M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface for Recording
Bottom line: The M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface for Recording ($49.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Combo XLR/Line input with phantom power runs condenser mics; main trade-off: 48kHz ceiling only; no 96kHz or 192kHz sample rate option.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Combo XLR/Line input with phantom power runs condenser mics
- ✓ USB/Direct switch gives zero-latency monitoring while overdubbing
- ✓ Class-compliant on Mac and PC, no driver install needed
- ✓ Second input switches between line and instrument for guitar DI
- ✓ MPC Beats software from Akai included at no extra cost
Cons
- ✗ 48kHz ceiling only; no 96kHz or 192kHz sample rate option
- ✗ Single mic preamp cannot track two mics at once
- ✗ 1/8-inch headphone jack needs an adapter for 1/4-inch cans
- ✗ RCA monitor outputs instead of balanced TRS or XLR
Manufacturer description
The M-AUDIO M-Track Solo is a compact USB audio interface built for people recording one source at a time: a vocalist tracking into a DAW, a guitarist capturing riffs, or a podcaster who needs clean input without a mixer. It runs class-compliant over USB on Mac or PC, so there are no drivers to chase before your first take, and it captures at 48kHz resolution. The input side pairs one combo XLR/Line channel with phantom power for condenser microphones with a second Line/Instrument input that switches to accept a guitar or bass DI. M-AUDIO's Crystal preamp handles the mic gain, aiming for a…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface for Recording using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the audio & midi category. M-AUDIO's audio & midi lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the M-Track Solo power a condenser microphone?
Yes. The combo XLR/Line input supplies phantom power, which is what condenser mics require. M-AUDIO pairs it with their Crystal preamp for the mic gain stage.
What sample rate does the M-Track Solo record at?
It captures at 48kHz audio resolution. That is standard for podcast, streaming, and most project-studio music work, but it is a fixed ceiling on this model.
Do I need to install drivers before using it?
No. The M-Track Solo is class-compliant, so Mac and PC recognize it over USB without a driver download. Plug it in and select it as your audio device.
Can I plug a guitar directly into it?
Yes. The second input is a switchable Line/Instrument channel, so you can flip it to instrument level and connect a guitar or bass DI without a separate direct box.
Is any recording software included?
It ships with MPC Beats from Akai Professional, which covers core production tools. Check the product listing for the current software bundle and system requirements.
Key Features
- 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
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with one combo XLR / Line Input with phantom power and one Line / Instrument input
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/8" headphone output and stereo RCA outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Solo’s transparent Crystal Preamp guarantees optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Full Specifications
| Brand | M-AUDIO |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 1 Megaohms |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Audio Input | Mic Input Balanced XLR, Line Input Balanced 1/4" TRS, Instrument Input Unbalanced 1/4" TS |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | MTRACKSOLOII |
| Compatibility | PC, Switch, Mac |
| Item Type Name | M-Track Solo – USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming and Podcasting with XLR, Line and DI Inputs, Plus a Software Suite Included |
| Compatible Devices | Guitar, Headphone, Keyboard, Laptop, Microphone, Personal Computer, Smartphone, Speaker, Tablet |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Supported Software | Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, Reason+ (6-month subscription) and Others |
| Included Components | M-Track Solo, USB B USB A cable, Software Download Cards, User Guide, Safety and Warranty Manual |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 48 KHz |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer. |
| Connectivity Technology | Headphone Output 1/4” TRS, Instrument Input Unbalanced 1/4" TS, Line Input Balanced 1/4" TRS, Mic Input Balanced XLR, RCA Outputs, USB Type B |
| Manufacturer Part Number | MTRACKSOLOII |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 4.46"D x 6.43"W x 2.14"H |
| Full listing title | M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming and Podcasting with XLR, Line and DI Inputs, Plus a Software Suite Included |
Ready to buy?
M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming and Podcasting with XLR, Line and DI Inputs, Plus a Software Suite Included is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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