An apparatus is provided for integrating a removable fader component with an audio component while also enabling the fader component to be connected with one or more external audio components and/or to function as a standalone fader when removed from the apparatus. Embodiments include an audio component configured to produce a first audio signal; a removable fader component configured with a first connection point for connectivity to the audio component and a second connection point for connectivity to an external audio component that produces a second audio signal, wherein a hardware component, a software component, or a combination thereof for performing a mixing of the first audio signal and the second audio signal is contained within the removable fader component; and a receptacle integrated into the apparatus, wherein the receptacle is configured to hold the removable fader component to the apparatus.