Creating a professional-sounding recording at home requires more than just a good microphone. An audio interface with built-in mixing capabilities is the central hub of any home studio, allowing you to connect microphones and instruments, control levels, and send pristine audio to your computer. These all-in-one units simplify your workflow, giving you hands-on control over your sound without constantly adjusting settings in your software.
Whether you’re a solo podcaster, a singer-songwriter, or a full band looking to record, the right interface can make all the difference. The market offers a wide range of options, from compact single-input devices to expansive multi-channel mixers. This roundup highlights eight of the best audio interfaces with built-in mixers to help you find the perfect match for your creative projects and technical needs.
Top Audio Interfaces with Built-In Mixers
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
- FIFINE PC Audio Mixer for Recording Music, USB Interface
- FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer, Streaming RGB PC Mixer
- MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer
- M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface for Recording
- Behringer UMC1820 Audiophile 18×20 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
- PreSonus StudioLive AR16c 16-Channel USB-C Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a benchmark for solo creators. Its high-performance mic preamps are the heart of the unit, delivering studio-quality recordings for vocals, guitars, and podcasts. The unique Air mode adds extra clarity and presence to acoustic instruments and vocals, making your recordings sound brighter and more professional right from the start.
With its high-headroom instrument inputs, you can plug in your guitar or bass without worrying about unwanted clipping or distortion. The visual Gain Halos make it simple to set the perfect input level. Supporting recording and mixing at up to 24-bit/192kHz, the Scarlett Solo ensures your audio retains all its original sonic detail and quality.
FIFINE PC Audio Mixer for Recording Music
FIFINE’s PC Audio Mixer is a straightforward solution for streamers and podcasters seeking an upgrade. It features one XLR microphone input and a dedicated instrument input, allowing you to capture studio-level vocal and instrumental performances. The device is designed to reproduce original sound, capturing every nuance for a clear and professional result.
The inclusion of 48V phantom power means you can use a condenser microphone without needing additional equipment. An intuitive mic gain knob gives you precise control over your input levels. For monitoring, a separate volume knob for the audio output ensures you have exact control over your playback levels during recording or live streaming.
FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer, Streaming RGB PC Mixer
This FIFINE Gaming Audio Mixer is built for streamers who want visual flair and dedicated control. It includes one XLR input with 48V phantom power, enabling you to use a high-quality condenser microphone. The standout feature is its individual channel control, with smooth volume faders for the microphone, line-in, headphone, and line-out channels.
This design allows you to make precise audio adjustments directly on the hardware rather than relying solely on software. Front-panel mute and monitor buttons provide quick and easy access during a live broadcast, helping you prevent background noise from interrupting your stream. The real-time monitoring function lets you hear yourself clearly, which helps you speak more confidently.
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer
The MaonoCaster E2 Gen2 is an all-in-one podcasting bundle designed for ease of use and professional results. It features two XLR combo inputs with high-quality, low-noise preamps offering 60dB of gain, making it powerful enough for even dynamic microphones. This makes it an excellent choice for co-hosted podcasts or interviews.
With USB-C and 3.5mm connectivity, it easily interfaces with both computers and phones. One of its most engaging features is the eight customizable sound effect buttons. You can upload your own intro music or sound bites, each up to 20 seconds long, to add personality and production value to your live streams or recorded shows directly from the hardware.
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo is a highly portable and versatile interface perfect for musicians and podcasters on the go. It features two combo XLR/line/instrument inputs, allowing you to record a microphone and a guitar simultaneously. With 48V phantom power, it supports a wide range of microphones for flexible recording setups.
This interface delivers 48 kHz audio resolution for clear and detailed recordings. For monitoring, it includes a 1/4” headphone output and stereo 1/4” outputs. A dedicated USB/Direct switch enables zero-latency monitoring, so you can hear your input in real time without any distracting delay, which is crucial for recording vocals and instruments.
Behringer UMC1820 Audiophile 18×20 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
For home studios that need to record multiple sources at once, the Behringer UMC1820 is a powerful solution. This interface offers eight inputs with renowned Midas-designed mic preamplifiers, ensuring professional audio quality on every channel. It provides an impressive 18-input/20-output configuration, making it suitable for full bands or complex recording situations.
It operates at an audiophile-grade 24-bit/96 kHz resolution, capturing every detail of your performance. The inclusion of ADAT input allows for expansion, letting you add another eight channels to your system for a total of 16 simultaneous inputs. It also includes MIDI I/O for connecting keyboards and other MIDI gear, creating a complete studio hub.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is the big brother in the Scarlett line, built for serious home studios and project studios. It boasts eight of Focusrite’s excellent Scarlett mic preamps with Air mode, providing a professional foundation for multi-track recording. The unit offers a total of 18 inputs and 20 outputs, giving you immense flexibility for recording drums, bands, or large ensembles.
It includes ADAT and S/PDIF connectivity, allowing you to expand its channel count even further. The front-panel controls and intuitive Focusrite Control software give you complete command over routing, mixing, and monitoring. This combination of high-quality preamps, extensive connectivity, and flexible software makes it a long-term centerpiece for a growing studio.
