As the popularity of streaming services like YouTube and Twitch Gaming continues to grow, so does the need for high-quality audio in streams. If you want more viewers and followers, you have to make sure your content sounds great. To do this, you have to invest in good streaming mixers.
An audio mixer will help you adjust the levels of your different audio sources and add effects like reverb and delay. This can result in a world of difference in how your live stream sounds.
To help you find the best audio mixer for streaming, we’ve put together a list of the six best options on the market. So read on to find the perfect audio mixer for adding icing on the cake for your streams!
In this article
Why Do You Need An Audio Mixer For Streaming?
If you've ever wondered why some people's audio sounds so much better than others when streaming, it's likely because they're using an audio mixer.
An audio mixer is a console that takes multiple audio signals and combines them into one signal. This allows you to control the individual levels of each sound, as well as add special effects like EQ and reverb.
While you don't necessarily need an audio mixer to stream, it can certainly make your life easier. So, if you're planning on doing any sort of professional streaming, this device is a must-have. However, they can be expensive, complicated to use, and sometimes add latency to your live audio.
6 best Audio Mixer for Streaming
1. Pyle Professional Audio Mixer Sound Board Console
A Cost-Effective Audio Mixer
Product details
| Price | $90.52 (With a discount) |
| Compatibility | External USB, Computer PC, Flash drive, Bluetooth device |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.26 x 9.69 x 9.26 inches |
| Number of Channels | 6 |
| Connectivity Technology | Interface, XLR, USB, Bluetooth |
| Mic & Stereo line inputs | XLR, unbalanced 1/4" Plug with plus 48V Phantom button |
| Power supply | 100V-240V (plus/minus 15V DC power adapter) |
Introduction
Looking for a professional audio mixer that can take the sound in your streams to the next level? You need the Pyle Professional Audio Mixer Sound Board Console.
The console has 6 channels to mix multiple audio sources at once and also comes with an ultra-musical 3-band EQ for each channel so you can fine-tune the sound.
This audio mixer features that will help you create the perfect sound, such as support for XLR and an unbalanced 1/4" Plug with a +48V Phantom button, Bluetooth connectivity, ED Peak Level Indicator, and extra low noise. The downside, however, is the lack of customization options for streaming music.
2. Mackie Mix8 8-Channel Compact Mixer
Best Artistic Audio Mixer
Product details
| Price | $99.99 |
| Compatibility | 1 mic/line input |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.6 x 7.8 x 2.1 inches |
| Number of Channels | 8 Channels |
| Connectivity Technology | Auxiliary |
| Mic & Stereo line inputs | Dual Mic/Line Inputs with studio-level audio quality and 2 stereos 1/4" line inputs |
| Power supply | 100-240V |
Introduction
Mackie Mix8 8-Channel Compact Mixer is designed for podcasters, YouTubers, and other content creators who need a high-quality mixer in a small form factor.
Despite its small size, Mackie Mix8 gives a high-quality sound and is durable. The mixer has 8 channels - each with its level control, a 3-band EQ on all channels, phantom power for studio condenser mic, and 2 1/4" line input.
When it comes to design, this livestream sound mixer has a rugged, durable, and reliable structure. Moreover, it is compact in size and offers high portability.
Although this mixer is perfect for home studios or small venues, you won’t find enough channels to tune your music for large events.
3. TC-Helicon GO XLR Broadcast Production Studio Mixer
Super-fast USB Audio Mixer For Streaming
Product details
| Price | $399.00 (after discount) |
| Compatibility | Windows 7, 8, and 10 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.5 x 11 x 2.75 inches |
| Number of Channels | 4-channels |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Mic & Stereo line inputs | Mic Preamps: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/8" TRS. |
| Power supply | 12V DC |
Introduction
The TC-Helicon GO XLR is an excellent audio mixer for streaming that gives you all the controls you need to create professional podcasts or videos.
The mixer has four channel mixers that let you control the audio sources in real-time, 48V phantom power for XLR mic, and a MIDAS preamp that lets you create a polished, professional sound.
With its vocal effects, including Morph, Reverb, Robot, Pitch Shift, HardTune, Megaphone, and Echo, you can fine-tune your music and engage your audiences like never before.
From its tons of customization options to RGB lighting and instant mute option to numerous audio effects, this audio mixer has everything a gamer or streamer needs. Like any other high-end sound mixer, TC-Helicon GO XLR is not cheap and comes with a huge price tag of $399 (after a 27% discount).
