Do you want to make the quality of your live streaming feed a top-notch higher?
The process of trying to determine the best audio mixer for you can be quite a challenging one. This is an important purchase for most audio professionals.
Audio mixers are also known as recording consoles. An audio mixer is a piece of equipment that is used in studios to record live experiences or concerts. They have, however, started taking a wider space on TV broadcasts and films.
An audio mixer helps you create the perfect viewing experience and minimize interruptions for your viewers. We have compiled and reviewed the best audio mixers to suit your needs and preferences.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best audio mixers for streaming in 2024!
What Is An Audio Mixer?
An audio mixer is a device that provides the primary function of receiving, combining, and processing audio. This device employs different audios and mixes, balances them, and integrates them into one signal.
An audio mixer is essential in fine-tuning your sound when using more than one microphone. It helps you control and adjust the volume from your different audio sources. This ensures that there is consistency in the streaming quality.
How Many Types Of Audio Mixers Can Be Found In The Market?
There are several types of audio mixers in the market, as explained below. Let us take a look at each before we go further:
In line Mixers
These mixers provide two paths for every channel. The mixer allows you to send and receive sound from a digital audio workstation.
Split Monitor
This mixer only has one channel for every path. Each channel can receive and send sound to a DAW. An audio mixer can either be digital or analog.
Digital boards
These types of mixers are preferred for use in live sound streaming. This is because of their amazing recall abilities for automated mixes. The mixer also has mix templates that can be readily saved.
The recall technology makes this console very convenient. They also utilize fader layering. This provides room for higher performance as a single fader is able to control multiple input signals. These digital mixers provide better control over EQ, compression, and gating.
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Analog Mixers
These analog mixers offer great tonal capabilities though they lack recall technology. The mixer’s output must be connected to the recording device in order to enable streaming. Analog mixers are intuitive in design.
You are able to control all knobs, faders, and buttons in real-time. They are, however, very limiting in terms of space as they are large in size. This can be especially challenging if you have a small studio work area.
Powered Mixers
These are analog mixers with built-in power amplifiers. This means you can connect them to two speakers simultaneously or one speaker to one monitor. They are easy to set up and use and portable enough to move around easily.
1 . RODE Caster Pro – Best Overall
This audio gear is uniquely designed with a primary fixation on podcasting. This is especially exciting for individuals starting off in this new and rapidly rising space. Rode is widely known in its music and voice spectrum. This gives them a competitive edge in this market space.
Rode has made significant updates to the rode caster firmware since its inception. It prides itself on the production of this console by marketing it as the first fully integrated podcast production studio globally.
The selling point of the Rode Caster pro is its unique ability to work in isolation and store audio clips. This, in turn, simplifies a lot of live-streaming processes.
Recording on this mixer is possible even without using a computer or opting to connect to one when recording online interviews. Another advantage of the rode caster pro is recording phone calls.
Depending on your specialization, this call feature can be impressive. It is especially suitable for audiences and guests who are not tech-savvy.
This audio mixer allows you to connect a maximum of four mics simultaneously. This means that you are able to interview and record four people in one go when conducting a podcast.
Why Is The Rode Caster Pro The Best Audio Mixer For Streaming In 2024?
There are several reasons why the Rode Caster Pro should be your pick for the best audio mixer. Here are a few of them:
⦁ This mixture allows you to record multiple tracks into a DAW or directly onto the mixer’s SD Card. Being able to record on separate channels provides you with increased flexibility during post-production.
⦁ The Rode Caster features 8 large sound pad buttons that you can use to play other audio clips and effects. It provides you with the freedom to pause clips. You can store up to 8 banks of sound, which is perfect for anyone running multiple podcasts.
⦁ Each input has settings that enable you to mute the recording. This enables you to control each mic setting plugged into the mixer.
⦁ The Rode Castor Pro has amazing broadcast features that help you preview any pre-recorded audio clip without interrupting your live-streaming session.
⦁ It also allows you to streamline your content. This is because you can receive a call online but communicate offline with them, making the transitions smooth as any audio issues can be fixed before they get on the air.
2 . Go XLR – Runner Up
Platforms such as Youtube, Cast and Spotify have become very popular in today’s world. If you are interested in these kinds of spaces, then this Go XLR review is for you. This product is ideally made to support streamers.
Functionality – This small black device provides great features that help to improve sound quality and control. It is designed to mimic the keyboard structure.
This design makes it easy for you to reach the buttons and switches on the device. This mixer also features customizable RGB lighting that can be reconfigured to match the program software.
