The best audio interfaces for creators balance microphone support and recording controls with the devices and workflow you already use. These five MAONO options range from compact PC recording to mobile streaming consoles, so choose by inputs, routing, and hands-on controls.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and includes loopback routing software.
- Supports condenser and dynamic microphones with up to 56 dB of preamp gain.
- Compact design includes a dedicated instrument input and direct monitoring.
Best For: Home musicians and voice creators who want a compact interface with routing software and direct monitoring.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Provides up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones.
- Connects a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously through dual USB ports.
- ProStudio2 provides loopback and routes desktop audio to dedicated channels.
Best For: Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones who want dual-device connections and software routing.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Dual XLR inputs support condenser and dynamic microphones.
- Dual USB ports support simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections.
- Loopback captures voice, instruments, backing tracks, and desktop audio.
Best For: Creators who want dual XLR inputs and simultaneous computer and mobile connections for recording and streaming.
MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast Mixer
- Two XLR combo inputs and up to 60dB preamp gain suit co-host recording.
- Eight customizable sound-effect buttons each support up to 20 seconds of recording.
- Its built-in battery supports up to 8 hours of use.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who want two XLR combo inputs, onboard sound effects, and battery-powered use.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2 Audio Interface
- Its 10-channel mixer includes up to 11 customizable sound pads.
- Two microphone inputs have independent controls and 48V phantom power.
- A 6.35mm instrument input supports guitar and bass.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, mic effects, and instrument input in one console.
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 USB audio interface for recording guitar, vocals, podcasts, and streams on a computer. It supports 24-bit/192kHz recording, offers an XLR input with up to 56 dB of preamp gain, and provides 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
A dedicated instrument input and impedance adjustment help it fit guitar recording as well. ProStudio Routing Software adds virtual channels and loopback for streaming, while intuitive recording, broadcast, and instrument modes make it approachable for new users.
Its small format is useful for a desk with limited space, though the supplied details focus on PC and Mac workflows rather than direct phone connections.
Best For: Home musicians and voice creators who want a compact interface with routing software and direct monitoring.
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Choose the PS22 Lite for a small computer-based setup that needs guitar input, microphone support, and software routing. Its listed strengths center on one XLR input, a dedicated instrument input, and included ProStudio software.
Before buying, check that your DAW is configured to use the MAONO ASIO driver where needed. The supplied details confirm Mac, Windows, and iPad compatibility, but do not explain a direct phone workflow or the number of simultaneous microphone inputs.
High-Gain Single-Creator Setup
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 pairs a USB audio interface with creator-focused controls for recording and streaming. Its preamp offers up to 70dB gain for dynamic microphones, and it records at 24-bit/192kHz.
Dual USB ports with MFi-certified connectivity allow a computer and phone or iPad to connect at the same time, which suits creators who record on a computer and publish or stream from mobile. Auto-Gain, independent mute controls, direct monitoring, and loopback add practical control.
ProStudio2 routes desktop audio and supports VST effects. It is aimed at solo setups, so check the required inputs and connections for any multi-microphone session.
Best For: Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones who want dual-device connections and software routing.
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The P1 is a fit for a solo creator whose dynamic microphone needs substantial gain and whose workflow spans computer and mobile devices. Auto-Gain, loopback, and direct monitoring address setup and routing tasks without requiring a larger podcast console.
Its supplied details do not establish how many XLR microphones can be connected or whether it supplies phantom power. Check those points if you use a condenser microphone or plan to record more than one person at a time.
Computer-and-Mobile Recording
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 is a hybrid USB interface for creators who move between computer recording and mobile streaming. It has dual XLR inputs, supports condenser and dynamic microphones, and records at 24-bit/192kHz.
Dual USB ports with MFi-certified connectivity let a computer and a phone or iPad connect simultaneously. Loopback routes instrument, voice, backing tracks, and desktop audio, while ProStudio 2 supports virtual routing and VST effects.
Direct monitoring and independent headphone and monitor controls help manage listening levels. The compact, tilted console is designed for a creator's desk; check whether its input and control setup fits your recording workflow before choosing it for group sessions.
Best For: Creators who want dual XLR inputs and simultaneous computer and mobile connections for recording and streaming.
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Pick the P2 if dual XLR inputs and simultaneous computer and mobile connections are central to your workflow. Its loopback and routing software are useful when a stream needs voice, instrument, and desktop audio together.
The details do not confirm phantom power, so verify that before pairing it with a condenser microphone. It also does not specify battery operation; plan to connect it through the USB workflow described if you need mobile recording.
Two-Microphone Podcast Console
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The E2 Gen2 is a podcast mixer and audio interface built around two XLR combo inputs and a preamp with up to 60dB gain. That configuration suits co-host conversations and dynamic microphones, while USB-C and 3.5mm ports offer connections to phones and computers.
Eight customizable sound-effect buttons provide up to 20 seconds of recording each, and the unit adds one-touch mute, loopback, pitch effects, and six preset reverbs. A built-in 1500mA battery supports up to 8 hours of use.
This is a hands-on podcast console rather than a minimal recording interface, so consider whether you want its sound controls and onboard effects in your setup.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who want two XLR combo inputs, onboard sound effects, and battery-powered use.
