How to Record from Mixer to Phone

Download Article

A guide to using free Android & iPhone apps to record live audio from your mixer

Co-authored by Jason Williams and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: October 25, 2022

Download Article

Android

|

iPhone

|

Q&A

|

Tips

|

Things You'll Need

If you want to create music or sounds with your mixer but want them on your phone, you can do that. This wikiHow will teach you how to record from a mixer to your Android or iPhone. You'll need to download third-party software for an Android that has the features you need to change audio sources (like BandLab), but GarageBand should come pre-installed on an iPhone and already have the capability to record from external audio. You'll also need some adapter cables (like a TRS to TRRS cable or a Lightning/USB to TRRS cable).

Things You Should Know

If your phone that doesn't have an audio jack, you'll need a Lightning to TRRS (iPhone) or USB to TRRS (Android) adapter.
On an Android, you can download BandLab for free to record audio tracks from your mixer.
On an iPhone, you can use the GarageBand app already installed on your phone to record.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Android

Download Article

It's a free app offered by BandLab that will allow you to use sound input from your mixer when you record.
If you don't have two ¼ ports as "Out" ports on your mixer, you may need XLR to TRS converters instead.

Advertisement
If your phone does not have an audio jack, you'll need a USB to TRRS adapter for your USB port; however, if you're using the USB adapter or not, you need to plug the TRRS end of the adapter (the jack-end of the plug) into your phone.
Earlier, you connected two ¼ cables into the "Out" ports on your mixer, so you'll now plug the other end into the adapter going into your phone.
5
Set up BandLab to record your mixer. Add tracks to your app by tapping the red Create button and choose Guitar/Bass to use the mixer's sounds.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Test the input by checking the "Source" meter in the bottom left corner of the Mix Editor; the level should be moving to indicate the sounds it's picking up.
6
Press the red record button to begin recording audio from your mixer. When you're done recording, tap that icon again.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you want to share the recording, tap the cloud icon in the top right corner of your screen.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

iPhone

Download Article

If you don't have two ¼ ports as "Out" ports on your mixer, you may need XLR to TRS converters instead.
2
Connect the TRS to TRRS adapter into your phone. If your phone does not have an audio jack, you'll need a Lightning-to-TRRS adapter for your Lightning port so you need to plug the TRRS end of the adapter (the jack-end of the plug) into your phone.
- All iPhones later than 7 don't have an audio jack and need this TRRS adapter.
Earlier, you connected two ¼ cables into the "Out" ports on your mixer, so you'll now plug the other end into the adapter going into your phone.
You can tap Open from the App Store once the app is done installing or you can find the app icon on one of your Home screens.
Tap the input icon next to the level meter to switch to an external sound source.^{[3]
X
Research source}
When you're done recording, tap that icon again and your audio file will be saved with your other audio files.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Every TRS-to-XLR converter I see on Amazon has a 3-prong male end! That does not plug into the TRS-to-TRRS cable! I have an audio jack on my Android! The mixer has one output jack!

66cccfff

Community Answer

Try the keyword 'Combo audio adapter' on Amazon. The cable with a TRRS jack at one end and two TRS female sockets at the other end is the correct choice. Also, a 3.5mm TRS-to-female-XLR-converter is required to make the connection.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If you're using an iPhone and your audio does not sound great or you're having troubles with this, try a USB audio interface.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
The Roland GO:Mixer is highly recommended and does not need a bunch of cables or adapters.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You'll Need

TRS to TRRS adapter
1/8 Inch TRS Stereo to Dual 1/4 inch TS Mono Y-Splitter Cable 3.5mm Aux Mini Jack to Jack Breakout Cord - 3.3 feet
USB or Lightning to TRRS adapter (if your phone does not have an audio jack)