Audio mixers vs. audio interface: In the world of audio equipment, there are many things to consider, and one such consideration is what type of equipment will work best in your studio. With a wealth of choices on offer, it’s not difficult to become confused, and this is especially true for beginners.
One of the most common questions about studio equipment is whether there is a difference between an audio mixer and an interface.While both products have similar jobs, there is a clear difference between the two, and your needs will dictate which will work best for you.
- 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
Last update on 2023-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is the difference between Audio Mixers and audio interfaces?
Table of Contents
Your audio mixer will take all the incoming signals from various mics and instruments and then sends these on to a predetermined number of outputs – this could be a single output or multiple depending on what you are doing.
Your mixer also allows you to add effects to these inputs, altering the sound, volume, and other factors. Mixers can be used to aid in live music and the studio, so they’re very versatile pieces of equipment.
At first glance, the sheer number of knobs on a mixer might be enough to make even the savviest music maker turn away in horror. Still, in truth, these are very user-friendly devices and, thanks to the placement of the controls, are very easy to get to grips with.
In contrast, an audio interface will convert analog signals into digital ones. It will allow you to create music and add effects to a piece of music-making software. You might think of it as a translator of sorts.
The audio interface is connected to your computer by one of the various methods -cables, USB, etc. and can feature varying numbers of channels. For the most part, these channels are analog which allows you to connect physical instruments; however, there are also digital channels that often need separate equipment, so this is worth keeping in mind.
An audio interface is excellent for anyone creating music on the go since they are relatively compact and can be easily moved about; however, you should consider that they are unsuitable for live music.
Audio interface with mixer
Just like anything, choosing between an audio interface and a mixer does involve your
personal preference, but this isn’t the only factor to consider, and how you intend to use the equipment should have an impact on your choice. Of course, if your budget allows, there is no reason why you cannot own one of each and have the best of both worlds.
But if you’re looking to make a wise investment, the following things ought to come into play.
● If you need something portable, an audio interface will be the better option. This is an ideal kit for students who are always on the go or people who have studios both at home and in other locations.
● As we mentioned, an audio interface is not suitable for live music, so if this is your
primary area of interest, then a mixer is, without doubt, the most viable option.
● There is the option of getting a mixer with an audio interface built-in, and while
this may be a little pricier, it is excellent for minimizing the number of cables you need.
● If you tend to use a piece of software that has faders and effects all in one place,
you’ll probably only need an interface – why buy more equipment than you need?
Our Favorite Mixer And Audio Interface
The sheer number of mixers and audio interfaces out there is astonishing, so it’s little wonder that a lot of people are buying substandard equipment that either doesn’t last or doesn’t meet their needs.
But don’t panic just yet – we’ve scoured the internet to find some excellent quality products that offer users the best experience and then some!
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Mackie ProFXv3 Series 6-Channel Professional Mixer
- Equipped with 2 Onyx mic press offering up to 60dB of gain and ultra-low noise performance. Perfect for microphones popular with content creators that require high-gain preamps
- Lay down your tracks in incredible 24-bit/ 192kHz quality for the cleanest recordings possible. 2×4 USB I/O allows you to create two custom mixes on your computer to send back in to the mixer, great for situations when you need to monitor specific tracks during playback in addition to the full mix
- With 24 different FX options, from reverbs to delays, adding some drama to your sound is easy … easy…. . easy……. . easy (delay, get it?)
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
At a sniff under $150, this gives you quite a bit of bang for your buck. However, if you need more channels, there are various alternatives within the same range – going up to as many as 16 channels.
The mixer features an impressive array of 24 pre-programmed effects, which is pretty diverse in itself, and when you learn that with the flick of a switch, you can blend between your computer output and the direct mixer feed, you’ll likely be even more impressed.
If you’re looking for a mixer that will deliver on versatility and sound quality, you’re not going to find anything much better than this. Record alongside a pre-recorded track or go live, but what’s even more impressive is the super clear sound you will get from the 24 bit/192kHz quality that this piece of equipment offers.
RME Audio Interface (BabyFacePro)
- Includes: 4 x Analog I/O, 2 x Phones Output, 1 x ADAT I/O, 1 x MIDI I/O, USB 2. 0, TotalMix FX, Class Compliant Mode, 2 x Line/Instrument Input
- High-end yet portable interface incorporates newly designed analog and digital circuits
- Energy saving technologies provide supreme fidelity with no compromises in level, noise or distortion.
Last update on 2023-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want an audio interface that is truly a cut above the rest, it’s either go big or go home – but when we say significant, we don’t necessarily mean size-wise. But in terms of features, you’re getting nothing but the best!
This is an energy-efficient piece of equipment, something which is rightly at the forefront of a lot of modern techs, but this does not mean that the sound quality or functionality is compromised – you’d expect nothing less from such a high-end interface.
This interface is sleek looking and easy to transport, made from a single aluminum block, ideal for the on-the-go musician. You get four analog outputs and two phone outputs as well as 2 line inputs, so it’s a pretty diverse little machine.
Summary
An audio interface with mixer performs very similar tasks; however, they do this in markedly different ways. As such, each piece of equipment is suited to different needs. Once you have decided on which bit of kit will better serve your studio, there then comes the laborious task of sifting through literally thousands of options on the market.
But we believe that we have sourced some of the very best mixers and interfaces currently available. So whether you’re a music mogul or just starting in the business, they’ll benefit you.
Michael Ocejo ( Editor-in-chief )
Michael loves audio production. He especially enjoys the technical aspect of making music sound good! Michael also loves spending time with his friends and family and enjoying parties.
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