Audio Interface vs Mixer - What is the Difference?
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- Опубліковано 5 чер 2024
- Are you confused about the difference between an audio interface and a mixer? Is your goal to find the best way to record audio on your computer? Or mobile device? Maybe you want to livestream with high quality? Or both?
Can you do all your recording and streaming with one bit of studio equipment or do you need multiple items? And what’s a USB mixer? Discover the answers to these questions in this video, so you can decide which is the best device for you.
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Focusrite Scarlett Studio 4i4 Audio Interface
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Yamaha MG06 Analog Mixing Console:
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USB Mixing Desk:
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0:00 Intro
1:14 The Audio Interface
2:49 Multitrack Recording with Audio Interface
3:40 Analog Mixers
5:21 Connect Mixer to Audio Interface
6:00 USB Mixers
7:49 Multitrack USB Mixing Console
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Maybe not the right place but did i get tricked? I have a Soundcraft Notepad 12FX and i wanted to be able to use my mixer with the guitar and mic connected when i was a guest at someone's live at TikTok. I know i can use it with the USB to pc but then i have to have the live by my self or have my own guests(Now also be a co host but then they other person cant have other guest i guess.
But if i want just to be a guest I have to connect via my mobile, Iphone so i got told i should get an adapter Lightning to Camera3 and lightning charging. Sure fine...i connect and i can hear the sound from the mobile via the mixer to the headphones BUT no one on the live can hear me, so does this not work and i was tricked...i tried to download an APP another video here on UA-cam talked about...sure and i can se the one mic..wanted to use the other one but...i can just barely notice the guitar...BUT this is to record yourself or something...that is not being a guest at TikTok. So is i tricked big time and have just spend money i really should not have bought in the first way but if it not work i dont know what to do.
So why would this not work with the sound the other way around, or has it to be something in the settings?
Absolutely the clearest explanation I have ever heard
Same
THIS
What’s the moral of video to your hard ever , please could you explains in 1 line
@@umerabadpirzada 😀
Right?!? The missing link.
Extreme clarity of thought, command over subject, crisp and clear speech and a most pleasant demeanour. Add to this a tight and perfect audiovisual production. You are my favourite! 💓🙏
she does a wonderful job!
That's preperation behind cam. Writing the script rather than talk in impromptu.
A pleasant accent and word accentuation that didn't make me cringe and mute to captions! Well presented.
@@LoynePueblos Yes, that's called being professional and prepared! (AKA: Respecting your viewers time).
As a fading 26 year old, can I please be like her at her age?
I did a ton of research reading articles and watching other videos - and I was still confused! Then I watched this video and now I know what I needed to know! Thank you 🙏🏻
Note that you can in fact record two distinct audio sources with a stereo USB mixer. You simply need to pan one left, and the other right, and record the stereo channels as discrete tracks. Most DAW's will allow you to do this. You are obviously restricted to two channels, but it works just fine.
In fact you can technically record more than two you just have to pan some left and some right. You'll get a nice blend. If the mixer isn't a usb you can then plug it into an audio interface.
I like how you explain everything in simple to understand format.
Literally the clearest, most concise explanation ever, answered every question I had. What a legend 🙏
Incredibly informative. Communicated with clarity and efficiency. Thank you!
Thanks for that - nice and clear. Before I used Reaper I was recording directly onto my Zoom R8 which, in itself was cool. I never really explored it that much so, late in the day, discovered it can be used as an audio interface that permits recording to 2 separate tracks from 2 separate inputs - which is cool.
In addition, it can act as a control surface for the transport section and faders.
Especially for newbies (like myself) to all this the audio interface is a particular area of mystery so thanks for clarifying so succinctly.
Damn, i paid more attention to her talking than i listening to my mum my whole life.
lmao same
Lol
Same
Lol. She's precise
Pretty much always the case , we take the gifts given to us for granted
This channel is a godsend. Can’t wait to dig into your old videos, and looking forward to videos to come!
I have been searching the Internet where I could find comparisons, reviews, tips and tricks of recording and related equipment. Your channel has become my one stop knowledge base. Love your content and that Where's Waldo shirt 👌🔥
So short, so compact, so informative and so extremely helpful - thanks a lot!
