GoXLR Mini

Overview

The GoXLR Mini, introduced in 2018 under the TC-Helicon brand, is a digital audio mixer and USB interface specifically engineered for content creation workflows, particularly live streaming and podcasting. It provides a centralized hardware solution for managing multiple audio inputs and outputs, allowing users to balance levels for their microphone, game audio, chat applications, music playback, and system sounds directly from a physical desktop unit. This control is facilitated through four dedicated motorized faders and individual mute buttons.

The device connects to a computer via USB and integrates with a Windows-based software application for deeper configuration. This application enables users to customize audio routing, apply microphone effects (such as EQ, compression, and gate), manage sampling, and configure sound board functions. The GoXLR Mini distinguishes itself from the larger GoXLR by offering a more streamlined feature set, removing the motorized faders and comprehensive vocal effects in favor of a smaller footprint and lower price point, while retaining core mixing and routing capabilities [RTINGS.com]. Its design focuses on providing essential, accessible audio control for creators who may not require the advanced vocal processing or extensive physical controls of higher-end mixers.

The GoXLR Mini is suitable for users who require immediate, tactile control over their audio mix without navigating software menus during a live broadcast or recording session. Its primary user base includes streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, podcasters who need to balance multiple audio sources, and gamers looking for a dedicated solution to manage game and communication audio. The integration with streaming software via its USB interface and companion application simplifies complex audio setups, allowing for distinct mixes for the streamer and their audience.

Key features

• Multi-Channel Audio Mixing: Provides four dedicated faders for independent control over microphone, game, music, chat, and system audio sources. These faders allow for real-time adjustments during live broadcasts or recording sessions.
• USB Audio Interface: Functions as a multi-channel USB audio interface, simplifying connection to a PC and providing multiple virtual audio devices for routing in streaming software.
• XLR Microphone Input: Features a high-quality Midas preamplifier, supporting balanced XLR microphones, including those requiring +48V phantom power [TC-Helicon].
• Optical Input (TOSLINK): Allows for direct connection of game console audio (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox) for separate mixing.
• Microphone Effects: Includes digital signal processing (DSP) for essential microphone effects such as EQ, compression, and gating, configurable via the companion software. This helps optimize vocal clarity and reduce background noise.
• Sampler and Sound Board: While more limited than the full GoXLR, the Mini supports basic sound board functionality for triggering audio clips, managed through the software.
• Companion Software: A Windows-based application provides a graphical user interface for detailed audio routing configuration, effect parameter adjustments, and preset management.
• Mute Buttons: Dedicated mute buttons for each fader, alongside a global "Cough" button, enable quick silencing of audio channels.
• Line In/Out: Stereo line input for connecting auxiliary audio devices and a line output for sending the mixed audio to external speakers or monitoring systems.

Pricing

The GoXLR Mini is a hardware device purchased upfront. Pricing typically varies by retailer and region but generally falls within a specific range.

Common integrations

The GoXLR Mini's primary integrations are with desktop operating systems and streaming software through its USB connection and virtual audio devices.

• Windows OS: The GoXLR Mini companion application is Windows-exclusive, providing driver support and software control for advanced features.
• OBS Studio: Seamlessly integrates as an audio input and output device, allowing streamers to route specific audio channels (e.g., mic, game, chat) to distinct tracks in OBS for separate recording or streaming mixes.
• Streamlabs Desktop: Similar to OBS Studio, it can be configured as multiple audio sources and monitoring outputs within Streamlabs for flexible audio management.
• Discord/TeamSpeak: Individual virtual audio devices for chat applications enable dedicated control over communication audio levels.
• Spotify/YouTube Music: These and similar applications can be routed through specific virtual channels for independent music volume control.
• Game Consoles (via Optical/Line In): Integrates game audio from consoles like PlayStation and Xbox via the optical (TOSLINK) or line-in ports, allowing the GoXLR Mini to mix console audio with PC audio sources.

Alternatives

• Rodecaster Pro II: A more comprehensive podcast production studio with advanced features, multiple XLR inputs, sound pads, and a touchscreen interface.
• Elgato Wave XLR: A compact XLR interface and digital mixer primarily focused on microphone quality and software-driven mixing with Elgato's Wave Link application.
• Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB: A traditional analog mixer with USB audio interface capabilities, offering more physical inputs but less dedicated software integration for streaming [Behringer].

Getting started

Getting started with the GoXLR Mini involves physical setup and software configuration on a Windows PC. The following outlines the basic steps:

# 1. Physical Connection

1.  Connect your XLR microphone to the GoXLR Mini's XLR input.
2.  Connect the GoXLR Mini to your PC using the supplied USB cable.
3.  (Optional) Connect gaming console via optical cable or other audio sources via Line In.
4.  Connect your headphones/speakers to the GoXLR Mini's headphone/line out jacks.

# 2. Software Installation (Windows PC required)

1.  Download the latest GoXLR Mini App from the TC-Helicon website:
    TC-Helicon GoXLR Mini Downloads
2.  Install the GoXLR Mini App and its associated drivers.
3.  Launch the GoXLR Mini App.

# 3. Initial Configuration in GoXLR Mini App

1.  Microphone Setup: In the app, configure your microphone type, gain levels, and apply basic effects like Gate, Compressor, and EQ to optimize your vocal sound.
2.  Input Routing: Assign your PC's default playback devices to the corresponding GoXLR Mini faders (e.g., "Game" for game audio, "Music" for Spotify, "Chat" for Discord).
    *   Go to Windows Sound Settings > Playback Devices. Set "System" to GoXLR Mini "System", "Game" to GoXLR Mini "Game", etc.
3.  Output Mixes: Adjust the "Broadcast Mix" settings to determine what your audience hears, and the "Headphone Mix" for your personal monitoring.

# 4. Integration with Streaming Software (e.g., OBS Studio)

1.  Open OBS Studio (or your preferred streaming software).
2.  Add an Audio Input Capture source.
3.  Select "TC-Helicon GoXLR Mini (Broadcast)" as the device. This is the mixed audio your audience will hear.
4.  (Optional) If you want to record individual tracks, add additional Audio Input Capture sources for "TC-Helicon GoXLR Mini (Mic)", "TC-Helicon GoXLR Mini (Game)", etc., and configure them for multi-track recording in OBS advanced settings.