6 Ways To Connect An Audio Mixer To A Computer (Mac or PC)

[@kettnercreative]

We'd love to see a photo of your sound system. Tag us @kettnercreative on any social site.

[@jericcapule1173]

Hi there. This might be a dumb question, but I'll ask them anyway. After following this setup, meaning If I am using a software like Mainstage or Gig Performer from my laptop where a keyboard is connected, how do I send the audio out now coming from the laptop back to the mixer so that it will come out to the speakers (this is for a live performance setup).

[@tcttvradio]

blue is line level in on pc.

[@cristianvalentim4525]

@@jericcapule1173 it’s not a dumb question at all, and I am thinking the same thing because we got the same scenario with all live stream , so I think you have to get another audiobox then do you connect a USB cable from the computer to the audiobox then 2 mic cable from audio box to you livestream box

[@fretfret]

Nobody does this explanation with all of the cables and connection options. Just unboxing and showing the units. This is far more helpful. Thanks.

[@misteraytv]

I needed to see all the cables and connection options. The last one helped me the most.

[@elliel9042]

At last someone explaining in full how it could work and what it all looks like. Very many thanks!

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@derrickyochapman4308]

I AGREE!

[@mikeferrit1708]

Volume settings??? Just wondering whats a good pc volume setting when connecting my pc to mixer to pa speaker. Got my pa speaker set to half way, mixer set to U? Should my pc volume be set at 100% or just preference. Trying not to blow a speaker

[@danilocarrara7494]

Thank you very much! Straight to the point!

[@dkwei8812]

You and others who make videos like this are saviors. I'm a newbie asmrtist and I'm just hitting my head on my table thinking I spent hundreds of dollars on the wrong mixer with no usb connector. It works btw, thanks mate!

[@qms-usa]

I have the exact same mixer and I didn't know that the built-in USB works both inbound and outbound. I was only using the built-in USB as an output from my PC to the mixer. Now, I am able to use the same USB as an input from the PC to the mixer and as an output from the mixer to the PC. Thank you!

[@markvincent4521]

Thank you Jordan for the insight. Your distinctive vocal style and accent actually draws out the sound quality differences of each alternative.

[@nuripersonal]

This is by far one of the very best how to videos I have seen on the web. Detailed, clear, and valuable. THANK YOU

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thesmallnotesduo]

Best audio tutorials online. My go-to place. Thanks KC (who needs the Sunshine Band?)

[@mraz1017]

Only 8 mins ,...of your sharing ...but you did saved our life ...thank you so much

[@HarryShares]

Very Informative and useful explanation. Which Method is the best , 5 or 6 one? Using method 6 I need to buy audio interface and cost money again? Do you think method 5 is enough?

[@jennifercrilly379]

THANK YOU!!!! You just made me a hero, and I very much appreciate your clear and easy instructions! We are now livestreaming our training conferences, and I've had to learn audio set up basically overnight.

[@chiklevondooky269]

Great KZbin tutorial. Straight to the point and uncomplicates the complicated.

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ALDEN1945]

Jordan, thank you for your videos. I find them very informative. I am brand new to mixers, podcasts and Audacity. I just bought the MG10XU and have interfaced it with a laptop with USB cable (I have tried 3 different USB cables) to use with Audacity. Three mics will be attached to the mixer. When I used the laptop’s internal mic the waveform in Audacity looked and sounded good. However, when using a mic plugged into the first quarter inch jack the waveform in Audacity is almost completely flat. I can Ctrl-A (select all) > Effect > Volume > set Max amplitude to -6 or -5 and the displayed waveform in Audacity is expanded to normal and sounds good played back in the headphones. When I am recording, I have the headphones on and the voice is very good. I cannot figure out how to RECORD and get a normal waveform. Scanning through other comments/questions it looks like some others have had the same question. Are you familiar with this problem and have a solution for it? Thank you!

[@lavernjohnzen]

man, thanks a lot. this is what I've been looking for months now. thank you from Philippines.

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it helped!

[@bbopp31]

I am brand new to using a mixer and this video was SUPER helpful. Subbed and liked, cheers!

