> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mixlarlabs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting Your Mixlar Mix

> Set up a USB or wireless (BLE) connection between your Mixlar Mix and Mixlar Control.

<Info>
  **Prerequisites**

  * Mixlar Control installed on your computer
  * Mixlar Mix connected via USB Type-C
  * For wireless mode: a PC with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support or a Mixlar BLE dongle
</Info>

Follow these steps to connect your Mixlar Mix to Mixlar Control using USB, then optionally enable wireless (BLE) mode.

***

# USB connection (COM port setup)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open device settings">
    Launch **Mixlar Control** and click the **gear icon** in the top-right corner to open the settings panel.

    <Image src="/images/dsadasdchecks-passed.png" alt="Gear icon for accessing settings" style={{ borderRadius: "12px", marginTop: "12px" }} />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to the Device tab">
    In the left sidebar, select **Device**.\
    This is where you configure the USB connection and COM port.

    <Image src="/images/d02730ac-e7ab-4c74-aa1a-f6b3352a832a.png" alt="Device tab and COM port dropdown" style={{ borderRadius: "12px", marginTop: "12px" }} />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the COM port">
    Open the **COM Port** dropdown and choose a port.

    * The correct port name depends on your system
    * It is usually **not** `COM1`
    * If you are unsure, try each option until the mixer connects

    Then click **Connect**. If successful, the status will change to “Connected”.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm connection on the main screen">
    Close the settings panel.\
    On the main Mixlar Control screen, you should now see your sliders active and responding.

    <Image src="/images/a28ae6bd-341b-4c05-90b3-a9856759c86e.png" alt="Main Mixlar Control window with sliders" style={{ borderRadius: "12px", marginTop: "12px" }} />

    The Mixlar Mix will also show a **USB icon** on the home screen to indicate a wired connection.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Wireless (BLE) connection

Once USB is working, you can switch to wireless mode using Bluetooth Low Energy.

<Info>
  Your computer must support **Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)** or use the **Mixlar BLE dongle** for wireless mode to work.
</Info>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Connections page">
    In the settings sidebar, go to **Connections** and select the **Wireless** tab at the top.

    <Image src="/images/Screenshot-2025-12-08-10-53-55-AM.png" alt="Connections page with Wireless tab selected" style={{ borderRadius: "12px", marginTop: "12px" }} />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pair via USB">
    With your Mixlar Mix still plugged in via USB, click **Pair via USB**.\
    This links the device to Mixlar Control for wireless use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Power the mixer without USB">
    Unplug the USB data cable, then power the Mixlar Mix using:

    * Its battery, or
    * An external USB power source (not connected to the PC)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect from the mixer">
    When the Mixlar Mix shows the wireless **Connect** screen, press the **Connect** button on the device.\
    The device will appear in the Wireless list (for example: `Mixlar Control E864`), and the connection will switch to BLE.

    On the mixer home screen:

    * A **wireless icon** indicates BLE mode
    * A **USB icon** indicates wired mode
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Connection status overview

* **USB icon on mixer** → connected via wired USB
* **Wireless icon on mixer** → connected via BLE
* You can safely switch between USB and wireless as needed

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The mixer does not appear on any COM port">
    * Make sure the Mixlar Mix is powered on and connected directly (avoid unpowered hubs).
    * Try a different USB port or cable.
    * Close other audio/control apps that might be locking the device.
    * Restart Mixlar Control and re-open the **Device** tab.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Status stays Disconnected after selecting a COM port">
    * Try another COM port from the dropdown (it is rarely `COM1`).
    * Unplug and reconnect the Mixlar Mix, then click **Refresh** next to the COM dropdown and try again.
    * Check your system's Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) to confirm the device is detected.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Wireless option not working">
    * Confirm your PC supports Bluetooth Low Energy or that the Mixlar BLE dongle is plugged in.
    * Make sure you have paired **via USB** first in the Wireless tab.
    * Keep the Mixlar Mix within Bluetooth range and avoid heavy interference.
    * If it still fails, unplug the device, restart Mixlar Control, and repeat the pairing steps.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next steps

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Sliders" icon="sliders" href="/controls/sliders">
    Configure what each slider controls, including audio, system actions, MIDI, and smart home devices.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Profiles" icon="folder" href="/controls/profiles">
    Save different layouts for gaming, streaming, and productivity once your connection is set up.
  </Card>
</Columns>