Mixing desks and audio interfaces
Great sound starts with connecting your microphones, instruments and computer the right way. Choose from mixing desks for small bands, events and streaming, and USB audio interfaces for home recording, podcasts and music production.
Mixing desks and audio interfaces
Whether you are recording vocals, guitar, a podcast or a live stream, you need a device that brings the signals together and turns them into clean sound. The right choice saves time during setup and when editing the recording.
Mixing desks let you connect several microphones and instruments at once and set the volume, EQ and effects for each channel. Smaller models suit rehearsals, weddings or cafés, while larger ones are made for bands and event sound. Many have built-in USB or Bluetooth, so you can record straight to a computer or play music from your phone.
Audio interfaces, or external sound cards, connect a microphone or instrument to a computer and deliver far better sound than a built-in sound card. XLR inputs with 48 V phantom power also handle condenser microphones, and a Hi-Z instrument input lets you record guitar directly.
When choosing, look at the number of inputs, low latency and outputs for headphones and studio monitors. For podcasts and streaming, an interface with two inputs is enough, while a band will appreciate a desk with more channels. Most devices work with common recording software on Windows and macOS.