RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs Review: The Best Entry-Level Hub for Streamers and Podcasters?

If you have ever tried to launch a podcast or record a clean vocal track using nothing but your computer’s internal sound card, you know the struggle intimately. I remember my first attempt at recording a guest interview; the audio was riddled with a persistent hiss, my voice sounded like it was coming from inside a tin can, and the delay between speaking and hearing myself in the headphones was enough to drive anyone mad. This “latency” is the silent killer of creativity. Most beginners believe they need to spend a fortune on high-end rack gear to solve these issues, but that simply isn’t the case anymore. We recently integrated the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs into our workflow to see if a budget-friendly solution could actually handle the demands of a modern home studio. Whether you are a musician trying to capture a clean guitar line or a content creator needing to power a professional condenser microphone, the need for a dedicated interface is non-negotiable. Without one, you are stuck in a loop of low-quality recordings and endless post-production editing that never quite fixes the source problem.

What to Consider Before Buying a Computer Recording Audio Interface

A Computer Recording Audio Interface is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between the physical world of sound and the digital world of your computer. When you speak into a microphone, that analog signal needs to be converted into high-quality digital data that your software can understand. A dedicated interface like the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs provides the necessary preamps to boost quiet signals and the phantom power required by professional microphones. By offloading this processing from your computer’s internal motherboard, you significantly reduce electrical noise and audio lag.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of USB microphones—perhaps a podcaster who needs to record two people simultaneously or a guitarist who wants to plug their instrument directly into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). It is a perfect fit for home studio hobbyists and live streamers. However, it might not be suitable for professional studio engineers who require sample rates higher than 48 kHz or those who need to record a full drum kit with eight or more simultaneous inputs. For those users, high-end rack-mounted units would be the appropriate alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Your desk real estate is precious, especially in a home office. You want a device that is compact enough to sit under a monitor or off to the side without cluttering your workspace. The physical footprint should allow for easy access to knobs without accidentally bumping other gear.
• Capacity/Performance: Look closely at the input count and the sample rate. For most streaming and podcasting, two inputs are the “sweet spot,” allowing for a host and a guest. Ensure the interface can provide +48V phantom power, which is mandatory if you plan on using high-quality condenser microphones.
• Materials & Durability: Since you will be plugging and unplugging cables frequently, the housing needs to be sturdy. Metal chassis are generally preferred over thin plastic to prevent interference and provide weight so the device doesn’t slide around when a heavy XLR cable is attached.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A “plug-and-play” experience is vital for creators who aren’t necessarily audio engineers. You want hardware-level controls for gain and monitoring so you don’t have to dive into complex software menus every time you want to tweak your volume.

Choosing the right hub for your audio is a foundational decision for your studio. While the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions and Out-of-the-Box Experience with the RXSKERTL Audio Interface

When we first unboxed the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs, we were immediately struck by its functional, no-nonsense design. In an era where many “budget” interfaces feel like light plastic toys, this unit has a reassuring density to it. The 160 × 106 × 55 mm dimensions make it incredibly portable, yet it feels substantial enough to stay put on a desk. Setting it up was a breeze on our Windows 11 test rig; it truly is a plug-and-play affair. Before you even record your first note, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why this specific layout is favored by so many entry-level creators.

The layout is intuitive. You have your two combo jacks front and center, which allow for either XLR microphone cables or 1/4-inch instrument cables. The dedicated Echo effect knob was a surprise addition—usually, budget interfaces are strictly “dry,” but this allows for a bit of creative flair during live streams without needing external plugins. Compared to market leaders in the sub-$100 category, the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs stands out by including both USB-A and USB-C connectivity options right in the box, ensuring it works with modern laptops and older desktops alike.

A Deep Dive into the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs’s Performance

Preamps and Input Versatility

The heart of any interface is its preamps, and during our testing of the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs, we focused heavily on how it handled gain-hungry microphones. We plugged in a standard condenser mic and engaged the +48V phantom power. The result was a surprisingly clean signal with a frequency response of 10Hz–30kHz. What we found was that the noise floor—that annoying “hiss” in the background—stayed remarkably low even when we pushed the gain knobs to about 75%. For a musician, this means your acoustic guitar recordings will capture the delicate nuances of the strings without being buried in static. The inclusion of the 6.5mm instrument jack alongside the combo inputs means you can essentially run a podcast with two mics or record a singer-songwriter setup (one mic, one guitar) without needing any additional adapters. It’s this kind of flexibility that makes us recommend people check the latest price and availability if they are looking to upgrade from a basic 1-input setup.

Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring

One of the most critical features we evaluated was the Direct Monitor switch. In the world of digital recording, there is often a tiny delay between when you speak and when the computer processes that sound and sends it back to your headphones. This can be incredibly distracting. With the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs, clicking the Direct Monitor switch routes the input signal directly to the headphone jack before it ever hits the computer. We tested this during a long vocal tracking session and found the feedback to be instantaneous. This feature is a “must-have” for podcasters who need to hear their own voice clearly to maintain proper mic technique. We were impressed by how the levels stayed consistent even during hour-long sessions, a finding that is backed up by several long-term users of the device.

