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Under $700

Audio Mixer Streaming Setup Under $700 (2025)

Pro-grade multi-source audio mixing for streamers: mixer, XLR mic, monitoring headphones, controls, and accessories for crystal-clear streams.

💰 Actual Cost: $631.46Save $1000 vs PremiumUpdated November 30, 2025

Struggling with muddy audio in your streams because budget gear can't handle multiple sources cleanly? Most cheap USB mics or basic soundcards fail at mixing game sound, voice, chat, and music seamlessly, leading to echo, imbalance, or latency. This guide solves that with a complete hardware-based audio mixer streaming setup under $700.

You'll get a digital mixer with app control, pro XLR mic, accurate monitoring headphones, Stream Deck for quick mutes/scenes, and essential accessories. This rig lets you mix 4+ sources live, monitor bleed-free, and send a polished stereo mix to OBS/Streamlabs—perfect for beginner-to-intermediate streamers.

Realistic expectations: This delivers broadcast-quality audio far beyond budget USB setups but won't match $2K+ consoles like Rodecaster Pro II in built-in effects or touchscreens. No video/capture card included—focus is pure audio.

Budget Philosophy

For this $700 target, I divided the budget strategically across 4 core categories: Audio Mixer (45% / ~$300), Microphone & Monitoring (30% / ~$200), Controls (10% / ~$60), and Accessories (15% / ~$70). The mixer gets the lion's share because it's the system's brain—handling multiple inputs (mic, PC line-out, aux, Bluetooth via adapter), low-noise preamps, and USB routing to streaming software. Skimping here means noise, hum, or clunky control.

Mic and headphones earn 30% combined for input clarity and accurate monitoring; voice cuts through games, and flat-response cans prevent over-EQing. Controls like Stream Deck add tactile workflow without complexity. Accessories get minimal allocation since generics perform identically to premiums in home studios. This balances must-haves (quiet signal path) vs. nice-to-haves (fancy stands), leaving a $70 buffer for tax/shipping.

Where to Splurge

  • Audio Mixer: Invest here for low-noise preamps and multi-channel routing essential for multi-source streams. Cheaping out causes hiss, ground hum, or dropped signals mid-stream.
  • Microphone: Quality capsule rejects room noise and plosives for pro voice presence. Budget mics sound thin or boomy, ruining viewer experience.
  • Monitoring Headphones: Flat frequency response ensures your mix translates to viewers' speakers. Cheap earbuds color sound, leading to bad EQ decisions.

Where to Save

  • Accessories (Arms, Cables, Pop Filters): Budget versions are durable and functional for desk use—no audio impact.
  • Stream Controls: Basic buttons suffice; no need for touchscreens early on.
  • Shock Mounts: Adequate isolation without $50 audiophile versions.

Recommended Products (8)

#1essentialAudio Mixer

Behringer XR12 Digital Mixer

Central hub mixes mic, PC/game audio, music/aux, with USB to OBS and app fader control.

$299.00
47% of budget
Behringer XR12 Digital Mixer

The XR12 is a 12-channel digital mixer with 4 XLR mic inputs, 4 stereo line channels, USB multi-track interface, and iPad/PC app for remote fader/EQ control. Perfect for streamers routing PC stereo (game/chat), phone music, and mic separately.

At $299, it punches above budget mixers like Behringer 802 ($80, noisy analog) by offering zero-latency monitoring and effects—half the price of Soundcraft Ui12 ($600). Users rave about streaming stability (4.4/5 on Amazon, 1K+ reviews).

Running total: $299. Remaining: $401.

Pros

  • +App-based control for couch-adjusting mixes
  • +Low-noise preamps (-128dBu EIN)
  • +USB sends full mix or stems to OBS
  • +Built-in EQ/compressor per channel
  • +Rack-mountable for future expansion

Cons

  • -App can glitch on old phones
  • -No onboard screen (app required)
  • -Steep learning curve for beginners
  • -Plastic build vs metal premiums

Upgrade Option: Behringer XR18 ($599) - adds 6 more inputs and SD recording.

