In this tutorial, we show you 6 different ways to connect an audio mixer to your computer. The first four options will give you a mono input to your computer, and the last two options will give you stereo input to your computer or laptop.
You may be looking to record audio, stream video, or participate in a video conference. No matter what you’re trying to accomplish, this tutorial will show you 6 different ways to connect an audio mixer to a computer.
Depending on the outlets of your audio mixer, the following solutions will work for you:
- RCA to 1/8″ Cable > USB Sound Card > Computer
- Dual 1/4″ to 1/8″ Cable > USB Sound Card > Computer
- XLR to 1/8″ Cable > USB Sound Card > Computer
- XLR to USB Cable > Computer
- USB Audio Mixer > Computer
- USB Audio Interface > Computer
Be sure to check out our article on the best XLR cables for your microphone.
USB Sound Cards
Before you choose one of the first three options, please note that the quality of USB Sound Cards can vary GREATLY. They are the least expensive option for a reason. The quality and consistency are different depending on the company that you buy from and the batch that they are produced in.
If you can find one that works for you, then you’re in luck, but 99% of the time we recommend avoiding this option.
USB Sound Card Pricing:
- USB Sound Card: https://currentprice.io/sabrent_usb – Mono Input Only
- RCA to 1/8″ Cable: https://currentprice.io/18_rca
- 1/4″ to 1/8″ Cable: https://currentprice.io/14_to_dual_18
- XLR to 1/8″ Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_headphone
XLR To USB Cables
Although it’s technically possible to use a XLR to USB cable, we don’t recommend this as a good long-term solution.
XLR to USB cables are generally expecting a mic-level XLR input, since we’re connecting it to the line-level XLR output of our audio mixing console this can cause some problems. The output level of the audio console needs to be reduced to about 5% for this solution to work, but it is technically possible to get an audio signal into a computer as demonstrated in the video above.
XLR To USB Cable Pricing: https://currentprice.io/xlr_to_usb
USB Audio Mixing Consoles
Our favorite option is to use a USB Audio Mixing Console like the Yamaha MG10XU.
It’s more expensive than the previous options, but we believe it provides you with the most value.
Using a USB Audio Mixer opens up a whole new world for you in terms of being able to connect directly to your computer, iPad, or any other device without worrying about too many adapters or quality issues. The simplicity of this solution makes it a top choice.
Some popular USB Audio Mixers Include:
- Yamaha MG10XU Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
- Mackie ProFX10v3 Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/profx10v3
- Soundcraft Notepad-12FX Audio Mixer: https://geni.us/I5jxUKj
- Allen & Heath ZED-10FX Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/ah_zed_10
Related: Audio Mixer vs Audio Interface What’s Right For you?
USB Audio Interface
Another high-quality option is to connect your audio mixer to a USB Audio Interface. These interfaces can vary between $50-3,000, depending on quality. But they are a great way to connect audio signals to your computer.
Some examples of audio interfaces include:
- Presonus AudioBox: https://currentprice.io/audiobox
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_solo
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- Solid State Logic SSL2+: https://currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
- Motu M2 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/nI8vZX
Pricing & Specs For Equipment In This Video:
- Yamaha MG10XU Audio Mixing Console: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
- Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm58
- USB Sound Card: https://currentprice.io/sabrent_usb – Mono Input Only
- RCA to 1/8″ Cable: https://currentprice.io/18_rca
- 1/4″ to 1/8″ Cable: https://currentprice.io/14_to_dual_18
- XLR to 1/8″ Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_headphone
- Presonus USB Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/audiobox
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable