Discover the M-Track Solo: Affordable, compact audio interface with good cost benefit sound. Direct monitoring, and intuitive to use, perfect for beginners.
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OUR VERDICT
The M-Track Solo is a compact and budget-friendly audio interface that delivers efficient performance for its price.
Designed for musicians, streamers, and individual creators, it offers decent recording quality, portable design, and user-friendly features.
While it doesn’t pack all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, its simplicity and affordability make it an excellent choice for beginners or creators on a tight budget.
Best Deal
M-Audio M-Track Solo
| Key Features
- Inputs: 1 XLR/TRS combo + 1 Line/Hi-Z inputs
- Outputs: RCA + 1/8" headphone outputs
- Compatibility: macOS, Windows, and iOS
- Resolution: 16-bit/48 kHz
- Plus: Crystal preamp and software bundle
| Pros
- Combo input with phantom power
- Clear sound quality for its price
- Low-latency direct monitoring
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
- Bundled software for music production
| Cons
- Limited resolution compared with more advanced models
- No MIDI I/O
- Basic RCA outputs
| Best Deals
1. Overview: M-Track Solo
M-Audio is a trusted name in the audio world, known for creating accessible gear for musicians and creators. The M-Track Solo continues this legacy by offering a no-frills audio interface designed for anyone taking their first steps into recording or for instrument practice.
This little device may not compete with other gear like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but its simplicity can cover the needs of many. It delivers clean sound quality with 16-bit/48kHz resolution, which is more than enough for casual recording, podcasting, or live streaming.
For practicing instruments, it’s a good choice, you can plug in your phones or audio monitor and practice without spending hundreds on amps and pedals – just set up your DAW, install your effect plug-ins, and play.
A high point is the Switchable 1/4″ Line/Instrument input you can chose to turn it into a guitar or microphone input, an with its 2-channel recording you can use both line inputs at the same time to capture digital instruments, drum machines synths or any other stereo device.
Its not so basic features and lightweight, compact design make it ideal for creators who value simplicity and don’t require a huge setup. It works well for home recording, playing instruments, streaming, or solo podcasting. The M-Track Solo proves that quality audio doesn’t have to cost a a lot.
2. Features Explained
M-Audio kept things straightforward with the M-Track Solo, focusing on essential features that help you get the job done without unnecessary complexity.
XRL/TRS Combo Input
Connect microphone, bass, guitar and other instruments
USB-B
Connect to your computer.
RCA Outputs
Connect to your studio monitors or speakers
Headphones Output
Real time monitoring
Direct Monitor
Hear yourself with no delay
Phantom Power
Supports condenser microphones
Line Instrument Input
Connect bass, guitar and other instruments
1 XLR/TRS/Hi-Z Combo Input
- What It Means for You: Whether you’re plugging in a microphone for vocals, a guitar directly into the interface, or a keyboard, these inputs have you covered. The Hi-Z option ensures your electric guitar or bass retains its full tone and richness without distortion.
1 Line/Hi-Z inputs
- What It Means for You: Designed TS ¼” connectors with high-impedance (Hi-Z) signals from electric guitars, basses, or other instruments. Allow you to connect instruments without active preamps or DI.
RCA outputs + 1/8” headphone output
- What It Means for You: RCA output allow you to connect your studio monitors or speakers. The headphone output means you can listen your sound in real-time without disrupting anyone else.
Crystal Preamp
- What It Means for You: Transparent low-noise preamp with A/D Converters and premium components.
Direct Monitoring
- What It Means for You: Ensures zero-latency direct monitoring, you can hear your input in real-time without any delay.
Phantom Power
- What It Means for You: Provides 48V power for condenser microphones, expanding compatibility with professional gear.
24-bit/48 kHz Resolution
- What It Means for You: This is like having a camera that captures in ultra-HD, but for sound. The higher bit depth (24-bit) and sample rate (192 kHz) ensure every detail of your sound is captured, whether it’s the subtle strum of a guitar string or the crisp clarity of your vocals. CDs are recorded at 44 kHz.
Software Bundle
- What It Means for You: Comes MPC Beats DAW , 80 AIR effect plugins, and ReValver guitar amp sims.
Best Deal
M-Audio M-Track Solo
3. Specs Table
| Feature | Specification | Practical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Simultaneous I/O |
2 in/2 out |
For recording and monitoring |
XLR Mic Input |
1 combo input |
For mic or instrument like keyboards, synthesizers |
Hi-Z Inputs |
1 combo input + 1 Line/Hi-Z |
For guitars, basses and other instruments |
Line/Monitor Outputs |
RCA |
Connection to studio monitors |
Headphone Output |
1/8″ Jack |
Independent monitoring. |
Compatibility |
macOS, Windows, iOS |
Connect anywhere |
Preamps |
Crystal Preamp |
Pro-grade quality |
Resolution |
16-bit/48kHz |
CD quality sound. |
Phantom Power |
Yes (48V) |
Supports condenser microphones |
Direct Monitor |
Yes |
Hear yourself with no delay |
Connectivity |
USB-B |
Available in most devices |
Bundle Software |
MPC Beats DAW , 80 AIR effect plugins, and ReValver guitar amp sims |
Basic tools for music production. |
4. Performance
When it comes to performance, the M-Track Solo lives up to its price tag. Its Crystal preamps are truly exceptional and deliver clean sound with minimal noise, making it a reliable choice for podcasting, live streaming, or music recording.
