Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 vs NearStream USB Audio Interface
Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 vs NearStream USB Audio Interface: It is a toss-up, take the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2. Neither one leads on more of the chart than the...
The Ruling
Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 or NearStream USB Audio Interface? It is a toss-up — take the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2.
Neither one leads on more of the chart than the other: the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 takes Audio Resolution, the NearStream USB Audio Interface takes Mic Inputs. With the trade even, $90.04 is the tiebreaker, and the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 is the cheaper side of it.
Unless…
- You need mic inputs — get the NearStream USB Audio Interface.
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.
| Category | Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 | NearStream USB Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Value | 10/10 | 4/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
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, +144kHz). It gives up XLR inputs to the NearStream USB Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $90.04.
Leads on
-
Sample Rate +144kHz192kHz48kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
NearStream USB Audio Interface
Creator-focused interface with monitoring and loopback options for livestream and podcast routing.
On paper the NearStream USB Audio Interface takes XLR inputs (2, +1). It gives up sample rate to the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2. That costs $90.04 more than the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2.
Leads on
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
Where they’re identical
These 6 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
- ADAT Expansion No
- MIDI I/O None
- Bus Powered Yes
The Record
19 specs, grouped by area
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 Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 and NearStream USB Audio Interface?
The largest gap is sample rate, where the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 leads — 192kHz against 48kHz. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. They match on 6 specs, including connection type, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from Mackie and NearStream, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 or NearStream USB Audio Interface?
It is a toss-up — take the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2. Neither one leads on more of the chart than the other: the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 takes Audio Resolution, the NearStream USB Audio Interface takes Mic Inputs. With the trade even, $90.04 is the tiebreaker, and the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 is the cheaper side of it.
What do the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 and NearStream USB Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 6 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and ADAT expansion (No), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the NearStream USB Audio Interface worth the extra $90 over the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2?
The NearStream USB Audio Interface costs $149.99 against $59.95, a difference of $90. The premium buys XLR inputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.