Audient EVO 4 vs Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2

Audient EVO 4 vs Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2: Get the Audient EVO 4, narrowly. The Audient EVO 4 wins Mic Inputs and Creator Features, but only just, and the...

Audient EVO 4
Audient
Audient EVO 4
$179.99
Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2
Mackie
Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2
$59.95

The Ruling

Audient EVO 4 or Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2? Get the Audient EVO 4, narrowly.

The Audient EVO 4 wins Mic Inputs and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $179.99, so the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 stays the pick if $120.04 matters more than those specs.

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Unless…

At a Glance

Where each one actually leads

Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.

CategoryAudient EVO 4Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2
Audio Resolution7.5/1010/10
Mic Inputs10/105/10
Monitoring10/1010/10
Creator Features10/105/10
Connectivity10/1010/10
Power10/1010/10

The Split

What each one wins

Audient EVO 4

Compact 2-in/2-out USB-C interface with Smartgain and clean preamps for creators and podcasters.

On paper the Audient EVO 4 takes loopback (Yes) and XLR inputs (2, +1). It gives up sample rate to the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2. That costs $120.04 more than the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2.

Leads on

  • Loopback
    Yes
    No

    Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.

  • XLR Inputs +1
    2
    1

    More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.

Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2

Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.

On paper the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 takes sample rate (192kHz, +96kHz). It gives up loopback and XLR inputs to the Audient EVO 4. It is the cheaper of the two, by $120.04.

Leads on

  • Sample Rate +96kHz
    192kHz
    96kHz

    Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.

Where they’re identical

These 9 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.

  • Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
  • Bit Depth 24-bit
  • Phantom Power Yes
  • Headphone Outputs 1
  • Direct Monitoring Yes
  • ADAT Expansion No
  • MIDI I/O None
  • Bus Powered Yes
  • TRS Outputs 2

The Record

19 specs, grouped by area

Full specification comparison of Audient EVO 4 and Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2, grouped by area.
Specification
Audient
Audient EVO 4
Mackie
Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2
Audio ResolutionMackie Onyx Artist 1x2
Sample Rate96kHz✓ 192kHz
Max Sample Rateno datano data
Bit Depth24-bit24-bit
PreampsNot enough data
Preamp Gain58dBno data
Dynamic Range113dBno data
Mic InputsAudient EVO 4
XLR Inputs✓ 21
MonitoringEven
Headphone Outputs11
Direct MonitoringYesYes
Creator FeaturesAudient EVO 4
Loopback✓ YesNo
ADAT ExpansionNoNo
MIDI I/ONoneNone
Bundled Softwareno datano data
ConnectivityEven
TRS Outputs22
Connection Typeusb-c, xlr, trsusb-c, xlr, trs
PowerEven
Bus PoweredYesYes
Phantom PowerYesYes
BuildNot enough data
Dimensions140 x 60 x 55 mmno data
Weight0.36 kg0.5 kg
CompatibilityNot enough data
Operating Systemno datawindows, macos

A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.

Bottom Line

Who each one is for

The Audient EVO 4 is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.

Our pick
Audient EVO 4 $179.99
Best ValuePremium PickMost ConnectivityBest for Multi-micPortability Pick

The Audient EVO 4 is the priciest at $179.99, but leads on specs where it counts. It leads in XLR inputs (2) and loopback (Yes). Offers the most spec advantages per dollar in this comparison.

  • + More XLR inputs (2 vs 1)
  • + Better loopback (Yes vs No)
  • × Lower sample rate (96kHz vs 192kHz)

Also worth knowing

  • ✓ You need 2 XLR inputs for recording multiple sources
  • ✓ You want the stronger loopback (Yes)
  • ✓ You need gear you can easily take on the go
  • ✓ You want to capture computer audio without a second interface

Look elsewhere if

  • × You need the highest sample rate available (192kHz)

Best for value-focused buyers, professionals who want the best, complex setup builders.

The alternative
Budget Pick

At $59.95, the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 is the most affordable option — 67% less than the priciest pick. It leads in sample rate (192kHz). Covers the essentials without stretching your budget.

  • + Higher sample rate (192kHz vs 96kHz)
  • × Fewer XLR inputs (1 vs 2)
  • × Weaker loopback (No vs Yes)

Also worth knowing

  • ✓ You want 192kHz sample rate for higher-resolution audio
  • ✓ Budget is your top priority — $120.04 less than the priciest option

Look elsewhere if

  • × You plan to record multiple microphones simultaneously
  • × You need the best loopback available

Best for budget-conscious creators, high-resolution audio production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Audient EVO 4 and Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2?

The clearest difference is loopback, which the Audient EVO 4 has and the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 3 specs. They match on 9 specs, including connection type, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from Audient and Mackie, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.

Which is better for streaming, Audient EVO 4 or Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2?

Get the Audient EVO 4, narrowly. The Audient EVO 4 wins Mic Inputs and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $179.99, so the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 stays the pick if $120.04 matters more than those specs.

What do the Audient EVO 4 and Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 have in common?

Both share 9 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and headphone outputs (1), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.

Is the Audient EVO 4 worth the extra $120 over the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2?

The Audient EVO 4 costs $179.99 against $59.95, a difference of $120. The premium buys loopback (Yes) and XLR inputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.

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