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An audio interface and a mixer are two different pieces of equipment that serve different purposes in a audio recording or live sound setup.

1. Audio Interface: An audio interface is a device that connects your computer to your microphones, instruments, and speakers. It provides preamps for microphones and direct inputs for instruments, as well as analog-to- digital conversion to allow your computer to record the audio. Audio interfaces often also provide headphone outputs, monitoring controls, and sometimes even MIDI inputs and outputs.

2. Mixer: A mixer is a device that takes multiple audio inputs, adjusts their levels, adds effects, and then combines them into a single or multiple outputs. Mixers are used in live sound settings to balance the levels of different microphones and instruments, and in recording studios to mix multiple tracks into a final stereo or surround sound master. Mixers often also provide equalization, panning, and other effects