Customer Ratings & Reviews

Hercules Stream 200 XLR Hercules has put a good idea into physical form. Their streaming device called the Hercules Stream 200 XLR streaming device allows me to connect multiple audio sources to the device and control the input and output volumes via physical knobs. It also has a button that can be used to link the input and output volume of a channel so that when I turn a knob it controls both input and output simultaneously. In addition to that, it has buttons that I can customize for taking actions such as muting a channel, playing and pausing music, launching URLs. I set all of this through the Hercules software that I installed and the software also performs firmware updates for the Stream 200 XLR Construction Construction of the Hercules is case plastic and the buttons are rubber. The buttons do feel nice. The knobs are plastic but strong enough to withstand years of use. I have no doubt that I'll get many years of use out of them. As far as the knobs go, there are five. Four smaller ones are across the front above the action buttons and one larger one on the right side towards the bottom that is for the headphone volume. The four knobs are used to control input and output volume for the input/output channels. Headphone volume knob has a lighted ring around it and it lights up based on the percentage of volume I have set for my headphones. For instance if I have the volume ¾ of the way up, 75% of the Ring will light up. If I have it set to 50% it would cause half the ring to be lit up. It’s a bright white light so it's very noticeable. Each of the action buttons have a number on them which also lights up. There are four other buttons for global mute, volume link, switching pages, creator volume control (input volume control), and audience (output volume control). Each of those has a symbol indicating its purpose. The symbols light up when activated. On the back are the input ports for the various input sources, the screen brightness button, and the 48v phantom power button. Each port is clearly marked. The LCD display on the front is bright and clear. It’s very easy to read the text, see the volume meters, and see the icons. App The app needs to be installed in order to update the firmware on the Stream 200 XLR and also to be able to set up the channels, pages, actions, and settings for XLR mics. I found it easy and straightforward to use. It is feature rich and has granular settings for XLR mics such as a limiter, compressor, etc. I really like the customizability of it. I also like that you can set programs to use specific inputs and outputs that are related to the Stream 200 XLR. You can do this within the Windows 11 volume mixer. This allows you to control the volume specifically related to something like Spotify, Windows Media Player, Chrome, etc. Those programs will show up in the Windows Volume Mixer when they try to access a mic or output audio. For example, if I have a streaming session where I want to play a video clip in Windows Media Player and I want to control the volume of that separately from other input sources, I can do it through the output channel I assign to Media Player. I can then just use the corresponding volume knob on the Stream 200 XLR to control volume output of that specific channel. This makes it super convenient for me to the volume of each input source individually. I don’t have to go back to the Volume Mixer Windows settings and adjust it that way on the fly, I just turn the knob to adjust it the way I want it. Performance The Hercules Stream 200 XLR software doesn’t take up much in the way of computer resources. It runs smoothly and performs well. I did run into a few issues with the Stream 200 XLR device. The first one I received had an issue where there were a lot of popping sounds that happened when I would use an XLR microphone. All other input ports worked as expected, it was just a problem when using the XLR port. I tried multiple XLR microphones. Multiple condenser and dynamic microphones. The problem persisted across all of them. I could hear it in headphones, see it showing with the volume meters , and was present in recordings. I reached out to Hercules' support and they sent me a replacement. The replacement has the same problem but with one exception. The problem isn’t present in the recordings made while using the second one. I can still hear it through headphones and the volume meters still show it happening. At this point, I have moved my headphones over to my computer's headphone jack so I can still monitor audio, but don’t hear the popping noise. I’m able to use the second one for streaming and recording, but it would be nice to just be able to use my headphones through the Stream 200 XLR’s headphone jack. The first one was unusable for audio recording due to how bad the problem was and it being present in the recordings and in streaming. The second one I can use, but I’ll have to use my headphones through my computer’s headphone jack as the noise is annoying enough that I wouldn’t want to be hearing it through an entire live stream. Final Thoughts Hercules has made something that I wanted for a long time. I no longer have to mess with changing the volume of a source through software while streaming, I can do it now with the channel volume knobs on the Stream 200 XLR. The screen and the back lit buttons are easy to see. The convenience of this alone makes it worth it. I like that support responded quickly. There wasn’t any fuss, they just sent out a replacement. I do hope they work out whatever is causing the popping noise involving the XLR port. I’m happy with the features and ease of controlling inputs this brings to streaming.