Wow, how lucky to have stumbled across this! Great and clear explanation - so cool to find someone explaining these things in a clear and simple way with no distracting flashy music and effects etc. Thanks for the excellent work, good luck with the channel - subscribing now!
Wow, this is incredibly clear. I feel like I could show this video to my parents who don't have any knowledge of recording and what you need for that at all, and they would still be able to follow you. And somehow, although it is so simply and understandably explained, it doesn't feel dumbed down or like you missed something. I am absolutely astonished by this, and just so ecstatic to having found your channel.
very enlightening. just what i wanted to understand as a beginner live performer & intermediate recording artist, thank you so much, pls continue to make such videos!
Thank you for explaining the differences pros and cons of each so clearly! This made me realize that mixers are not really a necessity for what I want to accomplish!
Fantastic overview of these bits of hardware! As someone brand new to learning the audio side of live-streaming, this is the best explanation I’ve heard yet BY FAR for the layman. Brilliant! Thank you.
this. is. amazing. What fantastic work. I am stunned at how clear you have made hours of searching and listening to so many different content sources. I can only imagine what work you put into writing and recording. Thank you!
Thank you for this. I actually kind of knew all this, but the way you put it together and summarize it was very helpful. 👌🏼
After all the vids and I’ve seen up to a few hundred at this point this was the best explaining the difference and at different tiers !
So hard to find someone with tech savvy who is also an educator. Thank you!
Fantastic! I learned more than the music store ever told me. Thank you!
The best cutting to the chase explanation I have viewed so far. No promoting guitar skills etc.
Hey, I just stumbled upon your channel and this is the first video that I have seen that's been made by you. I dig it, and subbed!! Thanks for the clear explanation and I really like your delivery style, editing, time stamps etc. All good stuff! Thank you.
This explains everything that I need to know about the diff between an audio interface and USB mixer. All questions in mind are answered. Thanks
Where were you 5 years ago when I blew cash trying to find my best set up for Internet radio broadcasting. Made a few expensive mistakes and still feels like I'm muddling through in the darkness. This has helped me ty x
Don't feel too bad, Emma, because things have moved on a lot in 5 years, and gear is now significantly less expensive. We've all made similar and often costly mistakes, but that's how we learn! But I agree - a great series of videos!
Great video. It's perfect for my situation. A few years ago I started with a Focusrite 2i4, I found the DAW (Ableton 10 Lite) to be somewhat cumbersome for recording acoustic or electric guitar and vocals. Recently I decided to get a mixer, I found the Zoom LiveTrak L-8, best decision I ever made, not inexpensive but worth it to me. It has an on board SD card slot which eliminates the need for recording to a PC. The mixer provides quicker and easier volume adjustment while playing the guitar or singing, the onboard effects are great even though I have some pedals and a modeling amp. I still plan to learn more about the the DAW and haven't sold the 2i4 yet !!! This is the first of your videos that I've seen and I'm glad I found you, I'm subscribing and can't wait to watch you again. Thanks Music Repo.
It's amazing how this video explains a lot of things while also keeping it simple, and tells everything in a very clear flow. The script work is great! Thanksss
I've watched many videos on this subject, but this one was by far the one which explained it better. Thanks!
Great to hear!
dunno why i got this as recommended video, but this was very pleasant to watch, thank you.
I am very much aware with their differences, but the way you explain it, it's easy to understand.
Thanks for this.
well done. exactly the summary I've been looking for in the last 2 weeks
Awesome work..u have earned a sub.
You have a special way of explaining things in a non pretentious and non douchy ways.
Keep it simple👍🏽
Thank you!!!!
I have good music contents check me out
Wow, great content. Everything I wanted to know, so helpful to someone starting out home recording. Also just so refreshing to see this content from someone other than a young dude in a baseball cap, subscribed!
Love how you explained the difference in a simple accessible way. Thanks
I use both types of devices, and learned a lot from this video. You have a pleasing "bedside manner" about how you educate.
