Our Spark Encoder has three ways to input audio for live streaming. Below, we will review each input and the best way to convert your audio for Spark.
HDMI
If the audio being brought into your video source (camera or switcher) is the final mix for the live stream, you will want to bring in audio over HDMI. Spark can input both video and audio from one single HDMI cable.
Balanced 1/4" Jacks
If you plan to input audio over the balanced 1/4" jacks, and you do not have them on the back of your audio board, you will want to make sure you convert your signal.
XLR to 1/4" jacks: We recommend using two XLR females to 1/4" TRS males that are designed to be balanced. This will give you both right and left channels of audio.
RCA to 1/4" jacks: We recommend using a dual 1/4" TS male to dual RCA male cable.
3.5mm Stereo Unbalanced Line
1/4" to 3.5mm line: We recommend using a 3.5mm TRS Male to Left and Right 1/4-inch TS Male
XLR to 3.5mm line: There are certainly ways to do this, but we would not recommend converting XLR to 3.5mm. If you are going to convert XLR, we would recommend using the method above, which is to convert it to 1/4".
If you have any additional questions about inputting audio into Spark, feel free to reach out to our technical support team for more information.