Audio Interface vs Mixer vs USB Mixer: Which One Do You Need?

What's the difference between an audio interface and an audio mixer? In this video, you'll learn the difference between audio interfaces and sound mixing boards as well as when to use an audio interface and when to use a mixer.

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0:00 - Introduction
0:16 - What Is an Audio Interface?
1:11 - What Is an Audio Mixer?
2:54 - When to Use an Audio Interface?
3:09 - When to Use an Audio Mixer?
3:22 - Do you need a mixer or an interface?
3:27 - Subscribe to Audio University!

Live Sound Mixers:

Studio Mixers:

Used Mixers:

AUDIO INTERFACES:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 -

Audio interfaces allow you to record audio to your computer and playback audio from your computer. They are usually used with software called Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).

Audio Mixers allow you to route several audio sources to a variety of destinations. They can also be called mixing consoles, mixing boards, or mixing desks. Sometimes audio mixers have built-in audio interfaces.

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[AudioUniversity]

Need help setting up your studio? Check out these free resources I've created for you...

[mikaashton]

I just picked up a thomann 10 channel mixer with usb for home recording. I don't need that many channels but for the price I thought hey I can do a small band if i need too. Basically I got it so when i record at home I don't have to plug in different instruments every time and adjust levels . I mainly use Guitars, Bass, Flute, Vocals and then programmed drums - with all these channels I can record a lot more efficiently. Cheers again for your channel .you make it so easy to understand these things .keep up the good work !!

[RpaRalte]

Please, explain how to use USB Mixer for live band performance, but, using DAW and its effects for live vocal, backing track and click tracks.

[normbarrows]

Back in the day, I used to plug the guitar into the mic jack on a sound card in the PC. The sound card had an ADC chip and a DAC. We could monitor in real time while recoding, no delays, no problems. I'd use the .wav editor software that came with the card to slice samples into loops and then edit it all into a full song. We'd use an Alesis drum machine, and record analog rhythm guitar, bass guitar, lead guitar, keyboards, and vocals. Everything was recorded directly to the hard drive. We only used the Mackie-16 when jamming, not recording. Samples were recorded one at a time. We'd start with a drum loop, then play that back (as a metronome) while recoding the other samples. Any PC can do that these days, you're just limited to one stereo channel in and one stereo channel out on the 3.5mm stereo jacks for the built-in sound card on a modern PC. Before PCs, I used two cassette decks. Record onto one channel of the 1st tape deck. Play that back to one channel of the 2nd deck while recording the next track onto the other channel. Repeat until you've built up all your tracks.

[PlasticKelly]

I record directly into my 1990s Roland VS880, I bought new like 25 years ago, and then use that for mixing too. Then playback the analog signal into the computer microphone inline using Audacity for final mix (freeware), storing directly on computer hard drive. Not a bad way for these old geezers to lay down some tracks. My channel has a few tunes the band recorded this way.

[mj-bybt]

Audio interface:
- best for musicians recording to a DAW, where they want to record 1-2 tracks at a time while listening to the existing tracks via headphones; most USB mixers don't support this workflow, or makes it very difficult to do

Audio mixer with USB:
- best for anyone who needs live audio rather than recording e.g. for a live performance, broadcast, or Zoom call, where a DAW isn't involved in the workflow

Some devices can simultaneously be both e.g. Soundcraft Notepad, Behringer X32, but most devices are just one or the other.

[johnnyfredd]

So i want to start a home studio and I've been looking whats better for me. I have a microphone, a keyboard piano, a digital piano and i want to learn guitar. My questions are 1) do i need a mixer or an interface for all those 2)if mixer, if i connect it with my laptop will it send my recordings mixed straight from the mixer and 3) do i need a microphone to record my digital piano or a cable straight to the mixer or interface !!

[WillsJazzLoft]

At the moment, I've neither. Yet, I'm leaning towards a mixer because I'm experiencing difficulty getting the audio interface that I want. There are a few USB powered mixers out there; so my assumption is that they are 'class compliant'.

[Lippdinos]

OP, Thank you for this very simply and clarifying video! I know nothing about the subject and am trying to learn I believe your videos are the perfect place to start! Cheers!

[violin-schwerin]

I use a UltraliteAVB, which is excellent for recording and very expandable. It’s also ok for mixing, but not for live mixing. you don't need proprietary Software to use the mixer, which is fantastic

[marjorie]

Well put! Easy to understand. Hope all tutorial vids are like this!

[miguelsalami]

I run my 6 ch mixer into a Focusrite Solo then connect the Focusrite to the computer via USB cable for streaming online. Great content here TY!

[radstorm]

I use both. So when whatever at the time it calls for, I'm prepared :o) Mixers are a bit more fun, with all the buttons, sliders and stuff though.. lol

[switche]

Love your vids so much. The presentation is great, the videos are to the point, and your delivery is smooth and relaxing

[GoTellJesusSaves]

Currently, I have my mics running into a mixer.
At home, recording a single vocal or dual drum mic track, I (usually) run the mix out through a USB audio interface into a computer (as my mixer has no USB output). This gives me more headroom with the gain and also analog EQ. I've found that it doesn't introduce any noticeable noise as my mixer has a very clean input and output. I use this setup for zoom-like video conference calls as well.
If I'm drumming live, I use the mixer as a sub mixer, running the audio out into a stage XLR input to the main mixer. My mixer has high and low gain output switch, so this works flawlessly.

So... in my case where I do live and home audio, I find it quite nice to have a mixer and usb interface... though I suppose a mixer with audio interface would also work very well for both situations, and would be a cheaper option as well.
I really like the versatility of having a mixer. I can record a live event with multiple mics/instruments/phone/mp3, send signal to speakers, another mixer, a phone or computer via 3.5mm jack, run analog effects into the whole mix or a single instrument/mic, check my gain for each input on the meter, etc. etc.
Something like the tascam all-in-ones can do all of that and more, while also being a multitrack audio interface with bluetooth connection. Expensive as it is, it's an entire system that can output to any audio equipment, saving quite a bit on money, time and space in most cases.

[RoyBrush]

I've gotten by with an audio interface so far, but I've been doing some online live events recently, and I'm thinking of adding a mixer, because I'd really like my monitor output to be mixed differently than what the audience hears, which unfortunately isn't possible (at least not easily) with the focusrite I'm using. I was thinking of adding a mixer into my setup to run my mic, guitar, and whatever else into that first, mix them there, and then either output that mixed signal into the audio interface, or if the mixer had usb, use that. Thanks for making this video. :)

[praneethdhanushka]

Dear Sir, your demo is productive and clear. I want to know that what is the main job of patchbay???? Thanks

[allandiaz]

Thanks it clear to me the use of audio mixer, any tutorials in setting or use of the audio mixer?

[EstyloTv]

i have the same mixer.. so why do i see people using both.. ?? mixer with the audio interface... does it help with noise reduction or something. whats the benefits if any ?

[LeakBanga]

I use an interface but was considering getting a mixer for hybrid mixing. Be great if you explain how to use hardware in post production