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As we’ve seen in previous articles, there are several options for creating a mix for live streaming, each with its level of quality and complexity. One of the most powerful methods, similar to using a second console dedicated to the stream, is a computer-based DAW. A DAW is multitrack recording software like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and others. It’s just like a console with individual channels, processing, and a mix output. This would run on a separate computer than your OBS/streaming system, but even so it ends up being cheaper (usually) than buying a second console.
Connect the computer either as an “audio interface” via USB or through a Dante network. Either way, you’ll get all your original input signals from stage before any processing is applied on the main console. This allows you to mix from scratch, applying EQ, compression, grouping, parallel compression, and other effects completely customized for the stream.
The mix output from the DAW would then be routed into your streaming computer system, such as OBS. I recommend using Dante for connecting all of these devices and computers, as I explained in a previous post. There are other ways, but I can’t get into that here due to the various hardware and software involved. Here’s what a Dante setup would look like:
The catch is that you have to 1) learn how to use a DAW and 2) set all of this up in a separate room. You can’t properly mix a live stream in the sanctuary, as the room acoustics and direct sounds from stage will mess you up. Learning the DAW isn’t so terribly bad if you take the time to work on it, and you can find templates from various websites that can help a great deal. These have channels all set up with EQ settings, compression, reverb buses, and so on. Of course you need to tweak all this, but at least it can get you started.
You have to set up the internal routing so that your DAW sees the correct sources (Dante) and outputs your mix to the correct location (Dante input on your streaming computer). This also varies widely depending on your setup, so it might take a bit to figure out. But once done, the main task is to listen closely to the stream mix and keep tweaking.
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