The Best Streaming Mixers for Twitch – Top 6

The one thing no one tells you about streaming, is how hard managing audio can be. Audio is arguably the most important part of any stream, maintaining a good balance of sound that respects the viewers ears are crucial to retaining viewers. Some of the best mixers for streaming on Twitch have come out in just the past couple of years. Moving from traditional studio style analog mixers, to more compact and streaming focused digital mixers with all the features a content creator could ask for. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Below check out our Top 5 BEST mixers for streaming on Twitch.  

Streaming Mixers

While there are different types of audio mixers on the market, let’s dive into our list of digital streaming mixers. These were created for the sole purpose of assisting with live streaming video games on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook etc. They tend to be easy to use, have physical dials, and come packed with audio routing software that allow you to create audio submixes. They typically connect to the gaming PC via USB connectivity, additionally for dual PC setups they require 2x 3.5mm cables to go between either the mixer or between both PC’s.We always recommend using ground loop isolators for streaming mixers, as the audio signals can be effected by outside interference. Streaming mixers in short are easy to setup, don’t take up a lot of desk space, and make audio easy for Twitch streaming.

BEACN Mix Create USB C Windows Audio Mixer

The BEACN Mix Create is the newest kid on the block for steaming mixers and is the big brother of the BEACN Mix. With its 5″ display and audio submixing capability this is a pretty neat little mixer that hovers around the $200 mark. The Mix Create basically creates a TON of virtual USB devices on your PC that you can assigned for specific audio functions. One of the cooler features is its submix function, that allows you to create two different audio output mixes. One for you, then one for your viewers.

For BEACN’s first run at this, it’s a good little mixer. Can’t wait to see how they build on this type of platform to go against the bigger names in this space like Elgato or Helicon. But with no XLR inputs and lack of VST support, it will limit options that other mixers offer. The BEACN Mix Create is a great option if you prefer USB mics. Pro’s

• 5″ Screen looks really clean
• 1 Submix button that allows you to switch between the stream mix and your mix on the fly
• Audio Routing Software is pretty intuitive and easy to use

Con’s

• No XLR microphones input – Probably want you to get this along with the BEACN USB Microphone
• Software (at the time of us testing) was slightly buggy and would crash from time to time
• No VST support yet (BEACN Devs stated that’s #1 priority on their roadmap, via a reply of us complaining on Reddit)

GoXLR Mini by TC Helicon

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Check out our Ultimate VoiceMeeter Dual PC Audio Setup Guide!

Pro’s

• Free/Donationware – Full license is under $10
• 5 digital inputs and 5 digital outputs (Can be used for both physical devices)
• Can send audio over internet (great for dual PC setups)
• Can be used with a MIDI Controller to adjust sound levels

Con’s

• Steep learning curve/not very user friendly

Elgato Wave XLR – Audio Mixer

• Supports VST’s
• Patented Clipguard feature prevents mic clipping/distortion
• Easy to use submix software
• Works natively with Stream Deck
• Good sound quality

Con’s

• Windows updates reset software settings
• Doesn’t work well with DAW’s
• Audio monitoring has delay

Razer Audio Mixer: All-in-One Streaming/Broadcasting Mixer

• Built in sound effects (via Razer Synapse software)
• Hybrid XLR/6.35mm audio inputs
• Optical input for gaming Consoles
• USB C connection type
• 4x mute button

Con’s

• Mixing software baked into Razer Synapse
• Price

Rode RODECaster Pro Podcasting Mixer

Rode is synonymous for recording hardware, building a name for themselves in regards to podcasting equipment. The RODECaster Pro is an absolute unit with 4x XLR microphone inputs,  8 programmable touch pads (that can control OBS), and faders for each input. While this was meant for podcasting, its also a great solution for streaming given the crossover in features. You can use the RODECaster Pro app to customize the 8 pads to trigger vocal effects, but it doesn’t offer the same submixing as the other streaming mixers. Depending on your use case scenario, this may be a little overkill and the only other downside is getting it to work with a dual PC setup might pose some challenges due to a lack of a line in input.

Other than that, if you are looking for a truly studio quality, professional mixer for your stream or home studio the RODECaster Pro has you covered! Pro’s

• 4X Mic inputs, each with own preamp
• 4x Headphone/audio outputs
• 8 programmable (OBS compatible) buttons, for SFX or OBS hotkeys
• Can record directly to SD card

Con’s

• Not dual PC friendly
• Mic inputs are only XLR, not XLR/TRS (omnisocket)
• Price

What additional Accessories are needed?

With all of these mixers might work fine out of the box, you might find yourself needing some additional cables. We found out this out half way through testing for dual PC setups that shielded, 3.5mm Aux cables are a must. Especially with the use of a ground loop idolator, which will eliminate any buzzing or interference occurs when using aux cables with PC’s Here are the additional cables we recommend using with these streaming mixers, THESE ARE MAINLY NEEDED FOR DUAL PC SETUPS!    

3.5mm Audio Cable (preferably shielded)

  These 3.5mm aux cables are what you’ll use to connect the line out on your PC into the “input” on the streaming mixer. For dual PC setups you’ll also need one of these cables to go from the line out on the stream PC, that plugs into the line in on the streaming mixer. So you can hear stream alerts and all the audio from the stream PC.    

Ground Loop Isolators

These help with eliminating any distortion or interference that will be passed on from the PC to the cable. Giving you a nasty buzzing sound in your headphones. These isolator’s are an absolute must for clean audio!      

Why Streaming Mixers over Analog Mixers?

  In the early days of streaming and still for true audiophiles, analog mixers gave a higher level of audio fidelity for ones stream. With the downside being, analog audio mixers can take up a considerable amount of space. Plus getting them to play nice with Windows can be bothersome.   While analog mixers provide almost an unlimited amount of audio bandwidth for raw audio sources, the ease of use digital mixers provide often outweigh the analogs superior sound quality. Most viewers wouldn’t be able to tell the difference anyways as long as your keeping audio levels in check and destroying ear drums! Unlike live performances where audio is raw, Twitch will compress your audio due to lessen stress on their ingest servers.

So running an analog mixer is almost not worth the trouble unless you aim to have studio quality sound for your own pleasure. But there still are USB mixers that convert analog signals to digital, like the monstrous 16 input Yamaha MG 16XU. Even with its advanced studio grade preamps and 3-band EQ, its still doesn’t beat the compact and easy to use functionality of these new streaming mixers. Any streaming mixer paired with the current dynamic or condenser microphones on the market will give you great studio quality sound. Without taking up a ton of desk space and additional clutter.    

Conclusion

Hopefully one of these streaming mixers helps you perfect the audio on your stream. Each of these offers their own unique features, but typically work in the same fashion depending on your specific needs. These are easily the best way to simplify controlling audio, and boost production quality, without the need to become a sound engineer! Even some of the best audio interfaces on the market don’t even come close to what these are capable of. Just go with whatever works best for you, read reviews thoroughly and get out there and start streaming!