The best audio interfaces depend on how you record: a solo musician, mobile creator, and two-person podcast each need different connections and controls. Compare input options, routing, monitoring, and sound tools to find a setup that fits your workflow.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and includes a dedicated instrument input.
- Provides up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power for microphones.
- Adds virtual channels and loopback through ProStudio Routing Software.
Best For: A new creator who wants a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Offers up to 70 dB of gain for dynamic microphones.
- Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad at once.
- Includes Auto-Gain, loopback, and direct monitoring.
Best For: A solo creator recording a dynamic microphone and streaming between computer and phone.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Has dual XLR inputs with up to 56 dB of gain.
- Connects a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously through dual USB ports.
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and includes loopback routing.
Best For: A creator who records with two XLR microphones and routes between computer and mobile devices.
MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast Equipment Bundle
- Includes two XLR combo inputs and up to 60 dB gain.
- Has eight customizable sound-effect buttons, each supporting up to 20 seconds.
- A built-in 1500mA battery is rated for up to 8 hours of use.
Best For: Two hosts or guests who need dual microphone inputs and built-in podcast controls.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2 Podcast Mixer
- The 10-channel mixer has 11 customizable sound pads.
- Three pads support up to 60 seconds of audio each, with eight supporting up to 20 seconds.
- Includes a 6.35mm instrument input for guitar or bass.
Best For: A podcaster or streamer who wants multiple sound pads, vocal effects, and instrument input.
Compact Recording Starter
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface for PC: Interface with XLR Input 24-bit/192kHz Routing Software LOOPBACK ASIO Driver for Recording Music, Home-Studio, Guitar, Podcast, Streaming, DAW(Black)
The MAONO PS22 Lite is a straightforward choice for a home recording setup built around a computer or iPad. It has an XLR input with up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power, plus a dedicated instrument input for guitar.
Its 24-bit/192kHz recording and direct monitoring switch cover core recording needs, while ProStudio Routing Software adds virtual channels and loopback for streaming. The compact body and plug-and-play modes suit beginners who want fewer setup steps.
It is less focused on mobile-to-computer simultaneous workflows or built-in podcast sound effects than the other options here.
Best For: A new creator who wants a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming.
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Choose the PS22 Lite if compact size, guitar input, and familiar recording software matter more than built-in sound pads or dual-device routing. The direct monitoring switch and recording, broadcast, and instrument modes keep the workflow approachable, while loopback gives streamers extra routing options.
Check how many microphones you need to connect at once, since the record does not establish the simultaneous XLR input count. Also confirm that your software is set to the MAONO ASIO driver when using a compatible Windows DAW.
High-Gain Solo Creator
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 is aimed at creators who want a solo recording interface with flexible gain and a mobile workflow. It offers up to 70 dB of gain for dynamic microphones, 24-bit/192kHz capture, and dual USB ports with MFi-certified connectivity for a computer and phone or iPad at once.
Auto-Gain can set microphone level for OBS Studio, and built-in loopback routes voice, instruments, backing tracks, and desktop audio. Direct monitoring, signal indicators, and independent headphone and monitor controls help manage recording and stream levels.
Its focus is a single creator workflow; the record does not specify how many XLR inputs it has.
Best For: A solo creator recording a dynamic microphone and streaming between computer and phone.
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The P1 fits solo creators who switch between computer recording and phone-based streaming, and who want high gain plus simplified level setting. Its routing software and loopback address a broader streaming workflow than a basic recording interface.
Check microphone input count and phantom-power support before choosing it for a multi-mic or condenser-mic setup, since those details are not specified here. The 15° tilt and compact footprint may also suit a desk where controls need to stay easy to reach.
Dual-Device XLR Recording
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 combines dual XLR inputs with a workflow designed to connect a computer and a phone or iPad simultaneously. It supports condenser and dynamic microphones, with up to 56 dB gain and 24-bit/192kHz recording.
Built-in loopback can capture voice, instruments, backing tracks, and desktop audio, while ProStudio 2 software adds routing and VST effects. Independent mute and monitoring controls help during streams or instrument changes.
The compact, angled housing is desk-friendly. The package includes a USB-C connection cable and manual, so check whether other cables or microphones are needed for your setup.
Best For: A creator who records with two XLR microphones and routes between computer and mobile devices.
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Choose the P2 when dual XLR inputs and simultaneous computer-plus-mobile connectivity are central to your recording or streaming routine. Its direct monitoring, loopback, and ProStudio 2 routing make it suited to creators combining microphones, instruments, and desktop audio.
Its up to 56 dB gain is a specific tradeoff, and the input count of other models is not specified here. Confirm phantom-power needs and the included cable connections before buying for condenser microphones or a particular device.
Two-Host Podcast Mixer
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The MAONO E2 Gen2 is a podcast-oriented interface and mixer for setups with two microphones. Its two XLR combo inputs and preamps offer up to 60 dB gain, while eight customizable sound-effect buttons can each hold up to 20 seconds of audio.
A one-touch mute, loopback, and pitch-changing effects support live shows and streams. The built-in 1500mA battery is rated for up to 8 hours of use, adding flexibility away from a fixed desk.
It is a bundle with mixer functions rather than a plain interface; check what other equipment you need, since included microphones are not specified in the package details.
Best For: Two hosts or guests who need dual microphone inputs and built-in podcast controls.