4. YAMAHA MG06X 6-Input Compact Stereo Mixer
Best Lightweight Audio Mixer For Live Streaming
Product details
| Price | US$143.20 |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.63 x 9.53 x 4.69 inches |
| Number of Channels | 6 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Mic & Stereo line inputs | Max. 2 Mic / 6 Line Inputs (2 mono + 2 stereos) |
| Power supply | 100-240V |
Introduction
The Yamaha MG06X 6-Input Compact Stereo is a compact mixer that packs a lot of punch. With its onboard processors with 24 SPX digital effects, 48V phantom power, EQ, and High-pass Filters, the MG06X can easily handle live performances, recording sessions, and more.
And thanks to its intuitive interface, and compact and flexible design, the Yamaha MG06X is easy to take with you wherever you go. The mixer also features two mono XLR/TRS combo inputs with studio-quality preamps, two stereo line inputs, and a high-quality sound Op-amp.
Yamaha MG06X’s 1 Knob compressors make it easy to get punchy bass lines, a tighter snare, lively guitars, and a cleaner vocal sound. This top-of-the-line audio mixer provides peak performance and unrivaled sound quality, making it perfect for small-to-medium-sized venues. However, its input system is very slow and takes time to start audio.
5. YOUSHARES Portable Digital Audio Mixer
Best Budget-Friendly Audio Mixer
Product details
| Price | $69.99 |
| Compatibility | Bluetooth, Laptop, Smartphones, and Tablets |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.87 x 10.28 x 3.23 inches |
| Number of Channels | 6 |
| Connectivity Technology | Interface, Xlr, USB, Bluetooth |
| Mic & Stereo line inputs | 4 XLR/TRS combined mono mic/line input jacks and 2 TRS & 2 RCA stereo input jacks |
| Power supply | DC 5V low voltage power supply |
Introduction
The YOUSHARES Portable Digital Audio Mixer is a great tool for mixing multiple audio signals. This six-channel mixer has four XLR/TRS combined mono mic/line input jacks and two TRS & two RCA stereo input jacks, making it perfect for a variety of applications.
YOUSHARES audio mixer also has 24 DSP multipurpose effects, high and low sound adjustment, 48V phantom power, and is compatible with Bluetooth, smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This makes it perfect for daily use or on most occasions.
The mixer’s compact and durable design makes it highly portable, but it is not suitable for large events.
6. Soundcraft EPM12 High-Performance 12-Channel Audio Mixer
High-end Audio Mixer For Live Streaming
Product details
| Price | $439.00 |
| Compatibility | Computer |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.25 x 17 x 3.56 inches |
| Number of Channels | 12+2 |
| Connectivity Technology | Auxiliary |
| Mic & Stereo line inputs | XLR inputs and 2-band EQ on stereo inputs |
| Power supply | 230 Volts |
Introduction
The EPM12 is a high-performance 12-channel audio mixer with 2 configurable auxiliary buses, XLR-type, and 1/4-inches metal jack connector sockets.
The EPM12 has a stereo headphone output (stereo RCA) and an independent record output for monitoring. The input channels also have 3-band EQs with a swept mid control on mono inputs and +48V phantom power.
The EPM12 is designed to be compact, easy to use, and has an easy-to-read LCD display that can handle various tasks at once. One downside, however, is that this audio mixer is highly expensive and can cost you up to $439.00.
Bonus Tips: How To Record Your Live Stream Easily And Quickly?
Recording your live stream can be a great way to create content for your gaming channel or vlog. But it can also be a pain to set up and manage if you're not familiar with the process.
Luckily, there are many user-friendly screen recorder programs available. Still, we recommend using Wondershare Filmora - a great option for gamers and vloggers, as it's easy to use and comes with all the advanced features you need to record and edit your live stream.
Conclusion
In this article, we've provided a detailed review of the 6 best audio mixers for streaming live content on different platforms.
After testing and researching the six different audio mixers, we have concluded that the YOUSHARES Portable Digital Audio Mixer is the best audio console for streaming. This mixer is an affordable option that provides good sound quality and is easy to use. The Soundcraft EPM12 High-Performance 12-Channel Audio Mixer is a great choice for those who want a higher-end option.
We've also discussed a bonus tip for using Filmora to record your live streams and keep it for later sharing or any other purpose. Hopefully, you find this comprehensive review helpful and can now make the right buying decision.
