In the simplest terms, audio mixers provide you with complete control over your sound quality and the ability to manage any specific sounds you create during your live stream. They are used when you have multiple sound sources that need to be combined into one cohesive and balanced mix.
Many people are using them, so I sought to identify the best soundboards for streaming. I concluded that Depusheng DX8 is the ideal choice for your needs. It is affordable, features multiple audio inputs, and even includes a Bluetooth sensor.
I also examined several other soundboards available on the market, and the factors I considered to assist you in finding the best audio mixer were:
QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Soundboards for Streaming
 | Top Choice Depusheng DX8
| |
 | Pyle Professional 4 Channel
| |
 | RODE RODECaster
|
Soundboards are utilized and can be found in podcasts, in gamer YouTube videos, during live performances of various types, or anywhere that features at least one microphone or musical instrument.
A soundboard/audio mixer collects all the sounds you provide and mixes them into a single signal that you can then send wherever needed. In this case, that destination is your live stream.
Aside from that, most of them feature built-in sound effects, and all of them can adjust the sound in terms of EQ, stereo panning, overall loudness, and similar aspects.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Depusheng DX8
Best Choice for a Streaming Soundboard
Stefan’s Take:
This audio mixer is probably way more than you’d ever need for a simple live stream, with all the features it offers, but hey… You never know. Sometimes you have a string quartet as guests on your podcast, and they will demand to be mixed properly.
With Depusheng DX8 you are getting the whole package. It’s not expensive, it is versatile and very user-friendly.
| Audio Quality | 9.5 |
|---|---|
| Sound Effects | 9.3 |
| Durability | 9.2 |
| Easy To Use | 9.1 |
The Depusheng DX8 provides all the features you could possibly need from an audio device, including an audio mixer.
Why do I believe the Depusheng DX8 is the best soundboard among these?
You have eight channels available for various audio sources.
Each of them is fully customizable, featuring unique sound effects and various parameters that you can adjust to achieve the perfect level of oomph needed to be heard.
It features a Bluetooth sensor, making it incredibly easy to connect an external audio source. Besides, we all dislike cables, right? And we all appreciate having one less piece of physical hardware connected to our mixer.
Overall, it’s an excellent mixer—professional-looking yet affordable—that will enable you to stream online audio in no time once it’s set up.
Pros
- An affordable audio mixer
- Multiple audio inputs
- Thin and lightweight casing
- Bluetooth
- Both XLR and 1/4″ jack inputs
Cons
- None
2. Pyle Professional 4 Channel
Best Streaming Soundboard for Beginners
Stefan’s Take:
The Pyle Professional Audio Mixer offers the same capabilities as the Depusheng DX8, but with fewer channels. On the other side, it is more affordable and great for beginners.
It’s a small piece of audio equipment that won’t bother your workspace as much as some other items here would.
| Audio Quality | 8.7 |
|---|---|
| Sound Effects | 8.8 |
| Durability | 9.4 |
| Easy To Use | 9.2 |
Whether you simply want your voice recorder to function correctly or wish to enjoy various voice effects, it accomplishes both tasks effectively.
The effects on this audio mixer, like most others on this list, include both standard reverb and echo effects, along with several entertaining options.
In addition to reverb and echo, they provide modulation effects similar to those found in apps like Clownfish Voice Changer or the Voxal Voice Changer.
They can modify and distort your voice in various fun and even unusual ways.
Its small size has some drawbacks. Specifically, it has only 4 available channels to utilize. Of these, only two are separate, while the third and fourth channels share a single line on the interface.
This means that while you can have complete control over the first two channels independently, you will need to switch between the third and fourth channels, as well as a potential USB sound source. They cannot operate simultaneously.
They are also restricted to a 1/4″ jack input device, while the first two can be connected in multiple ways.
The 1/4″ jack is known for its inferior sound quality compared to the XLR. Additionally, it is limited to mono, whereas the first two can also function as stereo line inputs.
Now, don’t get me wrong; four channels are still more than enough to stream podcasts with one or several guests. However, you’ll be limited to using two regular microphones and two microphones with a 1/4″ jack. These two microphones cannot operate simultaneously with a potential USB sound input device.
