Why do you need an audio mixer for streaming?

An audio mixer is an essential tool for streaming because it allows you to control and adjust the audio levels of multiple audio inputs , such as microphones, instruments, and sound effects, in real-time. This ensures that your audience receives a balanced and high-quality audio experience . Additionally, many audio mixers come with features like equalization and compression, which can further enhance sound quality. They also allow for more complex audio setups, such as having multiple guests on your stream, incorporating sound effects, or managing audio from different sources like game audio and voice chat. Without an audio mixer, managing these different audio sources and maintaining consistent, high-quality audio can be challenging. If you're looking for more ways to enhance your streaming experience, check out these stream ideas that can help you engage your audience and grow your channel.

Mix-minus is an audio setup technique often used in broadcasting and podcasting. It involves creating a unique audio mix for each output, such as headphones or speakers, where the audio from that specific output is removed from the mix. This prevents feedback loops and echoes . For example, in a podcast, a mix-minus setup would ensure that a caller hears everything from the podcast (the host, other callers, sound effects, etc.) except their own voice. This is crucial as hearing their voice with a slight delay can be very distracting for the caller .

What is the difference between an audio interface and an audio mixer?

Both of these pieces of equipment serve different purposes in a sound system. An audio interface is a device that converts analog audio signals into digital format for processing on a computer , and vice versa. Modern audio interfaces can often provide 48V phantom power and have built-in preamps for mic gain. It is primarily used for recording, allowing you to connect microphones, instruments, and other audio sources to your computer. We have some great recommendations for affordable audio interfaces if you're interested. On the other hand, an audio mixer, also known as a mixing console, allows you to control and adjust the audio levels of multiple audio inputs in real-time . It can mix these signals together, adjust their volume levels individually, and apply effects. While some audio mixers come with built-in audio interfaces, they are fundamentally different tools designed for different tasks in audio production.

What other audio equipment do I need for streaming?

You will not need an analog mixer or a USB audio interface if you plan to get one of these digital audio mixers (or the Elgato Wave:3) on this list. Minimally, you would need a good-quality USB or XLR streaming microphone , a gaming headset, a webcam, some lighting, and an optional streaming controller like a Stream Deck. If you need more information, you can check out our article on equipment for streaming .

Best Audio Mixers for Streaming - Featured Image

Hardware | Music & Audio

5 Best Audio Mixers for Streaming & Podcasting

ByDaniel Thomas Posted onJune 13, 2023September 25, 2023 Updated onSeptember 25, 2023

The quality of your broadcast can determine the success of your stream. When it comes to live streaming, one critical piece of equipment often goes unnoticed – the audio mixer.

The audio mixer plays a pivotal role in the overall audio quality of your broadcast, blending various audio sources to deliver a clear, crisp, and engaging sound experience to your live-streaming audience.

Whether you’re an experienced streamer seeking to enhance your audio setup or a novice just beginning your journey, this guide to the best audio mixers for streaming in 2023 is designed for you.

Digital audio mixers that can transition seamlessly from a podcasting or streaming tool to a live music session companion are highly sought after. We will explore the top options, their features, and how they can elevate your live streaming quality.

What are the 5 Best Audio Mixers for Streaming & Podcasting in 2023?

Analog mixers with stereo output are not ideal for streaming because you will still need more audio devices like a USB interface.

With the exception of the Elgato Wave:3, all the recommendations below are all-in-one digital mixers that perform the role of an audio mixer with XLR inputs, an audio interface, and an effects processor.

The recommendations below are our carefully handpicked choices for the 5 best audio mixers for streaming in 2023.

1. RODECaster Pro II – Most Versatile Audio Mixer for Streaming (US$ 699.00)

Why would you want this Audio Mixer?

You need a versatile and future-proof streaming mixer that can record up to 4 microphones or instruments.

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Overview:

Since the launch of the iconic and revolutionary RODECaster Pro audio mixer in November 2018, several audio companies, including Tascam and Zoom, have released similar variants, such as the Mixcast 4 and the Podtrak P8 audio mixers. However, RODE was not to be outdone. In June 2022, they introduced the RODECaster Pro II audio mixer, a substantial upgrade from its predecessor.

