You've added a cohost to your podcast, and you want to record in front of a live Internet audience. We've previously talked about recording multiple onsite cohosts. But if your cohost is offsite, there are ways you can record and live-stream with just a few extra cables, or do it easiest with a mixer and two computers.
Before continue, make sure you've heard the previous episodes in our live-streaming series.
As I write and speak, I'll use the term “PC” in reference to both of the major personal computers (PCs): OS X and Windows. These same principles will also apply to Linux PCs. As you'll notice, we cover many of the same things as when you're podcasting alone, but adding cohosts, especially through Skype, can complicate your setup.
Thanks to Dr. Vibe from The Vibe in Vegas Show for his voicemail asking how to do this same thing!
Record and live-streaming from the same PC
If you're already recording into your computer, then it's no extra step to broadcast that to the Internet through live-streaming.
One PC
- Connect your mic to a splitter.
- First line goes to your PC's first input for Skype.
- Second line heads toward PC.
- Split that second line.
- First line accepts the Skype output.
- Second line continues toward PC.
- Split the line again.
- First line connects headphones.
- Second line continues to the PC.
- Connect the final output connects to PC's second input (or USB) for recording/streaming.
Sounds and one PC
- Connect your mic to a splitter.
- First line accepts sounds from your PC's second output (or USB)
- Second line heads toward PC.
- Split the line again.
- First line connects to PC's first input for Skype.
- Second line continues toward PC.
- Split the line again.
- First line accepts Skype from your PC's first output.
- Second line continues toward PC.
- Split the line again.
- First line connects to headphones.
- Second line continues to PC.
- Connect the final output connects to PC's second input (or USB) for recording/streaming.
Mixer, sounds, and one PC
- Connect your mic to channel 1 of mixer.
- Connect PC's first output to channel 2 of mixer for Skype.
- Connect PC's second output (or USB) to channel 3/4 of mixer for sounds.
- Connect headphones to the mixer's headphones jack.
- Connect Aux Out (may also be called Aux Sends, FX Out, or FX Sends) back to PC's first input in mix-minus setup (see below).
- Connect Main Out or Tape Out to PC's second input (or USB) for recording/streaming.
Mixer, sounds, and two PCs
- Connect your mic to channel 1 of mixer.
- Connect Skype PC's output to channel 2 of mixer for Skype.
- Connect recording/streaming PC's output to channel 3/4 of mixer for sounds.
- Connect headphones to the mixer's headphones jack.
- Connect Aux Out (may also be called Aux Sends, FX Out, or FX Sends) back to Skype PC's input in mix-minus setup (see below).
- Connect Main Out or Tape Out to recording/streaming PC's input.
Overview of Skype mixer mix-minus
- Connect equipment as described above and illustrated here.
- Adjust the FX (or Aux) to 0dB (12 o'clock position) on the mic's channel (1)and the sounds channel (5/6 in this illustration).
- Adjust the FX (or Aux) to fully counterclockwise on the Skype channel (3/4 in this illustration).
- Use everything else as you normally would.
How I made these illustrations
After realizing how complicated my oral explanation was becoming, I decided to illustrate each of these setups. Rather than load up Adobe Illustrator, I wanted a simpler solution that could turn out results quickly.
I found LucidChart as a free (with paid options) online flowchart-making tool.
The icons came from IconFinder.net.
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Disclosure
This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship and may receive compensation from your actions through such links. However, I don't let that corrupt my perspective and I don't recommend only affiliates.
You should really look up Mumble. It's an open source VOIP client/server-software. And you can record with it.
Maybe it's not for live-stream but it's great for multiple hosts.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll look definite check it out!
Daniel – this podcast episode was EXACTLY what I needed. The diagrams and verbal directions helped me get my new mixer (Xenyx 802) and U-Control hooked up to 2 computers for remote co-hosts, sound clips, etc. Thanks so much for your great work in the podcast community!
That's great to hear, Matt! It's great to see you launching your own.
That's wonderful, Matt! Welcome to the podcasting community!
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Thanks for covering this in such detail. I've been struggling to figure this out for my setup for a long time.
You're welcome, Eric! I'm glad that this helped explain things a bit more.
Thank you so much for the diagrams. They really help my tiny brain. I am using 2 pc’s and a mixer and I want to record with 2 mic’s and skype with no sounds. I’ll try this out.
Wonderful, Brian! Then you already have the optimal setup!
Daniel,
Nice job on this post! I really appreciate all the hard work you put into your shows! Those are some of the best diagrams I have ever seen! (I will have to look into the software…)
Keep crushing it! Quin
PS looks like the network is coming along nicely as well!