Pros
- Small size
- Durable steel chassis
- Relatively simple interface
- Multiple sources of audio
Cons
- The standard downfall of a simple user interface
3. RODE RODECaster
Streaming Soundboard with Various Sound Effects
Stefan’s Take:
While the first two mixers from my list are basically live audio mixers that can be used as a podcast soundboard, this is a thing specially designed for just that, and much more, depending on your imagination.
It will also record all 4 channels separately, which makes it perfect for post-production. It will give you a separate audio file for each channel.
| Audio Quality | 8.7 |
|---|---|
| Sound Effects | 9.3 |
| Durability | 8.7 |
| Easy To Use | 9.2 |
A significant number of uses for a device like this is that it provides excellent storytelling opportunities for those of us who enjoy role-playing games such as D’n’D and similar games.
It provides advanced voice effect features that can be manipulated in real-time, allowing your orc barbarian character to truly sound barbaric.
The RODE RODECaster is a compact, relatively lightweight (2kg) device featuring 4 channels specifically designed for streaming microphones.
The primary feature that distinguishes it from the competition is the panel equipped with eight colorful, fully programmable pads, which control a diverse range of custom sound effects that you can assign to them.
By simply pressing a button, you can activate a sound effect or a complete audio sample. These serve as fully customizable hotkeys for different effects and soundscapes.
Additionally, in line with its 4 channels, it features 4 headphone outputs, allowing everyone involved to monitor sound simultaneously.
The fact that it is built-in, rather than relying on additional device properties, makes it one of the best real-time monitoring tools available.
Aside from that, you can connect it directly to your computer using USB and record everything in your preferred recording software.
I need to mention some limiting options that are available.
The cable output is only 3.5 mm, which means you must rely on adapters for anything beyond the basic soundcard connectivity options. This can significantly affect your overall sound quality.
Pros
- Specially designed podcast soundboard
- Easy use
- Multiple creative options and audio controls
- Good audio monitoring
- Micro SD card slot
- Rec button communicates with recording software
Cons
- A niche product
- No EQ for sound control
- A hefty price tag
4. Pyle Professional 8 Channel
Best Wireless Sound Mixer
Stefan’s Take:
I already went through Pyle’s 4 channel version of this sound device. You would be completely correct if you guessed that this product is pretty similar to the 4-channel version.
It does, however, offer one functionality that the 4-channel version doesn’t. Wireless connectivity, besides the regular USB and Bluetooth.
| Audio Quality | 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Sound Effects | 8.8 |
| Durability | 8.9 |
| Easy To Use | 8.8 |
Regarding sound effects and similar features, the Pyle Professional 8 Channel is identical to the 4-channel option; it simply provides double the number of channels.
This is beneficial for larger-scale live performances and accommodating a greater number of potential guests on your stream and/or podcast.
Due to the increased number of channels, it is significantly larger and heavier than its 4-channel counterpart.
Remember how the 3rd and 4th channels were very limiting before? That’s no longer the case. Channels 1 to 4 are now entirely free and independent.
There are certain trade-offs associated with channels 5-8.
Channels 5 and 6 each have their own line on the user interface, just like channels 7 and 8. This means the same thing as before: they are all mono and must share settings.
You also cannot use channels 7 and 8 at the same time as the USB port, similar to the situation in the 4-channel version with channels 3 and 4.
As mono channels, it is clear that they (channels 5-8) lack an XLR input, which is typically stereo. Therefore, they can only be connected using either mono 1/4″ plugs or RCA plugs.
In that scenario, channels 5 and 7 represent the left side of the signal, while channels 6 and 8 represent the right side of the signal.
Pros
- Multiple devices can be connected
- 8 is a large number of channels
- Affordable
Cons
- Almost a foot wide
- Some limiting options
5. MaonoCaster Lite
Best Portable Audio Mixer
Stefan’s Take:
This is one more device that is basically designed for podcasts and live streams and can do little outside of that.
It can simultaneously stream up to 4 devices, which is really cool. All in all, this is one of the handiest plug-and-play soundboards I’ve ever seen.
| Audio Quality | 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Sound Effects | 9.1 |
| Durability | 8.5 |
| Easy To Use | 8.6 |
Maonocaster Lite is a compact and convenient device that is slightly more than just an audio toy. However, this does not mean it lacks utility. It is particularly beneficial for beginners in the podcasting world, as well as for those who enjoy making prank calls.
