The best audio interfaces depend on whether you need focused music recording, mobile connections, or podcast controls for more than one person. Compare input options, monitoring, and software routing to find a setup that fits your instruments, microphones, and recording workflow.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz with an XLR input.
- Includes an instrument input for guitar recording.
- Adds virtual channels and loopback for streaming.
Best For: Home musicians and creators who want a compact interface with instrument input and routing software.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Provides up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones.
- Connects a computer and phone or iPad at the same time.
- Supports loopback for capturing voice, instruments, and desktop audio.
Best For: Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who want high gain and simultaneous computer and mobile connections.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Has dual XLR inputs and up to 56dB gain.
- Connects a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously.
- Supports loopback and software routing.
Best For: Musicians and streamers who want two XLR inputs and a computer-to-mobile workflow.
MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
- Provides two XLR combo inputs and up to 60dB gain.
- Has eight customizable sound-effect buttons.
- Includes a 1500mA battery rated for up to 8 hours of use.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- Offers up to 11 customizable sound pads.
- Supports up to 60dB gain and 48V phantom power.
- Has an instrument input for guitar and bass.
Best For: Streamers and podcasters who want customizable sound pads, vocal effects, and guitar or bass input.
Compact PC and Mac Recording
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 combines a dedicated instrument input with an XLR microphone input, making it a straightforward fit for guitar and vocal recording. It records at 24-bit/192kHz and includes ProStudio Routing Software with virtual channels and loopback for streaming.
A direct monitoring switch and plug-and-play operation keep the setup accessible, while its compact size suits a small desk or portable rig. It works with Mac, Windows, and iPads, and supports popular DAWs.
Check that your recording software is set to the MAONO ASIO driver where appropriate, and consider whether one XLR input is enough for your sessions.
Best For: Home musicians and creators who want a compact interface with instrument input and routing software.
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Choose the PS22 Lite if guitar, vocals, and streaming are your main needs and you want routing tools in a compact unit. Its single XLR input is a practical limit for recording multiple microphones at once.
Confirm your DAW can use its ASIO driver, and check that the included cable fits the ports on your computer or iPad.
High-Gain Single-Mic Setup
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 is built around a solo recording workflow, with up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones and dual USB ports that can connect a computer and a phone or iPad simultaneously. Its 24-bit/192kHz recording, direct monitoring, and loopback support music recording as well as streams that combine voice, instruments, and desktop audio.
Auto-Gain helps set a microphone level for OBS Studio, while separate headphone and monitor controls give you options for listening. The interface is compact and has a 15° tilt.
Check your desired microphone and software workflow, especially if you plan to use the routing features.
Best For: Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who want high gain and simultaneous computer and mobile connections.
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Pick the P1 if your workflow centers on a dynamic microphone, solo recording, and moving audio between a computer and mobile device. Its high gain and Auto-Gain are useful for voice-focused work, while loopback covers desktop audio.
Before buying, verify the input and phantom-power details against your microphone needs, since those specifications are not provided here.
Dual-Device Creator Workflow
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 pairs dual XLR inputs with dual USB connectivity, so a computer and phone or iPad can be connected simultaneously. It records at 24-bit/192kHz and supports direct monitoring, loopback, and routing through ProStudio 2.
Independent mute controls can help manage guitar or bass changes during a stream, and separate headphone and monitor controls let you adjust listening. Its 15° tilt and compact aluminum-alloy housing suit a creator desk or mobile setup.
Check the microphone requirements and software compatibility before choosing it, particularly if you rely on a specific input level or routing configuration.
Best For: Musicians and streamers who want two XLR inputs and a computer-to-mobile workflow.
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The P2 fits creators who need two XLR inputs and want to record on a computer while connecting a phone or tablet. Its loopback and routing features also help combine instruments, voice, and desktop audio.
Check whether its stated 56dB gain and unspecified phantom power match your microphones, and confirm the routing software works with your preferred recording setup.
Two-Mic Podcast and Stream Mixer
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The MaonoCaster E2 Gen2 is a podcast-focused interface mixer with two XLR combo inputs and up to 60dB gain, making it suited to co-host conversations and dynamic microphones. It adds eight customizable sound-effect buttons, one-touch mute, loopback, and pitch and reverb options for live shows.
USB-C and 3.5mm ports support connections to phones and computers, while the built-in 1500mA battery provides up to 8 hours of use. It can also connect musical instruments.
This is a control-rich choice for live content; check whether its podcast effects and connectivity are useful for your music recording sessions.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation.
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Choose the E2 Gen2 when two people need microphones and live-show controls such as sound effects, mute, and loopback. The battery can make a mobile podcast setup easier, and instruments are supported as well.
For a music-first desk rig, weigh those extra controls against whether you need a podcast mixer, and confirm the connection cables suit your devices.
