Who these setups suit

Stereo-synth DAW recordists

You want to capture a synthesiser’s left and right outputs in your DAW using two line-capable inputs, without needing to mix several other sources at the desk.

Multi-source home-studio users

You want physical controls for a synth alongside microphones or other sources. A compact USB mixer may suit that workflow, provided its USB routing delivers the recording channels you need.

Compact setup builders

You need to connect a computer, headphones or monitor speakers and perhaps MIDI hardware, while keeping the audio recording path to two inputs.

What matters when choosing

Two-input USB audio interface

Choose it when: one stereo synthesiser is the main source you want to record into a DAW.

Trade-off: two analogue inputs leave no additional input channels for separately recording other live sources at the same time.

Compact USB mixer

Choose it when: you want hands-on control of a synth alongside additional live sources.

Trade-off: analogue channel count does not establish how many separate channels the mixer sends to recording software; Yamaha specifies the AG06MK2’s USB audio as 2-in/2-out.

Concern Buying checks Who this matters to
Stereo capture Check for two independent line-capable inputs and confirm that your DAW can record Inputs 1 and 2 separately. If I want to keep my synth’s left and right outputs distinct in the recording, stereo capture comes first; around 36% of consumers put that need first.
Monitoring and levels Look for a documented direct- or hardware-monitoring control and input-level indication. I want to hear the synth while playing and spot an overloaded input before recording a take. Around 29% of consumers prioritise monitoring and level control.
Desk mixing Count inputs by source type, then check whether USB sends a stereo mix or separately recordable channels. With a synth and other live sources at my desk, I want physical control of their mix; for around 21% of consumers, that control is the primary concern.
Setup connections Confirm computer compatibility, USB power requirements and the monitor, headphone and MIDI connections you need. My device needs to fit my computer and speakers, plus MIDI hardware if I use it; connections come first for around 14% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming any two inputs will capture a stereo synth

    To retain separate left and right signals, both inputs need to accept the synth’s outputs and be available as recording channels.

    Check the exact device manual for two line-capable inputs and the DAW input assignments. Confirm the output type in your synth’s manual before choosing cables.

  • Using instrument mode for a line-level output

    An interface’s instrument and line settings are intended for different source connections, so the wrong setting can complicate gain adjustment.

    Follow the connection instructions for your exact interface. Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen guide shows a line-level synth connection with Inst switched off.

  • Equating mixer inputs with separate USB tracks

    A mixer can accept several analogue sources while offering fewer USB recording channels. Yamaha specifies the AG06MK2’s USB audio as 2-in/2-out.

    If you need to edit sources independently after recording, check the mixer’s documented USB channel count and routing before buying.

  • Overlooking destination-specific product marking

    Product-marking arrangements differ between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; audio connections alone do not settle whether a listing is appropriate for its destination.

    Check the seller’s product information against the applicable marking guidance for where the equipment will be supplied.

Brands and product lines to consider

Focusrite

The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a two-input USB interface for recording one stereo synth into a DAW.

  • Focusrite’s guide illustrates the synth’s left and right outputs connected to Inputs 1 and 2, with Inst switched off for the line-level connection.
  • Its two analogue inputs do not provide separate input channels for additional live sources at the same time.

Yamaha

The AG06MK2 is a compact mixer for a synth setup that also needs physical controls and additional source connections.

  • Yamaha specifies two mono mic/line channels and two stereo line channels.
  • Its USB audio is specified as 2-in/2-out; check the routing rather than assuming each analogue channel becomes a separate track.

MOTU

The M2 is a two-input USB interface for a compact stereo-synth or two-mono-source recording setup.

  • MOTU specifies two XLR/TRS mic/line/Hi-Z inputs, monitoring controls, balanced outputs and MIDI input/output.
  • Its 2-in/2-out audio format is not a route to separately capturing more than two analogue inputs at once.

Steinberg

The UR22C is a two-input interface to consider when MIDI connectivity and monitor-mix controls also matter.

  • Steinberg documents two mic/line inputs, MIDI input/output, a monitor-mix control and a peak indicator.
  • Its 2-in/2-out audio path does not provide separate recording channels for several additional analogue sources.

Behringer

The UMC202HD is a two-channel USB interface for line-level sources, microphones or instruments.

  • Behringer documents two combination XLR/TRS inputs that accept line-level sources, plus a direct-monitor control.
  • As a 2x2 interface, it should not be mistaken for a mixer that records several sources separately.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Questions about recording a synth

Can a two-input USB interface record my stereo synthesiser?

Yes, if the synth has separate left and right outputs and the interface can record two independent line-level inputs. Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen guide illustrates this connection using two 6.35 mm TRS cables; check your own synth’s output specification before choosing cables, then assign both inputs in your DAW.

Should a synthesiser use line mode or instrument mode?

For a line-level synth output, use the interface manufacturer’s documented line-level connection method. Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen instructions say to switch Inst off for its illustrated synth connection; controls and labels can differ on other interfaces.

When would I need a USB mixer instead of an interface?

A USB mixer is worth considering when you want physical control of additional sources alongside the synth. If those sources must become independently editable tracks, check the mixer’s USB routing: Yamaha specifies multiple analogue input groups on the AG06MK2 but USB audio as 2-in/2-out.

Which product marking should I check when buying for Great Britain or Northern Ireland?

GOV.UK’s March 2026 product-marking table lists UKCA or CE for electrical equipment placed on the Great Britain market; for Northern Ireland, it lists CE, or CE with UKNI where applicable. Check the seller’s information for the destination concerned, and assess recording compatibility separately from the marking.