After hours trawling the internet for a solution to the issues I'm having with my livestreaming set-up, your explanation has resolved these problems in seconds. Thank you for your incredible clarity. What a eureka moment!
So what's the conclusion you got?
Hi there. I've been struggling mentally to get headspace to start recording my own songs for many years. I have most of the equipment (audio interface, mics, instruments etc) but I've found it very difficult to break through the obstacles I have placed in front of myself.
I found this video was very helpfuI and I like how you give clear explanations without getting too techy. You are a great teacher. Hopefully I will start to get some faith in myself and finally get all this music I've been carrying around in my head to the outside.
I have just subscribed too.
Thank you.
Man I wish you were a Brooklyn local or something. Been wanting to talk and learn with someone who also wants to make music, if not too insanely different in genre haha
@@takemetoyonkI’am, my genre progressive House and bass House
I have several options. I have the MTK Soundcraft that I use for most everything. I love that board. I also have a small Behringer, you can record two mono tracks simultaneously by panning those two channels to full left and full right and setting the L/R inputs as mono inputs. I've also had an older Tascam 1800 for a long time. I haven't used it for several years now, I'm not even sure if it's still compatible with my new Mac set up. But, It was a great piece of gear.
This has been one of the most informative videos on these kinds audio devices. Thank you so very much!!
Your videos are SO well done and helpful!!! Thank you!!!!
I've been binge watching your videos as its automatically getting recommended after I watched one of your videos. Really helpful guide for me as I get into the world of audio. Thank you for making these 😊
THIS IS SUCH AN USEFULL AND DETAILED EXPLANAITION. I just found a great channel, you gained a suscriber, kudos for this increidible work, so usefull for people.
Thank you for explaining the differences. It really helps me understand in connecting my laptop to my mixer and it's functionality. Very clearly explained. 👍
Well explained. I think this will help a lot of people. "Absolute basics"? Well...those are tough words to live up to, but still this video is full of useful information. I think one thing I would add is that an "audio interface" basic contribution is that it converts an analog signal to digital information so that it can be manipulated further, or used for other purposes in the computer. The bonus is whatever quality the "audio interface" hardware brings to the equation to pull in the analog audio signal.
Thanks for your comment. I agree. It's difficult to know what to include and what to leave out. I have done a basic intro to What is an Audio Interface here.
www.musicrepo.com/what-is-an-audio-interface/
My Lady, you are a virtual audio goddess and a UA-cam hero! Merry Xmas and happy holidays!
she is a great resource!
Wonderful breakdown of this concept. Excited to follow your channel!!!!!
One of the best explanations, usually dj's or music geeks which review these devices don't explain in such detail ( no dissing they still do a good job). But this lady made everything so clear. Great Job!
These videos are absolutely excellent. The answers to the questions recording noobs were afraid to ask.
Thanks 🙏
Thank you! A spanner in the works is MIDI which was not mentioned probably to avoid confusion, but I think needed to be included in the discussion, since its presence actually causes confusion. I’m new to the channel so I’m looking forward to seeing if it’s covered, along with different DAWs.
An excellent presentation. I was looking for the difference between an audio interface and a sound mixer and how they work and the cable connections in each port. I have found the answer in your video. Easy to understand. Thanks.
My questions are now answered! Wonderful and clear. Thank you.
A third option (and a better option in most home studios) would be an interface with as many channels as you need and a control surface that's compatible with your DAW. A control surface looks more or less like a standard mixer, only the controls are tied to the appropriate controls in your DAW. For instance, you move the fader for channel 1, and the fader for channel 1 in your DAW moves. pan to the left, and you get the same pan in your DAW. Some control surfaces even have programmable controls that you can map to your favorite software effects. Using this method, you don't have to mess with two sets of everything (both on a mixer and in the DAW), which can easily turn into a nightmare for beginners.
Yep thats a good one. The korg nanokontrol for example is a good entry level control surface.
MG10XU does have the ability to connect via USB and behave as an interface. She showed the MG10. It behaves the way she described the other USB mixer. She is right that it doesn't split the tracks like the audio interface would. For most people who are doing single tracks, the interface is ideal. If you are recording a band, you should probably get a bigger interface. ; ) Mixers are good for live shows, though.
