For a Dante-based studio, the right Ethernet audio interface depends less on a broad feature count than on what you need at the network’s edge: microphone inputs, analog inputs, or personal monitoring. I rank the Focusrite RedNet X2P first for its two mic preamps and local monitoring, the MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D as the practical choice for bringing four existing XLR sources onto a network, and the Focusrite RedNet AM2 for a dedicated headphone and line-output station. The main tradeoff is straightforward: input flexibility versus monitoring convenience, with Dante compatibility and network setup required across all three.
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These are not interchangeable USB interfaces with an Ethernet socket added. Each sends or receives audio over a Dante network, so I would match the device to the job it must perform rather than choose by channel count alone. The X2P offers a small recording front end, the MSQ-3900D converts four analog inputs for network distribution, and the AM2 is built to turn a Dante feed into headphone and line outputs.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The Focusrite RedNet X2P is the most versatile pick here when I need two mic preamps plus headphone and stereo line monitoring at the network endpoint.
- The MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D is the only model in this lineup with four XLR inputs, making it the clearest fit for converting several analog sources to Dante or AES67.
- The Focusrite RedNet AM2 is a monitoring endpoint, not a recording input interface: its strengths are headphone amplification and separate line-output control.
- PoE can reduce cabling for the MSQ-3900D and AM2, while the AM2 also includes an external power supply and the X2P’s listed power details are not specified here.
- All three rely on a compatible Dante network and routing setup; buyers seeking a simple USB interface for direct computer recording should choose a different category.
| Focusrite RedNet X2P 2×2 Dante Ethernet Audio Interface with Mic Preamps |  | Best Overall — a compact Dante recording and monitoring endpoint | Channels: 2×2 | Audio network: Dante over Ethernet | Microphone preamps: 2 Red Evolution | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D 4-Channel Dante Analog Audio Network Interface |  | Best for Multi-Channel Analog Inputs — four XLR sources on Dante or AES67 | Channels: 4 | Inputs: Four 3-pin XLR | Connectivity: Ethernet and XLR | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Focusrite RedNet AM2 Stereo Dante Headphone Amplifier and Line Output Interface with PoE |  | Best for Dante Monitoring — dedicated headphone and line outputs | Connectivity: Dante and XLR | Headphone output: 1/4-inch TRS | Line outputs: XLR | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ethernet audio interface | Channels | Connectivity | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite RedNet X2P 2×2 Dante | 2×2 | — | — | — |
| MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D 4-Channel | 4 | Ethernet and XLR | PoE class 0 or USB Type-C | 10.56 ounces |
| Focusrite RedNet AM2 Stereo Da | — | Dante and XLR | PoE or included external power supply | 1.8 pounds |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Focusrite RedNet X2P 2×2 Dante Ethernet Audio Interface with Mic Preamps
The RedNet X2P is my first choice for the broadest range of small-studio jobs because it joins two Red Evolution mic preamps with a stereo headphone amplifier and stereo line output. That combination makes it more than a network output box: a performer or engineer can bring microphone signals into the Dante system and monitor from the same local unit. Against the RedNet AM2, the X2P wins on input capability; the AM2 is aimed at listening and playback rather than microphone capture.
Its 2×2 configuration is a sensible scale for a singer-songwriter, a two-microphone recording position, or a remote room that needs a couple of local inputs. Support for sample rates up to 96 kHz gives the unit room to fit common high-resolution sessions. The headphone and line outputs also let the endpoint serve a personal monitoring position without requiring a separate headphone amp and output interface beside it.
The X2P does not replace the MSQ-3900D for multi-channel analog conversion. That MAXSQUARE unit has four XLR inputs and supports AES67 as well as Dante, so it is the more suitable choice when the goal is to network several existing analog sources. The X2P’s narrower two-channel input capacity is a real limit for larger ensembles, and the supplied details do not state its power options or give a warranty term. I would verify those points, along with operating-system and driver support for the actual setup, before buying.
There is also a practical distinction between an Ethernet audio interface and a conventional USB interface. The X2P needs a Dante network and a compatible routing workflow; it is not described as a direct USB recording device. In this lineup, it earns the lead by balancing mic capture, headphone monitoring, and line output in one Dante endpoint, not by offering the most analog inputs or the simplest connection for a basic home computer setup.
Pros:- Two Red Evolution microphone preamps provide a local capture point for up to two mic sources.
- Built-in stereo headphone amplification and stereo line output support both personal and speaker monitoring.