I've been testing the Hercules Stream 200 XLR for a few days now. My verdict is it's a very good audio mixer but there's some limitations and gaps which stop it from being perfect. That said, if you're a Windows user, who regularly records live streams or podcasts, the Hercules Stream 200 XLR will up your game. In the box - Stream 200 XLR - USB C Cable - XLR Pre Amp - stickers Stream 200 CLR Ports - XLR mic input (XLR Pre Amp included) - 1 xOptical - 2x 1/8" Line Out - 1x 1/8" Line In Stream 200 XLR Buttons There's 4 audio main audio dials, a master volume control (with LED), and 5 action buttons (1 of which is a mute button). Installation is easy, plug it into your Windows PC and then download the Hercules Stream Control Software. I received multiple firmware and software updates after first install (see photos). Make sure you do those. After that, everything is managed by Stream Control. No registration is required to use the software. Connecting your microphones, headphones, etc. is plug and play. I didn't use the optical port and honestly can't remember the last time I needed one. I would have loved another 1/8" line in. Initial Observations The Stream 200 XLR looks great and professional. The screen is vibrant. I will say the buttons are a little too spongey for my liking and the dials are not stepped, they're smooth. I prefer stepped buttons to give me more precise control. On that note, the LED on the master control has some bleed as you adjust the volume - so it's not 100% clear what setting you're at. Using the Hercules Stream 200 XLR (Stream Control) The muscle for the Stream 200 XLR is in the (free) Stream Control software. The good - it integrates with OBS, which is a must have if you're streaming. Integration is tight. There's no latency or lag when using the Stream Mixer or impact on your gaming. The things I kind of wish that the 4 hot buttons were LED/LCD programmable colored macro buttons (like what exists with other decks). Labeled simply 1 through to 5, it's good but not great - especially if you want to have multiple profiles for different stream events and then you need to remember what your "1" is for. This might seem like a trivial issue, but if you're mid stream, game and want to hit a button for reaction or effect, you don't want to hit the wrong button and that's where LED/LCD action buttons help - A LOT. I will say that the Stream Control software is very good and better than I expected. You have almost an infinite amount of flexibility, it's intuitive and and it's easy to reset it to defaults if you get lost. FYI, I also found that Hercules has some good how to videos on their YouTube channel if you're looking for a guide configuring the software (there's no PDF user manual on the website - so hit up YouTube). A nice things, you can control your audio vs your audience audio separately, so great if you want to mix things in but have more clarity on the game audio for yourself. What could be better The Stream 200 XLR seems geared for PC gamers and streamers. There's no MacOS app, which is OK given if you're a gamer you're going to be on a PC. But this means the Hercules Stream 200 XLR is not good if you're also recording podcasts as well on a Mac. It's not a show stopper, but you should know that some other Mixer decks have PC and MacOS support. Final Thoughts If you're a Windows user, live streaming games and using OBS the Hercules Stream 200 XLR has nearly everything you need. It would be perfect if it has LED/LCD macro buttons, but if that's not something you need - you will be very happy.

The Hercules Stream 200 XLR Pro Audio Mixer is a great addition for a streamer. The ability to monitor and change individual audio volumes brings in a more dynamic experience. The mixer isn't too big taking up desk space. It is also very light. It is simple to set up. Just plug in the main USB-C cord after that plug in your XLR microphone. Then, connect your audio. Lastly, ensure Windows knows which Mic and Audio you want to use. The functionality for the mixer was something new for me. This was my first experience with a mixer. It allows for four custom channels on the main page. You can click over to the second page for four more additional channels. With each channel, you can individually set it the volume to each source. When I was doing a group chat I could easily adjust the volume when others were speaking. While doing some work I could easily adjust my music volume. Also, while gaming I could do the same. Being able to adjust the volume on the fly is great. You also have a creator and audience feature. Allowing you to choose which audio you hear and what the audience hears. So if you don't want your music going through just select the source for the audience and set it up that way. It comes with software that allows you to customize the layout and bottom buttons. The software is very basic. I would like to see more features put into it in the future. You can change your screen layout. You can change the channel icons. You can upload your channel icons. The feeling of the mixer is pretty good. Outside of the one through four-turn knobs. They just feel mediocre and have no serrations on them. They are very smooth. They have a function where if you push the knob in it mutes the channel. Well, when you do this I tend to turn the volume down as well. It was a consistent push all the time. The USB-C cord doesn't fully plug in all the way. This model is only for XLR microphones. The addition of standard USB microphones would have been great. Maybe an individual wanted the extra input but doesn't have an XLR microphone. Lastly, the app is basic with basic functions. I would love to see more updates in the app. Allowing for more user ability and functional ability. This is still a great mixer to add to the advanced streamer or content creator. Having the ability to individually set the volume for multiple audio sources is a benefit. No more having to tab out of software to adjust the volume. You can do it "Live!" This is a great addition to any setup!

THIS… Is the Hercules Stream 200 XLR (and yes that XLR) and it is a nifty audio controller that allows you to control the volume on four customizable tracks plus your mic allowing you total control over your audio while streaming! Plus, it has four function buttons that can launch websites, apps and a few more functions in the effort to keep your stream flowing smoothly. It does all this while displaying it on a vibrant screen with an intuitive layout to make adjustments easy on the fly… now this is a lot in a relatively small package and admittedly I am always having audio issues as it has always been the arrow in my knee, so lets take a look and see if the Hercules Stream 200 XLR lives up to the hype… or if it is just another screen on my desk. Opening the box I was somewhat underwhelmed… I expected a larger looking screen or just something.. MORE. That was quickly squashed when I plugged it in and saw the bright screen and clicky buttons light up but not the end of my headache with the Hercules Stream 200. Plugging in the Audio mixer was easy, figuring out the software behind it was … a couple days on youtube trying to figure things out. There is seemingly no option to bluetooth your headphones to the mixer, so I had to plug in my headphones for the first time in a long time, but once I figured that out I was able to route my four audio channels once I watched the tutorial about 7 more times. Under the four audio channels on the screen are four icons for programmable buttons that can do several functions such as skipping a song, to launching a browser, to a pre-programmed key binding. After I weathered the storm of setting up the Hercules Stream 200 XLR, I had to accept that I wasn’t going to be able to control my mic as it isn’t XLR and didn’t cooperate with my steel series software to control it from the software side of things. With all the hurdles and headache out of the way, I truly have to say that I have fallen in love with the Strea 200 XLR! It is very precise on what it can and cannot do, but when it does something, it does it VERY well. I can easily control all my active audio, instantly mute it all, control my headphones volume and modulate it all together when streaming for my audience or for just my end or BOTH. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I can quickly mute chrome so that an erroneous ear blasting ad from which of my 20 open tabs (who knows, I don’t!) doesn't blow my ears out. I also am able to layer my audio effortlessly before I even get to post processing which is SO nice. The hurdles in the beginning are almost all but forgotten once the Stream 200 is set up. The only day to day task that I would like to see improved (other than bluetooth and better software) is the placement for my quick action buttons in relation to the screen as they are under the volume rockers. This causes me to take an extra second to line up my desired button to the screen and is just a little bit more effort than effortless and an error that I keep making. My screen also had light bleed on the bottom pretty bad when on a blank screen, but almost unnoticeable when in use. I will chalk it up to being the first generation of this product, and certainly something that I can live with but will be on the lookout for in the next version. All in all, where the Hercules Stream 200 XLR lacks in tutorials and software features, it makes up for in the genuine use of the product. I think Hercules needs to use the product they are making more to iron out some obvious kinks, but I can appreciate the initial attempt. Regardless for streaming or for personal use; I think most gamers, work from homers and streamers will appreciate this product as it is just such a nice creature comfort to have in day to day life and a genuinely pretty screen. The best part of the whole thing is when you buy this at Best Buy… you never have to worry about getting the wrong product for your gaming/workstation. I love this audio controller, but it is a very interesting item. Which is what makes Best Buy awesome with an excellent return policy and even better customer service, so you never have to worry about buying a product that you don’t like… so why not test it out!?

