The New M-Track Duo HD From M-Audio Is A Two-Channel USB Interface For $99

Forbes

14-05-2025

The new M-Audio M-Track Duo HD is an affordable USB Audio Interface with a small price but offering ... More pro-level features.
Once upon a time, aspiring bands, musicians and singers had to book time in an expensive recording studio if they wanted to make a demo tape or a record. Then came the home recording revolution with audio interfaces that could patch instruments and microphones into a computer for laying down tracks. It was a game changer.
Over time, the price of equipment available for home recording has plummeted and technical quality has rocketed. Now it's possible to set up a recording studio in a bedroom, garden shed or almost anywhere. All you need is a USB audio interface, a microphone and a computer running software known as a DAW or Digital Audio Workstation.
Now M-Audio has announced a USB audio interface that almost anyone can afford. The recording of music is truly democratized. M-Audio was founded in 1988 as MIDIman. Originally, the company designed software and hardware for connecting MIDI, audio and computers for the composition and production of electronic music.
The controls for controlling the M-Track Duo HD are simple and arranged on the top of the device.
In 2000, MIDIman revealed the M-Audio name for a new line of audio products. In 2002, the first of the brand's famous Oxygen series keyboards was launched, creating an important new category of portable keyboard controller.
The company has continued to expand with innovative products across a wide range of categories for both pro and amateur markets, including MIDI interfaces, keyboard controllers, drum machines, recording monitors and subwoofers, headphones, and microphones.
The latest product to come from the M-Audio stable is unveiled today with the launch of a new and accessible audio interface called the M-Track Duo HD. M-Audio will also be launching an all-inclusive M-Track Duo HD Producer Pack, which puts everything needed to start recording in one box.
The new M-Audio M-Track Duo HD and Producer Pack have been designed to offer pro-level audio quality at an accessible price and removes many of the technical barriers that can keep high-quality sound out of reach of many creators without the experience of working in a studio.
The M-Track Duo HD from M-Audio has two combo inputs, headphone out and switchable monitoring. At ... More the rear there is a USB Type-C port and two TRS outputs.
As well as its 2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface and pro-grade 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution, the M-Track Duo HD features two combo inputs for XLR mics and TRS jacks for instruments like guitars, synths or line-level sources. The microphone preamps provide up to 55dB of gain and the XLR inputs have switchable +48V phantom power for driving studio-quality condenser microphones.
Connecting the interface to the host device is via a USB Type-C port and M-Audio has used pro-quality analog-to-digital converters to capture performances in 24-bit/192kHz resolution. There's a direct / USB monitor switch for zero latency monitoring in real time plus the headphone output for monitoring has an independent output level. The M-Audio M-Track HD package includes M-Audio's Producer Essentials Software Bundle and a USB-C to USB-C cable.
John Boudreau, is director of product management at InMusic Brands, the parent company of M-Audio. He points out, 'As more musicians, producers, podcasters, creators and storytellers build personal studios, the M-Track Duo HD is designed to meet them where they are—delivering reliable, professional tools that feel elevated from the start and grow with their craft. It's a reflection of our broader mission to support the next generation of creators with gear that adapts to their evolving needs and ambitions.'
The M-Track HD Duo is relatively small and light but offers to inputs which can be used for XLR mics ... More or TRS jacks for instruments.
The M-Track Duo HD can solve many of the common frustrations that music creators can face when trying to achieve professional-sounding recordings, especially if they don't have the necessary audio or technical expertise required to put together a music track that has impact.
With plug-and-play simplicity, USB-C connectivity and cross-platform compatibility with Macs, PCs, iOS and Android devices, users can record using the M-Track Duo HD with very little setup or fuss. Its plug-and-play approach means that studio-grade audio, is in reach of almost anyone, whether they're making music, hosting a podcast or recording a voiceover for video content destined for TikTok or YouTube.
Although the M-Track Duo HD interface feels fairly light because of its plastic casing, it also feels robust and should withstand life in the studio. Because it is so light, the M-Track Duo HD feels portable but light enough to take on location with a laptop, microphone and pair of headphones. The preamps are surprisingly quiet especially considering the affordable price.
The M-Audio M-Track Duo HD Producer Pack adds a pair of studio headphones and a condenser mic into ... More the mic for an extra $80.
The M-Track Duo HD has a 2-in/2-out interface and can handle resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is the same standard used in many commercial recording studios. The Producer Pack version of the product also includes a pair of M-Audio's HD41 closed-back headphones (with 6.35mm adaptor) plus the M-Audio M100 condenser microphone with mount, zipper bag and an XLR cable for connecting the M100 to the interface.
The microphone is a similar style to the Audio-Technica AT-2020. It doesn't come with a shock mount or a a foam shield, but those are extras that can be easily sourced for not much money. In the Producer Pack, there are all the basics you need to start recording. M-Audio says the Producer Pack removes the guesswork and hassle from setting up a home studio by providing professional sound in an affordable package which has all the items needed to get going.
The M-Audio M-Track Duo HD is available now from M-Audio and other outlets for $99. The M-Audio M-Track Duo HD Producer Pack with headphones, microphone, stand and cable is also available now globally and priced at $179.