Amplifier and Dac Combo or a Mixerboard

[Aidan Hartline]

I have been looking into upgrading my audio setup and desktop set up in general. But my most lacking area is the Audio department. I'm currently running some $15 over ear headphones off of amazon going straight to the motherboard because I never really paid much attention. However I am feeling ready for the upgrade.

So, as for a budget, I would like to keep it down below about $70 USD, preferably less around $50 but I will go up to $70. I want to have a XLR Microphone, Headphones (Thinking AudioTechnica M30x or something from their open backed line), potentially a musical instrument or 2, like a guitar and keyboard, and a set of bookshelf speakers.

The traditional knowledge would say use the AMP/DAC, but because I am wanting to have so many different inputs and outputs, I can't seem to find some sort of AMP/DAC that can accommodate all of these inputs and outputs, and plus on the mixerboard I can get more direct control of these and how they interact. But power seems to be the main question, as in would I be able to get enough power from the Mixer to power the headphones and speakers.

The mixer I was looking at the Alto Profession ZMX52 linked below or the Behringer Uphoria UMC22 audio interface.

What seems to be the best choice for my setup? What would you recommend.

Alto Professional Mixerboard

Behringer Audio Interface

[Enderman]

Just get an audio interface.

The behringer one is a good budget option.

Focusrite makes better midrange ones.