The Hercules – Stream 200 XLR Pro Audio Mixer is perhaps the best way to bring all your app sounds together, control them and adjust them all—ON THE FLY. There are mixers out there that you can do this too, but usually, most are not as user friendly to use on the fly. This mixer helps me bring my game sound, music, conference call, and most of all, my supercardoid microphone in one spot and tweak volume and outputs as easy as literally 1-2-3. I love playing games. I also love listening to music while I play games. I also (sorry co-workers) play games and listen to music while on boring 2-hour meetings. This device makes multi-tasking easy, as I can be “present” and live in all my activities while being on standby, because I know what’s going on in each. Gone are the days when I wait too long for a required HR training to finish without any side entertainment. This is my solution to my first-world woes. Setup takes a little bit of time, but it is not taxing at all. The device is plug-and-play. The software is easy to get as well, and right after installation, it updated my firmware soonafter. 5-6 minutes tops and the Hercules app is up and running. Component setup is easy as well, and this I would say took the most time, because this device, like any other mixer setup, if you do not label your plugs right, it is not going to help me with quick accesses. This mixer makes it easy for me to plug and label each channel, match it with colors and icon customizations that stay saved on the device. It is drag and drop—what a convenience. One of the best things about this whole setup is, it has an XLR input. I have a streaming microphone, but I sort of have a squeaky voice. I love using my supercardoid beta 58a microphone that I use for recordings and performances because I sound full. I can plug it easily in this mixer, straight up digitizing it for easy monitor output. My PC mixer recognizes all these sources too—so I can easily match the app such as Spotify, Viber, youtube, microphone and match it with the specific channel in the sound mixer settings. So all compatibilities are in sync. Once all my components are set up, then I go to work. I can have a meeting and show content or play games and switch audio. There is a cut-scene I need to listen to—I simply turn up the game channel with the matching color bars to help me easily recognize my inputs. I can do dungeon walk-throughs with buddies while following a youtube guide. My chat channel cannot hear my youtube channel and I can easily do a walk-through and be guided when I switch audio from game audio, chat, and the youtube channel. This is the power of this tool. It makes it easy for me to organize my inputs, see them in real-time, and adjust on the fly without making a mistake that I turned up “who let the dogs out” in a zoom call. Most of all, I do sound great on my super cardoid mic. The XLR is such a nice touch. I definitely recommend!

The Hercules Stream 200 XLR, Pro Audio Mixer is used to mix audio content from different sources to produce content. The device handles several different types of audio input including via XLR microphone connector, an optical port and a line-in plug. Output is from either the USB, line-out and for monitoring a headphone plug. The device has four different mixing (level) knobs where you can set the level of the audio mix, pressing the knob in mutes that input. There is also a 4.3" color screen that displays the four audio lanes. You can configure each of the inputs with different icons with personalized colors. There are also four programmable buttons below each of the level knobs, which you can configure to mute, launch web pages and other tasks. The display has standard VU level type meters (by default, but even these can be customized within the software), which show momentary peaking levels and the level of volume for the input both from the perspective of the creator and what the audience is hearing (two dedicated buttons which allow you to toggle the mix from the perspective of each). The device also has a master level knob with an wrapping LED which shows volume. Also there is a mute all button, page change button (to manage other inputs), a link button and the Creator. The included USB cable is used to connect it to your PC (they recommend you connect it directly to the PC and not to a dock or USB hub. I have to admit this world is a little new to me, however I am going to start live streaming more content on my YouTube channel and this is a perfect device to get that endeavor started. The mixer is controlled by software that installs to your Windows 10 or 11 PC (sorry, no Mac software at the moment). When I first installed the software and connected the mixer it upgraded the firmware, once that process was finished I was good to go. There is a bit of a learning curve to understand how this device works, but once you figure it out, I see it as being very handy and capable. Unfortunately, I was not able to use the XLR microphone connector (or provided pre-amp) at this time as I only have a USB connected microphone. But I am shopping for an XLR microphone at this moment to bulk up my content creation game. I did invoke some ingenuity to accomplish some basic sources for mixing, including using the line in connection (for my wireless lavalier microphone), used the optical input to attach a AirPlay2 streaming device (which streamed audio from my iPhone). Once I have a XLR microphone to hookup I will be able to use the line in to get audio from a second PC. Hercules has a few short tutorial videos on YouTube, but I did not find them overly useful, other content creators have produced better instructional videos. >>> Pros >> sharp looking device with a clear screen >> shortcut buttons >> can make custom icons. <<< Cons << steep learning curve << early versions of the software were buggy << no Mac software at the moment.

