Too loud, or, contrary to quiet sound is often seen by the viewers as a technical issue that prevents them from comfortably enjoying the stream. This is the reason why the quality of sound can’t be overlooked.
Why do streamers use mixers?
Most streamers tend to use an audio interface of their PC to adjust sound levels. Sometimes that’s just enough. However, professional streamers often need to adjust the sound levels of multiple audio sources to improve the overall perception of their content by the viewers. Moreover, constantly opening and closing the audio interface of your PC or other audio-related software greatly damages the feeling of immersion, which is pivotal for gaming streams or those broadcasts, where the viewer’s concentration is required. Furthermore, streaming is a great burden for the resources of your PC, so constantly opening and closing all of the different software may worsen the overall performance, creating lags, and even crush the stream entirely. This is where an audio mixer comes in handy. It greatly improves a streamer’s control over all audio sources and allows for the smoother management of the stream itself.
How to choose an audio mixer for streaming?
To properly choose an audio mixer that will perfectly serve your goals, you have to take some factors into consideration:
- The number of channels: this aspect depends on the number of audio devices you are going to use – the more devices you need, the more channels an audio mixer has to support.
- Tuning: to fully control your sounds while streaming, you need to be able to adjust the following parameters: compression, EQ, and the channels again. An audio mixer that allows you to do so is a decent choice for a streamer.
- Size: streamers often prefer small and lightweight audio mixers – the ones that don’t take up all the space on one’s table and allow for a more flexible setup.
Mixer types
Audio mixers can be divided into two categories: analog and digital. Analog mixers often have a simpler interface and physical knobs and dials to configure your sound. They allow you to do so while streaming. Analog mixers are also more affordable, which is one of the most important aspects.
Digital mixers, however, are way more flexible than their analog counterparts. They support the use of different additional apps and software that let you create and adjust different audio profiles, allowing you to adapt to any possible streaming scenario.
How do mixers work for streaming?
An audio mixer takes multiple sources of audio and mixes, balances, and combines them into one signal. For those who often use more than one microphone, to play music or video games during your broadcasts, and audio mixer is a perfect choice for reaching the highest levels of quality of your sound.
List of popular audio mixers in 2022
GoXLR
This mixer is often the number one pick of Twitch streamers. It was developed specifically for gaming streams and features 4 different channels, +48V Phantom Power, and many voices and sound effects for further customization. It provides a user-friendly interface and allows for smooth adjustment of sound.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Highly Customizable
- Provides high quality sound
- Compact
Cons:
- Rather expensive
YAMAHA MG10XU
A versatile mixer supporting up to 10 channels. It features +48V Phantom Power, gains control, compressor, and 3-band EQs. The legendary Yamaha company has achieved almost complete elimination of background noises with this audio mixer. It also comes with a range of different effects you can use while live streaming.
Pros:
- High quality build and finish
- Supports 10 channels
Cons:
- Can quickly get hot
Mackie PROFX8 V2
A mixer featuring 8 channels, usable with real-time monitoring tools. It includes a 7-band graphic EQ, and build-in sound effects for audio mixing and adjustments while live streaming. All of these features perfectly combine with the mixer’s small size and portability.
Pros:
- High audio quality
- Advanced monitoring capabilities
- Real-time mixing with built-in effects
Cons:
- Numerous user reports of non-functioning LED monitoring lights
Alto Professional ZMX52 Mixer
One of the smallest and the most compact audio mixers currently available on the market. Despite its size, it is still equipped with all the necessary features one might need for a good live stream. The mixer has 2-band EQ and 5 channels, as well as a high headroom with multiple inputs and output options.
Pros
- Easy to set-up
- Affordable
- Very compact
Cons
- No audio compression
- Limited EQ adjustments
Pyle Professional Audio Mixer
A perfect mixer for multi-audio streams, supporting up to 8 channels. The mixer provides wireless Bluetooth capabilities, supports XLR, and has a plug with a 48V phantom button.
Pros:
- Competitively priced
- Rugged steel chassis
- Versatile
Cons:
- Very basic mixer without additional options
I am fully prepared for professional streaming. What is next?
If you have chosen both software and hardware, completed all necessary preparations and setups and finished your first streams – it is time to take the first steps to successful monetization. Get Stream offers user-friendly analytic tools and a wide variety of short-term contracts with different sponsors. With our help you will make your hobby into a beloved well-paid job.