The console hosts a 4 channel mixer. This helps you take control of all the volume of audio clips in real-time, giving you enough room for flexibility. The Go XLR also has 4 knob settings that help you easily reconfigure sounds by turning the knobs to attain your desired range.
The 4 knobs are followed by 4 buttons to the right, which are the microphone, FX, Hard tune, and Robot. These features work excellently together to create a vocal effect desired by many music professionals as they add creativity, creating a better user and consumer experience.
The Go XLR boasts some remarkable features for avid streamers.
One of these features is “On The Fly,” SamplingThis feature offers the streamer a chance to record samples in real-time. You can utilize this feature to help you record episode cues for your stream. This creates a great experience for your audience.
The ‘cough’ feature on the Go XLR instantly mutes you when you want to avoid specific sounds you do not want the main mic to pick up.It also has audio engineering for beginners. This mixer comes with software that is designed to help streamers and gamers by providing easy controls specially designed for beginners.
The GoXLR provides great custom audio effects, such as equalizers and compressors. This helps you to fine-tune the quality of the effects of your audio clips with perfect mixing.
Audio Mixing is a challenging skill to master because memorizing individual functions and features can be time-consuming. This, however, is not the case with this console. It offers a hands-on solution for streamers.
The GoXLR comes with simple, easy-to-learn features that make sound mixing very efficient. Its RGB feature helps streamers add flair to their live sessions. The audience gets to enjoy optimized lighting due to the customizable lighting option.
3 . Yamaha MG10XU Mixer – Best Value For Money
If you are aiming for excellent studio sound, then this mixer is what you need. This device has inbuilt special effects and a USB interface. The Yamaha MG10XU is a ten-channel audio mixer which makes it a top-rated mixer for professional streamers who utilize multiple mics in their streaming.
It has a rug-build design and has an easy-to-navigate layout. Every function on the mixer is color coded and labeled properly which makes it easy to use. This mixer has the following features:
Built In SPX Digital Effects
In built SPX digital effects work to polish your mix. It provides a 24-editable and comprehensive digital effect which helps to produce high-quality reverb, chorus, and delay.
This enhances professionalism as it gives your streams a polished sound by eliminating any background noise present.
Three-Band EQ
An effective and powerful EQ is essential in creating a superb mix. This three-band EQ ensures that your sound is perfect and that any unwanted frequency is eliminated from the stream.
One Knob Compressor
This compressor provides the Yamaha mixer with ease of operating the controls. This feature also minimizes time wasted on controls, as a simple twist can help you handle the controls to achieve well-defined audio clips.
High-Quality Op-Amp
A sub-par op-amp will destroy your life experience and will leave your audience frustrated. This Yamaha MG Series utilizes high-quality op-amps which is focused on delivering high-quality sound. This analog mixer provides the perfect signal for your audio clips.
10 Channels
This is essential, especially for live-performing bands. The availability of multiple channels gives you great room for flexibility. It is also lightweight, hence easy to move around on the road when performing gigs.
D-Pre Class A Pre-Amp
This feature provides the mixer with higher power and low impedance. This, in turn, results in natural-sounding bass and highs. The class pre-amp will prevent you from spending less time EQ-ing, only to end up with low-quality sound.
4 . Alto Professional ZMX52 Mixer
This is a great mixer for amateurs. It is compact and lightweight and supports up to 5 channels. It is the ideal mixer for vloggers, YouTubers, and live stream enthusiasts.
This mixer features one mono channel with a microphone input. It also has a strong 2-band EQ. This model offers a great portable professional mixer. The ZMX52 is easy to set up and has a dedicated stereo output to send to a recorder to complement the main stereo output.
The console has one phantom-powered XLR input, mainly for the mic, and is ideal for all beginners. The mixer’s small size does not mean less quality for you. It has the same standard of quality as some of the top-rated mixers in this list. It provides high overclocking headroom and ultra-low noise, ensuring you get high-quality mixes consistently.
5 . SoundCraft Signature 22 MTK
This model boasts a multi-track USB recording and playback interface. There is still a large number of users who prefer the simplicity of an analog control surface. Therefore, a few firmware updates never fail to attract many users.
The signature 22 MTK has curved an edge for itself by employing the following features:
Lex Education
This mixer comes with two pre-programmed lexicon digital effect processors that operate independently. It has a set of standard presets that you can adjust whenever the need arises. The lexicon effects offer great quality.
Heebie GB
Signature mixers use the GB series routing design. This feature allows each channel to be routed to the main stereo output. Mute switches are also provided for all channels together with a bright red LED. This LED also works as a clip light.
