<<< If you can avoid using a mixer, avoid it. They add a little bit of noise into the signal chain. >>>

I have to respectfully disagree with this statement. Modern mixers compared to comparably priced audio interfaces will have virtually the same signal to noise ratio. The consumer grade Mackie Pro FX with USB and Fx is similarly priced to the Focusrite 2i2 marketed as the best selling audio interface in the world and the two devices have identical SN ratios.

You should buy whichever device best suits your needs and how you record. If you have an older, slow PC with 4 GB or less ram, a mixer can take 99% of the CPU load off your recordings by using the preamps, FX, routing and dynamics of the mixer. All with zero latency.

If you record live gigs, a mixer will be the preferred method because of convenience, routing, FX, dynamics and inputs.

If you Stream, a mixer will be the preferred method again due to the available inputs/ outputs,monitoring, FX and dynamics.

A mixer provides more options for tracking than a comparably priced audio interface. You can eq, compress, route to multiple aux sends, insert external effects, mute, solo and have pfl capability with zero load on the computer and also zero latency.

Break switch mutes all channels for music playback between sets is and FX mute with remote control via footswitch are additional features no audio interface will have.

Both have their pros and cons but too much noise should not be an issue with modern equipment.

BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.