Audio Interface Vs Mixer - What is the difference?

[@andriyaniliev3344]

Hello! 😊 I recently started learning how to make music at Ableton. I was told that I need an audio interface, but I really want to know if a mixer can do the same job, because I see that in the same price ranges, the mixers offer much more options than the audio interface and for me, who comes, I like to mix house music, the mixer is what will work for me much more plus i see that they are a lot more cheaper than dj mixer. Anyway, if the audio interface is better in some things, then I would get an audio interface. could you help me please My English is very poor and I use google translate. I hope the translation is good and you understand what I am saying.

[@GregoryGuay]

Is anyone using both together? I have a wonderful Apogee audio interface, but I like the idea of having Behringer mixers so I can split the signal for monitoring purposes.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s a good idea and that’s also why a lot of the upper tier mixers have multi-channel audio interface - the best of both worlds. 👍🏻

[@GregoryGuay]

So I’d need a mixer that has a balanced line out (bypass mixer preamps) to feed t each input on my audio interface ? Or else split signals from mic/instrument to mixer and interface separately?! Hmmmm…

[@hoprocker]

Also in that "3rd category" (mixers that are multitrack audio interfaces) is the PreSonus AR12 and the Soundcraft Signature MTK series. I've owned both and they handle both mixer & multitrack-over-USB duties quite well. My only complaint is that I've had at least one unit of each die on me (but I've only purchased used, so who's really to blame there?). If you really want to spend $$$, Solid State Logic also makes high-end mixer/interfaces with fancy feeling metal enclosures.

[@anoopkvpoduval]

Are there any serious audio quality diferences between using a mixer as an audio interface vs. a real recording audio interface?

[@grape5465]

@JohnPaul Music UK I’m facing the following challenge: I have a large mixing console, a Yamaha O2R, available to me. Since I prefer using hardware and don’t want to do everything digitally with plugins, I would like to integrate the mixer. However, I can’t easily connect the mixer to my Mac. I also have a rack with devices like a de-esser, reverb, etc. My plan is to route all these devices into the mixer. But how do I connect everything? After that, I would like to route the O2R into an audio interface. I have a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, which I can use with my Mac. Or would it be better to skip the mixer altogether and handle everything through the interface? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@DexterityNJ]

Riddle me this. What if I buy a mackie onyx 12 or 16 channel mixer but want to use it with a motu 828 interface, is that possible? Dumb? Overkill? Have a downside? Also, how do I incorporate a dj controller with all this? Way back when I had my mackie 1642 board with a digi 002. I connected my dj mixer, turntables, sp1200, etc via the mackie while using the digi002 and pro tools. Is it the same concept if use a mackie board with the interface but just skip using the interface side of things on the mackie? Hope that makes sense

[@DanCampbell-pj4jo]

Second! Hey JP, great video as always. Would you be able to do a review on the Behringer Flow 8? I’m deciding between Gigcaster 8 and Flow 8 and would really value your opinion on pro’s & con’s of each. Thanks!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Hey 👋 I’ll check it out and see what I can do. 😊

[@Junomond]

First :)

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

🙌