I’ve been wanting to use an XLR microphone with while steaming for a while but wanted one that had a digital interface and would do more than just connect an XLR microphone to the PC. A big plus would be if all of that could be done simply, with easy-to-understand software. That’s how I landed on the Hercules Stream 200 XLR, which caught my attention as it not only had the XLR option but featured a drag-and-drop interface for software configuration. Pros: - Supports XLR Microphones. - Easy to configure. - Number of Connections and Controls. Cons: - Chat Channel is based on Default Communication Device for the System. - App doesn’t scale with resolution, which makes text very small on large high resolution screens. - Gloss Finish is a Fingerprint Magnet!! Setup: Setting up the Hercules Stream 200 XLR initially felt a bit intimidating with all the ports and buttons! But the provided tutorials on the Hercules website walk you through step-by-step setup under the Stream Academy section. All told, it took maybe 30 minutes to get everything setup with most of the time spent plugging in cables and mic stand than it did to get the audio mixer configured to work. The Tutorials are very helpful and highly recommend watching before you get started. Device: Right away the huge LCD screen stands out, it’s 4.25in by 2.75in and very bright. Luckily, the button on the back of the deck labeled screen controls the brightness with a press and turns off the screen completely with a long press. The screen is split up into 4 sections for different channels and actions. This is paired with 4 encoder dials and 4 action buttons; the 4 encoder dials also have a push to mute function if you need to mute a single channel which comes I very handy. The 4 actions can be mapped to the 4 numbered buttons under the encoders. This makes it easy to quickly access an app or function like start/stop or your commonly used application. Over on the top left side there is a mute all function. Below that are a Link channel and Page button. The Link button makes the volume control for both Creator and Audience the same for the channel, so changing the encoder volume will change both outputs. Page cycles through the 2 pages of channels, so 8 channels in total with 2 output controls. The one complaint I have about the physical device is that the gloss coating is a fingerprint magnet. Just setting up the device made it look like I’d had a bunch of kids playing with the deck. And wiping them off took more effort than I’d want for a deck. I personally prefer a matte finish on devices to avoid seeing fingerprints. Software: The Hercules Stream Control software is simple yet still a work in progress. Configurations are simple drag-and-drop with quick links to windows settings that help you select defaults for your application. This is how you can set which channels control which application sounds. Currently, there are only 3 inputs and 5 playbacks, so 8 in total. Which is the maximum number of channels you can control as well. I would like to see some more options to add custom playback channels or additional pages for additional channel controls, though I did find that 8 channels were enough for what I need right now. I could manage additional setups using the Profiles but switching between profiles if an extra step. Part of the initial setup is configuring the XLR microphone, which you will have to set as Dynamic, Condenser (48V), or Dynamic + Pre-Amp (48V). This depends on the microphone you’re using and whether you need the finger length Pre-Amp that is included or not. For my use with a Condenser microphone, I needed to enable the 48V and select the right mic type, but beyond that the default presets all sounded good and crisp. I was happy with how simple the setup for the microphone was. The included 4 action buttons function like other game decks, creating quick press control to multiple actions. The included actions currently are: Mute Source, Mute Channel, Push to Mute, Keyboard Shortcut, URL Launcher, Solo/Isolate Source, Set Level, Play/Pause Media, Next Media, and Previous Media. This might seem like a limiting list, but with just the Keyboard Shortcut and URL Launcher you can get almost unlimited effects. Plus, with the simple drag-and-drop configuration, the added action buttons really make this a perfect choice for streamers. The only complaint I have about the Hercules Stream Control is that the app doesn’t scale with the screen window size, such that expanding the app to full screen doesn’t make any of the visuals bigger or easier to read. This is a minor complaint but has a pretty big impact to ease of use and useability. On high resolution or physically distance displays, this makes reading any text nearly impossible. If you have any difficulty with reading small text, you might need to get your glasses or scale your screen up to read the text during setup. Channels: The one feature that took me a little time to understand was the Creator and Audience channels. These work to control what the “Creator”, as in you, hears and the volume levels. The Audience controls what the audio channel intended to be streamed out for the viewers. The benefit here is having another layer of control over the 8 channels, being able to focus each channel on the right audience. It is helpful to hear notifications that you don’t want the stream to hear but you need to be aware of. This caused me a bit of confusion when trying to control the volume on the Microphone, as I needed to assign the source as either Creator or Audience channel to be able to control the Microphone from the encoder, selecting the source as Microphone directly did nothing to the volume. Conclusion: If you’re a streamer who only wants a USB microphone, then I would not recommend the Hercules Stream 200 XLR for you as you will not benefit from the focus of this device. If you’re wanting to use or have an XLR Microphone for streaming, then this audio mixer is almost perfect for most streaming setups! Hercules has you covered with multiple step-by-step video tutorials for whatever setup you’re trying to stream from. All with an app that is drag-and-drop to configure, that anyone can figure out! I found the Hercules Stream 200 XLR to be a nearly perfect audio mixer with a balance of easy of use and advanced features.

