The best audio interfaces for creative work depend on how you record: a solo guitar session needs different connections and controls than a two-host podcast or a live stream. These five MAONO options range from compact recording interfaces to podcast mixers, so compare your microphone setup, device connections, and routing needs before choosing.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and includes a dedicated instrument input.
- Provides up to 56 dB of XLR preamp gain and 48V phantom power.
- Includes ProStudio Routing Software with virtual channels and loopbacks.
Best For: Home musicians and voice creators who want a compact interface with instrument input and software routing.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Offers up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones.
- Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously.
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and includes loopback routing.
Best For: Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones across computer, phone, or tablet workflows.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Connects a computer and phone or iPad at the same time through dual USB ports.
- Supports up to 56dB gain and 24-bit/192kHz recording.
- Includes ProStudio 2 routing and built-in loopback.
Best For: Creators who want to connect a computer and mobile device at the same time for recording and streaming.
MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
- Has two XLR combo inputs and preamps offering up to 60dB gain.
- Eight customizable sound-effect buttons support up to 20 seconds each.
- Built-in 1500mA battery is rated for up to 8 hours of use.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and phone or computer connections.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- Provides up to 11 customizable sound pads, with several supporting up to 60 seconds.
- Includes a 6.35mm instrument input for guitar or bass.
- XLR mic inputs have independent controls and up to 60dB gain with 48V phantom power.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls, and 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 PS22 Lite is a compact choice for recording vocals, guitar, and other instruments on a computer. It records at 24-bit/192kHz and has a dedicated instrument input with adjustable impedance, plus an XLR preamp with up to 56 dB gain and 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
ProStudio Routing Software adds virtual channels and loopback for streaming, and the interface supports ASIO drivers. Its small size and direct monitoring switch suit a desk with limited space.
It can also connect to iPads, though the product title positions it primarily as an interface for PC.
Best For: Home musicians and voice creators who want a compact interface with instrument input and software routing.
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Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact desk setup focused on guitar, vocals, or solo streaming. Its instrument input and included routing software offer more music and broadcast flexibility than a basic mic connection.
Check how many microphones your sessions require, since the record does not specify the simultaneous input count. Also confirm the connection path for your intended device; the title centers PC use, while compatibility notes also mention Mac and iPads.
High-Gain Solo Creator Setup
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 pairs dual USB connectivity with up to 70dB gain, making it a fit for creators who need to connect a computer and phone or iPad in one setup. It supports Mac, PC, iPhone, Android, and cameras, and records at 24-bit/192kHz.
Auto-Gain can set a microphone level for OBS Studio, while direct monitoring and LED signal indicators help manage recording levels. ProStudio2 software provides routing for app and desktop audio, VST effects, noise reduction, and loopback.
Its compact desk-friendly housing has a 15° tilt, though the product notes do not specify its microphone input count.
Best For: Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones across computer, phone, or tablet workflows.
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The P1 is a strong fit when gain range and device switching matter more than a larger bank of physical controls. Its simultaneous computer and mobile connection, Auto-Gain, and software routing target solo creators who move between recording and streaming.
Before buying, confirm the number of mic inputs and whether your session requires more than one microphone. The box contents named here include the interface, cable, and manual, so plan for microphones and headphones separately if needed.
Dual-Device Recording and Streaming
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The P2 Hybrid centers on a dual-device workflow: its dual USB ports with MFi-certified connectivity can connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously. It records at 24-bit/192kHz, supports up to 56dB gain, and works with condenser and dynamic microphones.
Direct monitoring, signal indicators, and independent headphone and monitor controls help manage a recording or stream. ProStudio 2 software adds routing, VST effects, noise reduction, and loopback.
Its compact, tilted design suits a home or mobile creator workspace. The product notes do not specify phantom power, so confirm microphone power requirements before choosing it for a condenser mic.
Best For: Creators who want to connect a computer and mobile device at the same time for recording and streaming.
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Pick the P2 when connecting a computer and phone or tablet together is central to your workflow. Its software routing and loopback support creator setups that combine instrument, voice, and desktop audio, while separate monitoring controls add hands-on flexibility.
The title says dual XLR, but the notes do not clarify the simultaneous input arrangement or phantom power. Verify those details against your microphone setup, especially if you plan to use condenser mics or record multiple people.
Two-Mic Podcast Mixer
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The E2 Gen2 is built around podcast and streaming workflows, with two XLR combo inputs and preamps offering up to 60dB gain. Eight customizable sound-effect buttons can each hold up to 20 seconds of audio, and the mixer also provides pitch effects and six preset reverbs.
A one-touch mute button, loopback, and USB-C and 3.5mm connections support live production across computers and phones. Its built-in 1500mA battery is rated for up to 8 hours of use.
This feature set suits co-hosts who want effects and mobile connections in one console, though the product notes do not specify recording resolution.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and phone or computer connections.
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Choose the E2 Gen2 for a two-person podcast or stream where sound cues, voice effects, and mobile connections are useful. The dual combo inputs and 60dB preamps distinguish it from the solo-focused P1 and P2 interfaces.