PreSonus StudioLive AR16c 16-Channel USB-C Audio Interface
The PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is a feature-packed 16-channel mixer and audio interface designed for both live sound and studio recording. It includes 12 high-headroom mic preamps, perfect for capturing a full drum kit or multiple vocalists. With its integrated Fat Channel, you get one-knob compression and EQ on each channel for shaping your sound directly from the hardware.
The USB-C connectivity provides fast and reliable data transfer for recording all 16 channels simultaneously to your computer at up to 24-bit/96 kHz. This makes it an ideal all-in-one solution for recording live performances or complex multi-track sessions in your home studio. Its built-in digital effects and flexible routing options add to its versatility for a wide range of applications.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in an Audio Interface with a Built-In Mixer
When you’re piecing together your home studio, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right gear. For many of us, the idea of an all-in-one unit that combines an audio interface with a physical mixer is incredibly appealing. It saves space, simplifies cabling, and often makes the recording process feel more hands-on and immediate. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the right one? I’ve found that focusing on a few key areas makes the choice much clearer.
First, consider your input/output count. Think about what you record. If it’s just you with one microphone and a guitar, a simpler 2-input model might be perfect. However, if you plan on recording a drum kit, a full band, or multiple synths simultaneously, you’ll need more inputs. Don’t forget to look at the types of inputs too—combo jacks (XLR/TRS) are versatile for mics and instruments, while dedicated line inputs are great for hardware synths and drum machines. On the output side, having multiple outputs can be useful for sending audio to external effects processors or for setting up a separate headphone mix for a vocalist.
Next, pay close attention to the built-in mixer controls. This is the core feature that sets these devices apart from a standard audio interface. Look for units with physical knobs or faders for each input channel. This allows you to adjust levels, set monitor mixes, and control headphone volumes without having to touch your computer’s mouse. Some mixers offer “standalone” operation, meaning you can use them as a analog mixer even when the computer is off, which is a huge plus for quick jam sessions or live streaming.
Sound quality is non-negotiable. This is determined by the preamps and converters
Finally, think about connectivity and workflow. How does it connect to your computer? USB-C is common and provides plenty of power and data bandwidth. Also, consider the physical layout. Are the knobs and buttons laid out in a way that makes sense to you? Is there a dedicated software control panel for deeper settings? Your audio interface with a built-in mixer should feel like an extension of your creative process, not a barrier to it. By weighing these factors—I/O needs, mixer functionality, sound quality, and connectivity—you can find the perfect centerpiece for your home studio. The biggest advantage is workflow and immediacy. With a standard interface, you often have to adjust levels and monitor mixes using your mouse and software on the computer. A unit with physical knobs and faders lets you make these adjustments by hand, which feels more intuitive and is often much faster. It combines the recording capabilities of an interface with the hands-on control of a traditional analog mixer into one convenient device for your home studio. Some models can, and this is a key feature to look for if it’s important to you. This is often called “standalone mode.” In this mode, the device functions purely as an analog mixer, allowing you to blend audio signals from microphones, instruments, and other gear and send a mixed output to speakers or a recorder. However, not all audio interfaces with built-in mixers offer this, so you must check the product specifications carefully if this is a requirement for your setup. This depends entirely on what you record. For a solo artist recording one track at a time (like vocals and then an acoustic guitar), two inputs are usually sufficient. If you record a singer-songwriter with a microphone and a DI guitar simultaneously, you still only need two. However, if you want to record a drum kit with several mics, a live band, or multiple synthesizers at once, you should look for models with eight or more inputs. It’s generally a good idea to plan for future growth and get a few more inputs than you think you need right now. The quality varies greatly depending on the brand and price point. While a high-end, dedicated standalone preamp might offer a specific, sought-after “color” or character, the preamps in modern combo units from reputable brands are often very clean, quiet, and more than capable for professional-sounding results. For most home studio applications, the preamps built into a quality audio interface with a mixer are perfectly excellent and won’t hold you back. Virtually all modern audio interfaces are class-compliant, meaning they will work with major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Reaper on a plug-and-play basis. You might need to install specific drivers from the manufacturer’s website for optimal performance on a Windows computer, but MacOS often recognizes them immediately. It’s always a good practice to check for driver compatibility with your specific operating system. The complexity can range from very simple to quite advanced. Most devices are designed to be user-friendly, with clear labeling and often a companion software mixer that provides a visual representation of the signal flow. The initial setup might require reading the manual to understand how to route signals to your computer and back to your headphones, but once configured, the physical controls make daily operation straightforward. It’s one of those things that seems complicated at first but becomes second nature quickly.FAQ
What is the main advantage of an audio interface with a built-in mixer?
Can I use one of these without a computer?
How many inputs do I realistically need for a home studio?
Are the preamps in these combo units as good as standalone preamps?
Do these devices work with all recording software?
Is it difficult to set up the routing and mixes?