Plug In and Play Out: MAONO PS22 Lite Audio Interface Review – Your Recording Studio Sidekick
- Farman
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Ever felt like your home setup is holding back your inner rockstar or podcast pro? The MAONO PS22 Lite Audio Interface flips that script, a compact mixer with 24-bit/192kHz routing software, LOOPBACK ASIO driver, and versatile inputs for music, podcasts, guitars, and DAW integration. This black beauty is tailored for home studios, vloggers, and musicians, offering low-latency recording and easy plug-and-play for PC/Mac. Priced around ₹5,000-₹7,000 on Amazon India, it's an entry-level powerhouse that punches above its weight. In this 2500-word sonic session, we'll plug into its intuitive design, crystal-clear performance, creator confessions, and why it's a 2025 essential for India's budding audio artists. Mic up – let's mix it up!
MAONO's Soundwave Story: From Mic to Mastery - MAONO PS22 Lite Audio Interface Review
MAONO, a Chinese audio innovator since 2013, has been empowering creators with affordable, high-fidelity gear, from mics to interfaces. The PS22 Lite, part of their Professional Series, builds on their legacy with ASIO drivers for DAW-friendly routing, making it a go-to for India's podcast boom—from Delhi's talk shows to Mumbai's music scenes. It's designed for the DIY audio enthusiast, blending pro specs with beginner ease.
The Home Studio Surge
In 2025, India's content wave—from YouTube covers to Spotify podcasts—demands accessible tools. The PS22 Lite fits this flow, offering LOOPBACK for virtual mixing and 192kHz resolution for studio-grade clarity without the studio price.
Design: Compact Command Center
The PS22 Lite is a sleek black box, measuring 5.5 x 4.7 x 1.6 inches and weighing 0.5kg, fitting neatly on desks or stands. Its matte finish resists fingerprints, with a front panel of knobs, switches, and LED meters for gain and phantom power. XLR/1/4" combo inputs handle mics and guitars, while USB-C connects to your DAW. The bundled software simplifies routing, turning it into a virtual mixer.
Input & Output Essentials
2 Combo Inputs: XLR for mics, 1/4" for instruments.
Headphone Out: 1/4" jack for monitoring.
LOOPBACK: Virtual channels for streaming mixes.
The gain knobs are detented for precise control, and the phantom +48V switch powers condensers seamlessly.
Software & Connectivity
The MAONO Link software (PC/Mac) enables ASIO low-latency routing, with LOOPBACK for blending computer audio and inputs—ideal for podcasts. USB-C ensures plug-and-play, with 24-bit/192kHz for high-res recording.
Design Essentials | Studio Perk |
Size/Weight | 5.5x4.7x1.6 in, 0.5kg |
Inputs | 2 Combo XLR/1/4" |
Resolution | 24-bit/192kHz |
Connectivity | USB-C, ASIO |
Build Quality
The metal chassis feels solid, with rubber feet for stability and a 1-year warranty. It's bus-powered via USB, no external supply needed. Minor note: the headphone knob can be stiff at first, but it loosens with use.
Build Basics | Durability Edge |
Chassis | Metal, compact |
Power | USB bus-powered |
Warranty | 1 year |
Monitoring | Headphone out |
Performance: Mix Like a Pro
The PS22 Lite shines with 24-bit/192kHz resolution for studio-quality captures, and ASIO drivers keep latency under 5ms—perfect for real-time guitar tracking or podcast overdubs. The preamps deliver clean gain up to +60dB, with low noise (-110dBu EIN) for pristine vocals.
Recording Routing
LOOPBACK creates virtual mixes, letting you record DAW output with live inputs for seamless podcasts. The software's routing matrix assigns channels freely, supporting multi-track DAWs like Reaper or Ableton.
Input Versatility
XLR inputs handle dynamic mics with phantom power, while 1/4" jacks amp guitars without clipping. Headphone monitoring is zero-latency, and the meters prevent overloads.
Performance Peaks | Creator Win |
Resolution/Latency | 24-bit/192kHz, <5ms |
Gain Range | +60dB clean |
Noise Floor | -110dBu EIN |
LOOPBACK | Virtual mixing |
Creator Confessions: Interface Inspirations
Users are hooked: “Recorded my first podcast—LOOPBACK made mixing a breeze!” says Arjun, 28, from Bangalore. “Guitar tracks sound pro now,” adds Priya, 24, from Kolkata. With 88% acclaim, it's praised for value and ease.
The Wins
High-Res Recording: 192kHz for detailed sound.
Low-Latency ASIO: Real-time DAW bliss.
Versatile Inputs: Mic and guitar ready.
Compact Power: Bus-powered portability.
The Catches
Limited Inputs: Only 2 channels.
Software Curve: Routing takes practice.
No MIDI: Audio-only focus.
Headphone Volume: Peaks at high gain.
2025 Audio Ascent: Interfaces for the Indie Wave
India's music and podcast scene in 2025 is thriving, with home setups demanding affordable interfaces like the PS22 Lite. It's a fit for #IndieIndia trends, enabling creators to produce without pro studios.
Interface Insight: MAONO vs. Rivals
Feature | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | Behringer U-Phoria | |
Price | ₹5K-₹7K | ₹12K | ₹4K |
Resolution | 24-bit/192kHz | 24-bit/192kHz | 24-bit/48kHz |
Inputs | 2 Combo | 2 XLR/Line | 2 Combo |
Latency | <5ms ASIO | <3ms | 10ms |
Best For | Budget DAW/Podcasts | Pro Recording | Entry-Level |
Focusrite: Premium but pricier.
Behringer: Cheaper but lower res. MAONO balances specs and savings.
Recording Rituals: Mix Your Magic
Gain Sweet Spot: Set to -12dB peaks.
LOOPBACK Setup: Route DAW to virtual channel.
Phantom Power: On for condensers only.
Cable Check: Balanced for noise-free.
Software Sync: Update drivers quarterly.
Monitor Mix: Blend inputs with computer audio.
The Mix Masterpiece: Record Without Limits
MAONO PS22 Lite Audio Interface Review: The MAONO PS22 Lite Audio Interface is a sonic starter, channeling 24-bit/192kHz clarity and LOOPBACK routing into a compact creator's dream. It's a 2025 essential for India's audio upstarts, delivering pro sound on a budget. At ₹5,000, it's your gateway to mix mastery. Plug, play, produce – the track starts now!
Rating: 8.9/10
Disclaimer: Some product images in this review have been taken from the brand's official website and other official promotional channels for informational and review purposes. All image rights belong to their respective owners.
Image Credit:www.maono.com-
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