The best audio interfaces depend on how you record: solo music sessions call for different connections and controls than a co-hosted podcast or mobile stream. These five options range from compact PC recording to hybrid phone workflows and podcast mixers, so compare inputs, monitoring, and built-in routing before choosing.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and offers a 106dB dynamic range.
- Supports condenser and dynamic mics with up to 56 dB gain and 48V phantom power.
- Includes ProStudio Routing Software with virtual channels and loopbacks, and supports ASIO drivers for low-latency output.
Best For: Beginners recording guitar, vocals, or streams on a computer or iPad.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Connects a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously through dual USB ports.
- Has dual XLR inputs and records at 24-bit/192kHz.
- Loopback can capture instruments, voice, backing tracks, and desktop audio.
Best For: Creators who want to record on a computer and connect a phone or iPad at the same time.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Offers up to 70 dB of gain for high-gain dynamic microphones.
- Supports simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connection.
- Includes Auto-Gain, loopback, and ProStudio2 routing software.
Best For: Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who want mobile and computer connectivity.
MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast Mixer
- Has two XLR combo inputs and preamps offering up to 60 dB of gain.
- Eight customizable sound effect buttons record up to 20 seconds each.
- Built-in 1500mA battery offers up to eight hours of use.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR microphone inputs and onboard sound effects.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2 Audio Interface
- Provides 10 channels and up to 11 customizable sound pads.
- Preamps support up to 60 dB gain and 48V phantom power.
- Includes an instrument input and is compatible with guitar or bass connections.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want extensive sound pads, vocal effects, and instrument input.
Compact PC 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 audio interface for PC and Mac recording, with an XLR input for microphone work and a dedicated instrument input for guitar. It supports 24-bit/192kHz recording, up to 56 dB of preamp gain, and 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
Direct monitoring and intuitive modes for recording, live broadcast, and instruments help simplify a first setup. Its ProStudio Routing Software adds virtual channels and loopback for streaming.
The tradeoff is that this is a single-interface, compact recording setup, while its software routing may take some setup in a preferred DAW.
Best For: Beginners recording guitar, vocals, or streams on a computer or iPad.
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Choose the PS22 Lite if you want a small, straightforward interface for a solo guitar, vocal, or streaming setup. It combines an instrument input, microphone preamp, direct monitoring, and software loopback in a compact unit.
Before buying, confirm that its input arrangement fits your recording plans, especially if you expect to record more than one microphone at once; the record does not specify the simultaneous mic input count. Check that your DAW is set to the MAONO ASIO driver when using compatible software.
Dual-Device Mobile Workflow
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 is designed around a hybrid workflow: its dual USB ports with MFi-certified connectivity can connect a computer and a phone or iPad simultaneously. It has dual XLR inputs, up to 56 dB of gain, and supports 24-bit/192kHz recording for microphones and instruments.
Direct monitoring, independent headphone and monitor controls, and signal indicators help manage recording and streaming sessions. Built-in loopback can capture voice, instruments, backing tracks, and desktop audio.
Its main fit is a creator who values flexible device connections; check that you need this simultaneous mobile and computer setup before paying for it.
Best For: Creators who want to record on a computer and connect a phone or iPad at the same time.
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Pick the P2 when the defining need is connecting a computer and a mobile device at the same time. Dual XLR inputs and loopback also make it relevant for streaming, podcasts, and music creation, while ASIO support and direct monitoring serve desktop recording.
It does not have a documented built-in battery, so check the power arrangement if you intend to record away from a desk. Confirm the required cable and device connections for your particular phone or camera setup.
High-Gain Dynamic Mic Setup
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 combines dual USB connectivity with up to 70 dB of gain, making it a strong fit for creators who want to connect a computer alongside a phone or iPad and use a dynamic microphone. It supports 24-bit/192kHz capture, direct monitoring, loopback, and ProStudio2 routing software for moving app and desktop audio into a stream.
Auto-Gain is included for microphone level setup, and independent mute controls help during recording. Its feature set centers on solo creator workflows, so check whether its input configuration suits the number of microphones or instruments you intend to record.
Best For: Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who want mobile and computer connectivity.
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Choose the P1 if high gain for a dynamic microphone and simultaneous computer/mobile connectivity are central to your setup. Its Auto-Gain, loopback, and direct monitoring focus on a streamlined creator workflow, while the compact metal housing suits a limited workspace.
The record does not establish the number of simultaneous mic inputs or whether phantom power is available, so verify those details if you plan to use condenser mics or record multiple voices. Its up-to gain figure is a specification, not a guarantee of identical results with every microphone.
Two-Mic Podcasting
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The MAONO E2 Gen2 is a podcast-focused audio interface mixer with two XLR combo inputs and up to 60 dB of preamp gain, a practical arrangement for co-hosts using dynamic microphones. It includes eight customizable sound effect buttons, one-touch mute, loopback, and pitch and reverb effects.
USB-C and 3.5mm ports support phone and computer connections, and its built-in 1500mA battery is specified for up to eight hours of use. This adds live production controls beyond a basic recording interface.