[@GuitarUniverse2013]

First of all I have to complement you on how great your voice is as a narrator. Very relaxing and unlike most people on KZbin you’re not barking and screaming at us. Now here’s a question when you’re talking about a microphone input on the Mac computer do you mean headphone jack that usually on the left-hand side? Maybe I missed it but when you say “ plug it into the computer”, exactly where are you plugging it in? The headphone jack? The USB input? And to muddy the water even a little further there are some MacBook pros from 2014/2015 where the headphone output doubles as an input, but it’s not a very clean connection. If anybody has any suggestions please post them here and I’ll check back in a couple of days. Thank you!

[@shivlan]

I love videos like these explaining all the alternatives. It especially helps me understand the differences in sound quality and cost. Thanks so much

[@nykravitz]

I run a poker livestream @sociallywild and have a complicated set up. We have had audio issues for months! I came across your video and used the 1/4 direct connection and that solved the problem. So i just wanted to thank you as many smart audio professionals could not figure out the issue. Who knew that it was something as simple as the audio board connection. Apparently the usb connection was not able to interact with the poker software property. So thank you!

[@jnpcofficial]

Hello sir. This was very much helpful. What would you recommend the Best of all these?? Any 2??

[@andythieu390]

It is very nice explanation, full details that show everything I need to learn. Thank you so much for showing us

[@antoniovgonzalez1896]

Thank you very much for such clear instructions and for speaking slow and clear unlike some other video I have seen where the speaker is very fast and hard to follow. I have learned a lot from you video. It's much appreciated.

[@FURI]

Hi there Jordon! I have a question, is the USB cable you used at ~ 5:20 just a printer cable? If not, could you be kind enough to link it to me please? Thank you very much for this video!

[@kettnercreative]

Yeah, just a printer cable. You'll need the USBC variant if you are using a new computer with USBC, I believe we have links in the description.

[@jhavoc22]

The Printer cable is USB-B to USB-A and if you have a USB-C port on your laptop you can also use USB-B to USB-C. Not sure why Yamaha doesn't even have this on thier website but the port behind the MG10XU is USB-B. There is no link in the description for this cable but I would check out your local best buy to pick one up as the ones on Amazon might not work.

[@MarinaUganda]

One method missing! How about using the mic in from the computer as a line in from the mixer?

[@srikanthwelankiwar5311]

@@kettnercreative q

[@saithemusicguy]

furi wan tap machine :))

[@levelintent]

I am new to streaming and the process is not easy... this video has made things very clear. Any advice for how to hear your stream from the perspective of the viewer or follower? Once I plug in my USB pre-amp/audio interface, I cannot hear my volume.

[@jarodgatson361]

Bro.... um I am pleasantly pleased with how thoroughly you explained each one of these methods. Every time my mind went to thing of a "what about this" question, you immediately answered it!! Outstanding job, and thanks for taking the time out to film this video!

[@duncanhazlewood8045]

Thanks for this video, and your whole series. I'm learning a lot. I'm wondering about choosing to connect the XLR to the computer. If XLR is a mic level signal (and therefore softer), why not use two TS cables instead? Would that be because XLR is balanced and TS would not be balanced? Just trying to work out my scenario. My smaller mixer doesn't have XLR outs, so is it worth sending the L/R TS cables out into a DI Box, and then to the copmuter, or should I go straight to the computer with the TS cables? Thanks. Hope my question is clear. :)

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

This video is still amazing today. Thank you.

[@cotystory]

I am performing at a pretty big festival this weekend and was wondering if I am able to connect straight from my headphone jack on a laptop using a stereo rca output into their soundboard. would the music come out mono or stereo? And do I need an interface or will their soundboard be good enough. I’m really nervous and might be overthinking but I’d hate it if I didn’t bring the right equipment.

[@cotystory]

*TRS

[@princessstreetmetal]

I have an old Traynor mixer I got for free. It’s from the 70’s and I’m looking forward to using it! Thank you!

[@MixsterKusanagi]

Thank you for the great and thorough video! So would you say the best sound quality for live streaming is a quality mixer with a USB connection instead of an audio interface?

[@Roy_1]

Does the usb or audio interface maintain the separate tracks, or combine them into one? I would assume the latter?

[@LEDemontionDev2532]

Thank you very much for your time and explanation. I've decided to do the USB because my mixer has that output to the USB computer. Yes, we need more videos like yours, thank you very much.

