Do I need an audio interface?

[OkMud9119]

I have a very cheap audio interface and want to get rid of it.
In my research, I'm not sure, as I'm a beginner that I'm not sure that I actually need to buy another.

My current set up:
Neumann Monitors KH120 Active
Midi Piano
Komplete Audio 6 [cheap interface]
Topping L30 ii
I'm also into field recording, so I'm considering buying the sound devices mix pre.

I'm also wanting to buy a DAC, possibly, the Topping E30.

Do I need an audio interface? am I able to use the mix pre as one?

I should mention, I primarily use headphones and monitors 20% of the time.

 

[Bruce Morgen]

I'm also wanting to buy a DAC, possibly, the Topping E30.

FWIW, my E30 crapped out and "evaluation for warranty service" would have required sending it to China at my own expense, so I gave up on it. I went back to using my Behringer UMC202HD audio interface as my DAC with zero regrets. Despite its inferior SINAD, the Behringer has been more than good enough for my application -- and it's dirt cheap at its current sub-$70 USD street price.

Amir measured the similar UMC204HD

UMC202HD at Sweetwater

 

[AnalogSteph]

Is that the "old" Komplete Audio 6 (line out: +9.6 dBu, DR 101 dB, apparently impedance-balanced, max 96 kHz) or the 6 Mk2 (+11.3 dBu, DR 105 dB, max 192 kHz)? Either way, looks like a CS4270 job with +/-5 V supplies... decent output level, adequate dynamic range. Gets the job done but won't set the world on fire. Kiinda like

I'm not sure I would still recommend the Behringers in this day and age... they have very wimpy output levels, which kind of negates the performance advantages of the CS4272 codec. At least get a Tascam US-2x2HR or UAA Volt 2 or something.

 

[Bruce Morgen]

I'm not sure I would still recommend the Behringers in this day and age...

Well, the Yamaha processor stack that my (dimed) Behringer feeds is from another "day and age" -- the mid-1980s -- so there's that.