Introduction

The TC Helicon GO XLR Mini (GO XLR Mini) promises a streamlined “go live” experience for online broadcasters. After spending several weeks using it for both gaming streams and podcast recording, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This compact mixer boasts impressive features for its size, but does it deliver on its promises of professional-grade audio?

Features

The GO XLR Mini packs a surprising amount of functionality into its small footprint. The intuitive layout makes it easy to adjust levels and apply effects on the fly. Key features include the award-winning Midas mic preamp, which delivers clean and crisp audio, essential for any broadcast. The built-in EQ, compression, and gating tools are surprisingly effective, allowing for significant voice enhancement. The “Cough” and “Bleep” buttons are fun additions, providing quick muting and censoring options. The accompanying PC app adds a layer of control and allows you to save custom presets, a significant plus for workflow efficiency. The compact design is perfect for smaller setups, allowing for easier transport if you need a more portable setup.

Performance

In practice, the GO XLR Mini performed exceptionally well. The Midas preamp significantly improved the quality of my voice recordings, noticeably reducing background noise. The EQ and compression were easy to use and produced professional-sounding results, even without prior audio engineering experience. I found the “Cough” button invaluable during live streams, preventing interruptions. The “Bleep” button provided some humorous moments during casual streams as well! The USB connectivity was seamless, with no noticeable latency during live sessions. The software integration is where the device really shines – being able to save and recall settings is a game-changer.

However, I did experience a few minor issues. At higher gain settings, I noticed a slight increase in background hiss, though this was easily managed with careful adjustments. The small size, whilst a benefit for portability, also means the faders are a little cramped and can be a bit challenging for precise adjustments. Additionally, I wish the app allowed for more granular control over some parameters.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Excellent audio quality, easy-to-use interface, compact design, effective EQ, compression, and gating, useful “Cough” and “Bleep” buttons, intuitive PC app for preset management, Midas preamp
• Cons: Slight background hiss at higher gain levels, faders could be slightly larger for more precise control, some limitations in software’s granular control.

Final Verdict

The TC Helicon GO XLR Mini (GO XLR Mini) is a fantastic compact audio mixer for streamers, podcasters, and anyone needing a simple yet powerful solution for managing their audio. While minor drawbacks exist, the overall performance and ease of use make it a strong contender in its class. The superior audio quality provided by the Midas preamp, coupled with the convenient features, significantly enhance the broadcast experience. I highly recommend the GO XLR Mini to anyone looking for an upgrade to their streaming setup or entry point into better quality online broadcasting.