ART USB Mix vs ART USB Phono Plus PS

Detailed comparison to help you choose the right USB Audio Interfaces for your music.

Last updated: May 6, 2026 • Next update: May 13, 2026

ART USB Mix

ART USB Mix

4.6/5 Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10

The ART USB Mix is a surprisingly handy little unit for podcasters, solo musicians, or anyone needing a simple interface for basic recording. It's a budget-friendly way to get a mic and instrument into your computer, but don’t expect studio-grade audio quality – it’s best for quick demos and live streaming where pristine sound isn't the top priority.

ART USB Phono Plus PS

ART USB Phono Plus PS

4.9/5 Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10

The ART USB Phono Plus PS is a surprisingly capable little interface, especially for vinyl enthusiasts or anyone needing a simple, affordable way to get phono signals into a computer. Its built-in RIAA preamp provides a decent sonic foundation, making it a good starting point for home recording or basic podcasting. Don’t expect audiophile performance, but it's a solid value for the price.

Detailed Comparison

Feature ART USB Mix ART USB Phono Plus PS
Brand ART ART
Model USB Mix USB Phono Plus PS
Price $126 $130
Expert Rating 4.6/5 4.9/5
Inputs XLR balanced mic, 6.3 mm instrument jack, 6.3 mm stereo line jack 2 x RCA (Line/Phono), Optical S/PDIF
Outputs 6.3 mm stereo jack, headphone output Stereo RCA Line-Out, Headphone, Optical S/PDIF
Max Sample Rate 48 kHz 48 kHz
Bit Depth 16-Bit 16-bit
Preamps ART proprietary mic preamps 1 x RIAA Phono Preamplifier
Weight 0.5 kg 1.5 lbs
Pros + Compact size makes it ideal for small home studios + Built-in RIAA preamp handles vinyl with surprising warmth
Pros + XLR inputs offer flexibility for dynamic and condenser mics + Optical S/PDIF offers clean digital audio transfer
Pros + Phantom power supports condenser microphones for richer recordings + Compact, bus-powered design enhances portability and convenience
Pros + Simple layout is very approachable for beginners and quick tasks + Dual RCA inputs accommodate both phono and line-level signals
Cons - Limited 3-channel input restricts more complex recording setups - Construction feels plasticky; not a robust, studio-grade build
Cons - 16-bit depth is low-resolution, impacting dynamic range - Limited sample rate restricts high-resolution recording potential
Cons - ART preamps are noisy, especially at higher gain settings - Headphone output lacks power for demanding studio headphones
Category USB Audio Interfaces USB Audio Interfaces
Article Number 282046 282063
Check Price Check Price

Frequently Asked Questions

The noise floor is noticeable, particularly when pushing the preamps; it's not ideal for quiet recordings requiring a very clean signal.
You're limited to one mic at a time due to the 3-channel input; it's not designed for multi-mic streaming setups.
Latency will depend on your computer's processing power and drivers, but it's likely to be a bit higher than more advanced interfaces due to the ART’s processing limitations.
No, it's primarily designed for line and phono level signals. You'll need a dedicated mic preamp for that.
It's serviceable for most common cartridges, but high-output or unusual vintage cartridges might benefit from a higher-end external phono stage.
It's compatible with older systems, but driver support for the newest OS versions may be limited; check ART's website for updates.

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