MAONO USB Audio Interface PS22 Lite - Compact 24-bit/192kHz Recorder

In this review the MAONO PS22 Lite is presented as a compact, budget-friendly USB audio interface aimed at home recordists, podcasters and streamers who need clear, low-latency capture without complexity. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of high-resolution recording at 24-bit/192kHz with a simple, plug-and-play workflow, which makes it easy to get clean microphone and guitar tracks quickly. Setup is straightforward on PC, Mac and iPad, and the included ProStudio routing software adds loopback channels for streaming and live broadcast.

Key Features

• High-resolution capture: The 24-bit/192kHz converters and a 106 dB dynamic range let recordings retain detail and headroom for vocals and instruments.
• Microphone support: The XLR input delivers up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power, suitable for both condenser and dynamic microphones.
• Instrument input: A dedicated guitar input with impedance control captures electric and acoustic guitar tones with realistic response.
• ProStudio routing: Included routing software provides virtual channels and LOOPBACK for streaming, plus ASIO compatibility for low-latency monitoring.
• Compact ergonomic design: The small, lightweight chassis, side headphone jack and dynamic input light ring keep desktop clutter to a minimum while showing input status at a glance.
• Plug-and-play compatibility: Works with PC, Mac and iPad and integrates with common DAWs like Pro Tools and Ableton Live for quick recording sessions.

Who It's For

The PS22 Lite is best for hobbyists, podcasters and bedroom musicians who want clear microphone and guitar capture without a steep learning curve; the plug-and-play workflow and direct monitoring switch make it easy to start recording. Live streamers and social broadcasters will appreciate the LOOPBACK features in the ProStudio software for sending desktop audio into a stream.

Professionals who require multi-channel I/O, premium metal construction or studio-grade preamps may want to look at larger, higher-end interfaces; likewise, users needing many simultaneous inputs or advanced routing hardware should consider alternatives with more physical I/O.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent sound clarity for the price, thanks to 24-bit/192kHz conversion and wide dynamic range.
• Simple setup and low latency with ASIO driver support, making it easy to record guitar and vocals.
• Useful ProStudio routing and LOOPBACK for streamers and content creators.
• Compact, lightweight design with convenient headphone monitoring and input status ring.

Cons

• Some users report mixed build quality, so the enclosure and knobs feel less robust than premium interfaces.
• Single XLR and single instrument input limit this for multi-source studio sessions.

Specifications

Format	USB audio interface (USB-A/USB-C to USB-C cable included)
Resolution	24-bit / 192 kHz
Dynamic range	106 dB
Mic preamp	Up to 56 dB gain, 48V phantom power
Inputs	1 XLR mic input, 1 dedicated instrument input
Software	ProStudio routing with LOOPBACK; ASIO driver compatible
Compatibility	PC, Mac, iPad; works with common DAWs

Our Verdict

The MAONO PS22 Lite is a strong value for content creators and home musicians who need clean, high-resolution captures with minimal fuss. It delivers impressive sound quality and low-latency performance in a pocketable unit, plus handy routing tools for streamers, making it a sensible buy for those who want a capable single-channel interface without paying for extra I/O.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this interface support condenser microphones?
Yes. The PS22 Lite provides 48V phantom power and sufficient preamp gain for most condenser microphones.

Can I use it for live streaming with desktop audio?
Yes. The included ProStudio routing software and LOOPBACK channels let you mix desktop audio with mic input for streams.

Is it plug-and-play on Mac and iPad?
It is plug-and-play on Mac and iPad for basic use; Windows users can install the ASIO driver for best low-latency performance.