Sound Pads and Instrument Inputs
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 MaonoCaster AME2 combines a podcast mixer with recording and streaming connections for microphones, guitar, and bass. Its preamp supports up to 60dB gain and 48V phantom power, while two microphone inputs have independent controls.
Eleven customizable sound pads, six reverb modes, and 12-step auto-tune add options for live content and voice work. USB-C connects to a computer or tablet, and separate live outputs can connect a smartphone.
It also supports loopback and monitoring connections. This broad control set suits creators who will use its effects and pads; check your microphone type, since USB microphones are not supported.
Best For: Streamers and podcasters who want customizable sound pads, vocal effects, and guitar or bass input.
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The AME2 makes sense for creators who want sound pads and voice effects alongside guitar or bass input. Its dual microphone inputs and smartphone live outputs offer flexibility for streaming, but it is a mixer-style option with many controls rather than a minimal music interface.
Check that your microphone is analog and that you do not need USB microphone support before choosing it.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
This selection covers a range of recording and creator workflows represented in the candidate products: compact guitar and vocal recording, solo dynamic-mic setups, two-mic sessions, and podcast or streaming control surfaces. We prioritized useful differences such as input types, gain information, phantom power, monitoring, loopback, software routing, and mobile connections.
Each candidate is an audio interface or interface mixer, but the podcast-focused options include more live controls than a straightforward home recording interface.
Consider how many microphones or instruments you need connected at once. A single XLR input on the PS22 Lite keeps the setup focused, while the P2 and E2 Gen2 have dual XLR inputs.
The AME2 also has two microphone inputs and a dedicated instrument input. Match the actual inputs to your session: a guitar-and-vocal arrangement, co-host podcast, and one-mic stream have different needs.
Comparing Audio Interfaces
These interfaces differ most in their recording workflow and controls. The PS22 Lite is compact and includes routing software, loopback, and a dedicated instrument input.
The P1 emphasizes up to 70dB gain and simultaneous computer and mobile connections. The P2 combines dual XLR inputs with dual USB connectivity, while the E2 Gen2 adds a battery, sound effects, and podcast controls.
The AME2 brings a larger sound-pad and vocal-effects set, plus guitar and bass input.
For music recording, check the microphone and instrument connections first, then consider direct monitoring and the software you plan to use. The PS22 Lite is the most clearly defined fit for a guitar-and-vocal home setup, with named DAW compatibility and ASIO guidance.
The P1, P2, and E2 Gen2 support direct monitoring or routing features, but your ideal option depends on whether mobile connection, extra microphone inputs, or live controls matter more.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Home musicians and creators who want a compact interface with instrument input and routing software. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who want high gain and simultaneous computer and mobile connections. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Musicians and streamers who want two XLR inputs and a computer-to-mobile workflow. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2Check Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Streamers and podcasters who want customizable sound pads, vocal effects, and guitar or bass input. |
Inputs, Gain, and Microphone Power
Input count affects how easily an audio interface handles a solo take versus a conversation or multi-mic recording. The P2 and E2 Gen2 provide dual XLR inputs, and the AME2 includes two microphone inputs.
The PS22 Lite has an XLR input plus a dedicated instrument input. The P1's provided details highlight gain and dual-device connectivity; confirm its input configuration before buying if you need to record more than one source at once.
Gain figures are useful when matching an interface to a microphone, but they do not tell the whole story about a setup. The P1 provides up to 70dB gain, while the PS22 Lite, P2, and E2 Gen2 specify up to 56dB, 56dB, and 60dB respectively.
The AME2 also specifies up to 60dB and 48V phantom power. Check phantom power and microphone compatibility for any interface where those details are not established, especially when using a condenser microphone.
Routing, Monitoring, and Mobile Recording
Loopback can capture computer audio alongside a voice or instrument, which is useful for streaming, tutorials, and recording with backing tracks. The PS22 Lite and P1 include routing or loopback features, and the P2 supports loopback through ProStudio 2.
The E2 Gen2 and AME2 add streaming-oriented controls and phone connections. If you plan to record on an iPad or phone, check the cable and app workflow as well as the interface's computer compatibility.
Direct monitoring lets you hear an input through the interface while recording. The PS22 Lite, P1, and P2 explicitly provide direct monitoring; the E2 Gen2 has a monitoring button.
Also consider whether you need separate headphone and monitor controls, physical mute controls, or sound effects. Extra features help when they fit the session, while a simpler layout can be easier to navigate for basic instrument recording.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface?
Choose the PS22 Lite for compact guitar and vocal recording with routing software, or the P1 if up to 70dB gain and simultaneous computer-to-mobile connections fit your solo workflow. The P2 is a candidate for creators who need two XLR inputs and want direct monitoring with loopback.
For a co-host podcast or live stream, consider the E2 Gen2's two XLR combo inputs, battery, mute, and sound effects. The AME2 suits streamers who want customizable pads, vocal effects, and analog microphone and instrument connections.
Before buying, verify the input count, phantom-power needs, software routing, and cable compatibility for your own setup.