U 0
This is very helpful - many thanks. All too often presenters make their presentations unnecessarily complex, and in doing so totally disregard those of us who are new to this subject.
This was a really in-depth and thorough video that explored all the aspects I wanted information on! Thanks :D
I subscribed because of this. Fabulous explanation! Going to watch more now 😁👍🏻
Me too John!
The irony in those analogue Mixers is, that they miss a feature very crucial to live applications: A noise / expander gate. This makes choosing the right microphones even more crucial, on your quest of making feedback and and background noise as little of a problem, as possible.
You are amazing at explaining these things. So straight forward and easy to understand. Thank you
Thank you this clarified some things I wasn't aware of!
Nice video, well explained and I learned about recording a mix into separate tracks of the DAW -which I will look at more, as I can separate tracks to remix etc. I use just a Behringer Xenyx 302USB audio interface that I bought in 2020, and that has the ability to go direct to the laptop or can be powered by a USB wall charger for more versatile options. A very simple, portable and low noise option. Great for livestream or just to record with.
Absolutely amazing and clear guide! Love it!
Only caveat would be to the analog mixers; you can definitely find mixers that will run an RCA record out that you can run directly into a PC. Saves you from buying an audio interface as well at least.
Thanks. I was wondering exactly this idea, as that is what I wanted to try, but was worried I would somehow mess up my computer's audio, which I need for work. So I did not want to take the chance.
@@jameslangridge1674 That's how I recorded for years. Ran an old Mackie 12-channel mixer into my laptop's mic input jack using an RCA to 1/8" jack adapter. Couldn't record to separate channels at the same time, of course, but could mix several inputs at once into one stereo channel, then do overdubs. It's not ideal, but it's fine for hobbyist messing around or basic podcasts.
Thank you! I have been looking for this information for hours in other videos and finally found it here 😅
I had to rewind this several times as the concepts were BRAND NEW "to me" given the fact that I had ZERO KNOWLEDGE on how these mixers and audio interface boxes worked prior to watching. HOWEVER, NOW that I have watched your video, I feel like I am empowered to be a studio engineer now. For real though I do. 😂 I ABSOLUTELY LOVED your explanation and I am so thankful!
I am seriously going to pursue a deeper career in music now! Thank you! Love it!
Another quality UA-cam University professor! Thank you so much for this! Cheers!
Love to see another lady in audio business :) Thank you!
Great video; very clear and useful explanation. Thank you for taking the time to make this!
Brilliant - easy to understand, to the point. No silly gimmicks. THANK YOU. :)
Ah, now I can stop pretending that I know the difference between a mixer and an audio interface.
I know this subject intimately lol. I watched just to see how well you did. I have to say you nailed it. There's a lot to learn about them but you explained the "differences" perfectly. Uses, pros, cons, for each... Well done. I use my x32 for full band recording and a two channel Behringer for demos. Since you touched on the subject, I would point out that if you do have the option to record each instrument on it's own track, DO NOT add a bunch of effects to the track before you record. You can't get rid of too much echo or reverb if you record it that way. Add all that stuff in your computer after you get a good "dry" track. That way you can always hit undo or re-adjust amounts of effects. Recording with effects is risky business and generally never done by professionals. Just sayin... Cheers
100%. And who does onboard mix downs these days? Maybe some supper rich folk and studios.
i've had this doubt for years, thank you for making this video!
What an awesome, clear and helpful video! Greatly appreciate it! Subscribed!
I have a Zoom R24. It's most like that last device, the mixer/interface combo one, but it also has standalone multitrack recording, with up to 24 tracks of audio. I absolutely love it. It's such a great piece of gear.
Wish I had this video when I was starting out. For the longest time I had no clue. Had to do a lot of digging to finally understand the difference. Fast forward to 2020, it's all in one consolidated video.
Great job. Lovely explanation. An absolute GEM of a video for those just starting out.
I’m new to audio engineering and I’m glad I found your video. Easiest and clearest explanation for a beginner like myself. Thank you!
