You’ve got a great microphone. You’ve got ideas flowing. You’re ready to record your podcast, music, or stream – until you realise your audio sounds thin, noisy, or just plain bad. The missing piece? A reliable audio interface. That’s where the Maono PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface steps in. Designed for podcasters, musicians, and live streamers, this compact yet capable device promises high-resolution recording, real-time monitoring, and professional-grade routing – all at a price that won’t make your wallet cry.
With a 24-bit/192kHz resolution and 106 dB dynamic range, the PS22 Lite aims to deliver clarity and depth that punches above its price point. I got my hands on it at the Digit Test Centre and put it through its paces – recording vocals, instruments, and streaming live. At just $69.99, which equates to around INR 6,000, does it deliver the goods, or should you save up for a pricier option? Let’s break it down.
Maono PS22 Lite: Build and Design
Straight out of the box, the Maono PS22 Lite feels lightweight yet durable. Its compact design makes it easy to integrate into any setup, whether for a home studio or a mobile recording rig. The matte black finish gives it a professional look, and the controls are neatly arranged for ease of access.
On the front panel, you get a single XLR input with 48V phantom power support, making it compatible with both condenser and dynamic microphones. The gain knob offers up to 56 dB of preamp gain, ensuring clean and warm audio capture. Next to it, there’s a dedicated instrument input for guitarists and musicians looking for direct recording capabilities.
The interface also features a dynamic LED light ring that serves as a visual indicator for audio levels. The side-mounted headphone monitoring port is a nice touch, reducing cable clutter and making it easier to manage your setup. The USB-C port on the rear allows for plug-and-play connectivity with Windows and macOS, keeping things simple for beginners and experienced users alike.
In the box:
- Maono PS22 Lite Audio Interface
- USB-C Cable
- User Manual
Maono PS22 Lite: Features
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the PS22 Lite comes packed with useful features. The 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio ensures clear and detailed recordings, making it suitable for professional use. The 106 dB dynamic range means less background noise and a more natural sound profile.
One of its biggest highlights is the ProStudio Routing Software, which enables virtual channels, loopback functionality, and ASIO driver support for low-latency streaming and recording. This makes it a great choice for podcasters and live streamers who need flexibility in audio routing.
For musicians, the dedicated instrument input with adjustable impedance allows for direct recording without the need for additional gear. The interface also includes built-in EQ and vocal effects, providing additional customisation options for users looking to fine-tune their recordings.
Another useful addition is the direct monitoring feature, which ensures zero-latency monitoring, letting users hear their audio in real-time without any delay. This is a crucial feature for professional recordings where timing and accuracy matter.
Maono PS22 Lite: Performance
Performance-wise, the Maono PS22 Lite delivers beyond expectations for its price point. The preamp gain is strong, capturing vocals with clarity and warmth. During podcast recordings, voices sounded rich and well-defined, with minimal background noise. The 48V phantom power worked seamlessly with condenser mics, providing enough power for crisp audio capture.
For live streaming, the loopback function proved to be a valuable tool, allowing easy integration of background music and other audio sources without additional software. The ASIO driver support ensured smooth performance on DAWs like Ableton and FL Studio, making it a solid choice for music production as well.
Also Read: Maono PD300X Review: Bridges the gap between studio grade precision and creator friendly versatility
Instrument recording was equally impressive. The direct input for guitars produced clean, detailed sound without noticeable distortion, and the built-in effects added a layer of polish to the final output. However, at high gain settings, there was a slight noise floor, though it was manageable with proper adjustments.
Maono PS22 Lite: Verdict
After testing the Maono PS22 Lite, it’s clear that this USB audio interface offers incredible value for money. The combination of high-resolution recording, flexible routing software, and solid preamp performance makes it a strong contender in its category.
However, it does face competition from established options like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, which offers slightly better preamp quality. But for beginners, podcasters, and live streamers looking for an affordable and feature-packed interface, the PS22 Lite is a fantastic choice. Overall, if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly audio interface with pro-level features, the Maono PS22 Lite is well worth considering. It’s a well-rounded package that punches well above its weight class.
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Satvik Pandey
Satvik Pandey, is a self-professed Steve Jobs (not Apple) fanboy, a science & tech writer, and a sports addict. At Digit, he works as a Deputy Features Editor, and manages the daily functioning of the magazine. He also reviews audio-products (speakers, headphones, soundbars, etc.), smartwatches, projectors, and everything else that he can get his hands on. A media and communications graduate, Satvik is also an avid shutterbug, and when he's not working or gaming, he can be found fiddling with any camera he can get his hands on and helping produce videos – which means he spends an awful amount of time in our studio. His game of choice is Counter-Strike, and he's still attempting to turn pro. He can talk your ear off about the game, and we'd strongly advise you to steer clear of the topic unless you too are a CS junkie. View Full Profile
