---
title: "MAONO E2 Gen2 vs TASCAM Mixcast 4"
url: "https://mid1.com/compare/maono-e2-gen2-vs-tascam-mixcast-4"
site: "mid1 (mid1.com)"
---

# MAONO E2 Gen2 vs TASCAM Mixcast 4

Both are picks from our guide: Best USB Mixer for Podcasting in 2026 (https://mid1.com/guides/mixers/best-usb-mixer-for-podcasting).

## Specs head to head

| Spec | MAONO E2 Gen2 | TASCAM Mixcast 4 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mic inputs | 2 (listed as dual XLR) | 4 XLR/TRS combo with auto-mix |
| Sound pads | 8 programmable | Customizable, switchable banks |
| USB audio | Stereo mix | USB-C, 14 in/2 out, 48 kHz/24-bit |
| Tracked price | $129.99 (Oct 19, 2026), range $109.97 to $149.99 | $499 (Oct 19, 2026), range $406.99 to $499 |

## MAONO E2 Gen2

Our rating: 7.0 out of 10.

Best for: A new solo or two-host podcaster on a budget who wants sound pads, a mute button and phone support in one box under $150.

The MAONO E2 Gen2 is the budget pick because it bundles the controls a first show needs. It cost $129.99 on Oct 19, 2026, and mid1's weekly checks have tracked it between $109.97 and $149.99.

MAONO lists two low-noise preamps with up to 60 dB of gain, enough for common dynamic podcast mics, and the listing describes the unit as a dual XLR interface. Eight programmable sound effect pads hold intros, stingers or a laugh track, and a one-touch mute button covers coughs. A loopback mode routes computer audio into the recording, Bluetooth brings in music or a phone. A built-in battery, rated by MAONO for about 8 hours, lets it run from a phone with no wall power. Retailer ratings average 4.3 out of 5 from 393 reviews.

Retailer spec sheets disagree on whether the second input is a full XLR combo with phantom power, so check the current listing if you plan two condenser mics. USB output is a stereo mix, not separate tracks. And the effects lean toward streaming fun rather than broadcast polish.

## TASCAM Mixcast 4

Our rating: 8.8 out of 10.

Best for: A podcast with three or four people at one table, or weekly call-in guests, that wants each voice on its own track and a backup recording on SD.

The TASCAM Mixcast 4 is the premium pick. It cost $499 on Oct 19, 2026, and mid1 has tracked it as low as $406.99.

Four XLR/TRS combo inputs and four 1/4 inch headphone outputs mean a four-person table needs no splitters, and an auto-mix function balances voices when several people talk. The USB-C link sends 14 channels to the computer and takes 2 back at 48 kHz/24-bit, so each mic arrives in your editor as its own track. The same 14 tracks, 12 inputs plus 2 mix tracks, can record straight to an SD card as WAV files, a backup if the computer freezes. Mix-minus works for call-ins over Bluetooth, USB or a TRRS phone cable. Sound pads with switchable banks fire intros and stingers live. Retailer ratings average 4.4 out of 5 from 333 reviews.

The Mixcast 4 runs from a 12 V adapter, not USB power, and weighs 2.55 kg, so it stays on the desk. Recording tops out at 48 kHz. And at about twice the AG06MK2's price, a two-person show pays for channels it will not use.

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Source: https://mid1.com/compare/maono-e2-gen2-vs-tascam-mixcast-4