You can also use it to play sounds and sound effects, including both built-in and user-created options.
The Maonocaster Lite is essentially a complete bundle of products. In addition to the main unit, you receive several supplementary devices that will kickstart your streaming journey.
The items included in the bundle are:
You may have noticed that charging cable, which indicates that it is battery-powered and, therefore, highly portable.
It does not, however, have a 48V phantom power switch, but that’s acceptable because the Maono mic functions perfectly well without it.
It features a series of buttons for instant sound effects such as applause, booing, laughter, and more. The jingle palette includes 4 fully customizable buttons.
A master EQ provides you with control over your output audio and can truly enhance your jingle palette audio.
One feature that sets it apart from the RØDECaster, for example, is its ability to receive a wider variety of audio signals beyond just a human voice on a microphone. It can be used for instruments like the guitar, for DJing, or for any other application you can imagine.
The Denoise function will be useful on multiple occasions, but it’s important to note that you have no control over the amount or type of noise it filters out.
It likely depends on a set of internal smart modes and algorithms to automatically provide you with the best possible noise reduction available.
Pros
- Affordable
- Everything you need to start
- Extremely fun to use
Cons
- Low-quality effects and built-in sounds
- The mic is not easily interchangeable
What To Look For In A Streaming Soundboard
Quality
Audio quality, audio quality, and more audio quality! Jokes aside, other features are consistently available in all audio mixing utilities and devices. They may vary in quality, but they will always be present.
Versatility
They all offer at least a few basic reverb effects to enhance your voice, along with some delay and echo effects if you wish to create a mystical and mysterious sound.
The greater the variety of sounds it can produce, the better.
Size
It’s crucial that your soundboard or sound device doesn’t take up too much space on your desk, especially if it can already play audio adequately.
A cluttered workspace is always a hindrance to our workflow and creative process.
Ease of Use
Most of us are not audio engineers, and we all desire a device that operates intuitively and requires minimal learning.
The quest for the best audio mixer is essentially a search for the one that best suits your needs.
Why Do I Need a Soundboard at All?
It is a device designed to balance your audio output, making it suitable for streaming on your computer. Additionally, it will enhance your sound quality on any sound system and across all audio formats.
It acts as a control point where you manage all audio inputs and blend them into a cohesive and well-balanced stereo image.
That will make your show much more enjoyable to watch and listen to. How many times have we all watched some YouTube reactors or similar online personalities and cursed at their poor audio mixing skills?
You likely understand what I mean. People watch movies where the sound is completely muted, yet their own voices are extremely loud. A soundboard can help you navigate some, if not all, of these issues.
Conclusion
After presenting you with these 5 fantastic soundboards for streaming, my final conclusion is:
As I mentioned earlier, aside from audio quality and various effects, the two main selling points for me are size and ease of use. You will certainly find everything you need in the soundboards I reviewed above.
FAQ
What is the best soundboard to get?
As stated before, it’s the one that suits your needs best. As far as brands go, there are a lot of entry-level brands (not covered in this article) that can also do a decent enough job. If you keep in mind the functionality and its usefulness to you, personally, there’s little to no chance of making a significant mistake when you buy a soundboard.
Can you use soundboards on Twitch?
Absolutely yes! Soundboards come in between you and Twitch when it comes to your signal chain, and whatever leaves the soundboard will transfer to Twitch. Now, I’m not particularly knowledgeable in terms of Twitch as a social media platform. But my somewhat uneducated guess would be that the things a soundboard allows you to do can make your Twitch channel stand out a lot more than it would without one. And that’s only if you actually manage to stream your sound without a soundboard, a u003ca href=u0022https://streammentor.com/best-soundboard-apps/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003esoundboard appu003c/au003e, or any other virtual audio device, which is nigh impossible.
How do I get the best streaming sound?
The short answer is – by having a decent internet connection that can handle uploading big audio formats. The long answer would be – by learning how to use your audio mixer and other devices in order to maximize the quality of your audio before you put it to the internet connection test. A poorly mixed audio will be bad in whichever circumstance, but well-mixed audio is not a guarantee that your audience will have a premium listening experience. You need to make sure that the sound files can reach them intact, as well as hope that their internet connection is good enough to receive the files you’re sending.