Thanks, Quin! I really enjoy your stuff, too. I love that you're approaching "how to podcast" from a completely different angle—marketing and dominating.
But what happens when we all dominate? 😛
[…] something when a picture in your shownotes may do a far better job. I ran into this with my explanation of wiring for live-streaming, so it was far better to illustrate on the shownotes.6. Write an excerptThis is the concise summary […]
[…] in our live-streaming series.5 Reasons, 4 CautionsHow to Live-Stream Yourself While PodcastingHow to Live-Stream and Record a Podcast with OthersHow to Embed Live-Streaming Video on a Podcast WebsiteHow to Put a Live Chat Room on a Podcast […]
[…] in our live-streaming series.5 Reasons, 4 CautionsHow to Live-Stream Yourself While PodcastingHow to Live-Stream and Record a Podcast with OthersHow to Embed Live-Streaming Video on a Podcast WebsiteIdeal chat room featuresEmbedding a chat room […]
Where is the mixer for $40? Ty
I recommend a couple low-end options in episode 43.
Concerning the Xenyx102 diagram…
Will I be able to split the audio from the headphone connection to allow another host/guest to listen via another pair of headphones .. and can I hook up another mic into the other XLR input or is Skype being plugged in creating a conflict there?
And better to ask now.. what connections in the end will I need going to my computer? I've got a limited array of connectors working a laptop with integrated sound. You mention USB? I'll need some converter I guess?
Yes, you can split the headphones for any onsite cohosts.
Yes, you can connect another XLR input. Skype isn't connecting to the second one in this illustration, the line is just going through there because of the space. Just make sure you adjust the second XLR's knobs the same as the first XLR, if you want Skype to hear both of you.
If recording into your computer, the absolute best thing is to convert from analog (on the mixer) to digital outside of the computer. So I recommend a USB input. But depending on your computer and software, it may not accept multiple USB inputs.
Does that help?
Yes that would help. But before I got the chance to read this I ended up getting a mixer (Behringer Xenyx 802) and played around with different connections and got things working (although haven't found a cable to split the headphone out – a headphone amp with several outputs might work better I'm thinking anyway). Unfortunately noise on the microphone inputs seems to be way beyond acceptable. Depending on if i can find the right levels to avoid hiss and ability to route more USB mics (currently using one plus playback audio) channels 3&4 will determine if I'll be returning this and looking for a higher quality mixer.
Can you hear the noise through your headphones connected to the mixer? Or is the noise only when you record into the computer?
If you're recording into the computer using the analog inputs, the quality of your mixer won't matter because the analog input is adding a lot of the noise.
I pretty quickly narrowed it down the mic channels of the mixers. The connections to the analog outputs and inputs of my PCs aren't really a problem, when plugged into the stereo line in channels. For these a hiss only becomes present at unnecessarily high levels. This is not a problem for me. Every channel has this reasonable and
The mic channels, however, with nothing even connected to them, appear invite more noise than the mixer's other input channels when compared on similar levels. This is the troublesome noise. By the time I turn the gain and level up high enough for the mic to be heard adequately, this hiss has really impacted the quality of the audio – incredibly obvious and loud in moments of quiet during the recording. I've got some ideas how to get rid of this problem and I'll be trying them as they become possible for me to do.
The guide here has helped me plenty enough already and gave me the idea of how I had to route my audio in the first place to do what I'd like to. And I can do that now. Right now this is more an issue with my specific hardware where the potential to do beyond what I'm using it right now for seems to be limited. Anyways., I'm fine for help now. Thanks.
So you can have absolutely nothing connected to your mic channels and you still hear a hiss? That's a bad mixer.
How high are you setting your gain? How far away from the mic do you speak? The higher the gain and farther from the mic you are, the more hiss you'll get.
But it is starting to sound like you could have a bad mixer. It wouldn't heart to call Behringer for some support.
Great info Daniel & the infograms are clutch! Love my subscription!
I have a couple questions but first my setup.
I have a two pcs, Fast one is taking the Yeti mic& webcam in. (I’m also trying out a few video switcher programs on this computer. vmix2012 & vidblaster) The other computer is running skype.
I own a Behringer 302usb (can’t figure out mix minus on it) & an Behringer 802 has fx but no usb.
Currently using a usb Yeti but might have to use my Lav mic, or Heil PR40 to go through the mixer. Right now I’m liking using the usb Yeti.
So my problems are these:
~~Can you see a way to hack mix minus with the Behringer 302usb?
~~How do I send video back to the skype computer from my computer running the video switcher & cam. The skype machine doesn’t have a cam at all.
~~Do I need to have my mic on the mixer or can I just route through the video switchers?