[@nicolevanh]

if you're using RCA to aux cable and put it in the sound card device, where do you recommend plugging in your headphones? Into the aux jack on the mixer, or into the headphone section on the sound card?

[@carennewell1119]

I love the explanations. I purchased a cable to connect to my laptop via usb.. but my brand new laptop will not recognize/show the mixboard for me to select . I'm Very frustrated as I have tried everything

[@jaisona6002]

Can we use speaker output at the same time while we using such things..? Or it will not go simultaneously..? Can you make a demo on Yamaha STAGEPAS 400BT Portable PA System

[@wendymull619]

I truly appreciate your tutorials...they are quite clear and concise...HOWEVER, although the Mac recognizes the MG10 unit, there is NO signal! I have tried everything! New cables, different outputs...nothing! Garageband won't work when the USB-C is plugged in...Any suggestions? Thank you for your time...you have been very helpful.

[@thinkingape7655]

On a Mac go into launchpad and open the "other" folder. In there you will see the icon for 'Audio Midi Setup". in there you will be able to configure the ProFX. In the output section select Analog 3 and Analog 4 for the output. Lastly, on the mixer look at channel 9/10 and push in the USB3-4 button. On PC its the same except you simple select USB 3-4 within the volume settings. Hope this helps.

[@josejosefan123]

What you explained very clear is how to connect the mixer to the laptop to do things in the laptop but what about the other way around? Sound comes from laptop to mixer and from mixer perhaps to an amplifier or straight to the speakers?

[@amitjainjaipur]

Best video that explains the process to connect Audio mixer to Pc or Laptop. Thank you Very much.

[@kettnercreative]

Glad to hear.

[@gameryuquibo1320]

Awesome video! I bought this mixer and want to use it for Karaoke with my PC speaker, is it possible?

[@jenns.4187]

Thank you SO much for this video!! I’m a fitness instructor and need to teach virtually with a headset mic and music at the same time and this really helped! Can I simply plug in my speaker (an Ion speaker) into the mixer like I plug in the mic as you have to have its signal go to the computer as well?

[@kettnercreative]

Yeah, that works.

[@michaelneedsgrace]

HI Jordon, I had no idea about all these options. Thanks. I love your videos. You are so knowledgeable and you are such a sweet guy. Thanks.

[@Storm-Chaser]

In place of the xlr to xlr mixer to audio interface, one could also use TRS line-out on the mixer to TRS line-in on the interface. This would be especially helpful if the interface had line-ins that bypassed the mic pre's and went straight to the A/D converter.

[@kettnercreative]

For sure.

[@jeanremiboily3484]

This video is nice, quick and simple. It'll surely help me to properly orient my customers for their home studio installation. thx

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alfeleh]

@@kettnercreative Jordan, do you know how/why I cannot hear playback audio? I have my Headphones plugged into the Mixer and can hear myself monitoring but no sound on playback.

[@biyaseboka]

Thank you for your supporting video but I have one question what is the white cable that on your PC?

[@PatrickBandy]

Hey there. I am using a Peavy S-32 mixer with USB capabilities. I read the manual over and over but it doesn't explain the issue I have. I connected the mixer to the computer using the USB and the computer recognized it. In the input settings on the computer the Peavy mixer shows up but any input (from microphones in the church) does not appear to send signal to the computer. I am using the mixer as part of a streaming setup and would like all the audio from the mixer to be picked up by the computer. Do you have any tips for this?

[@violaesdaille]

Did you ever figure this out?

[@PatrickBandy]

@@violaesdaille yes, had to run an XLR cable from the mixer to an audio interface, then the interface into the computer.

[@cmenacez8748]

Thanks for the video! Is there a reason your not going straight to the USBC input using a 3.5 female - usbc adapter instead of going from 3.5 - USB - USBC? Or plugging USB straight into the USB input? Trying to figure this out with my Dell laptop that appears not to have a mic input and am wondering what adapter to buy to get from my male 3.5 to the computer. Thanks for any advice!

[@carlosalbertomurillomendoz5470]

Hello, my friend! Thanks for the video. May I use both XLR and TRS stereo outputs at the same time?

