Can You Use a Mixer with an Audio Interface?

Yes, you can certainly use a mixer with an audio interface, and integrating these two components can offer significant benefits to your audio production workflow. Below, we’ll explore how mixers and audio interfaces work together, the advantages of this setup, and some considerations to keep in mind. We’ll also provide an example setup and discuss the advantages of modern mixers with built-in USB outputs.

How Mixers and Audio Interfaces Work Together

Routing Audio

Mixers are powerful tools for blending multiple audio sources, such as microphones, instruments, and keyboards. They allow you to control the levels, EQ, and add effects to each source before sending the final mixed signal to the audio interface for digital recording or live monitoring. This process streamlines the audio production pipeline and simplifies the mixing and recording process.

Connection

To connect a mixer to an audio interface, you typically connect the main output of the mixer to the audio interface’s input. This setup allows the audio interface to capture the mixed signal from the mixer, ensuring that the digital recording process captures the final mix accurately.

Monitoring

Many mixers come equipped with built-in monitoring capabilities. This feature allows you to listen to the mix in real-time, which is particularly useful for live performances or during recording sessions. Built-in monitoring eliminates any latency issues that might arise from monitoring through the audio interface, providing a more natural and direct audio experience.

Flexibility

The combination of a mixer and an audio interface provides greater flexibility in managing audio sources. This setup is particularly advantageous in complex setups, such as multi-track recordings or live performances, where you need to handle multiple inputs simultaneously. The mixer’s front-end processing and the audio interface’s digital recording capabilities work seamlessly together to ensure optimal sound quality and reliability.

Considerations for Using a Mixer with an Audio Interface

Audio Quality

Ensure that both the mixer and the audio interface have high-quality preamps and converters to maintain excellent audio quality throughout the signal chain. The preamps in the mixer should be capable of capturing clean and clear signals, while the converters in the audio interface should handle the digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions with minimal distortion.

Latency

If you plan to monitor the mix through the audio interface, there might be a slight latency issue. To avoid this, use a low-latency monitor mode within your audio interface or synch the monitor output of the mixer to the audio interface. This ensures a seamless and natural listening experience without any delays.

Compatibility

Ensure that the output levels of the mixer match the input levels of the audio interface to prevent distortion or noise. Typically, mixers output at a higher level (0 dBu), while audio interfaces typically require a lower input level (typically around -10 dBu or -20 dBu). Use attenuators or pads on the mixer to match the levels and avoid any unwanted noise or distortion.

Example Setup

A typical setup involves connecting various microphones and instruments to the mixer. Once the signals are processed and mixed, the main output of the mixer is connected to the input of the audio interface using XLR cables (for balanced connections) or TRS cables (for balanced connections).

The audio interface is then connected to your computer via USB or other connections. This setup can be particularly useful in both home studios and professional environments. It allows you to have versatile audio routing and mixing capabilities, making it easier to manage multiple audio sources and recording tracks.

Modern Mixers with Built-in USB Outputs

Many modern mixers now feature integrated USB outputs, allowing them to double as audio interfaces. This provides an additional level of flexibility, enabling you to work at or away from your computer without losing the convenience of digital recording. These mixer-audio interface hybrids come in handy for mobile recording situations, live performances, or when working in locations with limited connectivity options.