Disclaimer: If this is your first time messing with an audio mixer or any type or any audio settings on your computer, I highly recommend watching some YT videos to get an idea of what you will be getting into. ***CONS*** - Too much color customization, not enough actual audio customization - Hard to hide the static on the XLR even with tune - Unusable Audio Monitoring - Piano Black finish on the front shell - Definitely not plug and play and user friendly for audio settings - Stream/PC Commands button shortcut at best - Light of the buttons bleed through the ones close ****PROS**** - Looks cool from far away. With the disclaimer aside let me start the review. At first glance, the device seems pretty straightforward, you get several knobs on the front and a few buttons for commands and 2 types of presets for your audio. The small screen seems ok, it can be customized here and there but leaves a bit to be desired. The buttons feel clicky and are made out of rubber, once they are active, they light up and the light bleeds through the other buttons which is something I do not like. The front part of the shell is made from a good quality plastic with a piano black finish, which is something I personally dislike since this kind of black is prone to scratches and it’s a dust magnet. In the back you get some audio ports, which include the ones for the XLR mic, the headphones, Line in/out, USB-C for power, and the Optical in. Device apart, in the box you only get a quick start guide, USB C to USB A, and the XLR preamp, which from what I have been told it is ok but not the greatest. From the looks, this mixer does not seem like a bad choice, but, once you get to the software that is when it falls apart. The UI for the Hercules software is easy to navigate. When you first install the software, you are welcomed with a small tutorial on how to customize some of the options knobs, and commands for the mixer. At that point everything seems like it is no big deal, right?? But once you try to get to the technical stuff, it comes up short. For the separate tracks, (That being apps such as Spotify, discord, etc…), you do not get to choose from the menu, you just have to hope it recognizes it through the software which most of the time it does not. On the app, it just tells the user to feed everything they are trying to control to the mixer audio input/output, which is like if you were to feed different types of liquid through a pipe hoping you get water out of it. The only thing the software seems to get right is the system volume and the microphone level, making it meet the bare minimum for what it is trying to achieve and or sell itself as. There are ways to fix this problem through other virtual mixing software such as the banana software or one could even try to control everything through the streaming software, but it would make having the machine practically just a glorified XLR interface. Anyways moving on to the rest of the features, one can save computer commands/shortcuts like any other streaming peripheral. One could also control their music or play streaming commands such as changing scenes, stopping and or starting the stream. Lastly one can switch between the 2 presets saved, mute the mic, and control the volume if there are headphones connected to the mixer, which I would not recommend since there is so much static and sounds terrible. To finish my review, it pains me to write such critical criticism towards a product, but I always see things from the perspective of the consumer. I honestly would not recommend this product at all. Hardware wises it is at least a shortcut machine and bare bones XLR interface. The software seems like it was a side project a front-end developer started, and never finished. It would make more sense looking elsewhere, or buying everything separately for quality and for streaming management.

This is quite nice at this price point and should work well for most tasks, specially if you are into podcasting. It is more at the level of semi-pro than pro but if you are not new to content creation, the set-up should be a breeze and the app is well toned and helpful. Get ready for a lot of firmware updates in the beginning and no, I don't think it has a dedicated app for Apple users but then again if you are into gaming, it should not be a big surprise. Build quality is good. It is very portable and is made of plastic and the buttons are rubbery. The control surface is well laid out and doesn’t look overwhelming for beginners. The knobs and faders are smooth, with a satisfying resistance that gives the user good control over adjustments. The buttons, which include mute (thankfully!) have a soft yet tactile click. The overall design aesthetic is sleek, with a black matte finish accented by LED-lit buttons that glow when active. It’s both professional and attractive, easily fitting into any studio or streaming setup. The mixer offers low-latency audio, which ensures that what you say is synced perfectly with your video feed. For podcasters and live streamers, this is crucial, and the mixer delivers. Hercules has also provided native support for ASIO drivers, which further reduces latency and enhances performance when recording or streaming with more demanding applications such as Adobe Audition or Pro Tools. Sound quality is the heart of any mixer, and the Hercules Stream 200 excels in this department, particularly at its price point. The 24-bit/96kHz audio processing ensures that sound remains crisp and clear, regardless of what you're feeding through it. The XLR inputs, with adjustable gain controls, allow for clean, noise-free recordings, even with more sensitive condenser microphones. In my testing, using both a Shure SM7B and Audio-Technica AT2020, the mixer performed admirably, handling both dynamic and condenser mics without introducing noise or distortion. The onboard preamps are strong, providing enough gain to drive microphones like the Shure SM7B without the need for an external preamp like a Cloudlifter. While not the absolute best in the business (you might find slightly better sound in more expensive models), the preamps on the Hercules Stream 200 are more than sufficient for most streamers and podcasters. There is also an EQ section, which gives users basic control over bass, mid, and treble frequencies. The adjustments are subtle but effective, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to suit their voice or instrument. The compression feature is a standout here, helping to balance the audio levels and ensure that quieter sounds are boosted while louder sounds are reduced, making for a more even listening experience on stream. The mixer sports a 4-channel layout, which is more than enough for most small streaming setups. Each channel has dedicated controls for gain, EQ, pan, and a 60mm fader. The faders feel responsive and are smooth enough to allow for precise volume control, whether you're adjusting a mic level or fading in music. A notable inclusion is the Voice FX button, which allows streamers to apply real-time voice effects such as pitch shifting, echo, and reverb. While the built-in effects aren’t groundbreaking, they do offer a fun way to add some flair to live streams or podcasts, especially for gaming content creators or those looking to add a bit of humor to their shows. However, the Hercules Stream 200 does not allow for per-channel compression or noise gates directly on the hardware. However, these can still be applied via software using plugins in OBS or your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). For most casual users and streamers, this won’t be a significant issue, but professional audio engineers may find the lack of per-channel dynamics limiting. For streaming, the Hercules Stream 200 XLR Pro Audio Mixer is a solid choice. It integrates easily into popular platforms like Twitch and YouTube, and the controls are intuitive enough that you won’t be fumbling with settings during a live broadcast. The real-time effects and smooth audio transitions make it an excellent companion for gaming streams or creative live sessions. The ease of use is also a big win for those new to audio mixing. While some mixers can feel intimidating to beginners, the Hercules Stream 200 strikes a balance between offering enough functionality for pros while remaining accessible to novices. The mute and solo buttons are prominently placed, making them easy to hit in the heat of a live show. The layout of the controls is logical, with everything where you’d expect it to be, reducing the learning curve. Podcasters will appreciate the dual mic inputs with phantom power, allowing two people to record with high-quality microphones simultaneously. The lack of audible hiss or interference is a testament to the quality of the internal circuitry. You can record clean, professional-sounding audio without much post-production. However, professional broadcasters who are used to more advanced features may find the Hercules Stream 200 lacking in a few areas. The lack of multiband EQ, detailed compression options, and the absence of hardware-based de-essing or expansion gates are features that are found on more expensive devices. But for its price, the Hercules Stream 200 delivers most of what a content creator or aspiring professional would need. Highly recommended.