[@JANARTJ1]

Thanks for the helpful info, I want to record the audio but my both stereo output is used for speaker. What are my options to record event live. Can i use the headphone jack to computer?

[@orteezthis]

Great video, do you have a video where it shows the audio mixer being connected to , let’s say garage band or any other music making software? For dubbing and multi tracking?

[@siouxprano5000]

Awesome stuff. So same devices would apply if I would want to play some music during an event? Like background music?

[@kungfugroup9957]

Thanks. But how to connect MG10XU to TV (audio output to 2 speakers)?

[@SittingTheApple]

Thanks, Jordan. This was by far the most helpful video I've found on this topic. Much appreciated!

[@Bertanerny]

Thanks for posting this, really well explained, you've given me all the info I was looking for. Great job

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RajeshPatel-of3qo]

Hello Thanks a lot for your video. I am really new to this so please bear with me. Can I use a 3.5mm-to-RCA to connect a PC to play a karaoke track and use the "printer" cable to connect the stereo output to the same PC for recording while the audience listens to your singing via connected speakers?

[@slicerstreetchurchofchrist5501]

Appreciate your guide! I'm using the dual quarter inch cable into the usb sound card. Unfortunately I'm getting a pretty loud buzzing sound every time any of our mics are used. It sounds like the gain is too high, but I have it all the way down on the mixer. :(

[@TheMjv25]

Which headset will be best for MG10XU? Also how can I record while using head set? Thank you..

[@billalkhwaja851]

Loved your video. I have a question? Using this Yamaha digital mixer, I want to connect it to an amplifier which is connected to speakers and I want to also at the same time feed the sound input from the mic into a Microsoft Teams session. Is that possible? So If we have a hall full of people and people streaming live on teams and we want everyone to hear one another as well as the speaker talking through the mic in the hall, is that possible using this digital mixer? Thanks

[@sandrajohnson9503]

Thanks for explaining with such clarity

[@84royalbasher]

Hi, Great video! Question.....When using audio interface: We leave all the knobs on the Steinberg usb interface at zero because the soundboard volume is in place already. Is there a situation where you would ever adjust the knobs on the interface in this situation. I'm assuming your interface for your last example was all set to zero. thanks,

[@prkd]

Thank you Jordon. I find that the volume of the sound recorded using the usb mixer port is very low. What could I be missing please?

[@wenhuayao7208]

Thank you so much for the video!! Extremely clear, especially to me who has zero knowledge in this area before.

[@junkokinoko7277]

Wow six ways- which one would be the cleanest signal so I can decide which cable to get for my MG10XU? to a laptop (no mic input) using ZOOM for live music program - Mic, keyboard, Backing tracks. Thank you

[@kettnercreative]

Use the USB output on the audio mixer

[@junkokinoko7277]

@@kettnercreative Thank you - Do I need to download the Yamaha mixer app for installation & set up or just the laptop?

[@dolcemusica2586]

Thanks so much for the exellent tutorial! Could you specify what is the main difference between connecting mixer directly to PC via USB cable or alternatively using USB audio interphace (two last sollutions indicated in the video). In my case I am operating with similar Yamaha mixer equiped with the USB output as well as UR RT2 USB audio interphace. Do I need to use both of them to connect the mixer to my MAC ( I record mainly guitar and voice) or simple elegant sollution (connection directly via USB cable) gives me the same possibilities to record stereo output in Audacity ? Many thanks in advance! Cheers,

[@nexstwing]

sound card , thank you

[@JazzStephane]

Fantastic demonstration of all the various options! Thank you for your expertise!

[@stephenhall3515]

Many thanks for this. I have subscribed so I can more easily search your site for advice on wiring speakers from outputs. My elderly Yamaha died after 25 years of service and I changed to my spare Behriinger Eurorack UB802. I had had it re-capped last year and it is electrically silent. My YAM and Mackies all had a bit of noise but the, often maligned, Behringer is proving to be superb as I select and remix material from my vast analogue archive before it is sold next year. I am very much a "senior citizen". The dear old YAM from my chamber music recording days (and Led Zep etc jamming in the basement studio of the BBC) has sentimental value so might be worth rebuilding -- if only to play back those sessions of long ago. The compact little YAM witnessed history. I thought this might interest you. I am no engineer and was a cognitive psychologist for work who just happened to love music. Recording 20th century chamber music assisting at the BBC gave me accidental access to many relaxed prep sessions (including Hendrix) and the BBC did not copyright all of these. They were really the IP of the musicians and therefore for them and for me only. Great days!