USB function
Analog features are commonly referred to as USBs today in recent times. This is because the main stereo output can be connected from a USB Port. The 22 MTK has 22 input channels that have a multi-track USB interface that individually captures audio clips at the same time.
6 . Mackie PROFX8 Mixer
This 8 channel mixer works excellently well for music groups or bands that want to perform an online show for their audience. It comes with a remarkable 7 band EQ and four XLR inputs.
You will be able to make real-time adjustments when working with this mixer because of its inbuilt sound effects that are essential in audio mixing. What we loved most about this console is that it’s portable and compact while still proving to be a great mixer for live performances.
The mackie FX8 V3 allows you to easily record your streams because it features an inbuilt USB interface. The 7 band EQ helps you fine-tune compression controls, fader, mains, and the monitor.
7 . Behringer XENYX QX1002USB
This is an analog mixer with a number of robust and realistic features that work to meet the needs of professionals within the content creation and music industry.
Boasting a three band EQ and six channels, this mixer is ideal for streamers working with two computers. This Behringer mixer enables you to connect your XLR mic and control compression with the turning of just one knob.
How To Choose The Best Audio Mixer For Streaming In 2024?
Here’s our guided list to help you pick the best one!
Mixer Types
You can choose between an analog and digital mixer. Analog mixers are generally more affordable and have an easy-to-operate interface. They, however, lack customization options.
Digital mixers, on the other hand, offer a number of customization options and provide more controls to tune your audio and block out white noise. They, however, cost more.
Number Of Channels
A channel is a mixer’s signal path through which audio travels. A higher number of channels on your mixer allows you to set up more audio devices. This is especially important for live streaming of podcasts, interviews, and live band shows.
Microphone
You must use the right microphone for your audio mixer. If using a USB mic, ensure that the mixer you purchase has a USB audio interface.
An XLR mic needs phantom power to function. When using this mic, you have to ensure that your audio mixer can provide the required power capacity.
Size
You must check your mixer dimensions to ensure that it can fit in your studio with no hassle. You should be able to easily reach all the controls on your mixer during your live stream.
We recommend compact and lightweight mixers, as they do not use too much space and do not clutter your setup.
EQ and Tuning
Mixers such as GoXLR provide accurate sound tuning and the ability to customize your audio clips during post-production by using EQs.
One of the main reasons you buy a mixer is to enable you to control your sound quality. It is, therefore, essential that you pick mixers with large EQ bands so that your audience enjoys amazing live experiences.
Price
A superior quality mixer costs more due to its extra functionality and controls. However, depending on your needs, you can still get a decent mixer at a cheaper rate. This review has some pretty affordable high-quality mixers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, mixers are able to adjust sound quality by allowing you to control the sound effects. It provides access to several controls that enhance sound quality, like bass tuning and treble.
Adobe Audition is the most preferred software for streaming. This is because it combines easy-to-use tools for amateurs together with advanced features for experienced individuals.
However, because of its high cost, many streamers use free software such as the Voicemeeter Banana.
No. However, this depends on the model you have. You do not need an interface if your mixer already has an inbuilt USB port. You will, nevertheless, need an interface if your console has no USB output and you want to record on your computer.
Audio mixers also have a higher number of physical controllers than an interface, hence will be able to provide you with value for your money.
This is a live streaming platform where you and other streaming professionals can broadcast themselves live while streaming. This application has a free and paid version.
The paid version provides you with premium content and excellent storage capacities. This application has partnered with reputed gaming companies such as the Overwatch league.
The GoXLR provides the best streaming services for the best price. The GoXLR is budget-friendly. It offers the right channels and support for both beginners and experienced professionals.
The twitch platform provides you with a split-screen display. As you listen and watch the live performance, you can see what the streamer is doing on the monitor.
Twitch streaming also allows you to comment and catch up with other avid audio-mixing enthusiasts. This is a great platform for creative and artistic individuals.
Conclusion
This review of the best audio mixers will provide you with the chance to choose the right one for your needs. Decide how many inputs you need and how much control you want over the audio clip before it reaches your digital audio workstation.
You can find USB connectivity in current modern mixers, which makes streaming easy for you. USB connectivity removes the need to go from the mixer into a separate audio interface. This minimizes the chances of errors and white noise in your streams.
You must use the right audio mixer in order to get the best audio quality for your streaming. This review provides a detailed list of the top 7 audio mixers of 2024.
Carefully study the features of each device, and we believe that you can make a suitable choice based on the mixers we have mentioned.
You can choose from this list of mixers whether you are an amateur or a professional seeking guidance on mixtures that can meet specific needs that you may have. We hope that your next streaming session will be an incredible one.
