Getting into podcasting as we know it today is much easier than it was when I first started podcasting 16 years ago. The gear was bigger, required every type of cable, and the software wasn’t very easy to use. Today, we have products like Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer that allow you to easily create high-quality podcasts on the go or without a full home studio setup.
Over the past few years, everyone has started streaming podcasts, co-podcasts, or livestreaming epic game battles. I had my first podcast back in 2006 – and we didn’t have as many audio options as we do today. This was before USB microphones became common, and finding equipment plugged into a computer was prohibitively expensive. Today, joining the world of podcasting is much easier.
Let’s take the Aten Podcast AI, Audio Mixer, for a spin and see how it works.
Specifications of Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer
Price: $277
Sample rate: 24-bit 96KHz
Weight: 0.93 pounds
Size: 5.14 x 7.12 x 2.47 inches
Power: 48V phantom power
Price and availability of Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer MicLive 6-CH
The list price for the Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer is $277, but I found it on sale for Provantage For $185, which is good value for what this little blender can do. In the box, you’ll find a Podcast AI Audio Mixer, a USB-C cable, and one user guide.
Designed by Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer MicLive 6-CH
Audio Mixer Aten Podcast AI (MicLive 6-CH, UC8000Made entirely of sturdy plastic in black and white, the visual aesthetic is clean and simple. When you look at it, you’ll find the control buttons and control knobs on the main flat surface in an easy-to-read white font.
XLR, 3.5mm, and USB-C input ports run along the rear edge.
The dual 3.5mm headphone jacks are located on the right side.
Weighing just 0.93 pounds and measuring 5.14 x 7.12 x 2.47 inches, you can slip the mixer into your backpack, along with a microphone and a laptop, and you’re ready to stream from anywhere.
Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer MicLive 6-CH . Audio Recording Quality
I opened the box, took out everything, and got it. I did as if I was doing a mobile podcast from a coffee shop. I took out my laptop, plugged it in the Aten, plugged in an XLR microphone, turned on the free audio recording software—and I was off to the races.
Podcast AI Audio Mixer has a sample rate of 24 bits at 96kHz, so you will get high quality audio recording with it. Especially when using an XLR microphone, it records excellent audio – and it did. The XLR microphone was powered by the phantom power of the mixer, which is drawn from your computer, in this case, HP ZBook Studio G8. Since I was using my laptop unplugged, my battery drained faster, but I got an hour and a half of recording time while testing all the different EQ features and sound effects like laughter and applause. Auto Ducking worked flawlessly when I canceled out some of the music, lowering the melody so my lyricism stood out.
There are 24 different pre-programmed sound effects that you can use. I played with them quickly and they worked well. Honestly, the Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer would be perfect for novice podcast and podcast creators. I found my recordings to be crisp, clear and enjoyable with the help of the built in effects. The buttons and knobs are easy to control, sturdy construction and durable. The pillows are soft to the touch and feel comfortable without being too squishy. The rotation of the entry level knob is continuous without a physical minimum or maximum. Some may prefer knobs that have limits, but in this case, it doesn’t bother me because I can hear the difference in levels while monitoring the audio. The two headphone outputs on the side of the unit work well and provide excellent sound quality while monitoring my recording.
When I ran my mock self-interview, the recording matched the quality of a small studio. Seems to be equal to most podcasts you hear today.
Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer MicLive 6-CH
Aten OnAir audio software is easy to use with a clean, self-explanatory interface. You have complete control over every aspect of your registration. It’s put simply, it’s foolproof. Using the program’s sound panel, you can control the volume, mute microphones and external audio sources, perform special effects, and add echo if you wish.
It’s not quite as powerful as something like the Rode Procaster Pro II, but at less than a third of the cost, it offers many of the same features in a miniature.
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If you’re looking to start a podcast, or have a family member who wants to play one, the Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer is an ideal starting option. It is a good podcast entry device and allows you to record high quality podcast audio at a reasonable price. Mixer has enough basic features that even young podcasters will find it easy to use while giving you some of the more advanced tools to grow in. . It may lack some of the more powerful tools you’ll find in competitors, but with a combination of portability, sound quality, easy-to-use software, and affordability, the Aten Podcast AI Audio Mixer is an excellent choice for beginners.