Thanks for the help! Great inspiration. My idea was to do a decent live stream show with audience participation. If I can get this rolling I will be able to do it as planned without sacrificing quality or the spirit of my original idea.
@IdeaJason
Thanks for listening, Jason!
1. No, you can’t get a mix-minus setup on the 302USB.
2. This seems like you’d need some expensive video-switching hardware. But the other idea would be to have your webcam computer also Skype into the call.
3. I’m not sure what you mean by this. I recommend connecting a mic to a mixer.
A random thought that you could do is use the 802 and then route its output through the 302USB to have that USB connection. But this might introduce some line noise.
I hope it works for you! What will your show be about?
Thanks for the prompt reply & good answers to a years old thread.
I bought the 302usb after reading how someone on G+ got mix minus with it, seemed fishy when I wrote for details and her never replied.
Anyway, I bought it to try it and realized while functional it really isn’t a mixer but more of a layerer.?. I will try the routing through the mixer from the 802. I have cascaded mixers before and found that as long as you only use phantom power on the first mixer & both are Behringers (or made by them) you don’t get that line buzz. I have found this to be true on about 25 different mixers, other brands just don’t work until you get into the $grands.
On Question #3 I will clarify. Because I love my Yeti (even over my Heil pr40 & pr31bw) I want to use it! It goes into the USB not the mixer. I want to use the mixer for mix minus but find a way to get the return mix to include the USB (vid switcher could possibly do this). If I have to use the XLR mic I will begrudgingly. Thought about using the Heil Q to the mixer but seems stupid to go USB->XLR->1/4->USB just to use one mic. I’m guessing that I may be able to use headphone out on the Yeti to run back into the mixer or direct to the Skype machine. My only issue is figuring out how to route different ins/outs on the streaming machine. Almost thinking about doing all sound on the Skype machine and routing into the streaming machine. (side thought: wondering if I might be able to get mix minus using the yeti headphone out and the 302usb).
After reading what I just typed I wondering if I should just return the 302USB and get a either a mixer with USB that has mix minus or go cheaper & use my 802 and get a Behringer UCA222 http://ow.ly/1OgdTc . I love to go cheap when it works as good as the high price stuff but in this case I’m blinded. In the beginning I wanted to be all digital but that went away fast. Now I have a mix of stuff and while it has opened more possibilities it has added too many possibilities. I can’t ever decide on a setting. I have torn apart my studio about 30 times in the last 4 months trying improvements and still haven’t perfected it. I have a ton of tools and am so frustrated not being able to do what I want or needing one more thing to get it. Then when I do it messes something else up. I will spend money to insure I won’t have to buy the more expensive model in a few months when I outgrow the cheaper option.
Seeing that you have probably gone through these growing pains already, can you tell me what I will end up needing in the end? I know I will need expansion room & more capabilities. Even if my vidcast isn’t a hit I plan on renting out my facilities to others for podcasting & a cheaper option for satellite guests or press junkets on Espn, Cnn, Fox, etc…
The podcast I’m planning is having a audience generated live stream show. No real plans, no Skype/call screeners, just answering questions, giving ideas, & smart guests taking questions. Thinking about the overused name of “The Know it All” or “Know it Most Show”. My goal is a educated discussion with irreverent fun. Something like the Daily Show mixed with a advice call-in plus some Art Bell weirdness, but most of the content from the viewers. I’m thinking big time. A nightly show on the net. Sorry this is so long but you are such a great reference tool & I’m frustrated beyond belief. Thank you so much for your help.
IdeaJason
Two months later, I finally read your reply.
You can kind of get a tiny mix-minus if you mess with left and right channels. For example, treat the left channel as auxiliary (to your Skype). Everything you want Skype to hear will be balanced, but the one channel (your cohost on Skype) should be turned fully to the right channel.
Daniel,
I’m in the process of starting my own network. I’m trying to get 3 episodes done for 2 different shows right now but I’ve run into a problem. When recording skype calls using the Xenyx 1002 mixer like in the diagram, I get a loud whining noise, only when the call is happening. Could that be with wiring, or maybe just the volume being sent out and received somehow getting feedback? If you have any clue what could be causing this, I would love help. In the mean time I’ll finish my websites and I will probably contact you for cover art in the near future.
Thank you,
Parker S Hicks
So the problem doesn’t happen when your not on a Skype call? What kind of equipment is the other person using? Do you hear the same sound if you connect headphones directly to your PC?
Faithfully,
Daniel J. Lewis
Daniel, Could I try Mixer, sounds, and two PCs with the xenyx 802?