While the 16-bit/48kHz resolution isn’t as advanced the resolutions offered by more expensive models, it’s enough for beginners in most applications. However, advanced users may find the lack of MIDI I/O limiting, as it doesn’t support external MIDI controllers or instruments.
The direct monitoring feature works very well for such an affordable interface, allowing you to monitor your input without latency. In testing, this proved to be very useful and controlled latency well. I’d emphasize its usefulness for practicing instruments, considering you can save a lot of money on amps and pedals.
5. Design and Usability
The M-Track Solo has a simple design that prioritizes function over flair. Its lightweight plastic chassis may not feel as premium as metal-built interfaces, but it holds up well to regular use. It’s highly portable, making it ideal for mobile setups or creators with limited desk space.
The front panel has its controls clearly labeled with switches to change the function of inputs and activate phantom power. On the top, the knobs for gain and monitoring are also clearly labeled and feature clipping light indicators. Beginners will appreciate the simplicity, while experienced users will find the layout familiar and uncluttered.
The RCA outputs provide connection to consumer-grade speakers and studio monitors. Along with the USB-B for power input, these are the only things you’ll find on the back. In short, there’s no getting lost!
Best Deal
M-Audio M-Track Solo
6. Final Thoughts on M-Track Solo
The M-Track Solo is a solid entry-level audio interface for musicians, podcasters, and streamers with less advanced needs. While it lacks additional features like MIDI I/O and high-resolution audio, it excels at delivering clean, reliable sound in a compact package.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to practice your instrument, start recording, or stream without compromising on quality, the M-Track Solo worth it.
It’s hard to beat the value this interface offers, especially with its included software bundle.
7. FAQ
Is the M-Track Solo compatible with IOS devices?
Yes, it works with Windows, macOS and iOS.
Can I Use This for Live Streaming?
Absolutely! The direct monitoring feature ensures zero-latency audio, and its compact size makes it suitable for streaming setups.
However, there are better options with more streaming-friendly features within a similar budget, like Focusrite Vocaster One: Best Audio Interface for Podcasters
Read: How to Use an Audio Interface for Streaming: Best Tips Guide
Can I use the M-Track for podcasting?
Sure. Its high-quality preamp and zero-latency monitoring make it suitable for podcasting.
Read: Do You Need an Audio Interface for Podcasting? Full Guide
Can I record guitar with the M-Track Solo?
How to Choose an Audio Interface
The first thing you should do when choosing an audio interface is to assess your needs.
I’ve had the chance to use dozens of audio interfaces over the years, in different contexts as a musician and producer, and I can tell you that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Are you just practicing your instrument? Recording an album? Streaming online or starting a podcast? There are many use cases for audio interfaces, so read our reviews, compare brands, models and features.
Here we try to make your decision easier by providing unbiased reviews and buying options of tested audio interfaces, so, get deep into research and compare prices.
Learn more about how audio interfaces work What Does an Audio Interface Do? Everything You Need to Know
Inputs and Outputs
There are basically 4 main inputs available on audio interfaces, XLR inputs designed for microphones, TRS inputs for instruments like keyboards, Hi-Z instrument inputs for guitars and bass, and MIDI inputs for drum machines and synths.
Now, assess your needs. A solo musician may only need two inputs for vocals and guitar, but a producer working with multiple instruments may need four or more, and a podcaster hosting a dozen guests at once would need many more inputs.
Of course, the number of outputs also matters, especially if you are connecting studio monitors or multiple headphone outputs, determine where you want to send the signal and choose the right number of outputs you need.
Assess your needs, check the connectivity of your equipment, and find the best audio interface for your use case.
Compatibility and Connectivity
Connectivity is vital for seamless integration. USB interfaces are common and compatible with most computers, while Thunderbolt models offer faster speeds and lower latency (delay).
Learn more about latency What Round Trip Latency Means? Scarlett Solo and Beyond
So make sure your interface is compatible with your preferred DAW and operating system, especially if you’re a Mac user. Most interfaces are compatible with both Mac and Windows, but some are also compatible with iOS and Android.
Features
Important features to look for include the quality of preamps, resolution, direct monitoring and DSP cores.
Consequently, high-quality preamps give cleaner sound, and a resolution ensures clarity and quality recordings at both low and high levels. Direct monitoring will allow you to hear yourself in real time, no delay, and DSP processing is helpful for real-time effects, especially in live streaming.
If you want to use condenser mics, you will need a phantom power feature to power your mic. It won’t work without it.
Budget and Price Range
When choosing an audio interface, consider your budget. Entry-level models are available for under $200 and offer solid quality but fewer inputs and special features.
Mid-range models go somewhere between $200 and $500. Mid-range audio interfaces generally have better sound capabilities, more inputs, and extra features.
In the same way, premium models can cost over $500 and are ideal for those who need superior sound and multiple inputs; a 16-input model would be ideal for recording drums, for example.
Bassist, guitarist and producer with a long history in bands, I’ve spent more than 20 years immersed in music and gear. When I’m not playing, I’m writing about audio music, studio setups, recording and everything that helps musicians sound their best.