The best audio interfaces depend on how you record: a solo instrument or vocal setup needs different inputs and controls than a multi-host podcast or mobile stream. These five MAONO options range from compact PC recording to mixer-style consoles, so compare input needs, device connections and built-in routing before choosing.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and is compatible with PC, Mac and iPads.
- Provides up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power for microphones.
- Includes ProStudio routing software with virtual channels and loopbacks.
Best For: Solo creators who want a compact interface for vocals, guitar and streaming.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Offers up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones and 24-bit/192kHz capture.
- Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously.
- Built-in loopback captures instruments, vocals, backing tracks and desktop audio.
Best For: Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who also need phone or tablet connectivity.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Has dual XLR inputs with 56dB gain and 24-bit/192kHz recording.
- Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad at the same time.
- Loopback can capture voice, instrument, backing tracks and desktop audio together.
Best For: Creators who record to a computer and connect a phone or iPad for streaming.
MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
- Two XLR combo inputs and preamps with up to 60dB gain suit co-hosts.
- Eight customizable sound-effect buttons support up to 20 seconds each.
- A built-in 1500mA battery offers up to 8 hours of use.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR microphone inputs and onboard show controls.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- Provides 11 customizable sound pads, with recording time split across three 60-second pads and eight 20-second pads.
- Has microphone gain up to 60dB and 48V phantom power.
- Includes a 6.35mm instrument input for guitar or bass.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls and an instrument 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 is a compact USB audio interface for recording music, voice work and streams on PC or Mac, with iPad compatibility also noted. It records at 24-bit/192kHz and provides an XLR input with up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
A dedicated instrument input supports guitar, while ProStudio routing software adds virtual channels and loopbacks for streaming workflows. Its small size and direct monitoring switch suit a simple desk setup.
The tradeoff is a focused solo setup; the supplied details do not identify a second XLR input for co-host recording.
Best For: Solo creators who want a compact interface for vocals, guitar and streaming.
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Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact PC or Mac recording setup that needs an XLR mic input, guitar connection and software routing. Its preamp and phantom power make it suitable for condenser and dynamic microphones, while direct monitoring and simple modes keep the workflow centered on recording and streaming.
If you regularly record multiple microphone sources at once, check the input layout before buying; this product record does not establish that it has multiple XLR inputs. The E2 Gen2 is the clearer fit for co-hosts.
High-Gain Solo Creator Setup
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 combines a USB audio interface with dual USB ports that connect a computer and a phone or iPad simultaneously. It offers up to 70dB of gain for dynamic microphones, plus 24-bit/192kHz capture, direct monitoring and built-in loopback.
Auto-Gain can set a microphone level for OBS Studio, and ProStudio2 supports routing desktop audio and adding VST effects. Its compact housing has a 15° tilt for desk access.
This is a flexible creator setup for recording and streaming; the supplied package details do not establish a dual XLR input count, so verify the microphone connections you need.
Best For: Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who also need phone or tablet connectivity.
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The P1 fits solo creators who want higher stated gain for a dynamic microphone and a simultaneous computer-and-mobile connection. Its loopback and ProStudio2 routing support streaming setups that mix a voice or instrument with desktop audio, while Auto-Gain and direct monitoring address level setting and listening.
Before choosing it for a two-person show, confirm how many XLR microphones it accepts; that detail is not established here. For co-hosts, the E2 Gen2 explicitly has two XLR combo inputs, though it is a mixer-style podcast unit.
Computer and Mobile Dual-Device Workflow
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 is built around a hybrid workflow: its dual USB ports can connect a computer and a phone or iPad simultaneously. It has dual XLR inputs, 56dB gain and 24-bit/192kHz recording, with compatibility for condenser and dynamic microphones.
Loopback routes instrument, voice, backing tracks and desktop audio together, while direct monitoring and independent headphone and monitor controls support listening during recording. The compact desk design has a 15° tilt and an aluminum-alloy housing.
Its stated gain is lower than some alternatives, so creators with gain-hungry microphones should compare their needs carefully.
Best For: Creators who record to a computer and connect a phone or iPad for streaming.
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Pick the P2 if dual XLR inputs and simultaneous computer-plus-mobile connectivity match your recording or streaming routine. Its loopback, mute controls and Stream Mode add creator-focused routing, and it supports direct monitoring.
Compare its stated gain with your microphone requirements, and check that the included cables and device connections suit your intended setup.
Two-Microphone Podcast 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 mixer and audio interface with two XLR combo inputs and preamps offering up to 60dB gain. It also has USB-C and 3.5mm connections for phones and computers, plus eight customizable sound effect buttons with up to 20 seconds of recording each.
Loopback supports computer streaming, and a built-in 1500mA battery offers up to eight hours of use. Mute, pitch-changing and reverb controls add live-show options.
This makes it more tailored to a hosted podcast than a bare recording interface; check its mixer-oriented controls and connection layout against a music-production workflow.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR microphone inputs and onboard show controls.