How do you want to use the two PCs?
as you wrote above “overview of skype mixer mix minus”
Yes, you can use the Xenyx 802 for this. The setup would be nearly identical to the 1002 I show above.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for putting up this very informative site. Here’s my frustration. I have the same mixer Xenyx 1002 but I get a bit lost on how to connect it on my PC. Do i need to buy soundcard? I only see three slots at the back of my PC and I’m not sure where to put what. Thanks for your help.
Connect to you PC for sounds, recording, Skype, or all of those?
I’m trying connect pc for skype and recording.
Hi Daniel,
Just following through. I think i’ve made some progress.
I can now record my audio while making a call but the other line is not getting picked up.
What do you think am i missing here? for now I think it’s the Skype connection that I’m not getting correctly.
Thanks for your help.
What do you mean “other line is not getting picked up”? Is that in your recording, or can the Skype caller not hear something?
We may be best suited to figure this out through some one-on-one consulting and we could get it working within an hour.
[…] un joli dessin explicatif emprunté ici. Il s’agit d’un très petit mélangeur ne possédant qu’un seul auxiliaire (ici […]
Just started to listening to the podcast, and am enjoying it immensely. I run a libertarian themed live show on hangouts, and over another network at the same time out of my house in SW Suburban Chicago. One co-host lives 20 miles away, and the other is in Indianapolis. My dilemma is that I am using the Xenyx 502, but this does not have Aux.channels. How can I bridge this gap? I was thinking about using the track input to bridge this gap. My setup is a condenser mic, said mixer, a desktop PC, and an older laptop. Thoughts?
Hi, Jim!
You’re right. That mixer doesn’t have aux. outputs. But you can fake it by splitting your stereo output—you on the left, your guest on the right. Then send your left output back to your computer for Skype.
Hey Daniel, this is great! I just bought the Xenyx 1002 and I’m looking forward to using your diagram to set it up for a mix-minus. I have a question about the L/R in spots on the top right (just under tape out). I can input music/mp3 through that and hear it in the headphones, but I can’t get it to output through the USB. Is that by design? Or am I doing something wrong? Ideally I’d like to use that as a soundboard and keep the other channels free for other things (my mic, mix-minus setup, etc..). I hope this is clear enough.
Hello!
Press the “CD/Tape to Mix” button and that should do it for you.
Hey Daniel,
I am using a Behringer USB Soundcard to connect to the computer via usb. This guy made a video but I get confused on what cords are needed where https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ6SKCyUQWg
Would you mind shooting me over what cords I would need to grab to connect everything?
I’ll reply via email.
Okay so I don’t have my PC or mixer yet but I want to make sure I know how to set up stuff. So if I want skype on one channel, music one one channel, and a game sound on one channel I would need to have 3 different outputs from my PC to the mixer board right? and then I would assign each output as a different program/output? If you can email me at bkccrowe44@live.com with answer thanks.
Yes.
But if you need these is separate tracks in your record, then you’ll need a much bigger mixer.
Great information here but one question for you. I do record my podcast through Skype with 3 other host and post produce audio and other stuff through using Audacity. This set up with 1 PC seems very helpful and what I am looking for but I don’t have a traditional mic, I use a USB headset mic. With this being the case, do you have a configuration that you could post for me? My cohosts and I are in 3 different locations, we use USB headsets, and record the conversation using Pamela for Skype. Any help you can lend would be great.
Sorry, I can’t help much with that. I never recommend USB headsets because they’re very inflexible.
If you’re on Windows, look at Voice Meeter. If you’re on OS X, look at Loopback.
No problem Daniel. Thank you very much for the response. In doing some research, I am finding that most are not using USB headsets for that reason. I appreciate the help and will look in Voice Meeter.
[…] Here’s an easy to follow chart provided by The Audacity To Podcast: […]
Hi Daniel,
I think I have this down, based on your cast, another YouTube video, and an article… I have the Xenyx Q802USB. Does the USB cable satisfy the “Main Out” cable? The only reason I suspect it does is because when I connect my USB, all of my PC sound is routed through there.
Yes. There’s a weird issue with use the USB for both input and output, so I recommend using it only for output to your PC.
Thank you Daniel. Secondary tbought: can I ignore the usb altogether? Simply not use it? I think I have a handle on it without the USB, but wasn’t sure if it was required.
Yes.
I’m using the AceThinker Music Recorder whenever I want to record podcasts. This software is so reliable when it comes to recording any audio from your computer. You just need to click the “Record” button and the tool will do the rest for you. I usually use this tool to record paid music so I can listen to them freely.
[…] remotas sino que pretenden que hagas una conferencia local (p.e. con skype) y eso lo compartas. Hay posts que explican desde simplemente enviar el audio tal cual llega a demenciales configuraciones […]