5 Best Audio Mixers for Streaming & Podcasting
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.
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
Cons

RODECaster Pro II
2. RODECaster Duo – Best Audio Mixer for Solo Artists and Streamers (US$ 499.00)
Why would you want this Audio Mixer?
You need a versatile and future-proof streaming mixer, but you won’t be recording more than 2 mics or instruments at the same time.
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: -135 dBV (More Negative is Better)
- Analog Input: 2 x combo XLR-1/4″ jack (microphone, line, instrument) with 48V phantom power
- Analog Output: 2 x 1/4″ balanced line output, 2 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): No info
- Dimension (mm): No info
- Accessories: Power adapter, USB-C to USB-C Cable
Features
- Seven assignable channels with four physical faders and three virtual faders
- High-performance quad-core DSP (digital signal processor)
- APHEX® audio processing and on-board effects
- Six customizable SMART pads with bank switching
- Multitrack or stereo recording to a microSD card, USB storage device, or computer
- Two headphone outputs with volume control knobs
- 5.5-inch high-definition touchscreen with haptic feedback
- New features and improvements through regular firmware updates
Pros
Cons

RODECaster Duo
3. Mackie DLZ Creator – Most Premium Audio Mixer for Streaming ($799.99)
Why would you want this Audio Mixer?
You want professional sound quality with simple automatic settings and guides, and need a large screen.
Product Info
- Sample Rate: 48 kHz (Higher is Better)
- Bit Depth: 24 bit (Higher is Better)
- Preamplifier Gain Range: 80 dB (Higher is Better)
- Equivalent Input Noise: -143.4 dBV (More Negative is Better)
- Analog Input: 4 x balanced/unbalanced combo jacks with 48V phantom power, 1 x balanced/unbalanced 1/4″ stereo jack, 1 x 1/8″ stereo jack
- Analog Output: 1 x balanced/unbalanced 1/4″ stereo jack, 4 x stereo headphone jacks
- USB Connectivity: 14×4 USB-C audio interface to Mac/PC
- Network Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ethernet 100/1000
- Recording Storage: MicroSDHC, microSDXC, USB-A removable drive (FAT32 – minimum 100MB/s)
- Weight (kg): 2.8kg
- Dimension (mm): 216(H) x 386(W) x 399(D)
- Accessories: power adapter, USB-C to USB-A cable
Features
- DLZ Mix Agent to guide you through setup and configuration
- DLZ Work Modes for different levels of difficulty
- Auto Mix automatically reduces channel levels when not receiving a signal
- 10.1” HD touch display with anti-glare coating
- Five dynamically color-coded dials
- Nine 100mm faders with assignable input sources
- Backlight buttons to mute, solo, trigger samples and effects, and navigate the display
- Professional audio processing
- Multitrack recording and stereo playback
- Mix-minus capability over USB or Bluetooth connectivity
- Hard power switch and locking power connector
Pros
Cons

Mackie DLZ Creator
4. BOSS Gigcaster 8 – Best Audio Mixer for Streaming Musicians (US$ 699.99)
Why would you want this Audio Mixer?
You need an audio mixer for streaming and recording live gigs and want to bring minimal gear.
Product Info
- Sample Rate: 48 kHz (Higher is Better)
- Bit Depth: 32-bit floating point (Higher is Better)
- Preamplifier Gain Range: 70 dB (Higher is Better)
- Equivalent Input Noise: No info (More Negative is Better)
- Analog Input: 1/4″ guitar jack, 4 x balanced combo jack (XLR, 1/4-inch TRS phone) with 48V phantom power, 1 x mobile jack
- Analog Output: 1 x 1/4″ stereo line output jack, 4 x headphone jack, 1 x footswitch jack
- USB Connectivity: 20×14 USB-C to Mac/PC
- Network Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Recording Storage: MicroSD
- Weight (kg): 1.36kg (3lbs)
- Dimension (mm): 80(H) x 217(W) x 267(D)
- Accessories: power adapter
Features
- 4.3-inch color intuitive touch display
- High-impedance input for direct connection of a guitar or bass
- Mobile device audio input via Bluetooth or mobile jack
- Flagship BOSS GT-1000 guitar effects processor 100 guitar effects
- VE-series vocal processor with 30 vocal effects, harmony, and voice transformer functions
- Eight channels and master output with faders and mute buttons
- Eight customizable pads for triggering sample playbacks, real-time effects, and streaming controls
- Ducking function intuitively lowers background music when speech is detected.
- Built-in stereo microphone
- Front-panel headphone jack supports a headset mic or inline mic
- Record live stereo or multitrack audio to a DAW or optional microSD card
- Works as a USB bus-powered audio interface
- Supports BOSS footswitches, expression pedals, and foot controllers
- Gigcaster 8 App for editing, backup, and audio file conversion
Pros
Cons

BOSS Gigcaster 8
5. Elgato Wave:3 – Best Budget Audio Mixer for Streaming (US$ 149.99)
Why would you want this Audio Mixer?
You’re on a tight budget and just need a good microphone and virtual mixer to get you started.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid polar pattern
- Transducer Type: 17 mm electret condenser
- Frequency Response: 70 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -25dBFS (min gain), 15dBFS (max gain)
- Max SPL: 120dB (140dB Clipguard engaged)
- Output Connection: USB-C
- Headphone Output: 3.5mm stereo
- Weight: Mic & U-Mount 280 g/Base 305 g
- Accessories: 2.5m USB-C cable, mic stand, boom arm adapter
Features
- Anti-clipping Clipguard technology (turned on by default)
- Wave Link streaming mixer that blends up to 9 input channels (including the Wave 3 USB mic) and creates two separate output mixes for you and your audience
- Input channels in Wave Link can be equipped with third-party VSTs
- Multi-functional dial for adjusting gain control, headphone monitoring volume, and the mix between the mic and system audio
- Zero-latency headphone monitoring
- Capacitive mute switch
Pros
Cons

Elgato Wave:3