The best audio interfaces depend on how you record: a solo vocal or guitar setup needs different connections and controls than a podcast or live stream. These five options range from compact recording interfaces to podcast mixers, so compare their inputs, device connections, and built-in routing before choosing.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and has a 106dB dynamic range.
- XLR preamp provides up to 56 dB gain and 48V phantom power.
- Includes an instrument input and ProStudio routing with loopbacks.
Best For: Home musicians, podcasters, and beginners who want a compact interface with instrument input and software routing.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously.
- Provides up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones.
- Auto-Gain, direct monitoring, and loopback support creator workflows.
Best For: Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones who also record or stream from a phone or computer.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously.
- Two XLR inputs support up to 56dB gain and 24-bit/192kHz capture.
- ProStudio2 includes routing and loopback for desktop audio and other sources.
Best For: Creators who want to connect a computer and mobile device at once and record through two XLR inputs.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- Includes up to 11 customizable sound pads, with adjustable volume.
- XLR microphone inputs have independent controls and 48V phantom power.
- Accepts guitar or bass through a 6.35mm instrument input.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls, and effects in a desktop mixer.
MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
- Two XLR combo inputs and preamp gain up to 60dB suit co-hosts.
- Eight customizable sound buttons support 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 combo inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation.
Compact Home 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 recording guitar, vocals, and podcasts on a computer or iPad. It records at 24-bit/192kHz and pairs an XLR input with up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
A dedicated instrument input includes impedance adjustment, while ProStudio routing software adds virtual channels and loopback for streaming. Direct monitoring and intuitive recording, broadcast, and instrument modes suit people building a first home setup.
Its focus is straightforward recording rather than a large bank of physical controls or sound pads.
Best For: Home musicians, podcasters, and beginners who want a compact interface with instrument input and software routing.
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Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact computer or iPad setup centered on one microphone or guitar, especially if software loopback matters for streaming. Its main tradeoff is a compact interface format instead of hands-on sound pads and multi-input podcast controls.
Check the required DAW driver setting and confirm the input count fits your recording plans before buying.
High-Gain Solo Creator Interface
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 pairs a dual-USB connection layout with up to 70dB gain, making it relevant to creators who move between a computer and phone or iPad. Its stated recording format is 24-bit/192kHz, and it supports XLR microphones, guitars, headphones, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Auto-Gain can set a microphone level for voice capture, while direct monitoring, level indicators, and independent headphone and monitor controls support a more controlled recording workflow. ProStudio2 software adds routing and loopback.
The feature set is aimed at solo recording, streaming, and mobile publishing, with software playing a key part in its routing flexibility.
Best For: Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones who also record or stream from a phone or computer.
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The P1 suits solo creators who need high stated gain and a simultaneous computer-and-mobile connection. Its Auto-Gain and routing features can reduce setup steps for voice streams, while the PS22 Lite provides more explicit instrument-input detail in its product facts.
Check the XLR input count and confirm your recording software works with the included routing approach. The interface comes with a USB-C to USB-A/C cable and manual.
Dual-Device Recording and Streaming
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 is built around hybrid recording and streaming, with dual USB ports that connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously. Its two XLR inputs support condenser and dynamic microphones, with up to 56dB gain and 24-bit/192kHz recording.
Direct monitoring, signal indicators, and independent headphone and monitor controls help manage recording levels and listening. ProStudio2 offers software routing and loopback for combining voice, instruments, backing tracks, and desktop audio.
The interface also supports guitars, tablets, smartphones, and cameras. It fits creators who want both microphone inputs and a mobile publishing path, with a lower stated gain figure than the P1.
Best For: Creators who want to connect a computer and mobile device at once and record through two XLR inputs.
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Choose the P2 if recording through two XLR microphones and connecting a mobile device alongside a computer are central to your setup. It gives more explicit input-count information than the P1, while the P1 has the higher stated gain figure.
The P2 relies on ProStudio2 for advanced audio routing, so check that its workflow suits your preferred software. Its package includes the interface, a USB-C connection cable, and a manual.
Sound-Pad Podcast 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 combines an audio interface with a podcast mixer and up to 11 customizable sound pads. It has XLR microphone inputs with independently controlled levels, 48V phantom power, and a stated gain range up to 60dB.
The 6.35mm instrument input supports guitar or bass, while Bluetooth, USB-C, live outputs, and monitor connections give it several ways to work in a streaming setup. Six reverb modes, tone controls, pitch effects, and loopback expand its live-production options.
This is a feature-rich choice for creators who want tactile effects and sound cues, though USB microphones are not supported.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls, and effects in a desktop mixer.
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Pick the AME2 if you want sound cues and voice effects available from physical controls during a podcast or stream. Its instrument input also lets a guitar or bass share the creator setup.
