The best audio interfaces for a soul music or home recording setup depend on whether you need direct instrument recording, flexible computer routing, or podcast controls. These five MAONO options range from compact PC interfaces to portable dual-input mixers, so choose by your microphones, connected devices, and workflow.
Quick Top Products
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface
- Records at 24-bit/192kHz and has a 106dB dynamic range.
- Supports condenser and dynamic microphones with up to 56 dB of gain and 48V phantom power.
- Includes an instrument input, direct monitoring, and ProStudio routing with loopbacks.
Best For: Home recordists who want a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming.
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface
- Provides up to 70dB of gain for dynamic microphones.
- Dual USB ports support simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections.
- Includes Auto-Gain, direct monitoring, and built-in loopback.
Best For: Creators who want high gain and simultaneous computer and mobile connections.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface
- Dual USB ports connect a computer and phone or iPad simultaneously.
- Supports two XLR microphones and recording at 24-bit/192kHz.
- Direct monitoring and loopback handle low-latency listening and desktop audio capture.
Best For: Musicians and streamers who record on a computer and publish from a phone or tablet.
MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
- Has two XLR combo inputs and preamp gain up to 60dB.
- Eight customizable sound buttons each support up to 20 seconds of recording.
- Its built-in battery supports up to 8 hours of use.
Best For: Co-hosts who need two microphone inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation.
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- Offers up to 60dB of gain and 48V phantom power for XLR microphones.
- Has 11 customizable sound pads, including three that support up to 60 seconds of audio.
- Supports guitar or bass through a 6.35mm instrument input.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want extensive sound pads and onboard voice effects.
Compact Interface for 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 small USB interface for PC, Mac, and iPads, with an XLR input for microphones and a dedicated instrument input for guitar. It records at 24-bit/192kHz and includes 48V phantom power and up to 56 dB of preamp gain for condenser or dynamic microphones.
Direct monitoring, an input status light ring, and selectable modes support recording, broadcast, and instrument use. ProStudio Routing Software adds virtual channels and loopback for streaming.
It suits a straightforward home setup, though its one XLR input offers less room for simultaneous microphones than the dual-input options.
Best For: Home recordists who want a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming.
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Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact music setup centered on one microphone or guitar. Its instrument input, direct monitoring, and routing software cover several common recording and streaming tasks.
The tradeoff is input capacity: the E2 Gen2 and P2 have dual XLR inputs for two-microphone setups. Before buying, check that your recording software uses the MAONO ASIO driver where needed, and confirm the interface's XLR input meets your session plans.
High-Gain USB Interface for Dynamic Mics
MAONO P1 USB Audio Interface with 70dB Gain for PC, Phone, iPad & Guitar
The MAONO P1 pairs dual USB connectivity with up to 70dB of gain, making it a flexible choice for creators who move between a computer and phone or tablet. Its MFi-certified connectivity supports connecting those devices simultaneously, while the interface records to Mac, PC, iPhone, Android, or cameras.
It supports 24-bit/192kHz audio, direct monitoring, and built-in loopback, with Auto-Gain and mute controls aimed at podcasting and streaming. ProStudio2 software adds audio routing and VST effects.
This combination favors a creator workflow; check the precise input configuration and your preferred software before choosing it for a music-first studio.
Best For: Creators who want high gain and simultaneous computer and mobile connections.
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Pick the P1 if high gain and a computer-plus-mobile workflow matter most. Auto-Gain, direct monitoring, and loopback support creator-oriented recording, while its 24-bit/192kHz specification also suits home music work.
Its product title does not identify the XLR input count or phantom-power support, so verify those details if you use condenser microphones or plan to record multiple mics. If two XLR inputs are essential, the P2 and E2 Gen2 explicitly specify dual XLR.
Dual-XLR Interface for Mobile Streaming
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 is a dual-XLR USB interface designed to connect a computer and phone or iPad at the same time. It records at 24-bit/192kHz and supports condenser and dynamic microphones, with up to 56dB of gain, direct monitoring, and loopback for capturing voice, instruments, and desktop audio.
Independent mute controls and signal indicators help manage a recording or stream, while its 15° tilt keeps the controls accessible on a desk. The compact aluminum-alloy housing fits a home or mobile creator setup.
Consider it when flexible connections are central; the PS22 Lite offers a single XLR input for a simpler setup.
Best For: Musicians and streamers who record on a computer and publish from a phone or tablet.
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The P2 is a practical fit when you want two XLR inputs and a computer-to-mobile publishing workflow in one interface. Its loopback and direct monitoring support music recording as well as streaming, and the independent mute controls help with live use.
The main tradeoff among these creator-focused options is input capacity: the E2 Gen2 also has two XLR combo inputs, while the PS22 Lite has one XLR input. Check your microphone requirements and whether your computer or mobile device workflow matches the dual USB connections.
