What is Stereo Mix & How to use it? – Windows 10

What is Stereo Mix?

Stereo Mix is a handy feature in Windows 10 that lets you play audio through two devices at once, such as an AUX speaker and a USB headset. You can also use it to send sound to a capture card and a USB headset. For example, in call centers, it allows both the main agent and a trainee to hear the caller at the same time.

What all do you need to make Stereo Mix work?

1. AUX Device: This can be a speaker system, another headset, or a capture card connected to your computer’s AUX ports. If your computer does not have an AUX port, you can get an external USB sound card for less than $10.

   
   

2. USB or Bluetooth Headset/Speaker System: You need a USB or Bluetooth headset or speakers as your second audio device. USB headsets are available on Amazon for under $20.

   
   

3. Latest Sound Card Drivers: Make sure your computer is not using generic Microsoft sound drivers. If it is, update your sound card drivers from the manufacturer’s website. You can use Astra32 to find out who made your sound card.

How to enable Stereo Mix?

To enable:

1. Click on Start Menu and then click on Settings

2. Under settings, Navigate to Sound

3. In the sound settings, find the Sound Control Panel in the menu on the right.

4. Open Sound Control Panel

5. Under playback, set your AUX device as default device.

6. Under recording, look for Stereo Mix. If you see Stereo Mix, skip to step 9

7. If you don’t see Stereo Mix, right-click anywhere in the blank area under the recording tab. Make sure both “Show Disabled Devices” and “Show Disconnected Devices” are checked.

8. If they aren’t checked, select them. Stereo Mix should then appear.

9. Right click on Stereo Mix and check “Enabled”

10. Right click on Stereo Mix and “set as default”

11. Right click on Stereo Mix and click on Properties.

12. Under properties, go to listen tab.

13. Under Listen tab, check “Listen to this device” and change the “playback through this device” to your USB or Bluetooth audio device.

14. Click “Apply” and then click “Ok” to close the window.

15. All set!

Now, when you play audio, watch videos, or make calls on your computer, the sound will go through both the AUX and the USB or Bluetooth device.

Optimize Your Audio Setup with Ayvant’s Expert Assistance!

Do you want to get the most out of Stereo Mix for your business? Ayvant’s experts can help you set up and manage audio on multiple devices. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and make your audio setup simpler.