The Echo Effect and Live Stream Utility

While most “serious” audio interfaces shy away from built-in effects, the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs embraces them with an adjustable Echo knob. Initially, we were skeptical—would this be a gimmick? However, when testing it in a live streaming context, we found it to be a feature that really sets it apart for certain creators. For an online teacher or a streamer who wants to add a bit of “space” to their voice during a live performance, having a physical knob to dial in some reverb/echo without touching software is incredibly convenient. It’s not meant for professional studio mixing, but for real-time engagement, it provides an instant professional sheen to the vocal. We found the effect to be smooth and not overly metallic, which is a common pitfall for budget onboard processing.

Build Quality and Daily Workflow

In our daily use, the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs proved to be a reliable workhorse. The gain knobs have just enough resistance to feel “pro,” and the LED indicators are bright enough to help you avoid “clipping” (distorting the signal) without being blinding in a dark room. The device is powered directly via the USB cable, meaning one less power brick to hide behind your desk. We moved it between a Windows 11 desktop and a laptop frequently, and the plug-and-play drivers never skipped a beat. For anyone tired of fighting with complex driver installations, the simplicity here is refreshing. If you are just starting out, this ease of use is why you should consider this interface as your studio centerpiece.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus from those who have spent significant time with the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs is one of pleasant surprise. Most users highlight the clarity of the preamps relative to the price point. One user mentioned, “I run a condenser mic with phantom power and monitor with headphones. No noticeable latency, and levels stay consistent even during long sessions.” This aligns perfectly with our own tests regarding thermal stability and power delivery. Another creator noted that the “two inputs let me run my mic and a guest mic at the same time. Controls are simple, and I don’t need to keep adjusting levels.”

On the flip side, some users who were looking for a more “audiophile” experience noted that they wished the sample rate went up to 96kHz or 192kHz. However, for the target audience of podcasters and streamers, 48kHz is the industry standard for video, so this limitation is rarely a dealbreaker. The sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive for those who value functional simplicity over complex technical specifications. People consistently comment that their audio sounds clearer and more natural compared to using a direct-to-USB microphone or a 3.5mm jack.

Comparing the RXSKERTL Audio Interface to Its Top Alternatives

1. MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface

The MOTU M2 is widely considered one of the best in the “prosumer” category. Compared to the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs, the MOTU offers a much higher dynamic range and a gorgeous full-color LCD screen for metering. It also supports much higher sample rates. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point. If you are a professional musician who needs the absolute best converters for high-end studio work, the MOTU is the better choice. But for a streamer or podcaster who wants to keep costs down while still getting clean audio, the RXSKERTL offers better value for the money.

2. Focusrite Vocaster Two Podcasting Interface 2-Mic Inputs

The Focusrite Vocaster Two is specifically designed for podcasters. It includes specialized features like “Auto Gain” and “Enhance” buttons that automatically set your levels and EQ. While these features are fantastic for beginners who don’t want to learn about gain staging, the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs offers a more “traditional” interface experience with its combo jacks and echo effect. The Vocaster Two is more portable but lacks the instrument-focused inputs that a musician might want. If your only goal is podcasting, the Vocaster is great; if you want to record music as well, the RXSKERTL is more versatile.

3. Audient iD4 MKII Audio Interface

The Audient iD4 MKII is famous for having the same microphone preamps found in their high-end large-format consoles. It offers a “Class A” sound that is incredibly warm and detailed. However, it only features one XLR input. If you ever plan on having a guest on your show or recording a singer and a guitar player at the same time, you’ll find the iD4 limiting. The RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs wins here on input count and versatility, allowing for dual-mic setups that the iD4 simply cannot handle without an external mixer.

Final Verdict: Is the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs Worth It?

After putting the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs through its paces in several different recording environments, our verdict is clear: it is a stellar entry-point for the modern content creator. While it doesn’t have the high-resolution sample rates of a $500 studio unit, it excels exactly where it needs to—providing clean, reliable, and low-latency audio for daily use. The inclusion of two combo inputs at this price point makes it a better value than many “big name” single-input interfaces. We love the physical monitor switch and the surprisingly useful echo effect for live streamers. It solves the “bad audio” problem without requiring a degree in sound engineering.

If you are a musician, a podcaster, or a teacher looking to elevate your digital presence from “amateur” to “professional,” this is the hub you’ve been looking for. It’s durable, simple to use, and delivers consistent results session after session. Don’t let poor audio hold your content back—take the next step in your creative journey and pick up the RXSKERTL Audio Interface 2X XLR/TRS Inputs today to start recording the clean, professional sound your audience deserves.