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The E2 Gen2 is a practical fit for co-hosted podcasts that benefit from two XLR combo inputs, quick mute, and sound effects at hand. Its battery and phone/computer connections give it more flexibility for streaming than a desktop-only interface, though the battery runtime is rated for up to 8 hours.
Confirm what microphones and other accessories you need, because the package details do not name microphones as included. For music recording without podcast controls, look for an interface whose features match that workflow.
Sound-Pad Podcast Console
MAONO Audio Interface, MaonoCaster 10-Channel Podcast mixer with Pro-preamp, 48V Phantom Power, Bluetooth, 11 Customize sound pads for Recording, Streaming, Youtube, TikTok, PC, Guitar (AME2)
The MAONO AME2 brings audio-interface functions together with a 10-channel podcast mixer. It has 11 customizable sound pads, with three supporting up to 60 seconds of audio and the remaining eight up to 20 seconds.
Two microphone inputs have independent controls, and the console also adds six reverb modes, 12-step auto-tune, pitch adjustment, and loopback. A 6.35mm instrument input supports guitar or bass alongside the microphone workflow.
It connects by USB-C to a computer or tablet and includes live outputs for a phone. USB microphones are not supported, so confirm that your microphone uses a compatible analog connection before choosing it.
Best For: A podcaster or streamer who wants multiple sound pads, vocal effects, and instrument input.
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Choose the AME2 for a podcast or live stream where sound cues, vocal effects, and an instrument input are useful parts of the show. Its 11 pads and multiple routing connections offer built-in production controls for creators.
The tradeoff is compatibility: USB microphones are not supported, so check the connector type of your mic before buying. Also consider whether the eight shorter sound pads meet your needs if you plan to trigger longer clips during a show.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
This group focuses on distinct recording workflows: compact computer-based recording, a high-gain solo setup, simultaneous mobile and computer connections, two-host podcasting, and sound-rich live production. Each product is an audio interface or an interface mixer, with inputs or routing features relevant to recording, streaming, or both.
We favored specific capabilities that affect setup choices: microphone input count where stated, preamp gain, instrument inputs, mobile connections, loopback, monitoring, and built-in production controls. These details help separate a simple recording interface from a podcast console designed for live cues.
Comparing Audio Interfaces
Start with the number and type of sources you need to connect. The PS22 Lite has an XLR input and a dedicated instrument input, while the P2 identifies dual XLR inputs.
The E2 Gen2 also has two XLR combo inputs, making it the clearest fit here for two-host recording. The P1's input count is not specified, so verify it if you need more than one microphone.
Connection workflow is another dividing line. The P1 and P2 specify dual USB ports for computer-plus-phone or tablet use.
The PS22 Lite focuses on Mac, Windows, and iPad compatibility, and the E2 Gen2 supports computer, phone, and tablet connections. The AME2 offers USB-C computer or tablet connection alongside live outputs for a phone.
Check the exact cable and port arrangement against your devices.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| A new creator who wants a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| A solo creator recording a dynamic microphone and streaming between computer and phone. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| A creator who records with two XLR microphones and routes between computer and mobile devices. |
| MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast Equipment BundleCheck Price |
| Two hosts or guests who need dual microphone inputs and built-in podcast controls. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2 Podcast MixerCheck Price |
| A podcaster or streamer who wants multiple sound pads, vocal effects, and instrument input. |
Choosing an Audio Interface for Podcasting or Music
For music recording, look at the microphone and instrument inputs first. The PS22 Lite has a dedicated instrument input and 24-bit/192kHz recording.
The P1 also records at 24-bit/192kHz and offers up to 70 dB gain, while the P2 has two XLR inputs and up to 56 dB gain. Those figures describe different configurations; they do not settle input count or microphone compatibility by themselves.
For a podcast, controls that shorten live tasks may matter more than extra routing. The E2 Gen2 has a one-touch mute, loopback, and eight sound-effect buttons.
The AME2 adds 11 sound pads, reverb modes, auto-tune, and pitch controls. Confirm whether USB microphones are part of your setup: the AME2 explicitly does not support them.
Routing, Monitoring, and Live Streaming
Loopback sends computer audio into a recording or stream, useful when combining voice, music, and desktop sound. The PS22 Lite, P1, P2, E2 Gen2, and AME2 each include loopback or routing features, though their controls and software differ.
The P2 and P1 pair this with ProStudio software; the PS22 Lite specifies ASIO compatibility and a direct monitoring switch.
Direct monitoring and independent headphone controls help you hear input while recording or streaming. The P1 and P2 specify independent headphone and monitor controls, while the PS22 Lite provides a direct monitoring switch.
For mobile streams, compare the named phone outputs and simultaneous USB connections rather than assuming every interface routes audio the same way.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface?
Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact starter interface centered on guitar, vocals, and computer recording. Pick the P1 if high gain and a computer-plus-mobile workflow are priorities, after checking its input count and phantom-power needs.
The P2 suits creators who need dual XLR inputs and simultaneous mobile/computer connections.
For two hosts, the E2 Gen2 combines dual combo inputs with mute, sound effects, loopback, and a built-in battery. For cue-heavy podcasting, the AME2 supplies more customizable pads and vocal effects, provided your microphones are compatible analog models.
Match the interface to your sources and routing before deciding which features you will actually use.