Audio and mixer technical guide

This guide is for AV and technical teams. It explains how to connect a mixer to a laptop, select the right browser input, and check speech before the event.

Check the signal before going live

Work from the source to the browser. Confirm each item while someone speaks at normal event volume.

Use the cleanest, driest voice signal available. Less room reverb, music, and ambience usually means clearer speech recognition and translation.

Choose the source

Use a speech-dominant feed from the mixer. Avoid a room mix dominated by music, playback, or audience microphones.

Connect the laptop

Prefer a USB audio interface. If the mixer provides USB audio, connect it directly by USB.

Select the browser input

In Event Translate, select the connected interface or mixer and confirm the meter moves with speech.

Set a safe level

Keep speech clear and steady. Reduce the mixer or interface output if the browser meter clips.

Choose a connection method

USB audio interface, recommended

Send a mixer line output into the interface line input, then connect the interface to the laptop by USB. This gives the clearest control over the input and signal level.

Mixer CARD OUT or USB direct

If the mixer sends the required mix through CARD OUT or compatible USB audio, connect it directly to the laptop and select that mixer in the browser.

Laptop built-in line input

Use this only when the laptop has a true line input, the cable matches both connections, and the signal level is correct. Most modern MacBooks need a USB audio interface.

Send a speech-dominant feed

Build a separate aux or matrix mix when possible. Keep presenter microphones prominent and exclude unnecessary room ambience.

If music or video playback must be translated, keep spoken words intelligible and avoid sudden level changes.

Confirm the browser input and meter

After opening Event Translate, select the interface or mixer instead of the laptop's built-in microphone.

Ask someone to speak at normal event volume. The meter should move steadily without persistent clipping before you start the broadcast.

Keep Dual Mic and System Audio separate

Dual Mic

Route Mic A to Left and Mic B to Right. Do not mono sum these channels. Dual Mic uses 2x credits because both microphone channels are processed.

System Audio

System Audio is a separate mono-only input path for playback from the laptop. It does not replace the Left and Right Dual Mic routing.

Quick reference image

The one-page wiring reference now sits in the venue audio section of How it works, in English, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.

View the quick reference image

Troubleshoot common problems

The meter does not move

Check system microphone permission, the device selected in the browser, and whether the mixer or interface is sending an output.

The meter moves, but speech is quiet

Raise the speech channel or source output gradually. Avoid the laptop's input boost if it only increases noise.

The meter clips or audio sounds distorted

Lower the mixer or audio interface output, then check again at normal speech volume.

Dual Mic speakers appear together

Confirm Mic A is panned fully Left and Mic B fully Right, then disable any mono sum on the mixer or interface.

System Audio is missing

Select System Audio through its separate mono-only path. Do not route it into the Dual Mic Left and Right pair.

Continue with event setup

Once the audio signal is stable, return to the overview to choose output languages, add glossary terms, and share the listener QR code.

Back to the how it works overview