When is a Sound Mixer Needed

Let’s talk about audio—the part of your video shoot that everyone forgets about until someone says, “Wait… did we get sound on that?”

Look, we love sound mixers. They’re brilliant, unsung heroes. But do you always need one on set? Not necessarily.

Let’s break it down.

Your Camera Probably Has XLR Inputs. Use Them.

Most pro-level cameras today come equipped with two XLR inputs. That means you can:

  • Plug in a boom mic
  • Plug in a lavalier mic
  • Control both individually
  • Adjust levels directly on the camera

So, if you’re just recording one person talking or maybe two people having a conversation—guess what? You probably don’t need a dedicated sound mixer on set. Your camera already has the tools.

And let’s be real—if your budget is tighter than a grip’s jeans, skipping an audio tech for a simple two-mic setup isn’t the end of the world. You’ll survive (as long as you monitor audio properly).

When a Sound Mixer Is Absolutely Necessary

However, there are times when not hiring a sound mixer is like filming underwater and hoping it works out.

Here are those times:

  1. You Have More Than Two Mics: Camera XLR inputs tap out at two. Three or more mics? Bring in a mixer or you’ll be juggling cables like a caffeinated octopus.
  2. You Need Isolated Audio Channels: Want to control each person’s voice separately in post? You’ll need a field mixer with multi-track recording. Otherwise, everyone’s on the same track and that one loud guy ruins everything.
  3. You’re Shooting a Live Event: No second takes. No room for error. You need someone whose full-time job is listening and adjusting in real time.
  4. You’re Filming Something Complex: Think reality shows, walk-and-talks, docu-style interviews in noisy locations. Boom and lav at the same time? Sound mixer, please.

You’re on a High-Stakes Set: Commercials, feature films, or anything where the client says “we need it perfect.” Perfection needs pros. Period.

What a Sound Mixer Actually Brings to the Set

Here’s what you’re really getting when you hire a mixer:

  • Independent control over multiple mics
  • Clean audio with proper gain staging
  • Backup recordings (because stuff happens)
  • Sound reports for post-production

Peace of mind so your DP can focus on, well, the picture

They also hear things no one else notices—like that air conditioner buzz or the neighbor’s yappy dog two doors down.

When You Can Skip It (And Still Sleep at Night)

You’re probably okay without a dedicated mixer if:

  • You only need one or two mics
  • You’re in a controlled environment
  • You’re monitoring sound through quality headphones
  • Your DP or camera op is comfortable managing audio levels
  • You’re on a short shoot or low-risk project

Just remember: Audio is 50% of your video. If it sounds bad, no one cares how pretty your footage is.

TL;DR – Do You Need a Sound Mixer?

Yes, if:

  • You’ve got more than two mics
  • You want clean, separated audio for post
  • You’re shooting something important, live, or unpredictable

Probably not, if:

  • You’ve got two mics max
  • You’re in a quiet space
  • You’ve got basic audio monitoring handled

But here’s the golden rule: If you’re even slightly unsure—hire the mixer.

Fixing bad audio in post is like trying to polish a potato. You can try, but you’re still getting a potato.

Citations:

1.Sound Devices (2023). Why Multi-Track Recording Matters on Set

2.Rode Microphones (2022). Basic Field Audio Setup for Filmmakers

3.No Film School (2023). When to Bring a Sound Mixer On Set

4.B&H Explora (2021). The Importance of Location Sound Recording