The best audio interfaces depend on how you record: a compact unit for guitar and vocals has different needs from a mixer built for co-hosts or live streaming. Compare the input setup, mobile connections, monitoring, and routing features to find an interface that fits your workflow.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz with a 106dB dynamic range.
- Provides up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power.
- Adds virtual channels and loopbacks through ProStudio Routing Software.
Best For: A compact PC or Mac recording setup for guitarists, podcasters, and voice actors.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Offers up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones.
- Connects a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously through dual USB ports.
- Has auto-gain, direct monitoring, and built-in loopback.
Best For: Solo creators who use a dynamic microphone and want automatic gain and desktop routing tools.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Uses dual USB ports to connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously.
- Records in 24-bit/192kHz quality with dual XLR inputs.
- Includes direct monitoring, loopback, and independent mute controls.
Best For: Creators who want to record on a computer while connecting a phone or iPad for streaming or uploads.
MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
- Has two XLR combo inputs and a preamp offering up to 60dB gain.
- Provides eight customizable sound-effect buttons with up to 20 seconds each.
- Includes a 1500mA battery rated for up to 8 hours of use.
Best For: Two-person podcast and streaming setups that need dual XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and portable power.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- Allows 11 customizable sound pads, including 3 that support recording up to 60s of audio each and 8 that support 20s of audio.
- Has a 6.35mm instrument input for guitar or bass.
- Includes six reverb modes and 12-step auto-tune.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want sound pads, live voice effects, and guitar or bass input on a mixer.
Compact Interface for Guitar and Vocals
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 single XLR microphone input with a dedicated instrument input in a small USB interface. It supports 24-bit/192kHz recording, up to 56 dB of preamp gain, and 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
Its ProStudio Routing Software adds virtual channels and loopback for streaming, while the direct monitoring switch helps you hear input as you record. It is compatible with Mac, Windows, and iPads.
The tradeoff is a focused setup: it is described for PC and Mac recording, rather than as a mixer with multiple XLR inputs or built-in sound pads.
Best For: A compact PC or Mac recording setup for guitarists, podcasters, and voice actors.
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Choose the PS22 Lite if you want a small interface for one microphone and guitar-focused recording, with routing tools available for streaming. Its combination of phantom power, instrument input, and direct monitoring covers common home-studio needs without the sound pads or multi-input mixer controls found on the podcast consoles here.
Check that your DAW is set to the MAONO ASIO driver where needed, and confirm that its stated input arrangement suits the number of sources you plan to record at once.
High-Gain Interface for Dynamic Mics
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 pairs dual XLR inputs with up to 70dB of gain, making it a fit for creators using dynamic microphones described as needing more gain. It records at 24-bit/192kHz and has auto-gain, direct monitoring, and loopback.
ProStudio2 can route apps such as FL Studio, Spotify, TikTok, or a browser to dedicated channels. Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously, and the unit also works with Android and cameras.
Its compact, tilted controls and metal housing suit a desk or mobile setup. Confirm the software and device connections you plan to use before buying.
Best For: Solo creators who use a dynamic microphone and want automatic gain and desktop routing tools.
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The P1 suits a solo podcaster, musician, or streamer who values high gain and routing between computer and mobile devices. Its rated gain of up to 70dB is a defining feature, while auto-gain and loopback can simplify a creator’s recording flow.
Consider whether you need the dual USB ports and simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections. Verify that your devices support the connection workflow you want.
Dual-Device Setup for Mobile Streaming
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 is a dual-XLR interface for creators who move between computer recording and mobile streaming. Its dual USB ports support simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections, and its feature details name Mac, PC, iPhone, Android, and cameras.
It records at 24-bit/192kHz and includes direct monitoring, loopback, independent mute controls, and real-time signal indicators. ProStudio2 can route applications to dedicated channels.
The interface also has a 15° tilt and an aluminum-alloy housing. Compare its hybrid connections and control layout with the P1 if those features matter to your setup.
Best For: Creators who want to record on a computer while connecting a phone or iPad for streaming or uploads.
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Pick the P2 if connecting a computer and mobile device at the same time is central to your workflow. It combines dual XLR inputs with mute controls, signal indicators, and routing tools for streaming and recording.
It emphasizes hybrid connections and a creator-focused control layout. Before buying, confirm the microphone power needs and the intended phone or camera connection, since phantom power is not specified.
Co-Host Podcast Mixer with Battery Power
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The MaonoCaster E2 Gen2 is a podcast mixer centered on two XLR combo inputs and a preamp offering up to 60dB gain. Eight customizable sound-effect buttons can each hold up to 20 seconds of audio, while a one-touch mute and loopback support live recording and streaming workflows.
It also provides USB-C and 3.5mm connections, pitch-changing effects, and six preset reverbs. A built-in 1500mA battery is rated for up to 8 hours of use.
This feature set is more podcast-console focused than a compact recording interface, so it makes most sense when its effects, co-host inputs, and battery fit your production style.
