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(PS22 Lite Black)

My previous review on this product was not a happy one. I connected it to multiple devices, had the biggest problem with crackles and pops and as much as it did what it was supposed to, it just wouldn't do it smoothly. I initially tried to contact support through Maono's website to figure out what was going on. No answer. Initially my review on this product was 2 stars, 3 for a product that kind of works with a lot crackle and pops and bringing it down to a 2 for not getting an answer from support. Despite the support not being available through their website, I recommend reaching out to the email listed on the website as well. Between the efforts of both Amazon and the support on the email I sent to separately, I can now re-review this product and am very grateful I got a new one sent out to do so. The new product is great! It is everything you would expect from an interface at this low of a price and more! It is the only interface worth getting at this price point. Is this the highest quality interface you can get? No. If you're willing to spend about twice as much, you can get the Audient devices which I personally consider to have fantastic sound quality, especially at their price. But this is PERFECT for it's price. That said, there are a few things to note. Imagine my disappointment when I plugged in the new interface, and it also crackled and popped. But this time, doing tests on multiple devices, I found it wasn't the interface itself, not strictly. Before I get into more about the crackles and pops, the device itself has an instrument in port and an XLR port, allowing for two inputs. Each has its own gain knob. There are also two outputs, one for a monitor and one for headphones. Each of these also has its own knob. It is pretty straightforward. It has a switch to direct monitor or just receive the full mix on output. It has a 48v phantom power for any condenser mics that might need it. As with any interface, I recommend downloading and installing the driver when you get it. That said, please read on to see one of the issues I had with the driver and the easy process on how to fix it. Another part that I really like and didn't think about being unique before, but got pointed out in a review by Obscure Mics, which I recommend going to check out his review of it on YouTube, is the lighting. The lights on this are really cool, modern and unique. If you start to clip, it even turns red to show you. Really nice job here. Now, for the snap, crackles and pops. Okay, not the snap, but I couldn't resist. There are four causes for crackles and pops on this device, and I had the fortune of being able to find all four causes to now be able to assess how to deal with them: 1) The first device I received was having internal issues. This seems to be an infrequent thing to happen with their products where I just got unlucky, so I can't hold that against them. The new device doesn't have this issue. No problem. 2) When I received the new device, it still had an issue on my main computer. I had an idea though. What if, by chance, it was the driver causing the issue? Easy enough to test. I tested the same exact inputs and outputs, but this time I used ASIO4ALL. And wouldn't you believe it worked JUST fine. No issues. No crackles and pops. Occasionally some weird ASIO4ALL issues, but that's not relevant to this interface. So I tried reinstalling the driver. And this fixed it! No more crackles and pops. So if you're having an issue, and it's only when using the Maono driver, I recommend trying to reinstall. But I also recommend that Maono look at why this happens and work on fixing it for future users. 3) Use USB-C. On some devices I still had an issue running the interface through USB. USB is outdated, and this device uses USB-C for a reason. If you're having issues, use USB-C. 4) Use a hub with a phone. If you want to connect this to a phone, which you can, get a hub that has both pd charging and a USB-C out data port then plug it into your phone and make sure it's charging while the interface is plugged in to the data port. This will provide a stable power source for the interface when connected to a phone and will work fine at this point! Positives: Great device for the price! It works and works pretty well once the bugs are figured out and dealt with! The input, output, dial and switch options are really nice on a device of this price range. The driver works well and provides low latency. The option for 96 khz is really great! It helps it keep up with the times, as well as using USB-C. Speaking of USB-C, the provided USB-C to USB cord is nice. I just don't really recommend using it unless you absolutely have to, and you've tested and know it will work for your setup. Recommendations for Improvement: A bit of additional quality control probably wouldn't hurt. Please fix whatever issue I had with the driver if it's something that can happen again to someone else. Provide an option for additional power straight to the device for more consistent power. Improve the pre-amps. This is half the price of the Audient devices I mentioned before, but the pre-amps do sound like it. I would love to see this device redone at the same price with improved pre-amps. Create more budget interface devices at reasonable prices. Include the improved pre-amps. Behringer has an 8-input interface at $180. I challenge Maono to do the same but cheaper with the higher quality pre-amps. Maybe even include ADAT ports or have devices with them? Maybe we can get it down to $100? Think about how much of a market that could take over! Extra buld quality like being made of metal would be nice, but at this price, is it really a major concern? Not for me. Overall, I really like this product for the price. And if you need a budget interface to start out with or to carry around, this is a great one for you. I currently have this rated at four stars, but if this device is still working great after a month, I'll make sure to give it five at that time. Edit: 5 Stars after a month of usage! Still works fine without crackle issues!