Budget Alternative: Behringer Xenyx 1202 ($109) - loses digital control/app, noisier analog.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialMicrophone

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Captures clear, detailed voice with low self-noise for streaming commentary.

$99.00
16% of budget
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone - Image 1 of 10

XLR condenser mic with cardioid pattern, ideal for treated rooms—picks voice cleanly without rumble.

Budget king at $99 vs Shure SM7B ($400), yet pros use it for podcasts/streams (4.7/5 stars). Pairs perfectly with XR12 preamps (48V phantom included).

Running total: $398. Remaining: $302.

Pros

  • +Studio-grade clarity at budget price
  • +Low handling noise
  • +Wide dynamic range
  • +Durable metal build
  • +Proven in 10K+ stream setups

Cons

  • -Picks room reverb (use pop filter)
  • -Needs phantom power
  • -Not dynamic (less rejection than SM58)
  • -No USB option

Upgrade Option: Rode NT1 ($249) - quieter self-noise, better for untreated rooms.

Budget Alternative: Fifine K669B USB ($30) - USB convenience but thinner sound.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialMonitoring Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Closed-back monitoring ensures accurate mix check without bleed to mic.

$99.00
16% of budget
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Semi-closed studio headphones with flat response, detachable cable, and foldable design.

Excellent value vs ATH-M50x ($169)—similar accuracy for mixing (4.7/5, 20K reviews). Plugs into mixer headphone out for zero-latency cue.

Running total: $497. Remaining: $203.

Pros

  • +Neutral sound for true mix translation
  • +Comfortable for 4+ hour sessions
  • +Swiveling earcups for single-ear monitoring
  • +Replaceable parts
  • +Low distortion

Cons

  • -Semi-open leaks slightly
  • -No wireless
  • -Bass-light vs consumer cans
  • -Cable tangles

Upgrade Option: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ($159) - fuller bass, better isolation.

Budget Alternative: Superlux HD681 ($29) - decent but veiled highs.

Check Price on Amazon
#4essentialCable

Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 15 Feet

Reliable XLR connection from mic to mixer channel 1.

$12.99
2% of budget
Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 15 Feet

Shielded 15ft XLR cable for noise-free runs.

No-brainer at $13 vs Mogami ($50)—identical performance in short home runs.

Running total: $510. Remaining: $190.

Pros

  • +Balanced shielding rejects interference
  • +Affordable bulk pack option
  • +Lifetime warranty
  • +Flexible jacket

Cons

  • -Not audiophile-grade connectors
  • -Stiff compared to premium

Upgrade Option: Seismic Audio XLR 25ft ($20) - longer, gold tips.

Budget Alternative: Generic 6ft ($8) - shorter reach.

Check Price on Amazon
#5recommendedStream Controller

Elgato Stream Deck Mini

One-touch mutes, scenes, and macros for seamless live mixing.

$59.99
10% of budget
Elgato Stream Deck Mini

6-key USB controller programmable via Elgato software for OBS integration.

Transforms workflow vs mouse-clicking mutes ($60 vs Stream Deck XL $250). Streamers love it for audio toggles.

Running total: $570. Remaining: $130.

Pros

  • +Custom icons/actions
  • +Plug-and-play with OBS
  • +Compact desk fit
  • +Multi-app support

Cons

  • -Only 6 keys (vs 15+)
  • -Software-dependent
  • -No tactile feedback

Upgrade Option: Elgato Stream Deck+ ($199) - dials/touchstrip.

Budget Alternative: Skip - use keyboard shortcuts.

Check Price on Amazon
#6recommendedMic Arm

Neewer NW-7000 Microphone Arm Stand

Adjustable boom keeps mic positioned off-desk, reducing vibrations.

$29.99
5% of budget
Neewer NW-7000 Microphone Arm Stand

Desk-clamp boom arm with 360° rotation, holds up to 2.2lbs.

Solid budget pick (4.5/5)—no sag like $20 no-names.

Running total: $600. Remaining: $100.

