The Roland Go:Mixer Pro-X combines portable audio interface functionality with smartphone connectivity, making it perfect for DJs streaming directly from mobile devices.

Roland Go:Mixer Pro-X Review: Essential Audio Interface for DJ Livestreaming

Professional Audio Mixing for Smartphone Streaming

The Roland Go:Mixer Pro-X is a compact audio mixer and interface designed specifically for connecting multiple audio sources to smartphones, tablets, or computers for livestreaming and recording. For DJs, it solves the fundamental challenge of routing DJ controller output and microphone audio into mobile streaming apps without requiring laptop computers.

What the Go:Mixer Pro-X Does

At its core, the Go:Mixer Pro-X serves as a bridge between your DJ equipment and your streaming device. It accepts multiple audio inputs—stereo line sources like DJ controllers, microphones, instruments, and even smartphone audio—mixes them together with independent level controls, and outputs the mixed signal to your phone or tablet via USB.

This allows DJs to livestream directly from smartphones using apps like YouTube, Facebook Live, or Instagram, with proper audio from their DJ setup and optional microphone for commentary. No laptop required.

The Go:Mixer Pro-X improves upon its predecessor with additional features and enhanced connectivity, making it more versatile for modern streaming workflows.

Design and Portability

The unit is remarkably compact—roughly the size of a thick smartphone. The plastic housing keeps weight minimal, making it genuinely portable. While the build quality feels somewhat utilitarian rather than luxurious, the construction is adequate for regular use.

The top panel features clearly labeled knobs for controlling input levels—stereo line input, two microphone/instrument inputs, and master output. The layout is logical and easy to navigate even in dim streaming environments.

All connections are arranged around the perimeter. The back panel houses stereo RCA inputs for line-level sources like DJ controllers. The front edge has two eighth-inch stereo inputs for additional sources. One side has XLR and quarter-inch combo jacks for microphones or instruments, while the opposite side features a quarter-inch headphone output with dedicated volume control.

A smartphone input/output port accepts the included TRRS cable, allowing you to connect an analog smartphone as both an input and output source—useful for monitoring or routing audio in creative ways.

Power and Phantom Power

The Go:Mixer Pro-X operates on four AAA batteries housed in an accessible compartment. While battery operation adds flexibility for truly portable setups, it’s worth noting the unit doesn’t include rechargeable batteries or a charging system—you’ll need to supply your own batteries or use rechargeables.

Crucially, the battery system provides phantom power for condenser microphones via the XLR input. This makes the Go:Mixer Pro-X suitable for professional microphones without requiring external phantom power supplies.

A micro-USB port on the back provides connectivity to computers or smartphones. This is the one aspect that feels dated—a modern USB-C port would have been more futureproof and convenient given the prevalence of USB-C devices.

Input Flexibility

The connectivity options are comprehensive. The primary stereo line input (RCA) is perfect for DJ controller master outputs. Two additional eighth-inch stereo inputs on the front accept additional line-level sources—perhaps a sampler, drum machine, or second audio device.

Two channels accept microphones or instruments via combo XLR/quarter-inch jacks. The first channel includes switchable input impedance suitable for microphones or high-impedance instruments like guitars. The second channel offers similar versatility.

A pad control attenuates the instrument input if your source is particularly hot, preventing overload distortion. This thoughtful addition handles the wide variety of source levels you might encounter.

A loopback function routes audio from your connected computer or phone back into the mix. This allows incorporating backing tracks, sound effects, or any audio from your streaming device directly into the output.

The headphone input with dedicated volume control doubles as a monitor output. This can drive headphones for personal monitoring or connect to powered speakers for room monitoring—critical for DJ applications where you need to hear what you’re doing.

Mixing and Processing

While not a full-featured mixer, the Go:Mixer Pro-X provides essential mixing capabilities. Independent level controls for each input allow you to balance your DJ mix against microphone levels or other sources.

A single level meter on the top panel provides visual feedback, though with multiple inputs, you’ll need to rely more on careful gain staging and listening than constant meter watching.

The simplicity is actually an advantage for streaming scenarios—there’s no complicated routing or menu diving. Set your input levels appropriately, adjust the master volume, and you’re ready to stream.

Practical DJ Streaming Setup

For typical DJ streaming, you’d connect your controller’s master output to the primary stereo input on the back. Set your controller’s output level near maximum, then use the Go:Mixer Pro-X’s input control to set proper level.

Connect your microphone to one of the mic inputs if you plan to provide commentary. The phantom power enables use of quality condenser mics for better voice reproduction.

Connect your smartphone or tablet to the micro-USB port using the appropriate cable (Lightning for iOS, USB-C for Android—both included). Your phone now sees the Go:Mixer Pro-X as an audio interface.

