I managed to get my Mixstream Pro to run off of a power bank, and here’s how you can do it too!
This takes advantage of USB Power Delivery, since it has a 12V 3.0A output mode which is exactly what the Mixstream requires. To do this, you’ll need two things: A power bank that supports 12V 3A USB output, and a USB-C to barrel jack adapter or cable.
That barrel jack adapter is a bit loose in the Mixstream, but I’m not exactly sure what the proper dimensions are (it still works perfectly fine though).
Now, just plug it in and you’re running off of battery! Just make sure that the power bank supports 12V output, otherwise you’ll be undervolting the unit which will likely cause it to malfunction.
I haven’t had an occasion to run it off of battery for an extended period of time yet, so I don’t have a real world number.
Theoretically, assuming the amazon seller was being honest about the 20000 mAh capacity, at running at 12V the battery can provide 240 Wh. At full load (12V*3A = 36W) that would be around 6 hours 40 minutes.
In reality, according to the cable I have, with a moderate display brightness and lower built-in speaker volume the unit draws around 8W on average, meaning a running time of around 30 hours.
Depending on your usage and accounting for losses (and assuming that my cable is right!), that means on a 20k mAh power bank it should run for anywhere from 6 to 30 hours.
I have a similar setup and all was working fine initially - I was getting about 5 hours from the power bank. However, now when I connect it drains at about 1% per second or so. What could be causing this? The unit can’t be drawing more power so could the cable be the problem or is the power bank likely to be faulty? It is only a few months old and only gets occasional use.
Not sure these power banks are meant for a continuous power draw. The circuit is only designed for charging another battery. I would think that would degrade the device greatly as it always ouptting at full power. You would need one with an outlet designed for providing continuous ac power to the power brick provided with the mixstream. Problem is those power banks are pricey.
Where are you getting the 2.1A number from? A power bank with USB-PD will have a list of output modes, given as a list of voltages and currents. I don’t recall a 12V 2.1A output mode, AFAIK it’s only 1.5A, 3A and 5A.
If the power bank isn’t outputting 12V, you’re either undervolting or overvolting your unit, either of which can permanently damage it. IF it is providing 12V (REALLY make sure to check that), then as long as you aren’t in a situation where you’re drawing over 2.1A, then sure. As per the spec, the mixstream can draw up to 3A so you may brown out (drawing more current than is provided), which can damage the power bank.
A good way of doing the fact is the equation “amps X volts = watts”.
So in the Mixstream Pro’s case: “3amps X 12v = 36watts” required.
I use a 65watt Baseus 30000mah battery which has had no issues, even with the internal speaker cranked. I don’t think the MSP even runs at 36w, but best to have a battery than can oversupply power imho. Most batteries have the specs of how many amps for a particular voltage they can supply for each usb port. Definitely read up on those details before purchase.