Pros

  • +Easy clamp install
  • +Cable channels
  • +Quiet adjustments
  • +2-year warranty

Cons

  • -C-clamp scratches desks
  • -Spring tension wears

Upgrade Option: Elgato Wave Mic Arm ($100) - low-profile, premium feel.

Budget Alternative: Basic tripod stand ($15) - less flexible.

Check Price on Amazon
#7recommendedPop Filter

Neewer Microphone Pop Filter

Doubles/triples plosives (P/B sounds) for cleaner voice.

$9.99
2% of budget
Neewer Microphone Pop Filter

Dual-layer nylon mesh on flexible gooseneck.

Essential cheap fix vs editing plosives.

Running total: $610. Remaining: $90.

Pros

  • +Clamp-on easy
  • +Collapsible
  • +Effective on condensers

Cons

  • -Mesh wears over time
  • -Basic build

Upgrade Option: Stedman Proscreen XL ($70) - pro layer.

Budget Alternative: Skip - speak off-axis.

Check Price on Amazon
#8optionalShock Mount

Neewer Microphone Shock Mount

Eliminates desk vibrations from typing/keystrokes.

$19.99
3% of budget
Neewer Microphone Shock Mount

Elastic suspension for 25-28mm mics like AT2020.

Fits budget, cuts rumble 90%.

Final total: $631. Buffer: $69.

Pros

  • +Easy mic swap
  • +Compact
  • +Affordable upgrade

Cons

  • -Fits specific sizes only
  • -Rubber degrades

Upgrade Option: Rode SM6 ($79) - heavier duty.

Budget Alternative: Skip - use arm isolation.

Check Price on Amazon

Start with desk prep: Clear space, clamp mic arm. Connect AT2020 to XR12 Channel 1 XLR, enable phantom power (+48V). Route PC game/chat audio via 3.5mm-to-dual-1/4" adapter to stereo Channel 5/6; aux/music to Channel 7/8. Plug ATH-M40x to main headphone out.

Power on mixer, connect USB-B to PC (install Behringer app/X-Air Edit). In app/OBS, set USB as audio input, create sub-mixes (voice/game/music). Program Stream Deck for mute-all, solo channels. Position pop filter 2-4" from mic, shock mount if using.

Test: Speak/game/music, monitor balance, adjust faders/EQ (high-pass filter 80Hz on voice). Full setup: 30-45 mins, no tools needed beyond screwdriver for clamp. Tip: Update firmware, calibrate in quiet room—avoid USB hubs for low latency.

Budget Tips

  • Buy bundles on Amazon (mixer + cables) for 10-15% off.
  • Check Reverb/Sweetwater for open-box deals on mixers (save 20%).
  • Prioritize used mics/headphones from eBay (Shure AT2020 hold value).
  • Skip RGB/Bluetooth mixers—focus analog/digital reliability.
  • Use Voicemeeter Banana free software as mixer extender initially.
  • Hunt Prime Day/Black Friday for 15-25% mixer drops.
  • DIY cable management with zip ties ($5 pack).
  • Test returns: Amazon 30-day policy for mismatches.

Common Mistakes

  • Overbuying USB mics—limits multi-source mixing vs XLR.
  • Skipping closed-back headphones—mic bleed ruins streams.
  • Cheap analog mixers—no app control for dynamic streams.
  • Ignoring phantom power—dead condenser mic on setup day.
  • No buffer—tax/shipping pushes over budget.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: Shure SM7B mic ($399) + Cloudlifter ($149) for broadcast voice—total $550, transforms presence over AT2020. Next: ATH-M70x headphones ($300) for ultimate accuracy. Then expand mixer to XR18 ($300 swap) for more inputs/sound pads.

These matter most: Voice/mix quality drives retention (viewers leave for bad audio). Wait on stands/panels until room acoustics limit you. With $200 extra later, add acoustic foam ($50) and second mic ($100). Full pro path: $1.5K Rodecaster swap in year 2.

Related Topics

budget streaming audioaudio mixer setupunder 700 streamingmulti source mixercontent creationtwitch audiobudget mixerstreaming gearxr12 streamingbeginner streamer
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