The best audio interface for your setup depends on whether you prioritize straightforward recording, mobile connections, or podcast controls. These four MAONO models cover those uses, so compare their inputs, routing, and built-in features before choosing.
Quick Top Products
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- Two XLR inputs with up to 60 dB gain and 48V phantom power.
- Eleven customizable sound pads, six reverb modes, and pitch effects.
- Dedicated instrument input and loopback for streaming.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads and multiple voice effects.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Interface
- Two USB ports support simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections.
- Dual XLR inputs and recording up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
- Direct monitoring, loopback, and ProStudio 2 routing software.
Best For: Creators who want to record on a computer while connecting a phone or tablet for streaming.
MAONO PS22 Lite
- Records up to 24-bit/192 kHz with a 106 dB dynamic range.
- XLR input supports up to 56 dB gain and 48V phantom power.
- Dedicated instrument input, direct monitoring, and loopback routing.
Best For: Home musicians and creators who want a compact interface for computer-based recording.
MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
- Two XLR combo inputs with preamps offering up to 60 dB gain.
- Eight customizable sound-effect buttons and six reverb presets.
- Loopback, multiple device connections, and a built-in battery rated for up to eight hours.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need dual XLR inputs, sound effects, and portable operation.
Podcast Mixer with Custom 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 MAONO MaonoCaster AME2 combines an audio interface with a 10-channel podcast mixer. It has two XLR microphone inputs, up to 60 dB of mic gain, 48V phantom power, and a dedicated instrument input for guitar or bass.
Eleven customizable sound pads, six reverb modes, tone controls, and pitch effects give creators options for shaping a live show. It also supports loopback and connections to computers, tablets, phones, and cameras.
USB microphones are not supported, so check your microphone’s connection before buying. Its focus on show controls makes it a more specialized choice than a simpler recording interface.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads and multiple voice effects.
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Choose the AME2 if live sound cues and voice effects are central to your podcast or stream. The dedicated instrument input also makes it useful for adding guitar or bass alongside microphones.
Before buying, confirm that your microphones are analog and that the available outputs fit your recording or streaming setup. If you mainly need to record vocals or guitar into a computer, a more compact interface may offer a simpler workflow.
Dual-Device Mobile Recording
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 Hybrid is built around a dual-device workflow: its two USB ports can connect a computer and a phone or iPad at the same time. It has dual XLR inputs, supports condenser and dynamic microphones, and records at up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Direct monitoring, independent headphone and monitor controls, and real-time signal indicators help manage a recording session. Loopback and the ProStudio 2 software add routing options for combining instruments, microphones, and desktop audio.
Its compact tilted housing suits a desk or mobile setup, though buyers should check device and software compatibility for their intended workflow.
Best For: Creators who want to record on a computer while connecting a phone or tablet for streaming.
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The P2 Hybrid fits creators who move audio between a computer and a mobile device, such as recording a guitar or vocal before streaming from a phone. Its dual XLR inputs also suit two-microphone sessions.
Compare its multi-device workflow with the PS22 Lite if you mainly record to a computer: the PS22 Lite emphasizes a compact interface and PC or Mac routing, while the P2 emphasizes simultaneous mobile and computer connections.
Compact Computer 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 PC and Mac recording, with iPad compatibility also included. It records at up to 24-bit/192 kHz and has an XLR input with up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power.
A dedicated instrument input supports guitar recording, while ProStudio routing software, loopback, and ASIO drivers provide options for streaming and low-latency output. Direct monitoring and intuitive modes for recording, broadcast, and instruments keep its focus on a small, flexible setup.
Check that your DAW uses the MAONO ASIO driver when configuring software on a computer.
Best For: Home musicians and creators who want a compact interface for computer-based recording.
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Pick the PS22 Lite for a focused computer-based setup with one XLR microphone input and a dedicated instrument input. It combines music recording features with software routing for streaming, without the larger collection of podcast sound controls found on the AME2 or E2 Gen2.
Check the input count against your plans: a solo guitar or vocal setup can fit its described connections, while recording multiple microphones calls for a model with dual XLR inputs.