Its built-in battery supports portable use, but the product notes do not give recording resolution or confirm included microphones and headphones. Check those details if you need a specific DAW recording format or want a complete out-of-box kit.
Custom Sound-Pad Podcast 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 MaonoCaster AME2 is a podcast mixer with 10 channels, up to 11 customizable sound pads, and two independently controlled microphone inputs. Its preamps support up to 60dB gain and 48V phantom power, while a 6.35mm instrument input accommodates guitar or bass.
Six reverb modes, auto-tune, pitch controls, sidechain, and loopback add options for live shows and content creation. USB-C connects to a computer or tablet, and live-output ports support phone streaming.
USB microphones are not supported, so this is a better match for analog mic and instrument setups than for someone planning to use a USB mic.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls, and instrument input.
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Pick the AME2 if you want a hands-on podcast console with sound pads, voice effects, and instrument input. It offers built-in performance controls, while its USB-mic incompatibility narrows the right setup to analog microphones and instruments.
Check the connection plan for each device: it supports USB-C connection to a computer or tablet and live outputs for connecting a phone. Its routing and sound-control options can suit shows that use these features.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
These five products all fall within computer recording audio interfaces, and each has a practical role for recording, streaming, or podcast production. The selection favors distinct setups: a compact PC-oriented interface, two creator interfaces with dual-device workflows, and two podcast mixers with sound-pad controls.
This keeps the roundup focused on products that serve different creative routines rather than repeating the same offer under another name.
The details that separate them are microphone inputs and gain, instrument support, connection options, monitoring, routing, and built-in effects. A musician recording alone may prioritize instrument input and DAW routing, while a co-hosted show may need two mic connections, mute controls, and sound cues.
Where a buying detail such as input count or phantom power is not specified, confirm it before matching the interface to your gear.
Comparing Audio Interfaces for Recording and Streaming
The PS22 Lite is the compact recording pick, with an instrument input, up to 56 dB preamp gain, phantom power, and ProStudio routing. The P1 emphasizes up to 70dB gain and Auto-Gain for a solo creator workflow.
The P2 instead foregrounds simultaneous computer and mobile connections, with up to 56dB gain and software loopback. Check how many mic inputs each setup provides before planning interviews or co-host sessions.
For a podcast console, the AME2 and E2 Gen2 offer more direct show controls. The AME2 includes customizable sound pads, instrument support, effects, and separate mic controls; the E2 Gen2 has two XLR combo inputs, eight sound buttons, and a built-in battery rated for up to 8 hours.
Their published details differ, so consider which connections and controls your show will actually use. The coordinator's comparison table below the products can help scan their recorded specifications.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 LiteCheck Price |
| Home musicians and voice creators who want a compact interface with instrument input and software routing. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones across computer, phone, or tablet workflows. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators who want to connect a computer and mobile device at the same time for recording and streaming. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2Check Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who need two XLR combo inputs, sound effects, and phone or computer connections. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, microphone controls, and instrument input. |
Choosing a Home Studio Audio Interface
Start with the sources you need to capture at once. Guitarists should look for an instrument input; the PS22 Lite and AME2 explicitly include one.
For a podcast with two hosts, the E2 Gen2 specifies two XLR combo inputs. The P2 title identifies dual XLR, but confirm its input arrangement and phantom power before pairing it with particular microphones.
Match microphone type to gain and power needs. The P1 offers up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones, while the PS22 Lite and AME2 specify 48V phantom power for condenser mics.
The E2 Gen2 offers up to 60dB gain. Gain figures alone do not determine sound quality, so also consider how you monitor, mute, and route audio during recording.
Audio Interface Connections, Routing, and Controls
If you record on a computer and publish from a phone, the P1 and P2 describe dual USB connections for simultaneous devices. The AME2 and E2 Gen2 also include phone-oriented live or streaming connections.
Verify that the ports match your intended devices and cables. For gaming, streaming, or music mixed with desktop audio, check whether loopback and routing software are part of the workflow you need.
Physical controls matter during a live session. The P1 offers Auto-Gain, direct monitoring, and signal indicators; the PS22 Lite has a direct monitoring switch and dynamic light ring.
The AME2 and E2 Gen2 add sound pads, while the latter includes a one-touch mute and battery-powered operation. Sound pads are useful for intros or effects, but they add little to a setup used only to capture a voice or instrument into a DAW.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface?
Choose the PS22 Lite for compact guitar or vocal recording with instrument input and software routing. Consider the P1 if high gain and Auto-Gain suit a solo creator who moves between computer and mobile devices.
The P2 fits a dual-device workflow with monitoring and routing controls, provided its input and phantom-power details fit your microphone plan.
For co-hosted shows, the E2 Gen2 explicitly provides two XLR combo inputs and show controls; check recording-format needs because resolution is not specified. Choose the AME2 when customizable sound pads, effects, and guitar or bass support are central, and avoid it if you need a USB microphone.
Match the interface to your recording sources, device connections, and live controls before weighing features you may never use.