Podcasting as we all know it at this time is far simpler to get into than it was after I began my first podcast 16 years in the past. The gear was bigger, required each form of cable, and the software program wasn’t very user-friendly. Right now, we have now merchandise just like the Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer that mean you can simply create a high quality podcast on the go or with out organising a full dwelling studio.
Throughout the previous few years, everybody has both began a podcast, been on a podcast, or is streaming their epic gaming battles stay. I had my first podcast in 2006 — and we didn’t have as many audio choices as we do at this time. This was earlier than USB mics turned standard, and discovering gear that plugged into a pc was prohibitively costly. Right now, becoming a member of the world of podcasting is much extra accessible.Â
Let’s take the Aten Podcast AI, Audio Mixer, for a spin and see the way it performs.
Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer specs
Worth: $277
Pattern Fee: 24-bit 96kHz
Weight: 0.93 kilos
Measurement: Â 5.14 x 7.12 x 2.47-inches
Energy: 48V phantom energyÂ
Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer MicLive 6-CH worth and availability
The Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer listing worth is $277, however I discovered it on sale at Provantage for $185, which is an efficient worth for what this little mixer can do. Within the field, you will see the Podcast AI Audio Mixer, one USB-C cable, and one consumer guide.Â
Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer MicLive 6-CH design
The Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer (MicLive 6-CH, UC8000) is made completely of sturdy black-and-white plastic and the visible aesthetic is clear and easy. While you look down at it, the management knobs and buttons are on the primary flat floor with an easy-to-read white font.
 The XLR, 3.5mm, and USB-C enter ports run alongside the again edge.
The twin 3.5mm headphone jacks are on the fitting aspect.
Weighing simply 0.93 kilos and measuring a tiny 5.14 x 7.12 x 2.47 inches, you may toss the mixer into your backpack, together with a mic and a laptop computer, and also you’re all set to podcast from wherever.Â
Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer MicLive 6-CH audio recording high quality
I opened the field, took all the pieces out, and bought proper to it. I arrange as if I have been cell podcasting from a café. I pulled out my laptop computer, plugged it into the Aten, plugged in an XLR mic, and booted up the free audio recording software program — and I used to be off to the races.
The Podcast AI Audio Mixer has a 24bit pattern fee at 96kHz, so that you’re going to get a high quality audio recording with it. Significantly when utilizing an XLR mic, document wonderful audio — and I did. The XLR mic was powered by the mixer’s phantom energy, which is pulled out of your laptop, on this case, the HP ZBook Studio G8. Since I used to be utilizing my laptop computer unplugged, it did drain my battery quicker, however I bought a very good hour and a half of recording time whereas testing out all of the completely different EQ options and sound results like crowd laughing and clapping. The Auto Ducking function labored flawlessly after I cued up some music, decreasing the tune in order that my vocals have been featured.Â
There are 24 completely different pre-programmed voice results you need to use. I shortly performed with them they usually labored positive. Actually, the Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer could be good for newbie podcasters and streamers. I discovered that my recordings have been crisp, clear, and enjoyable with the assistance of the built-in results. The buttons and knobs are easy-to-control, solidly constructed and durable. The soft-touch pads really feel good with out being too squishy. The enter stage knob rotation is steady with no bodily minimal or most restrict. Some could want knobs which have a restrict, however on this case, it doesn’t hassle me as a result of I can hear the distinction in ranges whereas monitoring the audio. The 2 headphone outputs on the aspect of the unit labored effectively and offered wonderful audio high quality whereas monitoring my recording.Â
After I performed again my mock self-interview, the recording matched small studio high quality. It sounded equal to most podcasts you hear at this time.
Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer MicLive 6-CH software program
The Aten OnAir audio software program is user-friendly with a clear interface that’s self-explanatory. You have got full management over each side of your recording. It’s so merely laid out, it’s foolproof. With the software program soundboard, you may management the amount, mute mics, and exterior audio sources, implement particular results, and add reverb for those who want to.
It’s not as sturdy as one thing just like the Rode Procaster Professional II, however at lower than one-third the associated fee, it delivers a whole lot of the identical options in miniature.
Backside Line
Should you’re trying to begin a podcast, or have a member of the family who desires to launch one, the Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer is an ideal starter choice. It’s a good gadget for moving into podcasting and can mean you can document high quality podcast audio at an inexpensive worth.  The mixer has sufficient primary options that even budding younger podcasters will discover it straightforward to make use of whereas providing you with just a few extra superior instruments to develop into. . It might lack a number of the extra highly effective instruments you will see in rivals, however with its mix of portability, audio high quality, user-friendly software program and affordability, the Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer is a superb alternative for newcomers.