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 and streaming interface with two XLR combo inputs and preamps offering up to 60 dB of gain. Eight customizable sound-effect buttons, a one-touch mute button, loopback, and six reverb presets give co-hosts practical show controls.
It can connect to computers, phones, and tablets, and its built-in 1500 mA battery is rated for up to eight hours of use. The interface can also connect musical instruments.
Its mix of dual-microphone support and portable features suits creators who need more than a basic desktop recording connection.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who need dual XLR inputs, sound effects, and portable operation.
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Choose the E2 Gen2 when two microphones and podcast controls matter more than a minimal interface. Its battery and phone connections also suit sessions away from a fixed computer setup.
Compare it with the AME2 if you want sound pads and voice effects: the E2 Gen2 has eight sound buttons and dual XLR combo inputs, while the AME2 offers eleven pads and a dedicated instrument input. Confirm which inputs and outputs your co-host setup needs.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
These four interfaces address distinct audio tasks: compact computer recording, simultaneous mobile and computer use, and podcast or streaming control. The key differences are the number and type of inputs, device connections, and built-in tools such as loopback, sound pads, and effects.
For a music production setup, consider how many microphones and instruments you need to connect at once. The PS22 Lite has an XLR input and a dedicated instrument input.
The P2 Hybrid and E2 Gen2 have dual XLR connections, while the AME2 combines two microphone inputs with an instrument input and extensive podcast controls.
Comparing These Audio Interfaces
Input count is a useful starting point, but workflow matters too. The PS22 Lite is a compact choice for recording to a computer or iPad.
The P2 Hybrid is designed for simultaneous computer and mobile-device connections. The E2 Gen2 and AME2 add more direct controls for podcasting and live streaming.
Look at monitoring and routing before choosing an audio interface for streaming. The PS22 Lite and P2 Hybrid include loopback and software routing; the E2 Gen2 and AME2 also include loopback, alongside physical controls and sound effects.
Match these tools to how you plan to combine a microphone, instrument, and computer audio.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want customizable sound pads and multiple voice effects. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB InterfaceCheck Price |
| Creators who want to record on a computer while connecting a phone or tablet for streaming. |
| MAONO PS22 LiteCheck Price |
| Home musicians and creators who want a compact interface for computer-based recording. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2Check Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who need dual XLR inputs, sound effects, and portable operation. |
Choosing an Interface for Vocals and Instruments
Microphone compatibility can determine whether an interface fits your recording setup. The AME2 and E2 Gen2 support 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, and their preamps offer up to 60 dB of gain.
The PS22 Lite has up to 56 dB of preamp gain and phantom power. The P2 Hybrid supports condenser and dynamic microphones and offers dual XLR inputs.
For guitar or bass, check for an instrument input rather than assuming an XLR input covers every connection. The PS22 Lite and AME2 have dedicated instrument inputs.
The E2 Gen2 supports musical instruments, while the P2 Hybrid is described as suitable for guitar recording. Check that your instrument cable and intended connections match the interface.
Planning a Podcast and Streaming Setup
A solo creator may need only an interface with direct monitoring and a clear path to a computer. Co-hosts should pay attention to input count: the P2 Hybrid and E2 Gen2 have dual XLR inputs, and the AME2 has two microphone inputs.
Sound pads and effects can add cues to a show, but they are most useful when you expect to control them during recording or streaming.
Mobile connections differ across these models. The P2 Hybrid is designed to link a computer and a phone or iPad at once.
The E2 Gen2 can connect to computers, phones, and tablets and includes a built-in battery rated for up to eight hours. Confirm which devices and ports your workflow requires before choosing.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface?
Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact computer-oriented recording setup with a dedicated instrument input. Consider the P2 Hybrid if your sessions move between computer and mobile devices.
The E2 Gen2 suits co-host podcasts that need dual XLR inputs, mute and loopback controls, and battery-powered use.
The AME2 fits creators who want customizable sound pads, voice effects, and a dedicated instrument input in one podcast mixer. Across all four options, check input count, microphone type, device compatibility, and routing needs against your actual recording plan.