Buying Guide

The Best Mackie Audio Interfaces for a Better Desk Setup

We looked at 8 mackie audio interfaces side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.

By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher

11 min read8 products evaluated

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Best Mackie Audio Interfaces cover a wide input-count range. That means marketing copy alone is risky.

This roundup weighs documented latency and input count, given that this is the real gap to watch.

Quick Picks

Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best Overall

    Mackie Audio Interface

    Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around

    Our take Check price for Mackie Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Worth Considering

    Mackie Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Mackie Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  3. Solid Alternative

    M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  4. Another Strong Option

    Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Premium Pick

    Mackie Producer Bundle with Onyx Producer interface

    Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it

    Our take Check price for Mackie Producer Bundle with Onyx Producer interface (opens in a new tab)

  6. Worth a Look

    Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  7. Great Alternative

    Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  8. Also Worth Considering

    MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Mackie Audio Interface

Best Overall1 of 8

Mackie Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Mackie Audio Interface is the top pick in this comparison.

Best for

Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around

Why we like it

High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-bit/192khz recording with the musician collection of 23 plugins and instruments. Boutique-quality onyx mic preamp with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range and 48v phantom power for use with studio condenser mics.

¼” TRS input with hi-z switch for connecting guitar, bass, and more, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and the other picks in this comparison.

Go with this pick if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-bit/192khz
  • Boutique-quality onyx mic preamp with class-leading fidelity
  • ¼” TRS input with hi-z switch

Pros

  • High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-bit/192khz
  • Boutique-quality onyx mic preamp with class-leading fidelity
  • ¼” TRS input with hi-z switch
  • Zero-latency direct monitoring of analog inputs

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
Mackie Audio Interface

Also Worth Considering2 of 8

Mackie Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Mackie Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-bit/192khz recording plus MIDI I/o with the musician collection of 23 plugins and instruments. Two boutique-quality onyx mic preamps with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range with 48v phantom power for use with studio condenser mics.

The other picks in this comparison lands in a similar spot overall, but the deciding factor between the two is XLR/TRS combo inputs accept mic, line and hi-z instrument level sources.

Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-bit/192khz
  • Two boutique-quality onyx mic preamps with class-leading
  • XLR/TRS combo inputs accept mic, line

Pros

  • High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-bit/192khz
  • Two boutique-quality onyx mic preamps with class-leading
  • XLR/TRS combo inputs accept mic, line
  • Zero-latency direct monitoring of analog inputs

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface

Solid Alternative3 of 8

M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio interface covers it all - USB sound card for mac or PC delivers 48khz audio resolution for pristine recording every time. Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / line / instrument inputs with phantom power.

Weighing this against Mackie Audio Interface, everything you demand from an audio interface for fuss-free monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/direct switch for zero latency monitoring ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio
  • Record guitar, vocals or line input signals
  • Everything you demand from an audio interface

Pros

  • Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio
  • Record guitar, vocals or line input signals
  • Everything you demand from an audio interface
  • Get the best out of your microphones

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Another Strong Option4 of 8

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Pro performance with great pre-amps - achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the scarlett 3rd gen. Get the well suited guitar and vocal take with - with two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through.

Weighing this against Mackie Audio Interface, studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - achieve pro sounding recordings with scarlett 3rd gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192khz ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Pro performance with great pre-amps
  • Get the well suited guitar and vocal take
  • Studio quality recording for your music

Pros

  • Pro performance with great pre-amps
  • Get the well suited guitar and vocal take
  • Studio quality recording for your music
  • Low-noise for crystal clear listening

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
Mackie Producer Bundle with Onyx Producer interface

Best Premium Pick5 of 8

Mackie Producer Bundle with Onyx Producer interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Mackie Producer Bundle with Onyx Producer interface is the priciest pick in this lineup.

Best for

Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it

Why we like it

The onyx producer 2 2 features our renowned onyx preamps and high-resolution recording. Mc-100 headphones provide clear sound and noise isolation.

The em-91c condenser mic is great for capturing vocals in detail, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and Mackie Audio Interface.

Go with this pick if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Onyx producer 2 2 features our renowned
  • Mc-100 headphones provide clear sound and noise
  • Em-91c condenser mic is great for capturing

Pros

  • Onyx producer 2 2 features our renowned
  • Mc-100 headphones provide clear sound and noise
  • Em-91c condenser mic is great for capturing
  • Em-89d is versatile enough to capture even

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Worth a Look6 of 8

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

The new generation of the songwriter's interface: plug in your mic and guitar and let scarlett solo 4th gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music. With a huge 120db dynamic range, the newest generation of scarlett uses the same converters as focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios.

Mackie Audio Interface covers similar ground, though scarlett 4th gen's improved air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings is what tips the choice one way or the other.

Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • The new generation of the songwriter's interface
  • Studio-quality sound
  • Find your signature sound

Pros

  • The new generation of the songwriter's interface
  • Studio-quality sound
  • Find your signature sound
  • All you need to record, mix

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Great Alternative7 of 8

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

The new generation of the artist's interface: connect your mic to scarlett's 4th gen mic pres. With a huge 120db dynamic range, the newest generation of scarlett uses the same converters as focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios.

Weighing this against Mackie Audio Interface, never lose a great take: scarlett 4th gen's auto gain sets the well suited level for your mic or guitar, and clip safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • The new generation of the artist's interface
  • Studio-quality sound
  • Never lose a great take

Pros

  • The new generation of the artist's interface
  • Studio-quality sound
  • Never lose a great take
  • Find your signature sound

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar

Also Worth Considering8 of 8

MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual XLR for PC Phone iPad Guitar is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Dual USB ports with mfi-certified connectivity connect your computer and phone or ipad simultaneously. 56db dual XLR audio interface compatible with most condenser and dynamic microphones.