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The E2 Gen2 is the clearest fit here for podcast co-hosts: it explicitly combines two XLR combo inputs with up to 60dB gain. Its sound buttons, loopback, phone connections and built-in battery give a host controls beyond basic computer recording.
The tradeoff is its console-style feature set, which may be more than a solo musician needs. Compare its two-microphone workflow with the compact PS22 Lite if your priority is a simpler recording interface, and consider whether the battery and effects controls are useful in your sessions.
Sound-Pad Podcast and Instrument Console
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 that combines microphone, instrument and streaming connections with onboard sound shaping. It has 48V phantom power, three-level mic gain adjustment and gain up to 60dB, plus a 6.35mm instrument input for guitar or bass.
Eleven customizable sound pads, six reverb modes, auto-tune and loopback add live-production controls. It connects by USB-C to a computer or tablet and has outputs for phone streaming.
USB microphones are not supported, so this console is for compatible analog microphones and instruments rather than a plug-in USB mic workflow.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls and an instrument input.
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Choose the AME2 when you want a podcast console with sound pads and microphone effects as part of the live workflow. Its 6.35mm instrument input also makes it relevant to guitar or bass creators, while USB-C and phone outputs provide several streaming routes.
It supports analog microphone types, but not USB microphones, so check your existing mic connection before buying. Compared with the E2 Gen2, its key distinction is the larger sound-pad and tone-shaping feature set; confirm that those live controls matter more than a simpler recording interface.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Best Audio Interfaces
We selected five candidates with direct audio-interface or podcast-mixer functions for recording, streaming, vocals or instruments. The range covers a compact PC-focused unit, two hybrid computer-and-mobile interfaces, and two console-style podcast mixers.
We prioritized distinct input and workflow features supported by the product details, such as microphone gain, phantom power, instrument connections, loopback, monitoring, sound pads and co-host inputs.
These options serve different kinds of creators. The PS22 Lite centers on compact PC, Mac and iPad recording; the P1 and P2 emphasize device routing for creators; the E2 Gen2 targets two-microphone podcasts; and the AME2 adds sound pads and instrument input.
Comparing Audio Interfaces for Recording and Streaming
Start with the number and type of sources you need to connect. The E2 Gen2 explicitly has two XLR combo inputs for co-hosts, while the PS22 Lite details an XLR microphone input and a separate instrument input.
The P2 also specifies dual XLR inputs. The AME2 combines microphone inputs with a 6.35mm instrument input, but USB microphones are not supported.
Gain figures help distinguish the hybrid models: the P1 specifies up to 70dB, the P2 56dB and the E2 Gen2 up to 60dB. Those are product specifications, not a guarantee of how a particular microphone will behave in a room.
Check the connection and gain requirements of your own mic before selecting an interface.
Routing also changes the fit. Loopback appears on several options and is useful when a stream combines a microphone or instrument with computer audio.
The P1 and P2 emphasize simultaneous computer and phone or tablet workflows; the AME2 and E2 Gen2 add physical mixer-style controls and effects. Sound pads, reverb and pitch effects matter most when you want live show cues, while direct monitoring is useful for hearing a recording source as you work.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 LiteCheck Price |
| Solo creators who want a compact interface for vocals, guitar and streaming. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Solo creators using a dynamic microphone who also need phone or tablet connectivity. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators who record to a computer and connect a phone or iPad for streaming. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2Check Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR microphone inputs and onboard show controls. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls and an instrument input. |
Choosing an Interface for Your Microphone and Instruments
For condenser microphones, check for phantom power: both the PS22 Lite and AME2 explicitly provide 48V, and the AME2 also specifies analog dynamic and condenser mic compatibility. The E2 Gen2 and PS22 Lite give gain details for dynamic microphones.
If your mic needs substantial gain, compare the relevant model figure with the mic's needs rather than assuming every interface will offer the same headroom.
Guitarists should look for a dedicated instrument connection. The PS22 Lite identifies an instrument input with impedance adjustment, and the AME2 specifies a 6.35mm input for guitar or bass.
A product that supports microphone recording does not automatically provide the same instrument workflow, so match the inputs to the sources you plan to record.
Also account for where you will record. The E2 Gen2 includes a battery rated for up to eight hours of use, while the P1, P2 and PS22 Lite describe compact desk-friendly designs.
For mobile streaming, review the actual USB, phone and 3.5mm connection layout and the included cables.
Which Audio Interface Fits Your Creator Setup?
Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact solo setup that needs a microphone, instrument input and software routing. Pick the P1 if its up-to-70dB gain and simultaneous computer-and-mobile connections suit your microphone and streaming routine.
The P2 is the hybrid option with dual XLR inputs and a stated 56dB gain figure.
For two-person podcasts, the E2 Gen2 explicitly supports two XLR combo inputs and adds sound effects, loopback and battery operation. The AME2 fits hosts and musicians who want a 10-channel mixer with 11 sound pads, microphone effects and an instrument input.
Before ordering, confirm input count, mic connector type and device routing for your particular setup.