So as I have been wanting to do more gaming videos online I decided it was time to upgrade my audio input and og with a XLR Microphone. So the next progression is to get a XLR mixer that I can plug into. You are getting a 4.3’ LCD screen with 4 buttons and dials to control the inputs. The dials are basic and hard plastic but the buttons below are backlit and do have a nice click when you press them.The display is really impressive and is bright with nice color saturation. The screen is not a touch screen which is fine, just pointing it out here. Some new features to this model include a mute all option, a link button that allows you to change the levels on all inputs at the same time, a submix toggle, and a headphone volume dial. There is a LED dial around the volume control which will change to indicate if you are increasing or decreasing the volume. A nice visual touch. The LCD screen does allow for easy monitoring and balancing of levels and the actual adjusting of labels of the different sources is intuitive and natural. You get the following connection types: USB-C (to PC), XLR (48V), Optical, Line Out, Line You can manage all your audio sources in real time: games, chat software, music, XLR microphone, game console, second computer, and more. One feature I do like is the availability to easily switch between what the audience hears and my side. This was seamless and a nice option.The sound out from the microphone is clear and good. Thinking exceptional but still clear. This is a compact design with ease of use design and controls. It is a perfect option for someone looking to advance their audio mixing for their content creation. It won't overwhelm you with options and will give you a good experience in this space and will enhance your contingent creation without breaking the bank.

Content creators want to get content online quickly and hassle-free. Managing that content in the moment is the goal of the Hercules Stream 200 XLR, a pro audio mixer perfect for streamers, gamers, and any online creatives who are meticulous with the quality of their output and appreciate a demanding, customizable interface for the perfect audio experience. While its steep learning curve may intimidate beginners, its features and functions give way to a hands-on, user-driven experience with entry points for all user levels. Immediately, you'll notice the compact size of the Stream 200 XLR. Packaged simply with a USB-C cable for power and a mic pre-amp connector, the device sits at an angle for optimal viewing. It powers on as soon as it's plugged into your computer and the Hercules software is engaged. Most mixers are two to three times the size of this device and take up way more desktop or workstation real estate. Solidly built with rubber pads below, you can be confident the Hercules Stream 200 XLR will stay in place within arm's length to control your recordings on the fly. The Stream 200 XLR uses turn knobs in lieu of sliding faders to control your audio tracks, an odd choice but one that is mindful of its compact size. Its buttons are still large though, rubberized and responsive with each click. The knobs for volume level management are precise and smooth when turning to the levels to which you want to mix, and the main volume knob also has ample resistance. A 4.3 inch LCD screen illuminates your settings in the dark while all button labels shine brightly when activated. Its software is what makes or breaks the device, and the Hercules Stream Control app takes the Stream 200 XLR to the next level. Here you can really make the experience your own, customizing every facet of the controller for what you need during the flow of a gaming session or your late night stream. Separating the audio that you are listening to on your headset from what your audience can hear is a simple button press away. I especially like the "panic" button that mutes everything in an instant. Again, there is a bit of a learning curve with the software, but once you get a feel for it, you truly feel like you have control over your online output. With the Hercules Stream 200XLR, be confident your streams and online sessions are in good hands - your viewers will enjoy top quality sound while you are in total control. Highly recommended.

The Hercules Sream 200 XLR sound mixer is an amazing piece of technology with seemingly endless possibilities. You have 8 channels that you can program to your desired functions with dual control on each channel. You can stream a live podcast and separate the sound you here from the sound your audience hears. Thats a feature that is a game changer if you did not have it before. You can also listen to what your audience is hearing with the push of a button to make sure your stream sounds the way you want it to. I see many content providers asking there audience if they can hear them and this feature eliminates that issue. Having the eight channels allows you to set up the Stream 200 XL for not only streaming for content creators but for music, games and other audio-related activities like chatting. The Stream 200XL also has auxiliary input a headphone jack and auxiliary output along with digital optical port as well. You can combine music in the background of your stream or other as sounds as you see fit. The Hercules Stream 200 XL is a device that you need nto spend some time setting up. Meaning that it will take some work to customize it the way you want depending on your use case. The nice thing is that once you do the work assigning the channels it is easy to switch between and combine channels. You do have to use the Windows volume mixer with the Hercules software to get things set up. There is a little bit of a learning curve but in the end I feel like it is worth it. You also get an external mic amplifier that will give you good gains with your XLR Mic. I could go on and on talking about the different possibilities with this device. However, it is something a person will have to personally spend some time with to really get to know it. I feel like it is a good addition to this sector and one worth looking at for the price point.