Stunning, informative and finally clear video. Thank you a thousand times.
I use my Zedi USB Mixer as an interface for my In's & Out's. It's basically a Patch Bay.
My Zedi 10FX just arrived today! I got it because I've been using a regular ZED 10FX for hosting karaoke for many years and have absolutely loved it. When I realized there was an upgraded version that I could use for recording as well, I didn't hesitate to grab one.
I finally understand why my soundcraft notepad-12fx mixer doesn't let me record separate tracks lol
Me too, I have Behringer Q502USB and It can not record separately to my audios.
Thank you so much for your detailed explanation on the difference between a USB mixer and an audio interface. I really appreciate all the details on all of your videos. Again, thanks a lot! Greetings from Mexico!
Very detailed and explained with clarity…thank you.
This is the most British instructional video ever 😂
And your username is austintexas9440.
Hell I'd love to hear your accent, and I'm not hating. I'm British and love hearing other accents people in my local Nottinghamshire area have such a boring dialect. 'Innit' 😅
Not really not at all.
@@MissileGuidanceand u just shh
@@user-gj6rl7po9q I'm not in a library
She's actually from the United Kingdom
Welp, I found Waldo.
Thanks for your clarity and easy explanation.
Very much simple but detailed presentation with all info we needed. Great upload and thanks.
Alright you answer the question I've had about mixers with USB, thank you. Now I know I want to go with an audio interface. Plus a audio interface should have better sound quality than a mixer in general.
Audio quality of even inexpensive mixers will be pretty good for most home use. The thing is that audio interface quality varies a lot by brand. Get a focusrite scarlett, and you will get absolutely top tier audio quality.
Sadly, I bought a Steinberg UR22 however and the quality leaves much to be desired. High noise floor, and a low quality mic preamp in particular.
@@WarrenPostma Exactly!
Not all audio-interfaces are equal, however, in general, a mixer adds a LOT of noise over most audio-interfaces and that must be said, as that is the one thing that isn't really mentioned in this video (nor on the website).
@@Junyo What mixer do you find adds noise? My mixer is cleaner and has a lower noise floor than my audio interface. What's even better it has a built in hardware input compressor and things like Mics sound 100x better through my mixer than they do direct into my admittedly LOW END audio interface.
audio interface: less time spent cleaning
Excellent video, thanks for clarifying the difference!
very informative.Clarified many questions I had. Thank you!
Teach me how to record Sensei.
You really did a wonderful, beautiful job at explaining these topics and answered all of my questions about these! Thank you so much for this video, obviously I subscribed and will be following your work! Cheers from the Land of Israel (freelance professional musician, drums, percussion and some other stuff with G-d's Help)
Glad it was helpful!
super crisp and clear.. thank you
Terrifically helpful video!!
Some of today's keyboards come with a built in audio interface. Like Yamaha and Nord!
Same thing with Drum multipads like SPD-SX and Strike multipad. They can also be used as a sound card
Mg10XU by Yamaha DOES in fact plug straight into my computer fyi. I DON'T need an interface.
Thanks for your comment. In the video I am referring to the non-USB version of that mixer. Yamaha make a whole range of mixers and so if anyone is looking to purchase they need to be very careful which variant they are buying
@@MusicRepo AAAH...I see...excellent! cheers!
Great overview, really clear - thank you!
Thank you for the video.
I love how you explained all these in a simple manner.
The real difference is one of em gat dem big ole diddlies, the other one got dem lil diddlies, and I think I even saw some biddlies in there.
Definitely seent some zookleboys over there over yonder, though, so that's a dealbreaker for me
This has helped me so much. Ive been struggling to figure out how my mixer fits into my studio. Turns out i dont really need it. Thank you so much.
I'm trying my hand at recording drums and wasn't sure if I should get an audio interface or a mixer that had usb functionality for recording into a DAW. Your section specifically at 7:04 noting that the inputs from a mixer with usb functionality couldn't be separated as separate tracks in a DAW, but one only appear as one stereo mix track, was absolutely crucial in my decision making. I'll go with the interface. This was incredibly helpful - thank you so much!