The best audio interfaces depend on how you record: a solo musician, mobile creator, and two-person podcast need different inputs and controls. Compare connection options, microphone gain, monitoring, and routing to find a setup that fits your recording and streaming workflow.
Quick Top Products
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Up to 70dB of gain for dynamic microphones.
- Connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously.
- Auto-Gain, direct monitoring, and built-in loopback support recording and streaming.
Best For: Solo creators using dynamic microphones who want automatic gain and desktop-to-phone connectivity.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Dual XLR inputs with up to 56dB of gain.
- Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad at once.
- Loopback and ProStudio 2 provide audio routing for streaming.
Best For: Creators recording through two XLR microphones while connecting a computer and mobile device.
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and has a 106dB dynamic range.
- Up to 56dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power for microphones.
- Dedicated instrument input and ProStudio routing software.
Best For: A beginner recording vocals or guitar on a computer who wants a compact interface and routing software.
MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast Equipment Bundle
- Two XLR combo inputs and up to 60dB of preamp gain.
- Eight customizable sound effect buttons, with up to 20 seconds each.
- Built-in battery rated for up to 8 hours of use.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and battery operation.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- 10-channel mixer with up to 11 customizable sound pads.
- 48V phantom power and up to 60dB mic gain.
- 6.35mm instrument input for guitar and bass.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, effects, and an instrument input.
High-Gain USB Recording
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 pairs a USB audio interface with hybrid connections for a computer and phone or iPad at the same time. Its preamp provides up to 70dB of gain for dynamic microphones, and recording supports 24-bit/192kHz.
Auto-Gain can set a microphone level for voice capture, while direct monitoring and independent headphone and monitor controls help manage a recording session. Built-in loopback and ProStudio2 software support routing instrument, voice, and desktop audio.
The compact body has a 15° tilt and a zinc-alloy housing. Its creator tools make it suited to podcasts and streams as well as music recording.
Best For: Solo creators using dynamic microphones who want automatic gain and desktop-to-phone connectivity.
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Choose the P1 if you use a gain-hungry dynamic microphone and want your computer and mobile device connected together. Auto-Gain, direct monitoring, and loopback are useful for creators who move between recording and streaming.
Check the input count and phantom power requirements before buying, especially if your setup uses multiple microphones or a condenser mic. Its high gain is the clearest fit distinction here; the product details do not identify a specific XLR input count.
Dual-XLR Hybrid Creator Setup
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 is a dual-XLR interface built around simultaneous computer and mobile connectivity. Its dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad together, and the interface supports 24-bit/192kHz recording with 56dB of gain.
Direct monitoring and separate headphone and monitor controls help with live recording, while independent mute controls can silence a channel during instrument changes. ProStudio 2 software adds routing and loopback for combining voice, instruments, backing tracks, and desktop audio.
The compact housing has a 15° tilt and aluminum-alloy construction. It suits a creator who wants a straightforward bridge between a desktop setup and mobile publishing.
Best For: Creators recording through two XLR microphones while connecting a computer and mobile device.
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The P2 is a practical choice for a creator who needs dual XLR inputs and wants to record on a computer while streaming or uploading from a phone or iPad. Its separate mute controls, loopback, and direct monitoring support that mixed workflow.
Check microphone power requirements and how the unit will be powered before buying, since those details are not specified here. The 56dB gain figure and two XLR inputs make its intended setup clear, but do not establish suitability for every microphone.
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 is a compact USB interface for PC and Mac recording, with an XLR input, a dedicated instrument input, and 24-bit/192kHz capture. Its preamp offers up to 56dB of gain and 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
A direct-monitoring switch and intuitive modes cover recording, broadcast, and instrument use. ProStudio Routing Software adds virtual channels and loopbacks, with ASIO driver compatibility for low-latency output.
A dynamic light ring indicates input status, and the headphone monitoring connection sits on the side. It is a focused option for solo voice or guitar work; the supplied details do not establish a multi-microphone setup.
Best For: A beginner recording vocals or guitar on a computer who wants a compact interface and routing software.
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Pick the PS22 Lite for a compact computer-centered setup that records one voice or instrument and benefits from phantom power, direct monitoring, and routing software. It names Mac, Windows, and iPad compatibility, making it a more clearly defined fit for those devices than for phone-first recording.
Confirm the number of simultaneous inputs if you plan to record multiple microphones; the details identify an XLR input but do not specify a broader channel count. Its dedicated instrument input is useful for guitar recording.
Two-Microphone Podcast Mixer
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The MAONO E2 Gen2 combines a podcast mixer with two XLR combo inputs and preamps offering up to 60dB of gain. It includes eight customizable sound effect buttons, each supporting up to 20 seconds of recording, plus one-touch mute and loopback for streaming.
A built-in 1500mA battery provides up to 8 hours of use. USB-C and 3.5mm ports connect to phones and computers, and Bluetooth can add background music.
This is a feature-rich fit for co-hosts and live creators who want hands-on sound controls. Its emphasis on podcast effects and routing may be more than a solo recording setup needs.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and battery operation.