- Supports sample rates up to 96 kHz for higher-resolution Dante sessions.
- Combines recording inputs and monitoring outputs in one 2×2 network endpoint.
Cons:- Two input channels are limiting for larger sessions compared with the MSQ-3900D’s four XLR inputs.
- Requires a Dante network and compatible routing rather than serving as a simple standalone USB interface.
- The supplied specifications do not state power options or warranty coverage, so buyers should confirm those details.
Best for: Small studios, vocal recording positions, and remote rooms that need two mic inputs plus local headphone and stereo line monitoring over Dante.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need four or more analog inputs, AES67 support, or a straightforward USB interface that connects directly to a computer without Dante routing.
- Channels:2×2
- Audio network:Dante over Ethernet
- Microphone preamps:2 Red Evolution
- Audio input:XLR
- Outputs:Stereo headphone amplifier and stereo line out
- Maximum sample rate:96 kHz
- Model number:MONF0015
- Listed operating system:Windows
Our verdict“I would choose the RedNet X2P when two mic preamps and local monitoring matter more than the MSQ-3900D’s extra inputs or the AM2’s dedicated output role.”
MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D 4-Channel Dante Analog Audio Network Interface
If the main task is getting several analog signals onto an audio network, the MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D is the clearest match in this group. Its four 3-pin XLR inputs offer twice the input count of the RedNet X2P, making it a better fit for a small set of microphones, stage feeds, or other analog sources that need to be distributed through Dante. It also lists AES67 RTP support, a useful difference for systems that include compatible AES67 devices rather than Dante-only endpoints.
The unit supports 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz sample rates and is described as transmitting uncompressed audio with low latency. Those details speak to network transport, but they do not make it a complete recording and monitoring station on their own. Unlike the X2P, the MSQ-3900D has no listed microphone preamps, headphone amplifier, or line outputs. A buyer should confirm whether the connected sources already provide the signal level and conditioning required by the four inputs, and plan separate equipment for monitoring or output conversion where needed.
PoE or USB Type-C power gives this unit two ways to fit a setup. PoE can simplify placement where a compatible network switch or injector is available; USB Type-C offers another power route when PoE is not part of the installation. Its aluminum housing is another practical point for a device that may be placed near source equipment. Compared with the AM2, which is designed around headphone and line outputs, the MSQ-3900D is aimed in the opposite direction: analog input conversion rather than local listening.
The tradeoff is that its flexibility depends on a correctly configured network. Buyers who are new to Dante or AES67 should account for routing, compatible hardware, and the time needed to set up their signal paths. The listed warranty is one year, shorter than the three-year warranty specified for the RedNet AM2. I place it second overall because it is excellent for a narrower need—four-channel analog-to-network conversion—but the X2P covers more of a compact recording workflow in one unit.
Pros:- Four 3-pin XLR inputs handle more analog sources than either Focusrite option in this roundup.
- Dante and AES67 RTP support offers network-format flexibility when connected equipment is compatible.
- PoE and USB Type-C power provide alternative installation choices.
- Supports 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz and uses an aluminum housing.
Cons:- No microphone preamps, headphone amplifier, or line outputs are listed, so other hardware may be needed.
- Dante or AES67 transmission requires a compatible, configured network.
- The listed one-year limited warranty is shorter than the RedNet AM2’s stated three-year coverage.
Best for: Installers, small venues, and studios that need four analog XLR inputs available over Dante or AES67, with PoE or USB Type-C power.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need built-in mic preamps, headphone monitoring, or a stereo line output in the same device, or who want to avoid network configuration.
- Channels:4
- Inputs:Four 3-pin XLR
- Connectivity:Ethernet and XLR
- Audio formats:Dante and AES67 RTP
- Supported sample rates:44.1, 48, and 96 kHz
- Power:PoE class 0 or USB Type-C
- Housing:Aluminum
- Weight:10.56 ounces
- Warranty:One-year limited warranty
Our verdict“I would pick the MSQ-3900D over the Focusrite models when four analog inputs and AES67 support matter more than built-in preamps or monitoring outputs.”
Focusrite RedNet AM2 Stereo Dante Headphone Amplifier and Line Output Interface with PoE
The RedNet AM2 makes the most sense when a Dante system already has audio sources and needs a dependable endpoint for listening. It provides a 1/4-inch TRS headphone output and XLR line outputs, with independent level controls for headphones and the line feed. That separation is useful when a performer needs to adjust headphone volume without changing the level sent to speakers or other equipment. A mute switch adds a direct control for silencing the output.
