Mixer VS Interface - Which Should YOU Buy?

As the two become more and more similar, this decision becomes more and more confusing, from the entry level perspective especially.
So which should you buy?
Well, let's go over the basics of both.

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My Gear -

[ShaiUI]

I like both. a two channel audio interface and a 10 channel analog mixer. connect all drum to the mixer, then the output of the mixer to the input of the interface. if you have a lot of gear this comes in handy. esp if you want to use all of them simultaneously. another thing you could do, is connect the output of the mixer to a stereo looper pedal before you connect it to the audio interface that way you could jam.. also, if you use a bunch of external guitar effects pedals, a mixer is nice to have since it has fx sends, you can decide how much fx each channel gets. with an interface-only solution it's harder to use hardware effects across all channels bc you'd have to have software running/configured for that.

[markbologna]

This is an excellent video and made me realize I already have an audio interface (Zoom H5) and I’m ready to learn the mixer. So glad I came across this channel.

[Kilzu]

Personally I would recommend an audio interface for anyone, who doesn't need anything else, but simple device to connect their microphone and listen to music from. Mixers are more for those, who do live performance or record multiple sound sources like drums, quitars, bass, keyboard and vocals. Though there are audio interfaces that let you do that as well.

[wychwoodmusic]

I *really* like being able to record on a tactile mixer rather than needing to get a computer involved. Then I transfer the tracks over and mix on my computer's DAW. That moment when I'm playing music with instruments in hand just feels like a fun, musical experience rather than work. (Also, not having to worry about fan noise from a computer is nice.) I can have a room for music making and recording, and the computer stays on the desk for working.
Mixing on my computer does grant me a lot more power and flexibility, though, which I sure appreciate. It's an inherently finicky job, so I'm happy to do it at my desk.

[MeastrasElKachelino]

Actually, it would help if you had both for any setup. A Mixer provides EQ FXs; connected to the interface via secondary outputs(plugged into the stereo input channel on the mixer). That way you have both flat listening for mixing via the main outputs of the audio interface and an EQued playback via the mixer for reference and leisure. A 4-input mixer is small enough for any desktop.

[larryatha]

I bought a Mackie ProFX6v3 this spring. I had always wanted a small mackie mixer to host solo open mike nights. So it seemed like a good choice at first for both an interface and mixer. I immediately found it didn’t have enough pre-amps and channel recording capability for my home studio work needs. As My daughter wanted to sing with me while I played the guitar - so I needed Four pre-Amps not just two. - and I wanted to record at least four mics at a time and have them not mixed down in recording to two tracks.
I also had the desk real-estate problem for using a good mic with my computer for working from home in telework zoom/etc meetings. So then I bought a Shure MVi interface for just learning about the DAW and can use it with both dynamic and condenser mics and using for voice work tele-meetings. It’s nice because it’s small, super easy to use, has phantom power & good pre-amp - and the settings are easy. Also it works with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Pc. And it’s built like a effing tank! Solid. It’s only drawback is that it has only one input. So now I still find I need a four pre-amp interface. But the mackie will allow me to learn stereo miking techniques for a while. So I will delay buying one while I figure out exactly what I want and learn the sound of my room and figure out what I need to do to acoustically treat the room and get some stereo monitors.

[АлександрЛапченко-не]

If you would explain how to store/record/download MIDI signals from a MIDI Workstation to a MC or OC. Thanks!

[EzraBufford]

I bought the Mix12 mixer and it works well with my red interface going into my Home studio iMac. But I bought the Pyle PMXU83Bt mixer and I can't get it to work! Hoping it's something I'm doing wrong. I want to use it on my gigs. 'Trying to play my keyboard through it to my Elliott amp head to my Elliott speakers. Thx

[Paulywogg]

I just faced this decision myself. I went with the MOTU M4. I liked the M2, but I opted to do a little future-proofing in going with the additional ports. Ridiculously low noise floor. Well worth a look if you can source one. They seem to be in short supply.

