Embodiments allow for an auto-mixer to gate microphones on and off based on speech detection, without losing or discarding the speech received during the speech recognition period. An example method includes receiving and storing an input audio signal. The method also includes determining, based on a first segment of the input audio signal, that the input audio signal comprises speech, and determining a delay between the input audio signal and a corresponding output audio signal provided to a speaker. The method also includes reducing the delay, wherein reducing the delay comprises removing one or more segments of the stored input audio signal to create a time-compressed audio signal and providing the time-compressed audio signal as the corresponding output audio signal. The method also includes determining that the delay is less than a threshold duration, and responsively providing the input audio signal as the corresponding output audio signal.