Best For: Two-person podcast and streaming setups that need dual XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and portable power.
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Choose the E2 Gen2 when a podcast console with two XLR combo inputs and onboard sound effects better matches your sessions than a basic desktop interface. Its battery and phone-oriented ports can also suit creators who want flexibility around where they record or stream.
The PS22 Lite is more compact and has a dedicated instrument input, while the E2 Gen2 focuses on podcast controls and effects. Check whether its sound-button recording limit and unspecified recording resolution meet your production needs.
Podcast Mixer with Custom Sound Pads
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 is a 10-channel podcast mixer with a preamp, phantom power, Bluetooth, and up to 11 customizable sound pads. Three pads support up to 60 seconds of recorded audio each, and the other eight support 20 seconds.
For voice processing, it includes six reverb modes, a 12-step auto-tune feature, tone controls, and pitch changing. Its connections include USB-C for a computer or tablet, live outputs for a smartphone, and a 6.35mm instrument input for guitar or bass.
USB microphones are not supported, so check your microphone connection before choosing it.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want sound pads, live voice effects, and guitar or bass input on a mixer.
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The AME2 fits creators who want a mixer with sound pads and voice effects alongside an instrument input. Its 10-channel format, Bluetooth, and smartphone live outputs make it oriented toward podcasting and streaming workflows; the three longer pads provide more room for recorded inserts than the E2 Gen2’s sound buttons.
It does not support USB microphones, so plan around an analog microphone connection. Check the port arrangement and pad lengths against your intended live or recorded format before buying.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Best Audio Interfaces
We selected products that function as audio interfaces or recording mixers and offer relevant connections for microphones, instruments, computers, or mobile devices. The group covers compact guitar-and-vocal recording, dynamic-mic gain, dual-device streaming, and podcast consoles with co-host inputs or sound effects.
We also considered workflow features that change how a creator records: direct monitoring, loopback, routing software, onboard controls, and battery power. The products are all from the supplied candidate set, and each serves a distinct recording use case.
Comparing Audio Interfaces for Recording and Streaming
The PS22 Lite is the compact option with a dedicated instrument input and stated 24-bit/192kHz recording. The P1 and P2 both focus on dual XLR and hybrid mobile connectivity; the P1 specifies up to 70dB gain and auto-gain, while the P2 emphasizes independent controls, signal indicators, and its angled desktop design.
For podcast production, the E2 Gen2 and AME2 add console-style tools. The E2 Gen2 has two XLR combo inputs, eight sound buttons, and a built-in battery.
The AME2 offers up to 11 sound pads, longer recording capacity on three pads, Bluetooth, and an instrument input.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| A compact PC or Mac recording setup for guitarists, podcasters, and voice actors. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Solo creators who use a dynamic microphone and want automatic gain and desktop routing tools. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators who want to record on a computer while connecting a phone or iPad for streaming or uploads. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2Check Price |
| Two-person podcast and streaming setups that need dual XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and portable power. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want sound pads, live voice effects, and guitar or bass input on a mixer. |
Choosing an Interface for Microphones, Guitar, and Mobile Devices
Start with the sources you need to connect at once. Guitarists may prefer the PS22 Lite’s dedicated instrument input or the AME2’s 6.35mm jack.
For two-microphone conversations, the E2 Gen2 provides two XLR combo inputs, while the P1 and P2 also offer dual XLR arrangements.
Mobile workflows vary. The P1 and P2 support simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections over dual USB ports.
The AME2 includes smartphone live outputs and Bluetooth, while the E2 Gen2 has USB-C and 3.5mm ports. Check the particular cables and device connections needed for your setup.
Matching Routing and Monitoring Features to Your Workflow
Direct monitoring helps you hear input while recording, and loopback can capture computer audio alongside a microphone or instrument. These features appear across the PS22 Lite, P1, P2, and E2 Gen2, though software and controls differ.
The PS22 Lite and MAONO interface models pair their routing features with ProStudio software details; the P1 and P2 describe ProStudio routing for apps and desktop audio.
If you produce a live show, compare hands-on controls as well as connections. The AME2 includes reverb, auto-tune, pitch controls, and sound pads.
The E2 Gen2 adds one-touch mute, preset reverb, pitch effects, and battery power. Choose console effects when you want those features accessible during a session; a compact interface may fit better when recording inputs and software routing matter more.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface
Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact PC or Mac guitar-and-vocal setup, the P1 for high-gain dynamic-mic use with auto-gain, or the P2 for simultaneous computer and mobile connections with independent controls. For co-host podcasts, the E2 Gen2 combines dual XLR combo inputs with sound buttons and battery operation.
The AME2 is a practical fit when you want more sound pads, voice effects, Bluetooth, or a guitar and bass input in a podcast mixer. Before ordering any option, check microphone type and power requirements, available ports, and whether its stated routing and software compatibility match the devices and applications you plan to use.