[harounsamadi]

Both
Mixer for live performance
AI for recording and editing etc.
and combination is possible…

[JP-rfpx]

I am not a musician but a former recording engineer (retired). I got a Zoom L12 which works as a mixer and multi track recorder, but, because it has 6 different analog mixes out, can also work as a analog multi track recorder. You can insert it in a 4 channel "tape monitor" loop in a quadraphonic preamp or receiver and both record quadraphonic albums and tapes to digital, and play back same into a multi channel analog input on a surround receiver! With effects etc added.

[UTO]

in order to act like an audio interface for a DAW, a mixer need to be USB out capable, not just any mixer. And it needs to be full duplex too, as some Behringer USB mixers don't let you record and listen at the same time! One doesn't need a feature-rich mixer as an alternative to box audio interface; If I need more inputs later, I can always add a simple inexpensive summing/sub mixer and connect its main L & R output to the extra sets of line input of my audio interface. Apart from utilizing the onboard hardware EQ, compressor and some effects to the live recording (it could be a liability if you don't need any pre processing, however! A lot of knobs to tweak before a simple recording session! Audio interfaces are comparatively easy and straight forward to operate.) there's another practical use of mixer which is often ignored -- the ability to stay connected all the time in a home studio environment! You don't need to plug/unplug cables like audio interfaces with limited inputs and outputs. That's why I prefer an audio interface with at least 8 inputs/4 outputs, or the combination of both. A full duplex USB mixer with good routing capabilities can also serve as a family karaoke or small band practice/demo recording mixer with no added cost. So I don't see any reason not to choose one if a rookie musician wants to keep all options open for the future.

[Roensmusic]

i found out current day mixers, even the most expensive digital mixers, are having a lower sample rate (max 48 khz) than most usb audio interfaces have.. (i have such a steinberg ur12 that goes up to 192khz) so if quality is my highest goal, then its better for me to get a usb audio interface with 8 inputs and outputs, than a mixer that has so many in and outs

[RafaelPernia]

Excellent. Thanks. I play drums so I absolutely need at least 4 mic inputs. The mixer-interface seems like the best idea since it costs almost the same as a 2 mic interface. I also have a keyboard and eventually people will come here to play so those features I need now.

[briansnyder]

I have a Focus rite Scarlett 18i20 and a Yamaha MG166c non Powered mixer. While the interface have plenty of inputs. I was considering incorporating the mixer for live band recording. Mostly for drum mics, overhead mics, and maybe back up vocals.im relatively new to the recording scene and my Studio is still evolving. Oh and I'm trying to make things somewhat portable.Any Advice is welcomed. I definitely have the Fever. It's my passion. I wish that I had gotten into this art sooner. I'm actually considering studying for Berkley Online Degree . Image that, 53 years old and starting college. God Bless us All! B.

[MikeG-jsjt]

If it was three years ago and they had the Mackie glz xs creator at that time, I probably would have got that instead of the Motu UltraLite-mk5, as it appears to have equal recording quality with a price about $150 and did I mention all the features?

[sawyercustom]

3 analogue mixers and 2 interfaces. 18i20 for recording and a 2i2 is linked in for my laptop to chain audio from my Mac mini to my laptop for tictok specific streaming. I've also got a ton of outboard gear. but it all started with the 2i2 bundle many moons ago

[elizabethoniri]

I have an interface . Am interested in a small mixer but i am not sure. I want to create sounds for my short film. Thank so for information.

[phantombass]

I use a 16 channel mixer going into a 2 track interface. I have a midi setup with several sound modules, 1 drum machine & a guitar multi effects unit.

[Ithirahad]

Is there such thing as an affordable analog mixer which just creates two XLR outputs I can plug into my interface, without any digital conversion nonsense or meaningful signal degradation? That seems like it'd be the ideal solution for me long-term, as I usually only need the two inputs from a typical interface but I can see myself needing more (even in excess of the 4 you get with those UMC404 interfaces) down the line.