Our team has done the research and testing among dozens of audio mixers, and we have ultimately determined that the best GoXLR alternative is TC-Helicon's own GoXLR Mini. We chose this model due to its compact design, competitive set of features (just missing some extra bells and whistles of the flagship GoXLR), and stellar performance thanks to GoXLR's excellent native software solution.
The runner-up choice for GoXLR alternatives is the Elgato Wave XLR, which was released last year. The Wave XLR by Elgato offers a lot of the competitive features from GoXLR at a significantly cheaper price point as most of the functionality is built into the software compared to expensive hardware which may function better at a higher cost.
As for a budget option, the Sound Blaster K3+ is our choice for the best alternative to a GoXLR which won't break the bank. Priced at just under $100, the K3+ audio mixer does a fraction of what the GoXLR can. This includes many of the strengths while only coming in at a fraction of the cost. If you are tight on money and want to get started with a good, not great audio interface for streaming, then the Sound Blaster K3+ is one to consider.
- “Go live” desktop rig for online broadcasters gives you instant control over your audio
- Flexible and intuitive USB-based mixing for all of your audio - simple, easy-to-use controls get you up and running quickly
- Studio quality EQ, compression and gating help your voice sound its best
- PC app lets you control and recall all of your favorite settings
- Use the Wave Link app to mix Wave XLR with multiple audio sources, plus create two independent mixes
- Proprietary Clipguard technology prevents microphone distortion
- Up to 75 dB of ultra-low-noise gain amplifies insensitive mics
- 48 V phantom power drives condenser microphones
- High-power 3.5 mm headphone jack for clear zero-latency monitoring
- Capacitive mute button silences your mic feed upon the lightest touch
- XLR Phantom Power - Provides up to 48V phantom power to drive condenser microphones for clear, studio-grade recording quality. (TRS Phantom Power Not Supported)
- Play directly from your mobile device and record to it concurrently in real-time via the mobile port through a 4-pole aux cable. Perfect for your favorite Karaoke apps like Smule!
- 9 Adjustable Reverb Effects - Choose from various reverb effects types and fine-tune the aggressiveness of the effect and delay with a twist of a knob.
Top 8 GoXLR Alternative Models for 2022
TC-Helicon GoXLR Mini
GoXLR Mini is a popular audio mixer for online broadcasters that provides instant control over your audio. It is also the little brother to their flagship GoXLR offering much of the same functionality with fewer bells and whistles in addition to a smaller form-factor that takes up less room on your desk.
The GoXLR Mini has a flexible and intuitive USB-based mixing for all of your audio features, with simple, easy-to-use controls, so you can get up and running quickly. GoXLR Mini also has studio-quality EQ, compression, and gating to help your voice sound its best. Whether you are streaming or recording, this quality preamp ensures that your vocal performance is always captured with clarity.
With the PC app, you can control and recall all of your favorite settings, making for a quick and easy setup along with advanced customization. All of this flexibility makes GoXLR Mini an ideal solution with a sleek design that allows you to take it with you on the road or in your backpack if needed.
If you want a GoXLR alternative that offers virtually the same functionality as the original GoXLR minus the sampler and voice changing effects, the GoXLR Mini is going to be your best choice for an audio mixer equivalent.
Elgato Wave XLR
The Avermedia Live Streamer Nexus is a great audio mixer offering 6-tracks that connects to XLR mics, optical, line-in, and three separate virtual PC inputs. It has two independent audio mixes and a fully customizable control panel offering a touchscreen display and six tactile audio dials instead of the GoXLR's choice of motorized faders which take up a lot of space.
Additionally, it has NEXUS Widgets that display important stats like viewer count, subscriber counts, and live chat. It also integrates with RECentral, OBS, SLOBS, Spotify, YouTube, and Twitch. It also supports Windows and macOS operating systems, of which the GoXLR only works with Windows machines.
Priced around $350 at the time this guide was written, it is technically cheaper than the GoXLR mixer with some hardware and software tweaks that some creators will seek, it isn't as intuitive of an experience overall (especially compared to the GoXLR software) and also lacks some cool features like the integrated sampler and the voice effects. All things considered, it just falls short of being the best GoXLR alternative with a higher learning curve for use and too similar in price.
AverMedia Live Streamer Nexus
The Avermedia Live Streamer Nexus is a great audio mixer offering 6-tracks that connects to XLR mics, optical, line-in, and three separate virtual PC inputs. It has two independent audio mixes and a fully customizable control panel offering a touchscreen display and six tactile audio dials instead of the GoXLR's choice of motorized faders which take up a lot of space.
Additionally, it has NEXUS Widgets that display important stats like viewer count, subscriber counts, and live chat. It also integrates with RECentral, OBS, SLOBS, Spotify, YouTube, and Twitch. It also supports Windows and macOS operating systems, of which the GoXLR only works with Windows machines.
