Question / Help Best Method for one XLR Microphone on two PCs?

[lifewithstrife]

Hey there! I've been using two microphones for a while - one USB mic for my gaming PC & one XLR mic through mixer/compressor to streaming PC. I've decided after having such a cluttered desk I'd like to use just one mic for both PC's at once. I previously tried this using my Scarlett 2i2 with some kind of split female XLR cable but it wasn't a very clean approach and it became a noticeably weaker when sending my audio from my AT2035. I broke the Scarlet during a house move 6 some months ago so I was wondering what better options there are?

To summarize I'd like to be able to stream using my XLR mic that runs through the mixer to my streaming PC but also in game/comms on my gaming PC.

My current audio gear includes:

• Microphone - Audio Technica AT2035 (XLR)
• Microphone 2 - Audio Technica AT2020 (USB)
• Headset - Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
• Mixer - Behringer X1832 USB
• Compressor - Behringer MDX4600

I wouldn't mind suggestions that assume I have money to spend. I was thinking of upgrading to a Mackie mixer at some point anyway. Thanks to anyone who reads this!

 

[FerretBomb]

Ditch the USB AT2020.

Just get a dual 1/8"->TRS cable and plug it into the Line In on one of the computers, from the Main Out on the back of the mixer. You can either split that to both systems and amp the signal, or get a dual XLR->TRS and use the second main outs for one machine, or run one on mixer USB and the other from the main outs.

If you're running more than just your mic through the mixer, there are ways around that depending on what you need going out to where.

(edit) Also, let me know when you're selling off the X1832; been thinking about bumping up from my 1204 to something with integrated effects.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

Instead of using the main output of the mixer, just use an aux send.

I just upgraded from a Mackie 1202VLZ3 to a Behringer X18 (the X18 can be controlled from iPhone, Android, PC, Mac, and Linux).

 

[lifewithstrife]

Ditch the USB AT2020.

Just get a dual 1/8"->TRS cable and plug it into the Line In on one of the computers, from the Main Out on the back of the mixer. You can either split that to both systems and amp the signal, or get a dual XLR->TRS and use the second main outs for one machine, or run one on mixer USB and the other from the main outs.

If you're running more than just your mic through the mixer, there are ways around that depending on what you need going out to where.

(edit) Also, let me know when you're selling off the X1832; been thinking about bumping up from my 1204 to something with integrated effects.

Thanks for the suggestion Ferret. I'm now using the FX Send output as a microphone for the gaming PC which works fine besides the static strange hum I'm getting (I'm hoping a ground loop isolator will fix that).

As for the X1832 mixer - I'm in the UK, so it really wouldn't be worth you buying it with the import tax and such. But I appreciate the interest! Hopefully I can get an alright price over here. I've also been enjoying your stream when I lurk every so often, keep it up!