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Choose the E2 Gen2 when podcasting with a co-host and you want two XLR inputs, sound buttons, mute, and loopback controls on the mixer. Battery operation can suit sessions where a computer or wall power is not the only convenient setup, though the battery duration is given as up to 8 hours.
Check what recording resolution you need and whether you already have microphones and headphones; the supplied package details do not settle those questions. Its live-show controls are a more specialized fit than a stripped-down recording interface.
Sound-Pad Podcast and Instrument Mixer
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 is a 10-channel podcast mixer with an XLR microphone path, 48V phantom power, and a 6.35mm instrument input for guitar or bass. It has 11 customizable sound pads: three can store up to 60 seconds each and the other eight support 20 seconds.
Six reverb modes, tone controls, auto-tune, and loopback add options for live content and voice work. USB-C connects to a computer or tablet, while dedicated live outputs and monitor connections support streaming arrangements.
USB microphones are not supported, so check your microphone's connection before choosing it. Its hands-on effects and sound pads favor performance-oriented podcasting over a minimal recording setup.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, effects, and an instrument input.
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The AME2 fits creators who want a mixer-style control surface with sound pads, voice effects, and a guitar or bass input. Its 48V phantom power and up to 60dB gain cover a range of analog microphone setups, while USB microphone owners should look elsewhere or use a supported analog mic.
Before buying, verify that the live outputs and monitoring connections suit your streaming arrangement. Recording resolution and sample rate are not specified, so this is best chosen for its sound controls and input flexibility rather than a particular recording format.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
These five options cover distinct recording needs: a compact solo interface, hybrid computer-and-mobile models, and podcast mixers with multiple XLR inputs or hands-on sound effects. Each candidate is an audio interface or interface mixer suited to recording, streaming, or podcasting.
We prioritized identifiable microphone and instrument connections, gain or phantom-power details, monitoring, and routing features that help explain who each model fits.
The right choice starts with the signal path you need. A solo vocal or guitar setup can work with a compact interface such as the PS22 Lite.
Co-hosts may need two microphone inputs, while a live streamer may value loopback, mute controls, or customizable sound pads. Compatibility matters too: check the stated computer and mobile connections against the devices and microphones you plan to use.
Comparing Audio Interfaces
The main differences are input count, connection flexibility, and live-production controls. The P2 identifies dual XLR inputs and simultaneous computer-and-mobile connectivity.
The P1 adds up to 70dB of gain and Auto-Gain, while its input count and phantom-power support are not specified. The PS22 Lite is more compact and identifies an XLR input, instrument input, and 48V phantom power for a computer-centered setup.
For podcast production, the E2 Gen2 has two XLR combo inputs, eight sound buttons, loopback, and a built-in battery. The AME2 adds up to 11 sound pads, effects, and a 6.35mm instrument input, but does not support USB microphones.
These controls make both mixers more oriented toward live content than a minimal desktop interface. Compare the connection details and input needs before focusing on effects or bundled controls.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Solo creators using dynamic microphones who want automatic gain and desktop-to-phone connectivity. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators recording through two XLR microphones while connecting a computer and mobile device. |
| MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| A beginner recording vocals or guitar on a computer who wants a compact interface and routing software. |
| MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast Equipment BundleCheck Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and battery operation. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, effects, and an instrument input. |
Choosing a USB Interface for Your Recording Setup
Check microphone type first. Dynamic microphones benefit from sufficient preamp gain; the P1 specifies up to 70dB, while the P2 and PS22 Lite specify up to 56dB.
Condenser microphones need phantom power, which is identified for the PS22 Lite and AME2. The P1 and P2 records do not specify phantom power, so confirm that requirement before selecting either.
Next, count simultaneous sources. The PS22 Lite details an XLR input plus a dedicated instrument input, while the P2 and E2 Gen2 identify dual microphone inputs.
The AME2 combines microphone inputs with an instrument jack. Input labels do not by themselves explain every possible routing arrangement, so confirm how many sources can be recorded at once if that matters to your session.
Matching Monitoring and Routing to Your Workflow
Direct monitoring lets you hear a microphone or instrument while recording. It appears on the P1 and PS22 Lite, and the P2 also offers direct monitoring with separate headphone and monitor controls.
For live streams that combine a voice, instrument, and computer audio, loopback and software routing can simplify the setup; the P1, P2, PS22 Lite, and E2 Gen2 all identify loopback or routing features.
A mobile workflow calls for checking the exact device connections. The P1 and P2 describe simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections, while the PS22 Lite names Mac, Windows, and iPad compatibility.
The AME2 connects to a computer or tablet through USB-C and includes live outputs for a phone. These connection options vary, so match them to the device you intend to record or stream from.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface
Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact computer-centered solo setup with phantom power and an instrument input. Choose the P1 if high gain and automatic microphone leveling appeal to a dynamic-mic creator.
The P2 fits creators who need two XLR inputs and a simultaneous computer-and-mobile workflow.
For co-host podcasts and hands-on live mixing, consider the E2 Gen2's two combo inputs, battery, and sound buttons. The AME2 suits creators who want more sound pads, voice effects, and a guitar or bass input, provided they use an analog microphone.
Confirm microphone power, input count, and device connections before buying, especially where a detail is not specified.