Priced around $350 at the time this guide was written, it is technically cheaper than the GoXLR mixer with some hardware and software tweaks that some creators will seek, it isn't as intuitive of an experience overall (especially compared to the GoXLR software) and also lacks some cool features like the integrated sampler and the voice effects. All things considered, it just falls short of being the best GoXLR alternative with a higher learning curve for use and too similar in price.
Creative Sound Blaster K3+
The Sound Blaster K3+ can broadcast your audio out of the USB connection to your computer, allowing for recording or live-streaming (not possible with TRS connections) if desired. The device also has 9 adjustable reverb effects and a soundboard which you can use in tandem to autotune your voice with an effect applied. This product requires XLR phantom power but is compatible with nonuser connections using 4-pole cables.
The Creative Sound Blaster K3+, while not equipped with all the features that some other pairs offer at a higher price point, still packs quite the punch when it comes to versatility. Not only does this pair have great connectivity options via USB, car lighter port, and wall socket, but you can also broadcast your audio out of your computer if you wish to. The reverb effects are very accessible, allowing for maximum versatility in how you choose to use this device.
Rode RODECaster Pro
The Rode RODECaster Pro is one of the best audio mixers for any online broadcasters looking for to record audio for a podcast production studio or live-streaming with multiple on-air guests. This professional audio mixer supports up to four presenters and offers an easy connection to phone, USB, and Bluetooth sources. It also has eight programmable pads that allow you to instantly playback sound effects and jingles.
You can record your podcasts directly to a microSD card, or to a computer via USB. The product is simple and intuitive to use because of its large full-color touchscreen, dedicated function buttons, physical faders and compatibility with a large variety of audio sources (including phantom power for a condenser microphone). It is perfect for those new to content creation (with a slight initial learning curve) as well as seasoned broadcast pros alike.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a basic audio mixer that provides singer-songwriters with the simplest way to record their vocals or instruments. It features a modern mic preamp with a switchable air setting for extra clarity when recording, while its high impedance input will work well for recording musical sound such as with guitars and bass instruments. The balanced outputs make it easy to plug in studio monitors or headphones for private listening while out on the road.
It's the perfect kit for singers, musicians and small bands recording on the go, but is just as good for streamers or podcast recordings as it is simple, affordable and offers excellent performance. It does lack a lot of the advanced features of the GoXLR and most other audio mixer models listed in this guide, so you'll probably be best overlooking this model if you want to utilize these advanced features for your future streams.
Motu M2 2×2 Audio Interface
The Motu M2 is a 2×2 USB-C audio interface with ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology, meaning the sound quality will be better than most other interfaces in its class. It has a dynamic range of 120 dB and a measured level of -129 dBu on its mic inputs. The headphone outputs also feature the same converter technology used in higher-end models, allowing enough power to drive 250 ohm headphones with ease.
Priced affordably under $200, the Motu M2 is a good GoXLR alternative if you need an interface that's easy to use for live recording while offering some competitive features like a full color LCD for detailed level meters. It also conveniently comes with an extra XLR cable. When compared to the Focusrite, the Motu offers better features and performance at a slightly higher cost, but still can't quite match the performance and competitive features of the GoXLR line.
Mackie ProFXv3 Series
The Mackie ProFXv3 Series is an audio mixer console used for live performance as well as home recording that includes all necessary installation packages to ensure quality recordings with professional software.
It has 24 built-in FX that are both good for live performance and recording. The 2 Onyx Mic Preamps have 60db of headroom with single knob compression. This mixer offers 2 XLR inputs along with a headphone jack to monitor your music, playback, or even sound effects through the speakers.
The ProFXv3 Series is a durable mixer due to Mackie’s “Built-Like-A-Tank” design and is perfect for anyone from beginner to professional. The price is affordable and the quality of this mixer is great for the money. If you are looking for a more traditional all-in-one mixer with some great FX, the Mackie ProFXv3 Series just might be the right sound mixer for you.
What Features Make The GoXLR So Popular With Professional Streamers?
For those who aren't very familiar with the GoXLR mixer, you are probably wondering why it has such hype around it and why the device is such a popular piece of streaming gear within the Twitch community.
The main answer is that it solves a lot of audio solutions that streamers seek in one convenient solution without the need to have multiple independent hardware and software tools working in tandem.
From a user experience, the hardware and software are intuitive to use and setup with massive amounts of customization potential to tinker to your exact needs. The hardware used internally, such as the pre-amps, is of a much higher quality than most, thus resulting in greater audio performance for your streaming audience.
Here are some of the other common features mentioned that the GoXLR does so well:
Phantom Powered XLR Input & Flexible Connections
A must-have for many content creators who rely on more high-end condenser mics, you'll often need an XLR mic input that can supply a consistent 48V power source from audio mixers or receivers like the GoXLR and certain devices can provide to your condenser mic for operation.