Weighing this against Mackie Audio Interface, built for podcasters, streamers, and musician creators ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Hybrid connectivity
  • Studio-grade audio
  • Stream and record without the guesswork

Pros

  • Hybrid connectivity
  • Studio-grade audio
  • Stream and record without the guesswork
  • Record guitar tutorials, cover songs, and vocal

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions

How We Chose These Mackie Audio Interfaces

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Input Count vs Simultaneous Sources
Input count should be set by your worst-case recording session, not your average one: it's the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll ever need running at the exact same time.
Preamp Gain and Noise Floor
A preamp boosts a microphone's naturally quiet signal to a usable recording level, and how much clean gain it provides before introducing audible hiss determines whether quieter microphones sound clear or noisy.
Connection type affects real-world recording latency more than most buyers realize: USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring in the vast majority of home setups, while Thunderbolt's lower latency mainly pays off in larger multi-channel professional rigs.
Bit Depth and Sample Rate
Bit depth determines the dynamic range of your recording, with 24-bit now the professional standard and a meaningful step up from older 16-bit recording in headroom before clipping.
Bus-Powered vs External Power Supply
Whether an interface is bus-powered, drawing power from the USB connection alone, or requires a separate power adapter changes how portable and simple your setup actually is.

What to Look for in a Mackie Audio Interface

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Input Count vs Simultaneous Sources

    Input count should be set by your worst-case recording session, not your average one: it's the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll ever need running at the exact same time. A single-input interface handles a solo vocalist fine, but an interview or duet needs two inputs simultaneously regardless of how often that happens.

  2. Preamp Gain and Noise Floor

    A preamp boosts a microphone's naturally quiet signal to a usable recording level, and how much clean gain it provides before introducing audible hiss determines whether quieter microphones sound clear or noisy. Interfaces with 55 to 60 DB of clean gain comfortably handle most dynamic and ribbon microphones without noticeable hiss. Check the specific gain figure in DB and cross-reference it against the microphone you actually plan to use.

  3. Connection type affects real-world recording latency more than most buyers realize: USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring in the vast majority of home setups, while Thunderbolt's lower latency mainly pays off in larger multi-channel professional rigs. Check for a stated round-trip latency figure at a standard buffer size before assuming Thunderbolt is worth the added cost for your setup.

  4. Bit Depth and Sample Rate

    Bit depth determines the dynamic range of your recording, with 24-bit now the professional standard and a meaningful step up from older 16-bit recording in headroom before clipping. 1kHz to 192kHz, determines how many times per second audio is captured, with higher rates capturing more high-frequency detail but diminishing practical benefit for most home recording. Check that your interface supports at least 24-bit/48kHz.

  5. Bus-Powered vs External Power Supply

    Whether an interface is bus-powered, drawing power from the USB connection alone, or requires a separate power adapter changes how portable and simple your setup actually is. Compact 1-2 input models are usually bus-powered, while higher-channel-count interfaces more often need external power. Check the listing specifically rather than assuming a fully portable, single-cable setup.

How to Choose a Mackie Audio Interface

Solo vocalist or single instrument
Mackie Producer Bundle with Onyx Producer interface

Lowest price in this lineup
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
Mackie Producer Bundle with Onyx Producer interface

Works on virtually any modern computer, often runs on bus power alone, plenty of speed for a small home setup at a lower price.
Lower latency and higher bandwidth for larger channel counts, but costs more and needs a Thunderbolt port.

Most home studio and podcasting buyers should default to USB.

By Bit Depth and Sample Rate

24-bit standard, suitable for most home recording
Verify your DAW's actual project settings firstCheck your recording software is configured to match

For Podcasting and Streaming Specifically

Low-latency direct monitoring so you can hear your own voice without delay while recording or streaming live.
Mackie Audio Interface is worth checking against its specific direct-monitoring spec before assuming any interface handles live monitoring equally well.

You regularly record multiple sources at once and want the best all-around pick, where Mackie Producer Bundle with Onyx Producer interface justifies the extra cost.
You're recording a single source, where Mackie Audio Interface already covers the job at the lowest price here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an audio interface if I already have a USB microphone?

No, a USB microphone already contains its own basic audio interface internally; a separate interface is only needed if you want to use an XLR microphone, record multiple sources at once, or want better preamp quality.

How many inputs do I actually need?

Count the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll realistically record in a single take, not your total microphone collection; a solo vocalist typically needs just one input, while an interview needs at least two.

Is Thunderbolt worth it over USB for a home studio?

Usually not for a 1-2 input home setup. USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring on most systems, and Thunderbolt's main advantage mostly matters for larger professional multi-channel setups.

What does 'bus-powered' mean on an audio interface?

It means the interface draws power directly from your computer's USB connection, so no separate power adapter is needed, simplifying setup, especially useful for a portable or minimal desk arrangement.

Do I need 24-bit or is 16-bit enough for recording?

24-bit is the current professional standard and gives meaningfully more headroom before clipping than 16-bit, and the vast majority of modern interfaces, including entry-level models, now support it by default.

Can I use an audio interface with my phone or tablet?

Some interfaces support mobile devices via USB-C, but check the specific listing for IOS or Android compatibility and power requirements, since not every USB interface is designed to draw power correctly from a mobile device.

Bottom Line

Best overall: Mackie Audio Interface — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.

Browse all mackie audio interfaces on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.