Compared with the RedNet X2P, the AM2 gives up the two Red Evolution mic preamps and the ability to add microphone signals at the endpoint. In return, its purpose is more focused: headphone amplification and stereo line output. It is described as able to drive high-impedance headphones, which can help when a monitoring position uses demanding headphones. The included external power supply gives it an alternative to PoE, while PoE can keep an installation to a single network cable when the network hardware supports it.
The AM2 is not the right choice for converting four XLR sources, which is where the MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D has a clear advantage. Nor is it the broadest all-purpose interface in this set: there are no analog recording inputs listed. Think of it as a Dante-fed listening station, not as a complete front end for microphones or instruments. That distinction keeps expectations aligned and makes the device easier to place in a studio, control room, or remote monitoring position.
Its three-year warranty is the longest stated here, although warranty length should not replace a check of system compatibility. The product information says it works with DAWs that support Dante and Focusrite drivers; buyers should verify their specific software and computer configuration. I rank the AM2 third overall because it serves a narrower output-only role than the X2P or MSQ-3900D, but for a Dante monitoring point its independent controls and headphone capability are more relevant than extra inputs would be.
Pros:- Drives high-impedance headphones for personal Dante monitoring.
- Independent headphone and line-output level controls let listeners adjust their feed separately.
- Mute switch provides direct control at the monitoring position.
- PoE or the included external power supply supports different installation layouts.
Cons:- No analog input channels or microphone preamps are listed, unlike the RedNet X2P and MSQ-3900D.
- Requires a Dante-compatible audio network and routing setup.
- Its output-focused role makes it less suitable as a single-device recording interface.
Best for: Dante studios and installed systems that need a local headphone station with separate headphone and XLR line-output level controls.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs microphone or other analog inputs, four-channel conversion, or a standalone USB recording interface.
- Connectivity:Dante and XLR
- Headphone output:1/4-inch TRS
- Line outputs:XLR
- Controls:Independent headphone and line level controls, plus mute
- Headphone capability:Drives high-impedance headphones
- Power:PoE or included external power supply
- Compatible software:DAWs supporting Dante and Focusrite drivers
- Weight:1.8 pounds
- Warranty:Three years
Our verdict“I would choose the RedNet AM2 when a Dante system needs a dedicated headphone and line-output endpoint, not when it needs new recording inputs.”
How We Picked
I ranked these three products by the jobs an Ethernet audio interface can perform in a Dante system: capture analog inputs, provide a local input-and-monitoring point, or deliver network audio to headphones and speakers. Since the supplied product details describe different roles rather than direct substitutes, I did not treat the number of features as a universal measure of quality. The X2P takes the first spot because it combines two Red Evolution mic preamps with headphone and line outputs in one endpoint. The MSQ-3900D follows for buyers who need four analog XLR inputs and AES67 alongside Dante. The AM2 is third overall, not because dedicated monitoring is unimportant, but because it has no listed analog input path for adding microphones or other sources.
I also weighed network format, supported sample rates where specified, power options, output controls, and practical setup limits. Dante compatibility is a requirement, not a bonus that automatically makes a device right for every studio. The MSQ-3900D additionally lists AES67 support, which can matter when a system includes compatible AES67 equipment. The X2P and AM2 are described as Dante devices. A buyer should check the intended computer, software, network configuration, and routing workflow before choosing any of them.
Finally, I considered how each unit reduces the need for separate hardware at the endpoint. A dedicated headphone amp can be more useful than extra inputs at a listening position, while four XLR inputs can be more valuable than premium monitoring features in a rack or equipment room. I have not inferred undocumented features: where power, operating-system compatibility, or other details are not supplied, I call that out rather than assume a specification.
| Ethernet audio interface | Connectivity | Power | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite RedNet X2P 2×2 Dante | — | — | — |
| MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D 4-Channel | Ethernet and XLR | PoE class 0 or USB Type-C | One-year limited warranty |
| Focusrite RedNet AM2 Stereo Da | Dante and XLR | PoE or included external power supply | Three years |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Ethernet Audio Interfaces
These devices all move audio through Ethernet-based networking, but they do not perform the same part of the signal chain. I would start by asking whether the endpoint must capture analog audio, convert several inputs for network distribution, or turn a Dante feed into local monitoring. That question points more reliably to the right model than the phrase “Ethernet interface” by itself.