[@Huntressdi81]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You just explained everything I needed to know and you explained clearly and now I feel more confident about going about getting the sound into my laptop.

[@kettnercreative]

I'm so glad!

[@alfichotj]

Thanks man, very useful information. I already have a mixer but I don't have an audio interface. For all that I've seen, I realize that I will have to buy one eventually. But until I have the money, I wanted to know If I could connect the mixer directly to the PC. You just answered that.

[@Atman_Rez]

Thank you for this video. I ended up hooking the mixer like the last setup with my Focusrite 2i2. I have all of my streaming setup and all through the focusrite so this is perfect!! I had it connected before with a 1/4 stereo connector in the past to the 2i2 and could never get a good sound. I took the mixer out of the closet (i was mad at it lol) and it sounds amazing now with the XLR connectors. Don't know if that made a difference but either way thanks for the video as it motivated me to hook it all up so I can inprovise live with my instruments into VCV rack. Thanks a million!!

[@kettnercreative]

It's funny. Theoretically, you should get a better result connecting to your Scarlett 2i2 using 1/4" cable since you're running line out to line in. With XLR, technically you're running line out to Mic in which will be REALLY hot, but if you turn down the mixer it's generally fine.

[@EastFerrisLibrary01]

SUPER helpful! Thank you for explaining it in a straightforward way!

[@goldieg6934]

Thank you. This video is awesome and I can really see the different options.

[@vegaf2011]

So when you connect the mixer to usb interface where would you connect your studio monitors to?

[@GregJordan-go5xq]

Is there anyway to remove music sound from a song using graphics equalizer

[@sarahafreenmalik2679]

Thank you so much I have a gig coming up this was so helpful!

[@extramedium3920]

Great vid. Are there any usb mixers that will send mix minus aux into computer?

[@ManishaParmar]

Thanks a lot for such a detailed explanation!! I am loving my Yamaha MG10XU mixer singing live on Zoom sessions and also recording separately. I do have one question please, if I connect the USB thru a multi USB port, would it affect the quality? The reason is, I need to use an external webcam as my laptop camera is not too good. So both webcam and this mixer could be plugged in on the multi port USB..but I'm worried if any loss of quality could happen. Please add your input. Thanks!

[@christellen.3225]

Hello Manisha, I don't have the answer of your questions. But I was looking for someone who test that system on Zoom or Skype. Can you share me your experience please ?

[@ManishaParmar]

@@christellen.3225 Yes I have been singing live on Zoom meetings using Yamaha MG10XU mixer and quality is great as long as you click on 'Turn on Original Sound ' on the zoom meeting, and of course you have to make sure audio is coming from the mixer line. Awesome quality! Hope this helps

[@michaelkelly6583]

Jordon, you are the best! Thank you for walking me through the options.

[@kettnercreative]

Happy to help!

[@johnpetergonsalves4457]

Hi Sir, your video was very informative to me, I have one question here, after connecting Mixer directly to the PC via provided port (your option 5) does it required any driver to use Mixer? Thanks

[@coloneljaywrites9671]

Hi, Kettner Creative! We're trying to connect our audio mixer via the first method (RCA to 1/8") but the mixer input wasn't detected by my laptop? I know it's operational since I've hooked a headset to the mixer, but the option to select the mixer as the audio input on my PC isn't showing on Audacity or native Windows. Could you please help out?

[@colinspeake..8889]

Thank you for a well explained tutorial..Your delivery is so easy to understand and you really have made what I thought would be a complicated issue very straight forward indeed ..Thanks again Jordan...

[@DJMaSoySauce]

Thank you very much for the very detailed and thorough explanation. This video was extremely helpful!

[@samueljaychandran8541]

Super thanks brother...❤, from India

[@oncinemafriends6667]

having trouble finding that mixer, can you recommend another?