Connect monitoring headphones or speakers to the headphone output. This allows you to hear your mix—crucial for DJing where monitoring is non-negotiable.

Open your streaming app, select the Go:Mixer Pro-X as your audio input, and start streaming. Your DJ mix plus any microphone audio flows directly to the stream with proper levels and quality.

The Monitoring Solution

One often-overlooked benefit of the Go:Mixer Pro-X is solving the monitoring problem for compact DJ controllers. Many small controllers have only one output—if you plug that into speakers for monitoring, there’s no output available to send to a streaming device.

The Go:Mixer Pro-X solves this elegantly. Your controller plugs into the Go:Mixer Pro-X, which outputs to your phone for streaming. Simultaneously, the Go:Mixer Pro-X’s headphone output feeds your monitoring speakers. You now have both streaming output and monitoring from a single controller output.

This makes compact, output-limited controllers viable for streaming—a significant benefit given how many DJs use portable controllers for home setups.

Smartphone Stand Concept

Roland’s marketing shows the Go:Mixer Pro-X serving as a phone stand, with the phone clipped to the back of the unit via the included slot. While functional, this is somewhat impractical for DJ use.

The unit lacks a tripod mount, so you can’t easily position it at camera-appropriate height without improvised solutions. For actual streaming where video matters, you’ll likely mount your phone separately on a proper tripod or phone holder rather than relying on the built-in clip.

However, for audio-only streaming or recording, the built-in phone positioning works adequately.

Computer Use

While marketed for smartphones, the Go:Mixer Pro-X works excellently with Mac and PC computers as a standard class-compliant USB audio interface. No drivers required—plug it in and it appears as an audio device.

This dual functionality means even if you sometimes use a laptop for streaming, the Go:Mixer Pro-X remains useful. It’s flexible enough to adapt to different workflows rather than being locked into smartphone-only operation.

Audio Quality

The audio quality is entirely suitable for livestreaming applications. The preamps are clean, providing adequate gain for microphones without excessive noise. The converters deliver respectable quality for compressed streaming codecs.

This isn’t a high-end studio interface competing on pure sonic specifications, but for livestreaming where audio ultimately gets compressed heavily by streaming platforms, the quality is entirely appropriate and indistinguishable from far more expensive interfaces in this context.

Limitations

The lack of USB-C feels dated and slightly inconvenient. Micro-USB works but isn’t the modern standard, meaning one more cable type to keep track of.

The battery-only power (no AC adapter included or even available as an accessory) means ongoing battery cost and the inconvenience of battery replacement. An optional AC adapter would be welcome for permanent studio installations.

The single level meter doesn’t provide per-channel monitoring, making gain staging slightly less precise than interfaces with individual channel meters.

The plastic construction, while keeping weight down, doesn’t inspire the confidence of metal-bodied alternatives. Careful handling is advised.

Who Should Buy

DJs who stream regularly from smartphones or tablets will find the Go:Mixer Pro-X invaluable. It transforms mobile streaming from compromised to professional by enabling proper audio routing and mixing.

DJs using compact controllers without multiple outputs benefit from the monitoring solution the Go:Mixer Pro-X provides—enabling both streaming and speaker monitoring from a single controller output.

Mobile DJs, bedroom DJs, or anyone wanting the simplest possible streaming setup without laptop computers should consider this an essential tool.

Value Proposition

The Go:Mixer Pro-X is affordably priced, especially considering it replaces multiple pieces of equipment—audio interface, basic mixer, and smartphone connection solution. The cost is reasonable for the functionality provided.

The ability to use it with both smartphones and computers extends its utility beyond single-purpose devices, providing better value.

Final Verdict

The Roland Go:Mixer Pro-X successfully solves real problems DJs face when trying to livestream without laptops. It provides legitimate mixing capabilities, handles multiple audio sources, and delivers quality audio to streaming platforms through a compact, portable package.

The functionality is well-implemented—setup is straightforward, operation is intuitive, and the results are professional. While the physical build could be more premium and the lack of USB-C feels slightly dated, these are minor concerns relative to how well the unit performs its intended function.

For DJs committed to mobile streaming workflows, the Go:Mixer Pro-X is an enabling technology that makes professional-quality audio possible without complex equipment or technical expertise. It’s the bridge between simple phone-based streaming and elaborate computer-based production setups, providing an accessible middle ground that delivers excellent results.

The versatility of working with phones, tablets, and computers means the Go:Mixer Pro-X remains useful as your workflow evolves. It’s a practical tool that solves specific challenges elegantly, making it easy to recommend for DJs serious about mobile livestreaming.