If you’ve been podcasting for a while and see your show growing, you might be thinking about upgrading your setup.
This is where a podcast mixer comes in.
As many podcasters know, podcasting needs investment in quality equipment that can help you create the best content possible.
A podcast mixer is a great addition to this setup, as it allows you to level up your podcasting game.
To help you find the best podcast mixer for you, we’ve created this guide so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best mixer.
So, let’s get into what you should look for in a podcast mixer and how owning one can benefit you.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting A Podcast Mixer?
You might be wondering exactly why you should get a podcast mixer.
Besides the obvious improvement in audio quality, there are plenty of advantages that will help your podcast shine.
Backup And Reliability
Unlike PCs, podcast mixers don’t crash, and we’ve never seen a digital recorder do so either.
Alternatively, you can record using software and the mixer as a backup recording, sending a second output to the digital recorder, which will reduce noise and flakiness.
Inline Enhancements
The multi-channel capacity works well with inline improvements, which are excellent for enhancing your sound.
Additionally, they can save you a ton of time during post-production.
It’s great to have the option to adjust the gain, equalization, and low- or high-cut filter for each channel separately.
Some podcast mixers also contain limiters and compression.
Live Production
Live production refers to the process of adding music, sound effects, phone calls, recorded messages, and any other elements to your show as they are needed.
Since you’re approaching it like a radio program, there is absolutely no post-production.
Simply press record, perform the show, and then finish.
All of the audio you need is already present, though you may add some compression or EQ in the post-production stage.
It means that your editing time is significantly reduced.
Mix-Minus
Using a method called mix-minus, you can collaborate on live production with a co-host who is located elsewhere using tools like Skype or Zoom.
They can hear you and the FX if you connect your standard recording equipment to Skype, and they will also hear their own voice in return.
Any mixer with an “Auxiliary Out” or an “FX send” and a fader or knob to control that output can get rid of this echo.
Multi-Channel Control
One of the most basic but significant benefits of a mixer is the ability to regulate the individual audio channels.
You will first record everyone on a single channel. The implication is that loud individuals are loud and quiet people are quiet.
You can actually amp up the quiet people and mute the loud with a podcast mixer.
Additionally, you can record them on many channels and use considerably more editing.
How To Use Multiple Mics for Podcasting
Using Other Kit
You will need a mixer if you plan to use professional-grade microphones that are compatible with XLR or other pro-style cabling in order to get the most out of them.
It is possible to purchase XLR to USB converters, but they won’t benefit as much from the caliber of your microphone.
What You Should Look For In A Podcast Mixer?
Now that you know you’re going to get a podcast mixer to enhance your content, you’ll have to familiarize yourself with what you should be looking for in one.
There are plenty of mixers on the market, and this can be confusing, especially with the number of features and specifications listed on each one.
As a podcaster, these are the features that you should look out for:
Advanced Inline Processing Features
Additional inline features can be what you need if you want to have precise control over your sound while minimizing post-production.
You should often anticipate Equalization (or EQ), gain control, and possibly a low-cut filter as a bare minimum.
Additionally, certain podcasting mixers might offer choices for compression or limiter, but don’t discount it just yet.
Aux Out Or FX Send
You require that Aux Out or FX Send feature in order to put up a mix-minus arrangement.
A stereo output socket marked with either and a volume control knob with the same label on each channel should be sought out.
Control Types
Cheaper mixers frequently have knobs all over the place.
For changes like Pan, EQ, and gain that don’t frequently change during a recording, knobs work nicely.
But faders might be useful for your primary volume control. Instead of a knob, a fader is a slider that provides more precise control.
With a fader, you can control the volume of your music consistently and make sure that your recordings sound amazing.
However, knobs can also serve the same purpose and, if necessary, let you save a little money.
The Number Of Channels
The number of decent quality microphones you can use locally is constrained by the fact that many less expensive mixers only have 1 or 2 XLR inputs, especially if they are condenser microphones that require phantom power.
A mixer with a minimum of 4 channels and 3 XLR inputs is what you should check out.
You’ll be able to use audio as you want without any restrictions thanks to this.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of brilliant podcast mixers on the market that help you take your podcast to the next level.
There are so many benefits that can make your content stand out, as well as help you streamline production.
The features and specs can be confusing but when it comes to podcasting, use this guide to help you choose the best one that will suit your needs.