The Hercules - Stream 200 XLR, Pro Audio Mixer is a very well thought out piece of gear that will allow the user nearly unlimited control of their live stream quickly and easily, and the best part is that it's completely user configurable. The engineers who designed this have thought of everything. It would be nice if it worked with Mac, but maybe in a future upgrade or firmware revision. It would also be nice if it included a few more microphone channels, but that isn't really what this is designed for. Basically it will allow the OBS or Streamlab user an interface for making changes and mixing on the fly. Each button and knob on the Hercules Stream 200 is user configurable so each can be assigned to what ever features the user finds they want to adjust the most often. There are 8 separate channels, grouped by page. Each is controlled by it's own knob. There are separate outputs as well, the Audience output, and the personal headphone mix, which can be controlled inividually or linked together easily with the push of 1 button. Each of the knobs comes factory set as a mute for that individual channel, but there is also a large mute all button as well when you want to mute everything at once. There is an XLR input on the back of the unit for hooking up a professional microphone, and there is a 48 volt phantom power button for providing power to condenser microphones. Included also is an inline microphone preamp that is powered from the phantom power source, to preamplify the output signal of microphones that don't have a lot of drive themselves, like dynamic microphones similar to the SM7-B. Overall the build quality is very high, with each of the knobs and ports feeling nice and sturdy without any wiggles/wobbles etc. The look, fit and finish, and ergonomics are top notch as well. The interface is simple to use and figure out, and there are some nice quick tutorials available on their website to quide you if you need it. The only gripe I have is with the EULA... in order to use the software you have to allow Google Analytics to monitor your activity on your PC. There is no way to opt out either. It basically says that if you don't agree, then don't install the software.

I love to stream and I love to entertain. Enter the Hercules Stream 200 XLR, a compact audio mixer designed to simplify and enhance the audio experience for streamers, podcasters, and musicians. With its intuitive interface, versatile connectivity options, and integrated effects, it aims to be the central hub for managing and optimizing audio for live broadcasts. I love everything about this little guy including the features, performance, and overall user experience of the Hercules Stream 200 XLR. This is one time I feel like this is the right one for everyone, no matter your level of popularity. First Impressions: Compact and User-Friendly The 200 XLR immediately impresses with its compact and user-friendly design. Its small footprint makes it ideal for desktop setups where space is at a premium. The controls are logically laid out and clearly labeled, making it easy to navigate even for those new to audio mixing. The build quality feels solid, with sturdy knobs and buttons that inspire confidence. The overall aesthetic is clean and modern, with a black finish and subtle RGB lighting that adds a touch of flair without being distracting. Connectivity: Versatile Options for Various Setups The Stream 200 XLR offers a surprisingly versatile array of connectivity options for a mixer of its size. It features two XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphones or line-level instruments, each with its own gain control and 48V phantom power switch. This allows you to connect a variety of audio sources, from professional condenser microphones to guitars and keyboards. Additionally, the mixer includes a dedicated 3.5mm input for connecting smartphones or other mobile devices, as well as a Bluetooth receiver for wireless audio streaming. On the output side, you'll find a headphone jack for monitoring, a main output for connecting to speakers or powered monitors, and a USB-C port for sending audio to your computer. This wide range of connectivity options makes the Stream 200 XLR adaptable to various streaming and recording setups. Integrated Effects and Processing: Enhancing Your Sound The Stream 200 XLR goes beyond basic mixing by offering a suite of integrated effects and processing tools to enhance your audio. Each input channel features a compressor, a noise gate, and a three-band equalizer. The compressor helps to even out the volume levels, preventing loud peaks and soft whispers. The noise gate reduces background noise, ensuring clear and focused audio. The equalizer allows you to fine-tune the tonal balance, adding warmth, clarity. Bottom line this is a must have for any streamer out there. Be sure to get one. ASAP

The more I use this, the more I enjoy having this. My main gripe with this that it is not easy to set up and use with a USB headset. I have recently gotten a pair of IEMs which use a 3.5mm jack and I got a XLR mic. But I still enjoyed using my USB headset as its wireless. I could not get this working with that headset. It might be do able, but it was not something that was plug and play. This is why I am giving a 4 star. This is my first audio mixer to own. This day and age, there are a lot of people who use USB headsets, and it would be nice to see an audio mixer more compatible with them. That said, the more I use this though, the more I am enjoying it. I will admit, at first, I did not know how the audio worked between me hearing it and audience hearing it. I thought it was like the mic, which I was able to pick between the 2 for the mic itself. The mic would show up as mic, or audience. So, I thought I would have to set my stream the same. Turns out it was easy to set up for stream and it just uses the same channel on the stream and was just one audio source on stream labs. (that is what I use and similar to OBS). Then you just control each individual sound from the mixer. You select the audience button and then you hear what the audience is hearing, and then turn the volume up or down or mute for whatever channel you want. Example, if you are gaming, using the mic, chatting in discord and maybe playing some music. You can select audience and then if the game and music is too loud and you can't hear yourself talking, you can turn those down. And for yourself, you can then select creator and if you do not want to hear the music, you can mute that for yourself, and in my case, the game was loud and I could not hear my teammates in discord, so I turned them up, and the game down a little. You have 8 channels that you can set up. This should be more than enough channels. This also has 8 hot keys that you can also set up such as open a website, play, previous, next, etc. It only displays 4 channels at a time, and you just switch to the other 4 channels with a button. Each channel is kinda like having 2 channels within. One being for your own self, and the other for your audience. I like that you can change each channel either for your own self, your audience, or that you can link and then make changes that effect both equally. I also like that it has a mute button that will mute everything. Granted, this button mutes everything even audience. I was hoping that it would only mute what mode you have selected. If I need to mute and talk to wife for instance, if I hit that button, it will mute for myself as well as my stream. But I might want my stream to still hear my game and everything. So, I would like to see if I have the creator button selected, that the mute all button would only mute all the channels for creator and not audience and vice versa or mute all when I have the link button selected. If you have a XLR mic and a headset that uses a 3.5mm jack, this is great. One tip, if you use an XLR mic and you choose to also use the pre amp (as this did boost my mic volume) just remember you then have to go into the settings in the software and select this mode and also press the 48v button the back. When I first did this, I thought you just had to push the button. When I did this, mic was not working. Saw in the settings that there was a selection to select for this and once I did that, mic worked great. My mic is also a USB mic, which if used in that capacity, has RGB lights for it, and other buttons on the mic itself. When used with XLR cable, those buttons and RGB lights do not work then. Overall, great to own rather you stream or not. This prevents having to exit out of games to turn sounds on or off. If you are in the pre lobby of a game, and just want to listen to some of your own music, you can and when match starts and you need to mute the music, you do not have to tab out of the game to do so. Like I mentioned, I would easily give these 5 stars if it was easier to set up with a usb headset.

