Overview

The M-Audio M-Track Solo is a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface aimed at entry-level recording, streaming, and podcasting. It offers one XLR/TRS combo input with a Crystal preamp, one instrument/line input, 16-bit/48 kHz max resolution, and USB bus power.[1][3]

Scientific Validity

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Using manufacturer-stated, test-conditioned specs as no independent full-bench reports exist yet:[1][3]

• Frequency response (inputs): 20 Hz–20 kHz (+0.1 dB)
• SNR (A-wtd): 109 dB for mic input & RCA outs
• THD+N (A-wtd): mic 0.003% (min gain/0 dBu out), line 0.002%, instrument 0.005%; RCA outs 0.002%; headphones 0.02%
• Gain range: combo 0–54 dB; instrument/line −10 to +44 dB

These indicate flat FR and low distortion, meeting several transparent-level thresholds; however the 16-bit ADC ceiling constrains capture dynamic range to roughly ≈96–98 dB (ideal quantization SNR ≈ 6.02N + 1.76), falling short of a ~105 dB transparent DR criterion.[4] The Windows default device mode for this unit is also 2-channel, 16-bit, 48 kHz, per the user guide.[2] Overall, this places the unit on the transparency border, thus 0.7.

Technology Level

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Fundamental design: fixed 16-bit/48 kHz, USB 2.0 Type-B, lightweight housing. Provides direct monitoring and basic switching; no auto-gain, loopback, higher sample rates, or onboard DSP.

Cost-Performance

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Review target price: 49 USD.[7][1]

A frequently suggested cheaper alternative, Behringer U-Phoria UM2 (~43.90 USD), lists dynamic range 100 dBA and FR 10 Hz–30 kHz 0/−0.5 dB; with unclear/absent THD+N details, it cannot be established as equal-or-better in measured performance versus M-Track Solo’s ±0.1 dB FR and low-THD outputs.[5][1][3] Behringer UMC22 is 52.90 USD (more expensive) and is capped at 48 kHz/16-bit, offering no clear measurement advantage.[6] Therefore, no cheaper equal-or-better option is confirmed; CP hits the cap at 1.0 (will revise if future evidence appears).

Reliability & Support

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Standard inMusic/M-Audio support. Class-compliant on macOS; Windows driver available. Typical reliability for this price class.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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A measurement-oriented, cost-minimized design suited to single-mic entry-level capture. The fixed 16-bit depth limits headroom and future growth.

Advice

If your budget is around 50 USD and single-mic capture suffices, this unit is serviceable. If possible, move up to a 24-bit interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen) for more robust dynamic range.

References

[1] M-Audio, “M-Track Solo” (official): https://www.m-audio.com/audio-midi-interfaces/m-track-solo.html [2] M-Audio, “M-Track Solo User Guide” (Windows default 16-bit noted): https://cdn.inmusicbrands.com/m-audio/maudio_documentation/M-Track%20Solo%20-%20User%20Guide%20-%20v1.6.pdf [3] Sound On Sound, “M-Audio M-Track Solo & Duo”: https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/m-audio-m-track-solo-duo [4] Analog Devices, “MT-001: SNR = 6.02N + 1.76 dB”: https://www.analog.com/media/en/training-seminars/tutorials/MT-001.pdf [5] B&H, “Behringer U-PHORIA UM2” (DR=100 dBA, FR spec): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1821215-REG/behringer_um2_48khz_2_channel_usb_audio.html [6] Sweetwater, “Behringer U-Phoria UMC22” price/specs: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMC22–behringer-u-phoria-umc22-usb-audio-interface [7] Sweetwater, “M-Audio M-Track Solo” price page: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MTrackSolo–m-audio-m-track-solo-usb-audio-interface

(2025.8.28)