Two-Mic Podcast and Streaming Mixer
MAONO Podcast Equipment Bundle: Audio Interface mixer with Dual XLR Input for Podcast Streaming - MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
The E2 Gen2 combines two XLR combo inputs with a podcast mixer layout for co-hosts and streamers. Its preamps provide up to 60dB of gain, and eight customizable sound-effect buttons can each store up to 20 seconds of audio.
A one-touch mute, monitoring button, loopback, Bluetooth, and phone connections cover common live and recording tasks. The built-in 1500mA battery supports up to 8 hours of use, giving it a portable angle alongside the compact PC interfaces here.
It can also connect musical instruments, but buyers focused on DAW-based music recording should compare its mixer controls with the PS22 Lite's dedicated instrument input and software routing.
Best For: Co-hosts who need two microphone inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation.
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Choose the E2 Gen2 for a podcast or streaming session where onboard effects, a one-touch mute, and battery operation are useful. Its dual combo inputs also accept musical instruments, but its feature set centers on a podcast mixer workflow.
For music recording, compare the controls and routing you need with the PS22 Lite's dedicated instrument input and software channels. Check the per-button recording limit if you plan to trigger longer clips.
Feature-Rich Podcast Mixer With 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 MaonoCaster AME2 is a 10-channel podcast mixer that also supports guitar and bass recording through its 6.35mm instrument input. It offers 48V phantom power and up to 60dB of low-noise gain, plus 11 customizable sound pads, six reverb modes, 12-step auto-tune, and loopback controls.
Its USB-C connection works with a computer or tablet, while separate live outputs connect a smartphone for streaming or recording. This range of hands-on options makes it suited to a podcast or creator station with varied audio sources.
Its mixer controls and effects suit setups where those features matter alongside capturing music.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want extensive sound pads and onboard voice effects.
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Pick the AME2 when you want a hands-on podcast mixer with multiple sound pads, voice effects, guitar or bass input, and smartphone streaming outputs. Its sound pads and effects provide onboard customization, though that extra control may be unnecessary for a simple instrument-and-microphone recording chain.
It accepts analog microphones but not USB microphones, so confirm that your microphone has a supported analog connection before buying. Its 10-channel mixer format also suits creators managing multiple sources.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Best Audio Interfaces
These choices cover the main ways people use an audio interface: recording a microphone or instrument, working with two speakers or co-hosts, and routing audio into a livestream. We favored products with clearly described input types, monitoring or routing features, and device compatibility.
That is why the list includes both compact PC-focused hardware and podcast mixers with sound pads, effects, or mobile connections.
For soul and vinyl creators, the connection details matter as much as the headline recording format. Check whether you need an XLR microphone input, phantom power for your microphone, a dedicated instrument input for guitar, or a path to connect a phone during streaming.
Comparing Audio Interfaces for Recording and Streaming
The PS22 Lite is the compact option for a microphone or guitar, with a dedicated instrument input and ProStudio routing. The P1 emphasizes up to 70dB of gain and simultaneous computer and mobile connections.
The P2 also connects those device types while specifying dual XLR inputs, direct monitoring, and loopback.
The E2 Gen2 and AME2 function as podcast mixers with hands-on controls. The E2 Gen2 offers XLR combo inputs and a battery; the AME2 adds sound pads, guitar or bass input, and voice effects.
Their mixer controls suit live content, while a compact interface may better fit a simpler music-recording chain.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Home recordists who want a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming. |
| MAONO P1 USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators who want high gain and simultaneous computer and mobile connections. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio InterfaceCheck Price |
| Musicians and streamers who record on a computer and publish from a phone or tablet. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2Check Price |
| Co-hosts who need two microphone inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want extensive sound pads and onboard voice effects. |
Choosing a Home Recording Interface
Start with the source you plan to record. A guitar player may value the PS22 Lite's dedicated instrument input or the AME2's 6.35mm instrument connection.
A vocalist should check the microphone type and phantom-power needs; the PS22 Lite, P2, and AME2 specify 48V phantom power, while the P1 record does not state it.
Two-microphone sessions call for an explicitly documented dual-input model such as the P2 or E2 Gen2. Gain figures also differ: the P1 lists up to 70dB, the E2 Gen2 up to 60dB, and the P2 and PS22 Lite up to 56dB.
Treat these as product specifications rather than a substitute for checking compatibility with your microphone.
Which Audio Interface Fits Your Creative Setup?
Choose a compact USB interface if your priority is recording guitar or vocals into a computer with direct monitoring and software routing. Choose a hybrid interface if you want to connect a phone or iPad alongside the computer.
For streams and podcasts, weigh sound pads, effects, mute controls, and loopback against the simpler input and monitoring needs of music recording.
The AME2 is the clear fit for creators who want extensive sound-pad controls and analog mic or instrument connections. The E2 Gen2 suits a co-host show where two combo inputs and battery operation are useful.
Before ordering, match the interface's inputs to your microphones and instruments, and confirm its computer or mobile connections fit your recording and publishing routine.