8 Best Audio Interfaces For Mixing in 2024

Affordable and high-quality audio interfaces for mixing.

top 3 audio interface for mixing

A good sound card is a must if you plan to mix with headphones only. However, if you go ahead and use a pair of studio monitors or hook up a midi instrument, then you should consider purchasing the best audio interface for mixing. This device will give you more options and become a justified investment down the road.

Top 8 Audio Interfaces for Mixing

  1. PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6 - Compact
  2. Antelope Audio Orion - Powerful
  3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 - Durable
  4. Antelope Audio Orion 32+ - Two levels of volume
  5. Pyle PAD33MXUBT - Professional sound quality
  6. M-Audio AIR 192/4 - High quality
  7. Native Instruments - Afforable
  8. PylePro PMXU68BT - Portable

Now you know when you may need an audio interface. But how can you choose the right option? Below you will find some helpful tips on what factors to keep in mind when going for the best audio interface for mixing. Moreover, we have collected several top devices that can suit your needs.

1. PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6

Compact
presonus studio 68c 6x6 audio interface for mixing

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Three standard options for connecting the device
  • ✚ Built-in high-quality sound card
  • ✚ Cue Mix A/B function
  • High price
Rating

PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6 USB audio interface is considered as one of the best recording interface by professional DJ and audio mixing experts. It features a large mixer with two decks (or ""channels"") for input and output of sound and music. This multi function microphone preamp enables you to mix audio in a different way, even if both the decks are functioning at the same time. It offers three standard options for connecting the device, connecting it to a personal computer through FireWire or USB port or directly connecting to an audio interface that uses a high-speed USB or FireWire data cable.

The PreSonus Studio 68c USB audio interface makes it easy for a wide range of professional DJs to perform and mix music. Thanks to the built-in high-quality sound card and the highly flexible MIDI controller incorporated in the machine, you can set up a complete recording studio with no limitation to the number of tracks you can play at one time.

2. Antelope Audio Orion

Powerful
antelope audio orion audio interface for mixing

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 48-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Powerful
  • ✚ APS technology
  • ✚ High saound quality
  • ✚ Onboard processing
  • High price
Rating

The Antelope Audio Orion studio synergy core Thunderbolt 3 is an advanced audio interface designed to be the core of your professional audio recording studio for many years to come, delivering uncompressed high quality sound from the best sources in both professional and personal audio applications. Designed to run on top of existing Antelope Audio sound cards or a custom computer-based audio interface, this powerful interface makes it possible to transmit sound and music from computer to a host system without the need for expensive conversions.

A particularly clever bit of technology which Antelope have employed within their synergy core Thunderbolt model is what is known as 'APS'. As the name suggests, APS stands for Active State Power; a high-power control switch that automatically shuts down unnecessary power supplied to low levels on demand. In addition to being extremely useful for professional sound engineers and mixers, this innovative power management feature allows you to keep the processor and hard drive fully loaded so that maximum performance can be achieved.

3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20

Durable
focusrite scarlett 18i20 audio interface for mixing

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Durable
  • ✚ High perfomance
  • ✚ Includes pro tools
  • High price
Rating

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB audio interface offers two ways to control input levels and the level to which the sound will be output at. This extra functionality makes this a very useful interface for any professional level recording studio. In addition to this, if you need to make adjustments to the level during playback, you can easily do so with the "east" and "west" focus switches on the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB audio interface.

In addition to all of the aforementioned features, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB audio interface also has a number of preset recording styles and effects. When you are looking for a quality sound card and interface for your professional mixing or recording process, you certainly want to pay attention to the Focusrite interface that you purchase. In addition to being easy to work with, the Focusrite audio interfaces are also designed with durability and reliability in mind. With a Focusrite audio interface, you know that your recording efforts are in good hands.

4. Antelope Audio Orion 32+

Two levels of volume
antelope audio orion 32+ audio interface for mixing

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 48-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Good compatibility
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Two levels of volume
  • High price
Rating

The Antelope Audio Orion 32+ USB audio interface facilitate recording from any source and are compatible with PC, Mac OS X and Unix-like operating systems. This recording interface has an audio input with gain-level adjustment so you can get the most out of your recording. A standard headphone jack is provided as well for monitoring the monitor mix. Another advantage of using Antelope Audio Orion USB audio interface as opposed to other computer-based recording interface is the flexibility of the interface.

The Antelope Audio Orion 32+ USB audio interface are very user friendly and with the bundled software, it is very easy to get the most out of this new recording interface. The included software bundle provides an extensive library of sounds, which can be used for sequencing, reverb, vocal effects and a variety of other musical effects. It also have two levels of volume, which allows the end-user to adjust the sound volume according to their requirements.

