The best audio interface for your setup depends on whether you prioritize music recording, mobile connections, or podcast controls. These four MAONO models cover distinct workflows, from a compact PC interface to mixers with dual XLR inputs and customizable sound pads.
Quick Top Products
MAONO MaonoCaster AME2
- Two microphone inputs have independent controls and 48V phantom power.
- Eleven customizable sound pads include adjustable volume and looping on three pads.
- Instrument input, reverb, pitch effects, and loopback support varied show setups.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want sound pads, voice effects, and an instrument input in one mixer.
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Interface
- Dual USB ports allow simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections.
- Two XLR inputs, 24-bit/192kHz recording, and direct monitoring support music and voice work.
- Loopback and ProStudio 2 provide routing and software effect options.
Best For: Musicians and creators who want to record on a computer and connect a phone or tablet at the same time.
MAONO PS22 Lite
- Supports 24-bit/192kHz recording and a specified 106 dB dynamic range.
- XLR input provides up to 56 dB gain and 48V phantom power.
- Instrument input, direct monitoring, and loopback support music and streaming.
Best For: Newer home-recording users who want a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming.
MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2
- Two XLR combo inputs and preamps offering up to 60 dB of gain suit co-hosts.
- Eight customizable sound effect buttons store up to 20 seconds each.
- Built-in battery is rated for up to eight hours of use.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who want two XLR inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered 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 microphone inputs with independently controlled gain, 48V phantom power, and an instrument input for guitar or bass.
Eleven customizable sound pads, six reverb modes, pitch controls, and loopback add tools for live shows and streams. It can connect with a computer or tablet over USB-C, while separate live outputs support smartphone connections.
This is a feature-rich choice for creators who want hands-on effects and sound cues. It does not support USB microphones, so check your microphone connection before buying.
Best For: Podcasters and streamers who want sound pads, voice effects, and an instrument input in one mixer.
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Choose the AME2 if your recording workflow includes live cues, voice effects, and an instrument input alongside microphone recording. Its sound pads and separate live outputs make it particularly suited to a produced podcast or stream.
For a simpler music setup, the PS22 Lite has a more compact feature set and specifies 24-bit/192kHz recording. Before choosing the AME2, confirm that your microphone uses a supported analog connection and that the mixer controls fit your recording routine.
Dual XLR Interface for Phone and Computer
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar
The MAONO P2 Hybrid is a dual XLR USB audio interface designed around a mixed computer and mobile workflow. Its two USB ports support simultaneous connections to a computer and a phone or iPad, and it is compatible with Mac, PC, iPhone, Android, and cameras.
The interface supports recording at 24-bit/192kHz, direct monitoring, and ASIO, with independent headphone and monitor controls. Loopback and ProStudio 2 software add routing options for desktop audio and effects.
Its compact, tilted housing keeps controls accessible on a desk. Consider it if switching between a computer recording session and mobile content creation is part of your routine.
Best For: Musicians and creators who want to record on a computer and connect a phone or tablet at the same time.
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The P2 Hybrid is the clearest fit when your interface needs to serve both a computer and a connected mobile device. It offers dual XLR inputs and recording at 24-bit/192kHz, like the PS22 Lite, while adding simultaneous USB connections and creator-focused routing.
The tradeoff is that those workflow features matter most when you will use them. Check whether your phone, tablet, camera, and preferred recording software match the connection options you plan to use.
Compact Interface for Home Music 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 interface for PC and Mac recording, with iPad compatibility also included. It supports 24-bit/192kHz recording and has an XLR input with up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
A dedicated instrument input supports guitar recording, while direct monitoring, loopback, and ProStudio routing software cover common recording and streaming workflows. Its small form and straightforward modes suit a desk with limited space.
It is a focused option for recording music or voice without the sound pads and mixer effects found on MAONO's podcast consoles.
Best For: Newer home-recording users who want a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming.
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Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact home setup centered on one microphone or instrument at a time. Its dedicated instrument input and 24-bit/192kHz recording suit music-making, while direct monitoring and loopback also cover streaming.
The P2 Hybrid adds dual XLR inputs and simultaneous mobile-device connections, so it is a better match when those needs are central. Before buying, confirm that your DAW supports the interface and that one XLR input is enough for your recording plans.
Two-Microphone Podcast Console With Battery
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 mixer with two XLR combo inputs and preamps offering up to 60 dB of gain. Its eight customizable sound effect buttons can each store up to 20 seconds of audio, and it also includes loopback, one-touch mute, and six reverb presets.
USB-C and 3.5mm ports support connections to computers and phones, while Bluetooth and AUX-IN provide ways to add background audio. The built-in 1500mA battery is rated for up to eight hours of use.