Beyond this, the GoXLR offers all the inputs for hooking up and audio mixing a variety of devices, like a USB microphone, gaming consoles, multiple PCs, headphones and virtually any other audio source that you may require. This flexibility allows it to work in virtually any recording environment.
Quality Pre-AMPs
One of the most important elements of an audio interface like this is the quality of the pre-amp hardware as that will have a huge determinant on the sound quality of your stream or broadcast. GoXLR utilizes MIDAS preamps which are known for their superior sound quality and ultra low noise performance. If you are taking your streaming or broadcasting career seriously, you need to worry equally about audio quality as well as video quality to give your stream the maximum production quality to keep them engaged and impressed.
Zero Latency Monitoring
This one is a biggie for streamers who want to avoid any lip sync issues which can be a problem with some audio mixers. With the GoXLR, you can directly monitor your input and output signals while streaming without any delay or echo being introduced to the signal path from the audio mixer. This is thanks to a hardware monitoring feature that allows you to listen to your input signals as they are being recorded in real-time.
Physical Motorized Faders, Tactical Audio Dials & Sampler Pad
Having dedicated physical sliders on your audio mixer can be really helpful when you're in the moment of your stream or content. Sliders like these are perfect for quickly adjusting on-the-fly audio levels to keep them consistent with what's being heard on stream while also keeping the process easy enough where you don't need to fumble around with software tools on your main screen if you already have them full of other information.
Built-in Sampler & Voice Effects
The built-in sampler on the popular GoXLR audio mixer can offer on-the-fly samples or cue replayable audio soundbites for your podcast, Twitch stream or YouTube videos.
In addition, you can use the GoXLR mixer as an effective voice transformer and take advantage of the hardware based Reverb, Echo, Pitch Shift, Gender Bend, Robot, Megaphone, and HardTune voice effects. These advanced features can provide your streaming audience a unique flair and an increased fun factor.
Intuitive Software Experience
TC-Helicon not only nailed the software of the GoXLR internally, but their development team did a staggeringly good job with their companion software, making it an easy to use mixer for all experience levels. Within the well-organized user interface, GoXLR users can find important things like audio routing, control audio levels, configure input channels, dial in the voice transformer and adjust the overall audio quality to your specific liking.
For references, the GoXLR Mini app is identical to the one you'd use with the GoXLR so besides the difference in hardware limitations (voice transformer and sampler), you'll experience the same great software functionality with either audio mixing device.
Stream Deck Companion App
Another ultra popular streaming device for professionals is the Stream Deck (read about our Stream Deck alternatives) and TC-Helicon introduced a partnership with the Stream Deck, so the two devices can sync software together for increased productivity and simpler workflows.
Why Is The GoXLR So Expensive? Is It Overpriced?
- Multi-channel mixer: Motorized faders let you control mic, game, music,...
- Studio quality MIDAS preamp: Make your XLR mic sound great with 48V phantom...
- Sampler: Record samples on-the-fly or load your own audio files to engage...
- Voice FX: Add reverb, echo, pitch shift, megaphone, Robot, and hard tune to...
Some people who don't understand how much a GoXLR solves in terms of audio problems for streamers, podcasters and YouTube content creators might complain about the price.
However, there are several factors that can justify the cost difference between this device and its competitors. First off, it is really one of the few USB multitrack interfaces besides the GoXLR Mini in the sub $400 price range.
If you were to take all the hardware devices and software components that make up the functionality of the GoXLR individually, you'd surely be spending far over $500 to get the same experience and resulting quality.
This is mainly because TC-Helicon utilizes high-end hardware components which do the brunt of the work over relying on less ideal software elements to handle this. You just can't find other competing devices with the same high-end features and quality hardware for under $500 because these components are expensive individually to produce so the margin on the GoXLR isn't astronomical.
When the GoXLR originally debuted at an MSRP of $399, the pricing was rather justified, it really wasn't until TC-Helicon raised the price of the audio mixer to $499 due to international tariffs increasing bottom line costs that most people took note of it being too expensive for it's offering. As of the time this guide was written (December 2021), the price has been moved back to the $399 MSRP from places like Amazon.
Ending Summary
In the end, we think the best GoXLR alternative for most consumers is going to be the GoXLR Mini. It is a more affordable audio mixer that can accomplish virtually everything the traditional full-size GoXLR can without the unnecessary bells and whistles like the sampler and voice changing functionality.
A close second, the Elgato Wave XLR is an excellent audio mixer based on a simplistic design and interface. It doesn't offer nearly as many advanced functionality as the GoXLR models do, but it gets the job done in a simple and straight forward way that is more than suitable for the average gamer or streamer who is looking for such a device.
If you are on the tightest of budgets and need the closest equivalent to a GoXLR without spending over $100, look no further than the Creative Sound Blaster K3+. It costs less than half the price of higher end audio mixers, but it is still a very capable audio mixer, especially for the beginner streamer or those simply strapped for cash.
