The Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 is a compact desktop audio mixer equipped with all the functions needed for livestreaming. Drawing upon Audio-Technica’s pro audio heritage in the microphone space, the mixer was designed and tested by Audio-Technica’s own engineers — the same team behind innovative and award-winning microphones, such as the AT2020, and many other subsequent affordable microphones, which today are used globally on everything, from radio stations to successful podcasters, and certainly by many home studios and content creators.
Company’s like Audio-Technica have long been experimenting with the fast-growing USB microphone category, which are inherently designed to be connected directly to a computer and don’t require an external audio interface because they have everything built-in the microphone body, including most of the times, an headphone output for direct monitoring. But companies like Audio-Technica continue to make and sell many traditional XLR microphones, which require an audio interface for most desktop applications such as live streaming.
Above all, the AT-UMX3 features a loopback function, which allows users to mix the microphone and instrument audio inputs with the sounds from their computer into a single stream — and be confident their audience will hear the same mix. As a practical example, when loopback is turned on, it is possible to play background music while streaming or to stream game sounds and voices at the same time.
Although very basic in connectivity and controls, the mixer is filled with easy-to-use features perfect for those new to livestreaming, including a microphone mute function to quickly silence the microphone, and a microphone monitor mute function to mute the mic audio only in the mix sent to connected headphones.
The mixer’s high-performance A/D converter provides resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz, ensuring crystal-clear output for voice and instruments. Additionally, the AT-UMX3 features an advanced noise-resistant design to prevent the pickup of unwanted electronic noise from smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and other sources.
All connectors in the AT-UMX3 are professional Neutrik XLR/1/4” combo or 1/4” jack components renowned for its world-class reliability. The microphone input supports stable 48V phantom power supply, the Hi-Z input jack allows for direct connection of an electric guitar, and a stereo input supports a keyboard, external music making system, or an external audio source. If an application requires many more inputs and complexity grows, the stereo input allows connecting an external analog mixer, with the AT-UMX3 remaining the core, high-quality A/D converter and interface with a computer system.
The Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 is a USB-C design that is compatible not only with Windows and macOS, but also with iOS, iPadOS, and Android OS with no special driver installation required. The Japanese company did everything right in the design, and even included two USB-C ports. One for 5V DC power and another for computer interface. In this way, all the options are available when using mobile devices and even USB hubs. Audio-Technica says that compatibility has also been verified with major livestreaming apps and online chat apps. The mixer comes with a USB cable (USB Type-C/USB Type-A) and a USB Type-A/USB Type-C adapter.
The Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 USB audio mixer is now available at a U.S. MAP price of $149.00.
www.audio-technica.com
