Managing audio during your stream.

During a streaming session, you will be faced with several audio-related issues:

• Managing the volume of external audio devices, such as your microphone, headphones, game console or another PC…
• Managing the volume of several applications launched on your PC (web browser, music application, video game, voice chat software, stream alerts)…
• Managing a different mix between your own experience and that of your viewers.

Even if all these audio sources can theoretically be managed with several clicks in various software, you can’t just interrupt your main activity—actively streaming a game or any other content—to make an adjustment or make sure that the sound’s good.

Running an “ALT-Tab” in the middle of a multiplayer online game session could very well break your concentration, crash the game, or worse, crash your stream software.

That’s why the market is full of audio solutions dedicated to streamers, including external audio controllers, with or without integrated audio interfaces.

Why use an audio controller for streaming?

As explained above, you’ll have to manage various audio sources, often simultaneously, during your streaming session.

Contrary to a TV show, where a team of several people are tasked with handling sound and image to address any technical issues while on the air, streamers are their own stage managers.

So you need a stage management equipment.

That’s why it’s essential to use an audio controller during your stream, so you can control your audio sources at a glance and right at your fingertips.

This way, you can stay focused on your main activity.

What is a USB audio interface?

What’s commonly referred to as a USB audio interface is a device that converts analog audio signals into digital signals and vice versa. It’s used extensively in the music industry to record instruments, microphones and other audio equipment into a computer via a USB port.

What’s commonly referred to as an external sound card offers better sound quality and more professional connectivity than a mainstream sound card built into the computer.

You may not know it, but when you use a USB microphone or a wireless USB gaming headset, each of these devices has its own USB audio interface, so they have their own sound card.

Some audio interfaces are very elaborate and feature a digital signal processor (DSP).

These DSPs allow users to mix audio directly through their audio interface, meaning they can apply effects or route the mix as they please, without any lag.

Different types of audio controllers for streaming

There are two types of streaming controllers dedicated to audio.

Simple controllers:

While they generally don’t feature an audio interface, these controllers let you manage the audio of external USB devices and your applications with visual and physical feedback.

They are generally very easy to use and budget-friendly for beginner streamers.

Advanced/professional controllers:

Thanks to their advanced audio interface, these controllers let you manage audio from all internal sources of your computer, as well as external sources like an XLR microphone, a game console or a second PC dedicated to the stream. All at your fingertips.

Using DSPs, some controllers even allow you to apply dynamic or equalizing effects without any lag to your microphone, offer a different mix for you and your audience, and monitor your mix before starting your stream.

You won’t ever again have to ask if your audience can hear you or if the game’s sound is too loud.

To meet these criteria and make your choice easier, let’s take a look at the two best audio controllers for streaming from Hercules.

The Stream 100: perfect for budding streamers

Choosing the right streaming gear can make all the difference between a poor experience and a resounding success.

You now understand how game-changing a controller with USB audio interface can be, but doubt that you need so many features to get started?

The Stream 100 can be your gateway to the world of streaming!

This simple and efficient audio controller means you won’t have to worry about sound anymore during streaming sessions. Unlike its big brother, the Stream 200 XLR, this model doesn’t have an external sound card, but allows you to get the best Hercules audio controller for your streaming setup at an affordable price.

Your stream in real time!

Thanks to four clickable potentiometers, four action buttons and 4.3-inch TFT LCD screen, you’ll easily be able to control your computer’s audio output through precise VU meters.

You can manage up to eight preselected audio sources with the intuitive Hercules Stream Control software, including games, chat apps, music, browser or any source outputting audio on your computer.

You will even be able to manage a USB mic’s gain, your USB gamer headset’s volume, or even the volumes and actions of premium streaming software like OBS and Streamlabs.

What you see on the screen is what you’re hearing and streaming to your audience.

DISCOVER THE STREAM 100

The Stream 200 XLR: the best audio controller for streaming and gaming!

The Stream 200 XLR is a true all-star thanks to its suite of features focused on streamer satisfaction!

This USB audio controller lets you control all your audio stream with a single tap.

It features a USB sound card with a DSP processor to get clearer and richer sound out of your XLR microphone, connect external devices and, above all, offer a dual Creator/Audience mix.

Equipped with XLR connector

XLR connector is the benchmark in the professional audio industry.

It provides reliable and high-quality long-distance connections without electromagnetic interference.

That’s why the best streaming mics are often XLR enabled, as the most popular streamers use the same gear as radio and TV professionals.

With the XLR connection of your Stream 200 XLR audio interface, you can use any XLR microphone and enhance your voice thanks to the compression, noise gate and equalization effects built into the DSP processor.

Full audio control

Thanks to the ultra-advanced internal mixing and the strength of its DSP processor, the Stream 200 XLR gives you a major edge: the ability to manage two different mixes, one dedicated to you (Creator) and the other dedicated to your viewers (Audience). All that without any lag.

Using the precise and clickable potentiometers and its 4.3-inch TFT LCD screen, you can simultaneously adjust volumes, mute (cut) sound and visually monitor your Creator and Audience mixes thanks to multiple VU meters.

You can control and monitor audio from eight different sources, spread over two pages that you will have configured at your convenience thanks to the Hercules Stream Control software:

• Five computer sources (Game, Chat, Music, System and Aux).
• Three physical sources (Micro XLR, Line In and Optical—to pick up sound from a second PC or game console, for example).

Here’s another major advantage: when you use the Creator/Audience button, you can not only adjust the mix for each destination, but also monitor each mix output in your headset, without any lag.

No other streaming product on the market offers such a level of control.

That means you can ensure you have the correct mixing for your audience before you even begin streaming.

You get all the reassurance you need, both visually and audibly.

And what happens if you hit a snag while streaming (like mic feedback or your mother bursting into your room 😅)? Simply hit the easy-access “Panic” button to cut off any audio source.

Action launcher

Launch any action in a snap thanks to four unique buttons you can assign as you please! That way, you can quickly change scene, mute a specific source, launch a URL or enable a preset keyboard shortcut.

All you have to do is press your assigned button and get your action done without having to “ALT+Tab”.

DISCOVER THE STREAM 200 XLR

Customizable and intuitive

The easy-to-use Hercules Stream Control software will also let you customize the colours of your VU meters, icons, backgrounds, etc.

Your Stream 100 or Stream 200 XLR can therefore proudly display all the colours of your universe.

It never hurts to treat yourself once in a while!

AND WE’RE LIVE!

Whether you choose the Stream 200 XLR with its many advanced features or the more accessible Stream 100, suitable for budding streamers, you’re sure to find an invaluable tool to improve your performance and provide an optimal sound experience to your audience. Investing in a quality audio interface means investing in your streams’ success!