Podcast Mixer

This is the XENYX 502 mixer which comes with the USB Podcast studio from Behringer. I recently purchased this mixer for use with GotoWebinar. In addition to the mixer, the Podcastudio comes with a microphone, headphones, and a USB adapter all for around $100.

I had been using a USB headset for live audio and a digital recorder connected to the mic-input on the computer to play recorded audio. The problem with this is that you have to go into the audio setup on the webinar control panel to switch between the two devices. Connecting a mixer to the USB port on the computer solves this problem. This setup allows me to add the recorded audio into the mix without any delay. The USB adapter acts like a sound card for input and output between the mixer and the computer. I have headphones and external speakers connected to the mixer in addition to the microphone and digital recorder.

The sound quality on the microphone is excellent with very little noise. It would be nice to have a mute button on the mic input. (You have to turn the level down to zero in order to mute the mic.) Other improvements on my wish list are an on/off switch and a more solid plug for the power adapter. The control knobs are made of plastic and don't feel like very high quality, but for 100 bucks, you will feel like you have moved up a level with your Internet broadcasting.