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The RODECaster Pro II is an incredibly versatile audio mixer for streaming. It has nine assignable channels – six physical faders and three virtual ones, allowing users to assign any audio source to any fader, offering complete control over your audio output.

Its four combo jacks allow you to connect your XLR mic or instruments, and there are even presets of popular microphones, like the Rode NT1A and Shure SM7B.

The device also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to take a call or play background music from your phone directly through the mixer.

There are also features eight programmable smart pads. These pads can trigger sound effects, apply voice effects, mixer actions or send MIDI commands to a DAW, providing a level of versatility similar to having a sound effects board.

The RODECaster Pro II audio mixer offers more granular controls for audio processing functions such as equalizer, compressor, de-esser, and noise gate than other similar audio mixers like the Zoom PodTrak P8 or the Tascam Mixcast 4. This is thanks to its quad-core digital signal processor, which provides 16 times more processing power than the original RODECaster Pro.

The preamps are exceptionally clean, with a high gain of 76dB, eliminating the need for signal amplifiers like a Cloudlifter or Fethead for quiet mics like the Shure SM7B. The headphone preamps are also very clean, providing a clear and detailed sound for monitoring.

While most audio mixers have only one USB port, the RODECaster Pro II has two USB-C ports for connecting multiple devices, making it a versatile choice for dual-computer setups.

The RODECaster Pro II audio mixer has a mix-minus function for the USB outputs that prevents echo on your calls, as your callers will hear everything but their own voice being piped back to them, which can be very distracting.

Another great feature is its multitrack recording capability to your DAW, USB storage, or microSD card. You can even bypass the audio processing effects of the audio mixer using the pre-fader option. Musicians looking to record, mix and master up to four input sources no longer need a USB audio interface with multiple audio inputs like the Scarlett 18i8.

There is also a unique feature to link two inputs, such as an XLR mic and guitar, to become one stereo pair.

One great thing is that RODE regularly updates the firmware with new features. For example, the Firmware update 1.1.1 released in January 2023 introduced advanced sub-mixing similar to the Elgato Wave Link. This feature allows you to customize mixes to different audio destinations like a stream, chat applications, or headphones.

One limitation is that it can only have two audio sources from a computer to USB 1 port (like gameplay and Discord audio), and a third audio source (like Spotify) must be connected to the USB 2 port from the same or a different computer. This is unlike the Elgato Wave Link, which allows up to 8 audio sources from a computer.

If you’re keen to learn more, check out our full review of the RODECaster Pro II!

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Product Info

Sample Rate: 48 kHz (Higher is Better)
Bit Depth: 24 bit (Higher is Better)
Preamplifier Gain Range: 76 dB (Higher is Better)
Equivalent Input Noise: -131.5 dBV (More Negative is Better)
Analog Input: 4 x combo XLR-1/4″ jack (microphone, line, instrument) with 48V phantom power
Analog Output: 2 x 1/4″ balanced line output, 4 x headphone output
USB Connectivity: 2 x USB-C with mix-minus
Network Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Ethernet 100/1000
Recording Storage: microSDHC, microSDXC, USB-C removable drive (exFAT – minimum 100MB/s)
Weight (g): 1960g
Dimension (mm): 305(L) x 270(D) x 60(W)
Accessories: Power adapter, USB-C to USB-C Cable

Features

Nine assignable channels with six physical faders and three virtual faders
High-performance quad-core DSP (digital signal processor)
APHEX® audio processing and on-board effects
Eight customizable SMART pads with bank switching
Multi-track or stereo recording to a microSD card, USB storage device, or computer
Four headphone outputs with volume control knobs
5.5-inch high-definition touchscreen with haptic feedback
New features and improvements through regular firmware updates

Pros

Very versatile and highly customizable
Many useful features for podcasting, music recording, and video game streaming
Very high-quality preamps with high gain and low noise
One of the few audio mixers with two USB-C interfaces
Robust and sturdy build
Regular updates of firmware with new features

Cons

Can only mix 3 audio sources through USB interface

RODECaster Pro II

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