This combination suits co-hosted shows and mobile setups that benefit from mixer controls and stored sound cues.
Best For: Podcast co-hosts who want two XLR inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation.
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The E2 Gen2 is a practical fit for a two-person podcast or a mobile show that needs stored sound cues and voice effects. Its two XLR combo inputs distinguish it from the PS22 Lite, which has one XLR input, and its built-in battery supports sessions away from a fixed desk.
The AME2 also has sound pads and an instrument input, so compare the input and effect layout with your routine. Check how long your sessions run and whether the stated battery runtime suits them.
How to Choose Audio Interfaces
How We Picked Audio Interfaces
These four interfaces are distinct options for recording music, podcasts, and streams. The selection covers a compact interface for guitar and vocals, a hybrid model for computer and mobile work, and two mixer-style consoles with sound pads and voice effects.
The useful starting point is the recording workflow. Consider how many microphones you need, whether you will connect an instrument, and whether you want hands-on controls for a live show.
The products here are all MAONO models, so compare their documented inputs, routing, and extras rather than assuming the same features across the range.
Comparing Audio Interfaces for Recording and Streaming
For a compact music setup, the PS22 Lite combines one XLR input with a dedicated instrument input, direct monitoring, and loopback. The P2 Hybrid has dual XLR inputs and simultaneous USB connections for a computer and phone or iPad.
Its software routing options fit creators who move between desktop recording and mobile publishing.
The AME2 and E2 Gen2 put more emphasis on podcast mixing. Both include customizable sound pads, loopback, and voice effects.
The E2 Gen2 has two XLR combo inputs and a built-in battery rated for up to eight hours. The AME2 has an instrument input, more sound pads, and separate live outputs for smartphone connections.
The comparison table below summarizes these differences.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MAONO MaonoCaster AME2Check Price |
| Podcasters and streamers who want sound pads, voice effects, and an instrument input in one mixer. |
| MAONO P2 Hybrid USB InterfaceCheck Price |
| Musicians and creators who want to record on a computer and connect a phone or tablet at the same time. |
| MAONO PS22 LiteCheck Price |
| Newer home-recording users who want a compact interface for guitar, vocals, or streaming. |
| MAONO MaonoCaster E2 Gen2Check Price |
| Podcast co-hosts who want two XLR inputs, sound effects, and battery-powered operation. |
Inputs, Microphones, and Instruments
Count the inputs your sessions require before choosing an interface. A single XLR input can suit solo vocals, but recording two microphone sources calls for a model with dual inputs, such as the P2 Hybrid or E2 Gen2.
If guitar or bass is part of your music workflow, the PS22 Lite and AME2 both include dedicated instrument inputs.
Check microphone type and connection as well. The AME2 supports analog microphones and does not support USB microphones.
The PS22 Lite and E2 Gen2 include 48V phantom power, while the P2 Hybrid is described as compatible with condenser and dynamic microphones. Match the input and power options to the microphone you plan to use.
Mobile Podcast and Home Studio Setup
Think about where you record and how sound reaches your audience. The P2 Hybrid supports simultaneous computer and phone or iPad connections.
The E2 Gen2 supports computer, smartphone, and tablet connections and adds a built-in battery. The AME2 has USB-C for a computer or tablet, plus separate live outputs for smartphone use.
For a desktop music session, direct monitoring helps you hear an input while recording. The PS22 Lite includes a direct monitoring switch, and the P2 Hybrid offers direct monitoring with independent headphone and monitor controls.
If you plan to route desktop audio into a stream, compare the loopback and software features with the apps you use.
Choosing Sound Pads and Streaming Controls
Sound pads can make intros, cues, and short effects easier to trigger during a show. The AME2 has 11 customizable pads, with looping supported on three; the E2 Gen2 has eight buttons that each support up to 20 seconds of audio.
Both also provide reverb and pitch-related effects. Those controls are useful when you want the mixer itself to shape a live session.
If your priority is recording a song or voice track with fewer show controls, the PS22 Lite keeps the workflow more focused. For a creator who wants software-based routing, the P2 Hybrid includes ProStudio 2, while the PS22 Lite includes ProStudio routing software.
Check software and driver compatibility with your computer and recording application.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface?
Choose the PS22 Lite for a compact music desk with one XLR microphone or an instrument. Choose the P2 Hybrid if you need two XLR inputs and want a computer and mobile device connected at once.
For a co-hosted podcast with battery-powered flexibility, consider the E2 Gen2. For a podcast or stream that uses sound pads, voice effects, and an instrument input, the AME2 combines those controls in one mixer.
Before deciding, verify your microphone connections, input count, devices, and software against the features you will use.