The tradeoff is that it is oriented toward live production and does not support USB microphones. Check which microphone connections your existing gear uses, and whether its live outputs match the phone, computer, or monitor devices you plan to connect.
Two-Microphone Podcast Setup
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2 is a podcast-focused interface mixer with two XLR combo inputs and up to 60dB of preamp gain. Its eight customizable sound-effect buttons can each hold up to 20 seconds of audio, and a one-touch mute button supports live sessions.
Loopback handles streaming from one computer, while USB-C, 3.5mm, AUX-IN, and Bluetooth provide several connection paths for devices or background music. A built-in 1500mA battery offers up to eight hours of use.
It suits co-hosted podcasts and mobile creator setups that need mixer controls, but the product facts do not specify simultaneous recording channel count or bundled microphones.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation.
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The E2 Gen2 is a practical fit for co-hosts who need two microphone inputs and want sound effects, loopback, and battery operation in one mixer. Its physical controls and multiple connection options favor podcast and stream production over a minimal desktop recording interface.
Before buying, confirm how your preferred software receives the inputs and whether you need separate tracks; simultaneous USB channel behavior is not specified. Also check whether your microphones and required cables are already available.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
These five picks cover distinct recording jobs rather than repeating one style of interface. The PS22 Lite is a compact choice for guitar, voice, and DAW recording.
The P1 and P2 focus on connecting creator workflows across computer and mobile devices, with different gain and input details. The AME2 and E2 Gen2 add mixer controls for live podcasts, including sound pads and effects, while the E2 Gen2 has two XLR combo inputs and a built-in battery.
We prioritized products whose supplied details identify useful recording features: microphone and instrument connections, gain and phantom power, monitoring, software routing, loopback, and device compatibility. Those features help distinguish a home studio audio interface from a podcast mixer.
Check input counts, connection types, and required software against the equipment you already own.
Comparing Audio Interfaces for Home Studios and Podcasts
The first decision is how many people or sources need to record at once. The E2 Gen2 specifies two XLR combo inputs, and the P2 identifies dual XLR inputs.
The AME2 includes microphone inputs and an instrument input, while the PS22 Lite describes an XLR input and a dedicated guitar input. The P1's product details emphasize gain and hybrid USB connections but do not give an XLR input count.
Next, consider whether you want a recording interface or a hands-on live mixer. The PS22 Lite centers on compact recording and routing software.
The P1 and P2 add direct monitoring and creator-focused routing, with simultaneous computer and mobile connections. The AME2 and E2 Gen2 put sound effects and live controls within reach.
Compare their listed features to find the setup that fits your needs.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 LiteCheck Price |
| Home musicians, podcasters, and beginners who want a compact interface with instrument input and software routing. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones who also record or stream from a phone or computer. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators who want to connect a computer and mobile device at once and record through two XLR inputs. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls, and effects in a desktop mixer. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2Check Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation. |
Choosing an Audio Interface for Your Devices
Device connections can shape a setup as much as microphone inputs. The P1 and P2 both describe dual USB connections for a computer and phone or iPad.
The PS22 Lite supports Mac, Windows, and iPads. The AME2 provides USB-C, Bluetooth, live outputs, and a monitor connection.
The E2 Gen2 supports computer, smartphone, and tablet use, with USB-C, 3.5mm, AUX-IN, and Bluetooth connections described.
Before selecting an interface for mobile recording, check whether your exact phone, tablet, and cable arrangement works with the software you intend to use. Likewise, a computer interface that offers ProStudio routing or loopback may take additional setup within its software.
Confirm how the unit connects to your DAW, streaming application, headphones, and speakers.
Gain, Monitoring, and Routing for Recording
Gain figures help identify intended microphone needs, but they do not tell the whole story about a recording chain. The P1 lists up to 70dB gain, while the P2 lists 56dB and both the AME2 and E2 Gen2 list up to 60dB.
The PS22 Lite provides up to 56 dB plus 48V phantom power. Match those details to your microphone type and check whether the interface offers the phantom power or instrument input your equipment needs.
Monitoring and routing affect day-to-day workflow. The PS22 Lite, P1, and P2 describe direct monitoring; the P1 and P2 also include independent headphone and monitor controls.
Software routing and loopback can help combine a microphone or instrument with desktop audio for streaming. For a live show, physical mute buttons and customizable sound pads on the podcast mixers may be more useful than extra software channels.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface?
For a compact home recording setup, consider the PS22 Lite's instrument input, direct monitoring, and routing software. Solo creators who need simultaneous computer and mobile connections can compare the P1's up-to-70dB gain with the P2's two stated XLR inputs.
Choose the P2 when two XLR microphones and hybrid connections matter most.
For a podcast with live effects, the AME2 offers up to 11 customizable sound pads and instrument support. The E2 Gen2 is the clearest match for co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs and want battery operation.
In every case, verify that the inputs, included cables, and software routing fit the session you plan to record.