Modern audio production tools are in a constant state of evolution — even the seemingly “static” audio mixer. For many producers and content creators, this requires addressing a deceptively simple requirement. How does one find a portable unit capable of mixing both analog and digital sources? This is the case particularly when the “computer” at the center is a mobile phone or tablet. Enter GO:MIXER PRO-X, aimed specifically at addressing this need.
Essentially, GO:MIXER PRO-X lets users connect and monitor up to seven audio sources. These include an XLR microphone, a guitar/bass, a stereo instrument (like a keyboard or drum machine), and two stereo line-level devices. The “headphones/headset” input supports another mic feed using a TRRS 1/8-inch headphone cable. Additionally, the “Loop Back” function allows for mixing in music or other audio from a connected mobile device as well.
That might sound like a lot. However, here’s what it means, in a nutshell. Everything from livestreaming music and talk shows to recording podcasts and gigs just got a whole lot simpler.
Live and Direct
Livestreaming is becoming an increasingly central aspect of modern communication. As a result, creators require a tool versatile enough for FaceTime and platforms like Instagram Live, Twitch, and Clubhouse. Shows like the hugely popular Verzuz, which went viral on Instagram Live last year, bore this out. The premise is that two prominent producers, singers, or songwriters pair up on a single stream. Acts go toe-to-toe performing or playing back their respective back catalogs.
"Everything from livestreaming music and talk shows to recording podcasts and gigs just got a whole lot simpler. "
Time to Stream
Likewise, artists ranging from Four Tet to D-Nice (with his Club Quarantine) took to livestreaming their DJ sets during lockdown. Finally, there’s the rise of live chat app Clubhouse and its many copycats, most recently Spotify’s Greenroom. As a format for dialogue on a range of subjects, it signals a sea change in terms of how we communicate in real-time over the Internet. Subsequently, it affects the tools required to do so effectively.
Say, you want to broadcast a conversation on Clubhouse or Instagram Live, along with musical accompaniment. The GO:MIXER PRO-X can now function as your one-stop shop.
D-Nice with original GO:MIXER PRO
Conversation + Music
- One guest can go live using a microphone plugged into the “mic” input.
- The other guest uses a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone (such as Apple’s wired earbuds), plugged into the “headphone/headset” input.
- Using the other analog inputs, you can mix and monitor two additional instruments in your stream, bringing them in and out as needed.
This means you needn’t rely on the underwhelming audio quality of your smartphone’s built-in microphone. Instead, you get a high-fidelity stream recorded through discrete microphones and preamps. Using the “Loop Back” function, bring additional music and sound effects in from the same device you’re using to record and stream your broadcast.
Cable Management
Like GO:MIXER PRO before it, GO:MIXER PRO-X has native support for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. This means you can go plug-and-play with a wide range of phones, computers, and tablets. Connect GO:MIXER PRO-X to your phone or tablet and open your built-in camera, audio recording app, or software like GarageBand. It’ll simply record audio through the PRO-X mixer by default.
What’s traditionally been more complicated, however, is the aforementioned livestreaming situation. Apps that broadcast from the phone itself—FaceTime, Instagram Live, and Clubhouse—employ a particular codec. It forces the use of the phone’s onboard microphone as opposed to letting you use an audio interface connected over USB.
This is the case with both iOS and Android devices. It means that the moment you try to add someone else to the stream, audio quality takes a nosedive. This codec is also tuned for the human voice. Bring in an external instrument and you’ll, unfortunately, lose essential low-end frequencies.
A Smartphone Jack for a Smart Device
These kinds of recording situations served as inspiration for the “smartphone” jack. It effectively circumvents this problem with a universal TRRS jack that’ll let you use any iOS or Android device as a mobile streaming studio hub. Plus, it does so without relying on a finicky USB handshake. All of the I/O between the phone and the mixer happens through this simple 1/8-inch jack. This lets you stream any combination of voices and instruments with crisp audio and a fuller dynamic range.
It’s worth noting that for this use case, you’ll need to use a Lightning-to-headphone adapter on iOS. Android devices that lack a built-in headphone jack will need a USB-C-to-headphone adapter. GO:MIXER PRO-X includes three different cables for connecting to Lightning, USB-C, and four-pole TRRS jacks on mobile devices.
"For a podcast or a cooking show, an iOS or Android device can pair with your GO:MIXER PRO-X to mix and record multiple guests simultaneously."
Pod Racing
Of course, GO:MIXER PRO-X is equally adept at more traditional recording applications. These are those situations when livestreaming may not be part of the equation. Perhaps you and a guest want to record a podcast or a cooking show out in the wild. An iOS or Android device can pair with your PRO-X to mix and record multiple audio sources and guests simultaneously. Recording a standard conversation or interview format podcast couldn’t be simpler. Think Fresh Air, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, or WTF with Marc Maron.
Podcast Basics
- Plug a microphone into the “mic” input for your guest.
- Next, plug your headphones (with inline mic) into the “headphone/headset” jack to simultaneously record your voice and monitor the mix.
- Connect the GO:MIXER PRO-X mixer to your iOS or Android phone via one of the included USB cables, and fire up your favorite audio recording app.
- Want to record video simultaneously? Situate your phone in the mixer (or mount it on a tripod), and use a video recording app to frame both guests. Then record the video and audio of the conversation together.
The Last Word
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the portability of the unit is key. It’s got a roughly 4 x 6-inch footprint and a weight of a mere eight ounces. This low-profile design means GO:MIXER PRO-X can fit inside something as small as a hip pack. This is perfect for easy access during guerilla-style productions. Power the PRO-X with whatever device it’s connected to via USB Micro.
"The low-profile design of GO:MIXER PRO-X makes it easy to access during guerilla-style productions."
Alternately, you can use four AAA-size batteries. If you want to run it standalone, it’ll run for roughly four hours on batteries. You can also power it through a wall USB charger, or even a portable USB battery. All in all, meet a versatile and portable piece of gear. GO:MIXER PRO-X aims to up audio quality and reduce friction for livestreamers of all stripes.
