Audio Interface vs. Mixer—What's the Difference and Why You Should Care

If you’ve been shopping around for audio gear to upgrade your home studio, make your podcasts sound more professional, level up your YouTube channel, or attract more subscribers on Twitch, you’ve probably come across the terms “mixer” and “audio interface.” Both of these can improve your sound and give you more flexibility, but they each serve very different purposes. There are even products that combine the features of an audio interface and a mixer, such as the Mackie DLZ Series.

So, which do you need: an audio interface, a mixer, or perhaps both? Follow along and learn how to find the best solution for your purposes.

What Is an Audio Interface?

An audio interface is any device that connects to a computer or mobile device to send and receive audio signals. Most interfaces connect via USB and provide multiple inputs and outputs for connecting microphones, instruments, speakers, and headphones.

A dedicated audio interface will almost always provide superior sound quality and greater flexibility than your device’s built-in sound card. In short, an audio interface is essential if you plan on recording or live streaming.

Common audio interface features

USB or Thunderbolt ports for connecting to a computer
Preamps for amplifying microphone and instrument signals
Line-level inputs for connecting keyboards, synthesizers, and other audio sources
Line-level outputs for connecting studio monitors
Headphone output for listening while you record

Audio interfaces come in many shapes and sizes, with different feature sets geared toward different applications. Basic models for simple home recording or streaming typically feature just one or two inputs and come in a compact, desktop-friendly form factor. More advanced models may have eight to 16 preamps and multiple headphone outputs for recording a full band or round-table podcast simultaneously, and are sometimes even rack-mountable for studio or live sound use.

Advanced audio interface features

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for speaker calibration, headphone mixes, and more
Digital audio connections such as ADAT and S/PDIF for linking multiple interfaces
Ethernet ports for connecting to networked audio systems
Additional outputs for connecting external equipment

What Is a Mixer?

A mixer is any device that combines multiple audio inputs to one or more outputs, allowing you to adjust the volume of each channel to create a balanced blend. Mixers are used for live sound reinforcement, music production, radio broadcasting, and even podcasting and live streaming. If you need to mix multiple audio sources in real time, this is the tool you should reach for.

Just like audio interfaces, mixers come in all shapes and sizes, from streamlined analog mixers like the Mix Series to more advanced, feature-packed USB mixers like Mackie Onyx and ProFXv3(+). Most mixers share a basic set of features that allow you to connect different sources, adjust the volume and tone of each, and control the overall output.

Common mixer features

Preamps and line-level inputs for connecting microphones, instruments, and more
Knobs or faders for adjusting the volume of each channel
Equalizer (EQ) controls for adjusting the tone of each channel
Panning controls for moving sounds left and right in stereo
Mute and solo buttons on each channel
Master fader for controlling output volume
Line-level outputs for connecting to speakers, amplifiers, or audio interfaces

Larger mixers (often called mixing consoles or desks) offer more inputs, greater control, and expanded features. For example, live sound consoles usually provide separate controls for creating monitor mixes, while studio consoles offer more sophisticated EQ and inserts for connecting external effects.

Advanced mixer features

Auxiliary sends for creating monitor mixes
Effects sends and returns for implementing effects like reverb and delay
Compressors for controlling dynamic range
Noise gates for controlling bleed
USB, Bluetooth, or Ethernet connectivity for recording and streaming

Key Differences Between Audio Interfaces and Mixers

To boil it down in practical terms, here are some of the main things that set audio interfaces and mixers apart.

Functionality

Audio interfaces and mixers perform two very different functions: interfaces convert analog audio to digital and vice versa, while mixers specialize in combining signals into a balanced blend. However, these roles sometimes overlap: many interfaces offer basic mixing capabilities and certain mixers have a built-in audio interface, meaning they can connect to computers.

Usability

Although the definition of a mixer or an audio interface can be blurry, the key difference lies in design and usability. Mixers emphasize hands-on control and flexibility for live events and broadcast, which is reflected in features like long-throw faders and auxiliary sends. Audio interfaces, on the other hand, focus on audio capture and playback, and are designed to be used with audio software for editing and mixing in post.

Connectivity

Audio interfaces and mixers can both connect to microphones, instruments, speakers, and headphones, but the main difference is the destination. By definition, audio interfaces always connect to a host device. On the other hand, mixers can function on their own, combining signals to feed a PA system or set of studio monitors without needing a computer. Mixers with built-in USB interfaces are becoming more and more common, letting you record and mix at the same time.

When to Choose an Audio Interface

So, how do you know if an audio interface is what you need? Basically, if you want to get audio into and out of your computer, you need an interface. Here are some common use cases for audio interfaces:

Audio interface applications

Home recording
YouTube videos
Live streaming
Podcasting

Dedicated audio interfaces (not built into a mixer) are best for recording things that will be mixed later, such as music or podcasts. However, they’re also great for streaming if you only use one microphone. Here’s a deeper look at the pros and cons:

Audio interface pros

Computer connectivity
High-resolution recording
Expandability for growing setups

Audio interface cons

Limited hands-on mixing control
Dependent on drivers and software
May lose support when replaced by newer models

When to Choose a Mixer

If you need to combine multiple audio sources and want tactile, hands-on control over your sound, a mixer is the tool you need. If you already have an audio interface but need to record more signals than it allows, a mixer will do the job. Here are the main use cases for a mixer:

Mixer applications

Live music and production
Live events and DJing
Broadcasting
Live streaming

Mixers provide unmatched hands-on control, which is ideal for mixing multiple sources in real time. However, they are specialized devices and may not do exactly what you need. For instance, only some mixers feature built-in audio interfaces, and even fewer let you record each input separately. Take a look at more strengths and weaknesses of mixers:

Mixer pros

Hands-on, tactile control
Relatively simple setup and troubleshooting
Analog mixers never become obsolete

Mixer cons

May not be able to connect to a computer
Larger footprint than interfaces
Require more maintenance than interfaces

The Best of Both Worlds: a Purpose-Built Content Creation Mixer

Many of today’s content creators need the features of an audio interface and mixer in one device. Podcasters need an easy way to record multiple people—both in-person and remotely—without creating too much work in post. Twitch streamers need to mix their microphone with game audio and music, mute themselves quickly, and trigger sound effects on the fly. And because your following can grow quickly, you need a setup that can expand and scale to meet your needs.

If you’re looking for a solution to all of the above, we recommend the Mackie DLZ Creator and Creator XS content creation mixers. These hybrid adaptive mixers connect easily to a range of devices, allow you to record and stream simultaneously, and offer a host of handy features that take the hassle out of content creation.

Mackie DLZ benefits for content creators

Three versatile modes: Easy for no-fuss setup, Enhanced for greater flexibility, and Pro for extensive control
Mix Agent™: a personal audio assistant that guides you through setup and sound check
AutoMix: manages levels for up to four mics so everyone can be heard
Mix Minus: lets you add a caller into the mix via Bluetooth® with no audible echo
Large color touchscreen display
Assignable knobs, faders, and sample pads
Plenty of connectivity for all of your equipment and devices

No matter what kind of content you make, Mackie has solutions that will help you sound better, work faster, and make your life easier. Check out our full line of content creation and live streaming products today.

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Audio Interface vs. Mixer—What's the Difference and Why You Should Care