The best audio mixer for streaming can help you bring your streaming game to a more professional level.
There are definitely a lot of options out there, as is the case with all streaming tech such as the best camera for streaming, so it can be tough to make a decision if you're not really in the know. Fortunately, we're here to help get your head around it all.
The thing is, an audio mixer is the kind of thing that's invisible when it works well, but is really noticeable when the sound is muffled, crackles, or is simply too quiet to hear. Therefore, we've made a list of our favourite devices, no matter whether you're just starting and live streaming on a budget or an enthusiast looking to go to the next level, to kick off your search for the right one for you in the best way possible. Let's dive in...
Best streaming audio mixers
- Razer Audio Mixer - a well-rounded choice for most people
- GoXLR - best option with a sampler
- Rode Rodecaster Pro 2 - a premium bit of kit for streaming
- Yamaha MG10XU - a great option for multiple mics
- Creative Sound Blaster K3+ - best portable pick
- Behringer Xenyx 802S - an excellent budget mixer
- Elgato Wave XLR - a compact contender to save space
1. Razer Audio Mixer
Best audio mixer for streaming overall
Connections: XLR, USB-C
First up, we've got the Razer Audio Mixer, which is a rare normal name for the company that normally calls their devices "DeathAdder V3 Pro".It does what it says on the tin, does indeed mix audio, and is indeed all-in-one. It's also very good, hence being at the top of our list.
This thing has a four-channel design that allows you to comfortably tweak things as you need to make sure game volume, your volume, and any chatting you have coming through without drowning each other out. You can switch them up on the fly too.
Each channel has a mute button too, which is nice, and the device is really easy to set up. Plus, the gain on this is strong enough to support the Shure SM7B, which is an excellent microphone that can sometimes be drowned out by other sources.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Compact | Doesn't work without Razer Synapse software, which can sometimes bug |
Great price | Faders aren't motorised |
Has enough gain for the Shure SM7B | |
Customisable RGB lighting |
2. GoXLR
Best audio mixer for streaming with a sampler
Connections: XLR, USB
Next is the GoXLR, which unsurprisingly has XLR connections. This is also a four-channel mixer, but this one comes with a few neat features to make it a little more versatile, but also a fair amount more expensive. This also means it can take a little bit longer to learn to use as well, which is worth keeping in mind if you're not that tech-savvy.
This mixer has motorised faders, access to vocal effects, and a soundboard as well. Basically, it feels a bit more like you're a producer on an album when you're using it, and it allows for a more unique streaming environment as a result.
This one also has impressive gain and has some excellent gating controls too, which means you'll likely sound like you're in a studio when you've mastered it.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly customisable, with a sampler | Steep learning curve with software |
Motorised faders | Doesn't work without GoXLR software, which isn't flawless |
+48V phantom power means it has enough gain for the Shure SM7B | Expensive |
Customisable RGB lighting | Glossy face is a fingerprint magnet |
3. Rode Rodecaster Pro 2
Best premium audio mixer for streaming
Connections: XLR, USB-C
If you're after a truly premium audio mixer, then this is it. The Rodecaster Pro 2 is a titan of audio mixing. It looks at other audio mixers, laughs, and then probably drops a bunch of sound samples before silencing them in one fell swoop. It's really good, okay?
This thing has six different audio channels, which is a hell of a lot, and is also covered in pretty colours that'll let you know when something is in use, muted, and what channel it is.
It also has a huge number of effects that'll allow you to create some beautiful moments on stream, and it works especially well for those who want to entertain above all else. The only limit is your imagination. And also the really high price tag.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
All-in-one recording studio | Very expensive |
Great noise cancellation | It's not easy to separate system and game audio |
Can connect up to two PCs |
4. Yamaha MG10XU
Best audio mixer for streaming with multiple mics
Connections: XLR
Here's one that's only really for those who know audio incredibly well. A lot of audio mixers take into account the fact that most of us aren't professional producers, and as such, many of the options out there are designed to be easier to understand and use. That's not really the case here.
While this mixer does have a good range of features, and more knobs to play around with than anyone could comfortably master, it's tricky to manage. However, if you don't mind watching a few YouTube videos on how to use this beast, it could become your new best friend. Well, from a content creation standpoint anyway, don't actually befriend audio mixers.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly customisable, with a sampler | Steep learning curve with software |
Motorised faders | Doesn't work without GoXLR software, which isn't flawless |
+48V phantom power means it has enough gain for the Shure SM7B | Expensive |
Customisable RGB lighting | Glossy face is a fingerprint magnet |
5. Creative Sound Blaster K3+
Best portable audio mixer for streaming
Connections: XLR
Next, we've got an excellent budget and portable audio mixer for streamers: the Creative Sound Blaster K3+. This two-channel mixer is an excellent option if you're just starting out, and along with having two channels, which should cover most beginners, it also has a few useful effects.
Among a few other things, this mixer allows for reverb, pitch correction, and even voice morphing too. The controls are a bit simpler than some of the other audio mixers for streamers as well, which means you'll be able to become more comfortable with it far sooner, and produce the best content you can do faster.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly customisable, with a sampler | Steep learning curve with software |
Motorised faders | Doesn't work without GoXLR software, which isn't flawless |
+48V phantom power means it has enough gain for the Shure SM7B | Expensive |
Customisable RGB lighting | Glossy face is a fingerprint magnet |
6. Behringer Xenyx 802S
Best budget audio mixer for streaming
Connections: XLR
Here we have another extraordinary option as far as cheap audio mixer for streamers go in the Behringer Xenyx 802S. Behringer have a few options out there, but we like this one because it's got eight different channels, which is incredible for the price, and a range of useful features as well.
For instance, it has a stereo USB audio interface to not only allow it to connect to your PC but also a mobile device, and it has two award-winning XENYX microphone preamps for more musical sound. The result is sound quality that will remain high despite the low cost.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly customisable, with a sampler | Steep learning curve with software |
Motorised faders | Doesn't work without GoXLR software, which isn't flawless |
+48V phantom power means it has enough gain for the Shure SM7B | Expensive |
Customisable RGB lighting | Glossy face is a fingerprint magnet |
7. Elgato Wave XLR
Best compact audio mixer for streaming
Connections: XLR, USB-C
Finally, we have the Elgato Wave XLR. This is probably the simplest device to use of the bunch, and coming from Elgato, that makes a lot of sense. The devices Elgato create are always high quality, but they're designed with a singular focus towards usability above all else.
Along with incredible clipguard tech that'll make sure everything you say is heard clearly, this device can also easily control your vocal inputs and your headphone outputs. It's really easy to use, has a tap-to-mute function, and the digital software helps make it a little more versatile. Just don't expect much more outside of the standard functions here, but if you're looking to save desk space, this compact yet powerful mixer is definitely a top contender.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly customisable, with a sampler | Steep learning curve with software |
Motorised faders | Doesn't work without GoXLR software, which isn't flawless |
+48V phantom power means it has enough gain for the Shure SM7B | Expensive |
Customisable RGB lighting | Glossy face is a fingerprint magnet |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below in case you have any questions.
Do I need an audio mixer for streaming?
While you don't need one to be able to stream, it can be a huge boon if you're trying to do anything in the region of complicated.
While your PC and whatever streaming software you have can handle a lot of the basics, if you end up with multiple audio sources you'll want something more capable to better fine-tune your set-up.
What does an audio mixer for streaming do?
An audio mixer lets you control the way your audio is coming out. It takes different sources and allows minute control of them, meaning you can better dictate specific voices, music, or the game itself, and then put the audio out as you like it.
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