[@kettnercreative]

Mackie ProFX10v3

[@ishirotoshiro3604]

Hello i have a question about connecting using audio interface. Would you be able to get extra gain on mic using this method? Also do you need the dual interface? You cannot use like scarlett solo? Thank you and sorry for a lot of questions. I purchased this mixer based on your recommendation and im very happy with the purchase aside from my mic needing more gain. If dual input interface is needed maybe ill just go with fethead or cl because it will be cheaper than buying dual input interface right?

[@BCRaai]

Thank you for the tutorial video, and Can do the live gigs connecting multiple mics like vocals and drums with this technique,

[@williamsyeboah4268]

Hi. I am using the Yamaha ag06 mixer on macOS (Catalina). I attempted the USB audio mixing console method you showed, but it isn't working. I go to the input tab in sound and I can only find built-in mic. Any help?

[@FVCES]

You can also connect an audio mixer thru a DDJ into your computer :D similar to an audio interface. Great video as always!!

[@kettnercreative]

That's a great idea!

[@FRINGENETWORK]

I do live internet radio broadcasting with skype guests. I use the same method as you did in number six but I use the outputs of the interface to put computer audio back into the mixer. Left interface out into channel 3 and right interface out into channel 4. That way I am able to capture and control all of the audio before I uplink that final signal to the icecast servers.

[@Lamision316]

Wow this video was so helpful and informative 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wordsmedia9829]

sir i have doubt about when i take the USB line out to my pc from the MIXER does the STEREO OUT will work simunteneously and can i use it

[@hanten10]

Hello may I ask, is the XLR cables you're using to connect the mixing console to the audio interface is a microphone xlr cables or is it need to use the xlr speaker cables?

[@MyApon]

HI Jordon, Thank you for your informative video. It is very nice and easy to understand. Still, I am looking for your help. 1/ I have a Mackie ProFX8V2 mixer. 2/ I am using MacBook Pro 3/ I do have the USB cable to connect from the mixer to MacBook and XLR cable to connect my microphone to the mixer. 4/ A Sennheiser e845s Microphone and also a YetiBlue USB microphone I used to stream live with Streamyard. I want to play music from my iPhone and at the same time my voice from the microphone to stream through the mixer. So that my listeners will get the voice and the music properly mixed with proper sound. But I failed to find the solution and don’t know how to do the patching. Will you help me? Any help will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@TheSeanBampton]

Does the USB also carry audio out of the computer into the mixer via the same cable? Say for example, for a hybrid Zoom meeting? (ie: USB computer audio into the mixer and then mixer into a PA system via XLR)?

[@Pete7Davies]

Hi Jordan I have a question, and I hope that I can ask it in a way that you will understand what I'm asking, if that makes sense. I have an A&H Zed 60 10FX, and I want to connect to my Windows pc into OBS to sing on live stream, and also to just record into OBS. I would also like to play my backing tracks through the mixer from my ipad or my phone. The thing I dont understand though, is how do I seperate my audio in OBS ?. For example, when I want to add filters to my vocal in obs, like a gain or compression, its also going to affect my backing tracks. Or would you suggest that I just play my tracks from my pc ?. Its been driving me crazy trying to work it all out, so I'm hoping you can help. Thanks in advance

[@moiseslejano]

Hello sir. thanks for this tutorial. But my problem is my Mixing Console is Yamaha MG16/4. Can you help me where do I find the Output of this model?. I tried to connect it from my soundcard V8 as live streaming. Thanks.

[@drhiteshbhatt1179]

Which method do you recommend for karaoke with FX? the first four methods shall record mono I suppose.

[@Tvvicec]

Can u explain where would the speakers go connected? And how will music playing from the laptop to the speaker sound with the mic on? Would the USB cable be enough? Or do I need to connect something else?

[@DizziePeach]

Very clear explanation, I learned exactly what I needed to from this video. Thank you so much!

[@alansy2577]

Just Subscribed, I like the way you explained everything about the input recordings it's easy to understand and very helpful to all other people who needs help in this kind of solutions. Thanks

[@70saxman]

Question. In using the sound card on a MacBook Pro from a mixer, and using audacity software on the MacBook, will it record in stereo or mono?

[@emetdara2999]

Thanks for the video. You didn't show the usb audio cable (the one you referenced as your best solution) and you didn't provide a link to it in your description.