5. Pyle PAD33MXUBT

Professional sound quality
pyle pad33mxubt audio interface for mixing

Connectivity: USB Type-B | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Professional sound quality
  • ✚ Compact and lightweight
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Afforable
  • Not found
Rating

Pyle PAD 33MXUBT offers professional sound quality through its RCD IC based audio interface. This feature enables the unit to run as a high-quality CD collection player/recorder even without a CD player or an audio interface. The product also allows for two input selections and one output selection which make it very useful for multiple input/output mixing tasks. In addition, it is very compact and light in weight despite its high-end features.

The Pyle PAD 33MXUBT is very well equipped with two knobs for mixing purposes which allows the user to set the mixing level using one knob while leaving the other knob unmuted for final mixing. Another great feature of the product is its fat hookup that allows connecting to a DJ deck or mix bus without the need of expensive DJ cables. Another great feature of Pyle PAD 1933mx is that it is very easy to operate, even for a beginner who knows nothing about mixing.

6. M-Audio AIR 192/4

High quality
m-audio air 192/4 audio interface for mixing

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ High quality
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Large display
  • ✚ Low latency
  • No GUI for controlling the knobs
Rating

The M-Audio Air 192/4 USB audio interface is a high-quality audio interface with various features that help you get the best performance out of your computer. This type of interface enables you to work with up to 4 recorded tracks at the same time and will save you a lot of money compared to what you would spend if you were working with just a keyboard and mouse.

The good news is that the M-Audio Air 192/4 is very easy to use even for beginners, thanks to the many icons it has. If you are a beginner and want to get your feet wet with mixing and mastering, this is definitely the way to go. Another good feature of the Air interface is the large display. You can see all the information you need for mixing, monitoring, and triggering right on the screen.

7. Native Instruments

Afforable
native instruments audio interface for mixing

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ High sound quality
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Afforable
  • No direct monitoring
Rating

The Native Instruments Komplete Audio is a great new addition to an expanding range of musical and audio interface products. Although it isn't as well known as other companies, or as well reviewed, its sound quality, and ease of use, definitely makes it worth checking out.

Many users have commented that it sounds better than many of the interfaces they are used to using. It's also fairly inexpensive, which is always a good thing, especially with a range like this one.

8. PylePro PMXU68BT

Portable
pylepro pmxu68bt audio interface for mixing

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz

  • ✚ Wireless
  • ✚ Portable
  • ✚ Good compatibility
  • ✚ 6-channel
  • Not reliable
Rating

The PylePro PMXU68BT digital DJ controller works seamlessly with the latest smartphones, tablets, and even laptops. It offers you total control over the mixing process with an easy to use touch screen. This control can be done from anywhere, so you can mix from the stage, the car, the airplane, or right at home.

Forget about connecting cables and spending extra time learning how to control your mixes. Now you can mix with ease from any location, and without the extra hassle.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
presonus studio 68c 6x6 audio interface for mixing
PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6
Compact
  • Three standard options for connecting the device
  • Built-in high-quality sound card
CHECK PRICE
antelope audio orion audio interface for mixing
Antelope Audio Orion
Powerful
  • Powerful
  • APS technology
CHECK PRICE
focusrite scarlett 18i20 audio interface for mixing
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Audio Interface for Mixing?

how to choose the best audio interface for mixing

Features

Most basic DJ controllers have a standard feature package. They include a mixer section, a couple of jog wheels, some kind of control for effects, and browsing controls to select tracks. Many controllers contain a built-in audio interface. It allows you to connect your mobile device or laptop easily. However, various models may provide these standard features in different ways. For example, expensive options are larger and they have longer-throw faders, bigger jog wheels, and four-channel mixers combined with hands-on controls for effects and flexible performance pads.

Professional audio interfaces have more advanced features and cost significantly more. Premium DJ models contain more controls. They are more durable and are of better quality. They are more convenient to use as they have more space around mixer controls. Larger jog wheels are another advantage of such options.

Considering all of the above, good DJ controllers can perform pretty differently. For example, our list contains some single-deck designs that must be used in pairs. Moreover, there is one option that includes a universal set of faders, buttons, and knobs.

how to choose the best audio interface for mixing

Compatibility

When choosing the best audio interface for mixing, you should consider the DJ software you will use. For example, Rekordbox or Serato software is compatible with Pioneer's controllers. You need to install the branded Traktor software if you buy Native Instruments models. Lots of options support such applications as Virtual DJ or AlgoriddimDjay.

Experienced DJs usually know what software can meet their requirements, so they choose audio interfaces that are compatible with these programs. If you are just taking your first steps, you should think carefully about the model you are buying because you will have to work with the corresponding software for this device. We recommend Rekordbox, Serato, or Traktor for the task.

Standalone players can also be a decent option to think about. We've collected the most popular and reliable models on our 10 Best DJ Decks list. However, this review also includes one decent player. You can use Pioneer DDJ-1000 as a standalone mixer, too.

Portability

You should consider portability if you plan to carry a controller anywhere. You should find a perfect balance between size and functionality as ultra-compact models are inferior to their larger counterparts in terms of feature set. On the other hand, you can’t put large controllers in your backpack. They are more suitable for chair or home use.

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