One of the standout features of the MAONO USB Audio Interface is its user-friendly design. The setup process is remarkably straightforward. Upon unboxing, I found that connecting the interface to my PC was as simple as plugging in the USB cable. It is truly a plug-and-play device; my computer recognized it immediately without the need for any complicated drivers or extensive configuration. The interface features an XLR input, which is essential for connecting professional-grade microphones like the PS22 Lite. This allows users to easily switch between different microphones or instruments, providing versatility for various recording situations. The controls are intuitively laid out, with clearly labeled knobs for gain, volume, and other essential functions. This design ensures that even those new to audio recording can navigate the interface with confidence. The routing software included with the MAONO interface adds another layer of convenience. The LOOPBACK feature is particularly beneficial for streamers and podcasters, as it allows for easy mixing of audio from multiple sources. This feature can be set up quickly, enabling users to capture both their voice and system audio without hassle. The ASIO driver support further enhances the user experience by minimizing latency, which is crucial for real-time monitoring during recordings. In terms of construction, the MAONO USB Audio Interface is built to last. The body of the device is made from durable materials that feel solid and reliable. It has a compact design that takes up minimal desk space. The robust build quality is evident in the weight and feel of the interface, which instills confidence that it can withstand regular use without issue. The interface features high-quality components, including a well-designed preamp that enhances the sound quality of connected microphones. This attention to detail in construction ensures that users receive clean, professional-grade audio in their recordings. Additionally, the knobs and buttons are responsive and provide a satisfying tactile feedback, making adjustments easy and precise. The Audio Interface excels in both ease of use and construction quality. It’s designed with the user in mind, allowing for quick setup and seamless operation, while its sturdy build ensures longevity. This combination makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio recording experience, whether for music production, podcasting, or streaming.

Good interface that makes my mic sound louder and clearer. I like that I can plug my instruments straight into it too. Easy setup and solid performance for the price

Works perfectly for my Fedora Linux workstation. It plugs in directly to my USB-C port on my motherboard. I have a FIFINE XLR mic and an Amazon Basics XLR cable, and it connects with no extra steps or external drivers. It requires little to no power if plugged into you pc. The audio is clearer than any USB mic I have ever tried. It is seamlessly compatible with Fedora Linux (43). It is extremely light and powerful, and small, which is great for home office/studio uses.

Impressive! This device was so easy to use! The audio is clean! The unit itself is so small, it’s easy to make room on a desk. I can enhance the audio with software I already have. But this is a great way to get audio onto your computer from your microphone. This little guy kicks WAY above its pay grade! I highly recommend this interface.

Great audio interface, worked for my needs even connected to my mackie mixer and direct out of my amp out into it.

Please check your cable when you plug the device in, I spent a good 45 mins just trying to figure out what was going on with the device. I could not get my computer to recognize the device with said provided usb c cable, I tested every usb port on my computer and no matter what it was the same error. Finally after testing out my computer I decided to try another computer I have and it was doing the exact same thing, I almost gave up until I decided to use another usb c cable that was actually for my wireless mouse and what do you now it finally was recognized. Let me be clear, I just began using the audio interface and so far am learning how it works. It just sucked not knowing the cable was the issue the entire time I was trying to get setup. If you end up having the same issue try using a different usb c cable and Im sure itll work. Update 9/2/25 - after having this audio interface for less than 6 months it seems to be that either its build quality isn't meant to last or I got a poor build. The amount of times I disconnect while being on my pc is unreal, I plan to just get rid of this and go with a legit brand. Wasted money on a product that couldn't last.

So far it is everything it is suppose to be. Ive read some reviews who said it was light and possibly not great for travel, but I will say the opposite. First It isnt made from a metal box and though the plastic might feel thin that is what makes it light weight and easy to carry. It seems solid and as long as it isnt packed at the bottom of a bin your good. All my plug ports and jacks are in place and are not wanting to fall out. This is not a stand alone piece but comes with a power cord to plug straight into your pc, mac, or phone. If plugged into the pc it will play through those speakers, as a standalone you need speakers. With a mic, speaker and a phone you can use this anywhere to help you create music and sound. Great for taking to a gig or helping out with some music at a friends party. This pro studio is great routing center and has loopback, it is not a sound effects board . You can plug a instrument directly into it and hear it in real time. Real time voice or instruments have to be plugged directly into the device to hear it in real time. You must use a headset with a 3.5mm plug to hear your voice in real time. There is a way to use a headset to hear in somewhat real time from a pc but you have to go into your sound options on your computer and enable "listen" in the microphone configure tab. This will produce a latency of a few milli seconds but it will still work. All in All I recommend this for anyone wanting to do pod casts or just make music. I paired mine with the Maono PM320 series microphone and it is amazing. Super clear voice doesnt begin to describe it, amazing professional quality.