Great stream mixer with endless possibilities. First off, the product looks cool, all the buttons and connections feel great, and it's just overall a seemingly well built electronic item. I love the screen but wish it could have some touch functionality. The xlr connection is necessary and happy it was integrated within this unit. The mute all functionality comes in very handy. The ability to fine tune each connection is easy and very user friendly. Has been nothing more than a joy to create content with and take it to a more professional level. I think that undoubtedly the initial investment is and will payoff for years to come. Being able to switch quickly between what you hear and what your audience hears is an important feature that I can't recommend enough. There are just a lot of things it does well and very easily and I am extremely happy with this unit. I am looking forward to expanding the quality of content and I definitely believe this has and will continue to allow me to succeed.

This is a fantastic audio streamer .TheI like this because it has the whole audio interface. One of. The things that you will notice is that you will. Have full control of all of your audio and you can also separate the music that you are listening to from the music that you are sharing with your audience. It has a good volume level, nice jacks on the back as well that include SLR mic 48 volt for you condenser mic, optical, Line out jack for your phone a Line in and a USB. As well as a screen button. This comes equipped with a usb charger and an audio dynamic mic. The size of the mixer is attractive considering it doesn’t take up much room at all, This is an attractive device for those YouTubers who want to Enhance their experience with their audiences as far as gaming and music. The face of the streamer is bright and vibrant which is attractive to the eyes. If you are wanting to purchase a streamer that is not very expensive but a tad bit pricey give this a try. I don't thing you will be disappointed

The Hercules Stream 200 Audio Mixer is an amazing little piece of hardware. To be honest, when I first opened the box after receiving it, I was skeptical. The main reason for that was due to how it felt. The entire unit is made out of plastic. I've had some XLR audio interfaces prior to this one and they typically are encased in metal. However, do not let that stop you from purchasing this unit! The screen is large and customizable. The adjustment knobs make volume operation simple, and the ability to essentially harness all the different audio sources from your computer into one device is amazing! I love being able to select between what I can hear and what my streaming audience can here! The buttons on the bottom are customizable and offer a wide range of different functions. All the customizable features and settings are available from an application you download on your computer. The device also comes with a microphone preamp in the box. You can plug it into the XLR cable between the cable and the audio interface. This, coupled with the option to turn on 48v phantom power, can give your mic a boost if needed. This interface also cuts out unwanted background noise. My previous audio interface would have the mic "hot" at all times. It picked up all sorts of background noises. This one only picks the when I start talking! It really helps with editing after the fact! All in all, the convenience of being able to see all your audio sources, plus the ability to control all of them in one place, is awesome! You will love this audio interface! It helps make streaming a breeze!

The Hercules Stream 200 XLR pro audio mixer is a game changer. Let me start off by saying it can take a little getting used to, however once you got it; it makes a great addition to your streaming set up. It allows you to control up to four audio channels and allows you to mute when not needed or not in use. Each can be controlled and customized with the Hercules Stream Control application. The options to customize allow you place the device you wish on the channel you wish to use. Additionally, since seeing a bunch of colors going up and down on the charts can be a bit confusing the colors can be customized to your liking. The device itself looks very well built and does not have any flaws that need to be pointed out. The bottoms are very responsive and light up for easy viewing when you have a dark room. With devices and technology changing so much it would be nice to have the options to use usb or usb-c connectors instead of the traditional outdated headphone jacks. Overall very satisfied and would greatly recommend for someone looking for more control over their audio settings.

There's a lot to like about this mixer. The construction, though plastic, is really solid. The rubber grip on the bottom to keep it from slipping is really good, it doesn't budge if I bump it accidentally or use it normally. The knobs feel nice, as do the buttons, and the screen is decently high quality. As far as the mixer physically goes, the only issue I have with it is the icon on the button for swapping between the first and second screen - it looks just a little too much like the icon for "copy" and it keeps tripping me up. I don't have any complaints about the software to control the mixer. There's plenty of options packed into it, and it seems to be pretty stable. Changes in the software are reflected in the device immediately, and there's no need for me to unplug the device and plug it back in. Honestly, my biggest issue with the software isn't even an issue with the software, it's a problem with Windows - I've noticed that Windows tends to set the default output to "game" rather than "system" and some apps will have an issue with using audio channels that aren't whatever the system audio is set to. I've had no issues with the actual mixing, either. There haven't been any weird quirks or issues to try to resolve, I just twist the appropriate knob for the audio I'd like to adjust and it happens. It's much better than fiddling with the Windows audio mixer. It just works. Overall, I really like this audio mixer. It's helped me streamline some of the tasks I do with my computer, there's plenty of options, and it just works (once you've configured it). I would absolutely recommend this, if and only if you use an XLR microphone or are willing to switch to one. If you don't use an XLR microphone, try a different model.