MyStreamSetup.Compare five current audio interfaces and production mixers by independent inputs, monitoring, gain and routing. Start with the microphone and return paths you need.
A single-input interface can complete one microphone path, provided gain and any phantom power requirement are met. Count physical preamps, not just software channels.
Scarlett 2i2, Wave XLR Pro and RØDECaster Duo offer distinct two-input workflows. Confirm headphone destinations and your recording-channel assignments.
Streamer X combines capture and audio roles. That can remove a box, but its USB and HDMI requirements still apply separately.
Mix-minus is a routing condition. Confirm which output excludes the guest; a loopback feature alone does not establish it.
Count independent headphone mixes as well as headphone sockets. Two connectors can still carry the same mix.
A USB microphone ordinarily connects to the host directly. Buying an XLR interface does not transform its USB output into an analog microphone input.
5 models. Compare the connections and modes your setup needs, then read the profile for cables, mounts and limitations.
| Decision field | Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 | Elgato Wave XLR Pro | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen | RØDE Streamer X | RØDE RØDECaster Duo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inputs | 1 XLR microphone | 2 XLR; 3.5 mm stereo line | 2 microphone preamps; 2 line/instrument inputs | XLR/TRS mic or instrument; 3.5 mm TRRS headset; RODE Series IV wireless; HDMI audio | 2 mic/instrument/line combo inputs; 1 TRRS headset I/O; RODE USB microphone support |
| Outputs | 3.5 mm headphone; USB-C host | 2 headphones; 3.5 mm stereo line; USB host; USB aux | 2 line outputs; 1 headphone output | 3.5 mm TRRS headset; 1/4-inch headphone; USB | 2 headphone outputs; Balanced monitor outputs; USB interfaces |
| Preamp gain (dB) | 80 | 80 | 69 | 76 | 76 |
| 48 V supplied | 48 V | Yes | 48 V | Yes | Yes |
| Direct monitor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Loopback | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Mix-minus | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Yes | Available on both USB interfaces |
| Connector | 3-pin XLR; USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; XLR; 3.5 mm TRS; 6.3 mm TRS | USB-C host; 2 XLR mic; 2 1/4-inch line/instrument; 2 1/4-inch line out; 1 1/4-inch headphone | HDMI 2.0 input; HDMI 2.0 passthrough; 2 USB-C; XLR/TRS combo; 3.5 mm TRRS headset; 1/4-inch headphone | 2 XLR/TRS combo; 3.5 mm TRRS headset; 2 USB-C data; Dedicated USB-C power; Ethernet; 2 1/4-inch headphone; 2 1/4-inch balanced line out |
| Protocol | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 High-Speed host; USB 2.0 Full-Speed aux | USB 2.0 | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Host OS | Windows 11+; macOS 14.2+ | Windows 11+; macOS 14.2+ | Windows on Intel, AMD or ARM64; macOS on Intel or Apple silicon | Windows 10 version 1803+; macOS 11+ for RODECaster app; macOS 12+ for UNIFY | Windows 10 version 1803+; Windows 11; macOS 10.15+ |
| Included parts | Wave XLR MK.2; USB-C to USB-C cable, 150 cm; Quick Start Guide | USB-C cable (150 cm); Quick Start Guide | Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen; 1 m USB-C to USB-A cable | Streamer X; SC27 USB-C cable; Power adapter | RODECaster Duo; Power adapter; SC27 USB-C to USB-C cable |
| Main check | Its single microphone preamp suits one XLR speaker. Choose an interface with two independent mic inputs when two people need separate gain controls. | Connect the streaming computer to the USB host socket. Reserve the auxiliary USB connection for the second device and assign each return separately. | Loopback alone does not remove a guest’s voice from their return. Build a separate mix-minus route before using remote guests, or choose a mixer with that routing available. | Set capture output separately from the display passthrough mode. Configure the audio returns before going live so HDMI audio and computer loopback do not reach OBS twice. | Assign the stream, headphones and guest return explicitly. Exclude the guest’s own voice from their return, then record a call to check the mix before going live. |
*A maximum mode is conditional on software, host bandwidth and color format. Resolution, HDR and frame-rate maxima must not be combined without the exact mode matrix.
Elgato Wave XLR MK.2
Its single microphone preamp suits one XLR speaker. Choose an interface with two independent mic inputs when two people need separate gain controls.
Connections & full profile →Check price on Amazon ↗Elgato Wave XLR Pro
Connect the streaming computer to the USB host socket. Reserve the auxiliary USB connection for the second device and assign each return separately.
Connections & full profile →Check price on Amazon ↗Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
Loopback alone does not remove a guest’s voice from their return. Build a separate mix-minus route before using remote guests, or choose a mixer with that routing available.
Connections & full profile →Check price on Amazon ↗RØDE Streamer X
Set capture output separately from the display passthrough mode. Configure the audio returns before going live so HDMI audio and computer loopback do not reach OBS twice.
Connections & full profile →Check price on Amazon ↗RØDE RØDECaster Duo
Assign the stream, headphones and guest return explicitly. Exclude the guest’s own voice from their return, then record a call to check the mix before going live.
Connections & full profile →Check price on Amazon ↗Current recommendations and owned legacy products answer different questions. An older device can remain useful in a documented, tested setup. It is kept in the owned-gear builder, while this table uses the current catalog. Colorways are not separate recommendations, and a new generation does not inherit the previous model’s exact requirements.
For a complete connection plan, open the audio routing builder. The result should resolve the missing port, route or capability before it sends you to a merchant.