reverb. The latter offers a dedicated FX send socket on the backside. Talking of the backside.
On the back, you have two USB-C ports, one handles power (5V) and the second handles the computer connections. Thanks to the 5V specification, you can also power it with a power bank, enabling use in mobile setups.
An internal recording function, like the one found on the Zoom Livetrak L6, is not included.
First Impression
At first glance, this is an exciting, compact digital mixer. It’s a shame there’s no internal recording function, but motorized faders are a nice change. If the official price drops over time, this could be a compelling alternative to the Behringer Flow 8.
Proel DIGIPAD 8 will be available by the end of January 2026 for 349€.
More information here: Proel
Available from my partner
Thomann
Is it class compliant?
they always make the info on the soundcard very vague. no mention anywhere of whether it is stereo mix or multi-channel over usb. assuming it is just stereo mix. in that case it is just like a tonne of other digital mixers. nothing special apart from motorized faders.
what a little bit of rubbish.
this is what comes of trying to hit back of box features instead of crafting something useful.
why would I care about motorised faders on a device that only has 6 faders? I can do a fader flip on this, that’s literally all, and if I need a fader flip to tune a show and can’t do it without the PAFL, then the show is too big for the desk.
does it have motorised faders because you need to run several mixouts, FBs, FOH, stream, record, and also needs the capacity to Fader Flip PAFL tune all of those outputs that may be far away from you in the room? no, it does not, it has motorised faders because motorised faders is a feature.
you can tell everything you need to know about a soundie by their response to a gadget like this. “wow great”-trust this guy with nothing “it’s neat, but… why???”-someone with the minimum IQ to run your event.
Unable to label app channel names??? BUMMER No Bluetooth EQ BUMMER unless you send it to an aux out use the aux EQ and send it to FOH??? Fiddly and you loose an aux ch! Select Buttons don’t need to be constantly lit, same with the Panel buttons, but the panel functions need to be backlit (or the functions printed on the buttons) so as to see them in the dark! Is a matter of fact Panel buttons are not needed at all just a menu and scene selection buttons everything else shows up on screen! One headphone 6.5 socket and one 3.5 socket would be better than 2 x 3.5! There is an occasional lag in EQ response time! Only had it a couple of hours and haven’t tried the reverb yet! I do like the weight and the look of the app! A power down feature would be a nice pro touch instead of just pulling out the USB C cable! Only 2.4g wifi and bluetooth asking for trouble! It’s a bit dicky!
I’m really interested buying one
I’m trying to understand if this is a known issue or a design limitation of the DIGIPAD8. I have tested three different units, and all of them show the same behavior on stereo channels 5/6 and 7/8: when the signal level gets very low, the audio is abruptly cut or becomes noisy. Imagine a piano or any instrument with a long decay. Using the same Nord Stage 3 and the same cables on other digital mixers, especially the Behringer Flow 8, the problem does not occur — the decay remains smooth and natural.