The Top Audio Mixers for Live Streaming: A Guide for Broadcasters and Streamers

People love to watch and listen to videos that catch their interest. And thanks to live streaming, internet users can watch streamed videos in real-time. When you think about live streaming, broadcasters and streamers are probably the first two things that come to mind. They use live streaming platforms to deliver information or play music, video, games, and other forms of entertainment.

Moreover, based on Statista, the live-streaming industry has been linked to the gaming community. The leading gaming live stream platforms, such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook, combined around 7.2 billion hours of content watched in the 3rd quarter of 2022.

Since live streaming is a combination of video and audio content posted in real-time, broadcasters and streamers need the best sound mixer for live streaming. The sound mixer allows them to control the background volume, create effects, and change the music live.

So if you are a broadcaster or streamer, this article guide can help you find the top audio mixers for live streaming.

Purpose of a Sound Mixer for Live Streaming

During a live stream, you might want to showcase different contents that contain different audio and video. Moreover, live streaming may require you to use a microphone, laptop, computer, and mobile phone all at once.

The sound mixer allows you to control the audio inputs of these devices. Specifically, here are some instances where you need a sound mixer for live streaming:

  • Controlling the volume of the audio and the background music
  • Balancing the tone of the sounds
  • Mixing different audio and music for the live stream
  • Conducting a live-streaming event with music and multiple speakers
  • Reducing the volume or feedback of the microphone

According to a TechRadar article, more than 50% of live streaming watchers will abandon a poor-quality stream after 90 seconds or less. The audio mixer can enhance the quality of the live stream by giving streamers or broadcasters access to multiple audio inputs.

Things to Consider in Choosing a Sound Mixer

Before choosing the best sound mixer for live streaming, you must consider different factors. So, listed below are some things to consider in selecting the perfect audio mixer for your live stream:

  • Type. Sound mixers can be analog or digital. The analog sound mixer contains fewer buttons and dials, while the digital sound mixer allows different device connections and provides more options for tuning the audio.

  • Channel. The channels in the audio mixer allow the connection between the mixer and the devices. More channels mean more audio you can turn on during the live stream.

  • Tuning. The tuning allows you to control the channels, compression, and/or equalization, depending on the available features in the sound mixture.

  • Microphone. To talk to your audience, you need to connect your microphone to the audio mixer. You need to check the type of connector it needs, such as a USB cable or XLR cable.

  • Size. The size of the audio mixer should fit in your broadcasting or streaming space.

  • Price. Last but not least, the sound mixer should be within your budget, especially if you are live streaming for income purposes.

Top Audio Mixers to Choose From

After learning about the things to consider in choosing the best sound mixer for live streaming, now you can choose from the top audio mixers presented below:

Audio Mixer Key Features
Pyle Professional Audio Streaming Mixer
  • Beginner- and budget-friendly
  • 3-band equalizer (EQ) across available channels
  • Lightweight
  • Bluetooth capabilities
  • Stream music directly from platforms (Spotify and Apple Music)
TC-Helicon GoXLR
  • Specifically designed for streamers and gamers
  • 4 available channels
  • USB audio mixing
  • Wide variety of vocal effects
  • RGB lighting
  • High-end audio mixer
Behringer Xenyx QX1002USB Mixer
  • Analog mixer with 3-band EQ and six channels
  • Suitable for two-PC streamers
  • Easy and convenient compression of audio (one knob)
  • Built-in USB audio interface
  • 8 available audio inputs and 2 XLR mic inputs
MAONO Audio Mixer
  • Features high-end EQ, noise reduction, and various special effects
  • Simple and easy-to-navigate controls
  • Includes a condenser microphone upon purchase
Pyle PMXU83BT
  • 3-band EQ
  • 4 XLR inputs
  • 16-setting special effects processor
  • 8 available channels
  • Bluetooth capabilities
  • USB audio interface
Allen & Heath Zed 12-fx 12-Channel Mixer
  • Portable and lightweight
  • 12-channel mixer with 6 microphone inputs
  • 3-band EQ and 6 main channels
  • Array of 24-bit effects (e.g. reverbs, chorus, flangers)
  • Mid-range mixer at a mid-range price

Final Thoughts

Live streaming continues to thrive as the number of video content creators increases. Live broadcasters and streamers use audio mixers to control audio inputs from different devices, such as laptops, computers, mobile phones, and microphones.

Some benefits of using an audio mixer in live streaming are reducing feedback from the microphone, adjusting the volume of inputs, and balancing the tone of sounds in the live stream. Moreover, in choosing the best sound mixer for live streaming, you must consider its type, channel, tuning, microphone, size, and price.

We have presented six of the top audio mixers for live streaming in the market today. Hopefully, this will help you in your broadcasting or streaming journey online.