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The E2 Gen2 fits co-hosts and podcasters who want two XLR combo inputs plus tactile controls for sound effects, muting, and loopback. Its battery can help when a session is away from a fixed desk, and the multiple phone and computer connections broaden setup options.
The supplied details do not give recording resolution or confirm phantom power. Check these before buying if your workflow depends on a specific recording format or condenser microphones.
Sound-Pad Podcast and Streaming 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 10-channel podcast mixer for streaming, voice work, and instrument recording. It offers microphone inputs with independent controls, 48V phantom power, and up to 60dB gain.
Eleven customizable sound pads can add recorded clips, while reverb, tone controls, pitch changing, and loopback give creators hands-on effects and routing. A 6.35mm instrument input supports guitar or bass, and USB-C connects to a computer or tablet.
It also has outputs for smartphone streaming and studio monitors. USB microphones are not supported, so check your microphone connector and desired device routing before choosing it.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, mic effects, and instrument input in one console.
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Choose the AME2 when sound pads and onboard voice effects matter as much as basic recording. It has two independently controlled microphone inputs, phantom power, instrument input, and connections for computer and smartphone streaming.
The tradeoff is a more console-like setup than a compact interface, and USB microphones are incompatible. Confirm your microphone uses an analog connection and decide whether you need the sound pads and effects before opting for this feature-rich mixer.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
These options cover several creator workflows within the supplied audio-interface candidates: compact computer recording, guitar input, solo streaming, mobile-and-computer recording, and podcast consoles for multiple microphones. We prioritized clear input details, microphone support, routing features, and how directly each device fits its intended use.
The selected models all combine interface functions with controls or software relevant to recording, podcasting, or streaming.
For audio interface shopping, start with the source you need to connect. Guitarists should look for a dedicated instrument input, while voice recording calls for the right microphone input and, for condenser mics, confirmed phantom power.
A console with multiple mic inputs can fit co-host recording better than a compact solo setup. Check the exact microphone type and connection before buying.
Comparing Audio Interfaces for Creator Setups
The PS22 Lite emphasizes compact PC and Mac recording, with an instrument input and ProStudio routing software. The P1 focuses on solo creator controls, up to 70dB gain, and simultaneous computer and mobile connections.
The P2 adds dual XLR inputs while retaining that hybrid connection approach. These distinctions matter when deciding whether your setup needs a small recording interface, extra microphone connectivity, or mobile publishing as part of the same workflow.
The E2 Gen2 and AME2 are more console-oriented podcast choices. E2 Gen2 has two XLR combo inputs, eight customizable sound buttons, and a built-in battery; AME2 has a 10-channel mixer, up to 11 sound pads, two independently controlled mic inputs, and a 6.35mm instrument input.
For a simple recording chain, those added controls may be unnecessary. For live shows, co-host sessions, and sound cues, they can reduce the need to manage every task in separate software.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Home musicians and voice creators who want a compact interface with routing software and direct monitoring. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Solo creators using gain-hungry dynamic microphones who want dual-device connections and software routing. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators who want dual XLR inputs and simultaneous computer and mobile connections for recording and streaming. |
| MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast MixerCheck Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who want two XLR combo inputs, onboard sound effects, and battery-powered use. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2 Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads, mic effects, and instrument input in one console. |
Check Microphone Inputs and Phantom Power
Before choosing an interface, match its inputs to the microphones you own and the number of people recording at once. The PS22 Lite, E2 Gen2, and AME2 document specific microphone inputs, while the P2 specifies dual XLR inputs.
The P1's provided details do not establish its XLR input count. Do not assume two USB ports mean two microphone inputs; the P1 and P2 use those ports for device connectivity.
Condenser microphones may require phantom power, so verify that support for your chosen model. The PS22 Lite and AME2 explicitly include 48V phantom power.
The provided details do not confirm it for the P1, P2, or E2 Gen2. Dynamic microphone users should also consider gain: the P1 offers up to 70dB, while the PS22 Lite and E2 Gen2 describe up to 56dB and 60dB respectively.
These figures alone do not describe every aspect of sound quality.
Choose the Right Routing for Streaming and Recording
Loopback is useful when a stream needs to include the computer's audio alongside a microphone or instrument. The PS22 Lite includes routing software with virtual channels and loopback, and the P1 and P2 include loopback through ProStudio software.
The E2 Gen2 and AME2 also offer loopback features, with the AME2 providing dedicated phone outputs for streaming. Consider whether you want to set levels and routing in software, on physical controls, or through a combination of both.
For creators switching between computer recording and a phone or tablet, the P1 and P2 describe simultaneous computer and mobile connections. The AME2 has USB-C computer or tablet connection plus live outputs for a smartphone.
The E2 Gen2 also has USB-C and 3.5mm ports for devices. Confirm the specific cable and device compatibility your setup requires, especially if recording and streaming happen on different devices at once.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface?
Choose the PS22 Lite for compact computer recording with guitar input and routing software. The P1 suits a solo creator who wants high gain, Auto-Gain, and dual-device connectivity.
Pick the P2 if you need two XLR inputs and the hybrid phone-and-computer workflow. For co-host podcast recording and tactile sound effects, consider the E2 Gen2; for a broader mixer layout with sound pads, instrument input, and smartphone outputs, the AME2 is the more tailored fit.
Before checkout, confirm microphone connections, phantom power needs, and how many simultaneous inputs your sessions require.