Check the specific outputs and cable needs for your setup, especially if you plan to route audio to multiple devices.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR microphone inputs and onboard sound effects.
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The E2 Gen2 suits co-hosted podcasts and live shows where two mic inputs, sound effects, mute, and loopback are useful during production. Its battery adds flexibility for sessions away from a permanent desk, with up to eight hours specified.
Compared with a simpler recording interface, it offers more onboard show controls but the record does not give recording resolution or phantom power details. Confirm that its microphone and output connections fit your equipment, particularly if you use condenser microphones.
Custom Soundboard Controls
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 and audio interface that combines microphone inputs, instrument input, Bluetooth, and customizable sound pads. Its preamps support up to 60 dB of gain and 48V phantom power, while the unit also includes six reverb modes, a 12-step auto-tune, tone controls, and loopback.
Three sound pads support up to 60 seconds of audio each, and eight support up to 20 seconds. This gives a live creator many controls in one console.
USB microphones are not supported, so plan on an analog microphone connection and check how the outputs fit your streaming setup.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want extensive sound pads, vocal effects, and instrument input.
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Choose the AME2 if your podcast or stream benefits from a soundboard, vocal effects, and an instrument input in one console. Its 10-channel design and up to 11 customizable pads give more live controls than a compact solo recording interface.
It requires an analog microphone because USB microphones are not supported, and the record does not specify recording resolution or sample rate. Check your planned microphone connections and whether the larger mixer-style control set matches the way you produce.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
We selected products that are explicitly audio interfaces or interface mixers and serve distinct recording needs: compact solo music capture, dual-device mobile workflows, high-gain dynamic mic use, two-person podcasting, and live shows with sound pads. Each candidate has documented connections or recording and routing features relevant to those uses.
The guide weighs inputs, microphone support, monitoring, routing, and device compatibility because those details shape whether an interface fits a musician, podcaster, or streamer. Where key details such as phantom power or recording resolution are not specified, check them against your microphone and software needs before buying.
Comparing Audio Interfaces
The PS22 Lite is the most clearly specified compact choice for solo guitar and vocal recording, with an instrument input, phantom power, and 24-bit/192kHz support. The P2 prioritizes connecting a computer and mobile device simultaneously, while the P1 centers on up to 70 dB of gain and Auto-Gain.
Their input and phantom power details are not equally specified, so compare those before choosing for a particular microphone.
For two-person shows, the E2 Gen2 has two XLR combo inputs and built-in live controls. The AME2 takes a broader mixer approach with 10 channels, sound pads, Bluetooth, and instrument input, but does not support USB microphones.
The coordinator's comparison table below makes the recorded specs easier to scan.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Beginners recording guitar, vocals, or streams on a computer or iPad. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators who want to record on a computer and connect a phone or iPad at the same time. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who want mobile and computer connectivity. |
| MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast MixerCheck Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR microphone inputs and onboard sound effects. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2 Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want extensive sound pads, vocal effects, and instrument input. |
Choosing an Audio Interface for Your Microphone
Start with the microphones you own or plan to buy. Dynamic microphones may benefit from more gain; the P1 specifies up to 70 dB, while the P2 and PS22 Lite specify up to 56 dB.
For condenser microphones, look for phantom power: it is specified on the PS22 Lite and AME2, while the other records do not state it. Treat that as a detail to verify, not an assumption.
Count the inputs you need for one session. The P2 identifies dual XLR inputs and the E2 Gen2 identifies two XLR combo inputs.
The PS22 Lite includes an XLR input and an instrument input. Check the actual input arrangement and simultaneous recording needs before settling on a unit, especially if your setup includes co-hosts or multiple instruments.
Matching Routing and Monitoring to Your Setup
Direct monitoring is useful when you want to hear a live input while recording. The PS22 Lite, P2, and P1 each specify direct monitoring, and the P2 and P1 also include independent headphone and monitor controls.
For software-based streaming, loopback appears across the candidates, but routing options vary: the PS22 Lite adds virtual channels through ProStudio, while P1 and P2 use ProStudio software routing.
Consider where audio needs to go. The P2 and P1 describe dual USB connectivity for simultaneous computer and mobile device connections.
The AME2 adds Bluetooth, AUX-IN, and phone streaming outputs, while the E2 Gen2 offers USB-C and 3.5mm connections. Confirm cable and device compatibility for your intended phone, tablet, camera, or computer rather than relying on a broad compatibility list.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface?
For a compact solo setup with clearly specified guitar input and phantom power, consider the PS22 Lite. For a computer-plus-phone workflow, compare the P2 and P1, with the P1's higher specified gain and Auto-Gain standing out for dynamic microphone use.
Choose the E2 Gen2 for a two-mic podcast with onboard effects and battery operation. The AME2 fits streamers who want extensive sound pads, vocal effects, Bluetooth, and instrument connections in a mixer-style unit.
In every case, verify that the documented inputs and power features match your microphones and the way you plan to record.