Decide what the endpoint needs to do
Choose the RedNet X2P if you need two microphone inputs and local headphone and line monitoring in one unit. It is the only product here that combines specified mic preamps with both listening and line outputs. Choose the MSQ-3900D when four analog XLR inputs matter more than onboard preamps or outputs; its role is to put multiple analog sources onto Dante or AES67. The RedNet AM2 is the output choice: it receives network audio for headphones and XLR line output, but it is not described as an input interface.
That distinction matters when planning the whole system. A monitoring endpoint does not add microphone channels, and a multi-input converter does not automatically provide headphone amplification. If a project needs both capture and listening at one location, the X2P is the best fit among these options. If the signal chain already has inputs elsewhere, the AM2 may be the more direct way to provide a personal listening position.
Check Dante and AES67 compatibility
An Ethernet connector alone does not make these devices plug-and-play computer interfaces. The products are built around Dante audio networking, which involves compatible network hardware, device discovery, and routing audio between endpoints and the computer or other equipment. Before choosing one, confirm that the DAW, computer, drivers, and planned network workflow match the device’s support information. A conventional USB interface may be a better fit if the goal is to connect one device directly to a laptop without a Dante system.
The MSQ-3900D is the only product here that explicitly lists both Dante and AES67 RTP. That may help in a mixed network where compatible AES67 equipment is part of the plan, but support on one device does not guarantee that every connected component will interoperate. The RedNet AM2 and X2P are specified as Dante devices. I would map the complete signal path before buying, including the receiving software or hardware, rather than assume that network audio formats are interchangeable in every setup.
Match channel count and sample rate to the work
The X2P’s 2×2 design suits small recording positions where two mic preamps are enough. It offers a focused capture option with monitoring built in, but four simultaneous analog sources exceed its listed input capacity. The MSQ-3900D doubles the input count to four XLR connections, a meaningful difference for a small group of sources or a multi-microphone position. The AM2 has no listed recording inputs, so its value is measured by output needs rather than capture channels.
Sample-rate information also differs. The X2P and MSQ-3900D both list support up to 96 kHz; the MSQ-3900D additionally specifies 44.1 and 48 kHz. The AM2’s supplied details do not state a maximum sample rate. I would avoid treating an unstated specification as either a limitation or a guarantee; verify the exact format support against the system it will join. For many buyers, channel routing and endpoint role will have more impact on the choice than the highest supported sample rate.
Plan monitoring, power, and placement
When a listener needs to control headphone level without changing the speaker feed, the AM2’s independent output controls are a strong practical match. Its headphone output is described as capable of driving high-impedance headphones, and a mute switch gives a simple local control. The X2P also includes headphone and stereo line outputs, so it suits a location that needs monitoring alongside two mic inputs. The MSQ-3900D lists no headphone or line outputs, which means another device may be needed for playback at that position.
Power can affect where an interface can be installed. The MSQ-3900D supports PoE or USB Type-C, while the AM2 supports PoE or its included external supply. PoE can cut down on separate power cabling when the network switch or injector supports it. The supplied information does not specify power options for the X2P, so I would check with the seller or manufacturer before planning a PoE-only installation. Also account for the unit’s placement, access to controls, and the cables required for analog sources and local monitoring.
Compare support details and system fit
The listed warranty information differs: the MSQ-3900D specifies a one-year limited warranty, while the AM2 specifies three years. No warranty term is supplied for the X2P, so its coverage should be confirmed rather than inferred. The AM2’s software description refers to DAWs that support Dante and Focusrite drivers, and the X2P lists Windows as its operating system. That does not answer every compatibility question, so check the exact driver, software, and operating-system requirements for your setup.
For a permanent installation, support and network familiarity can matter as much as the channel list. A buyer new to Dante should plan for initial configuration and troubleshooting rather than expect the same setup as a basic analog interface. If possible, match the device to an existing network plan and confirm the required routing, power, and conversion points before purchase. The best choice is the one that covers the required part of the signal chain without leaving you to add unexpected hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Ethernet audio interface do?
An Ethernet audio interface sends or receives digital audio over a network protocol such as Dante, allowing compatible devices to share audio across network cabling. These three products serve different points in that system: the X2P adds two mic inputs and monitoring, the MSQ-3900D sends four analog XLR inputs onto Dante or AES67, and the AM2 provides headphone and line outputs for a Dante feed. A network connection by itself does not mean the unit behaves like a direct USB interface.
Which of these is best for recording microphones?
The Focusrite RedNet X2P is the most direct choice for microphone recording in this group because it includes two Red Evolution microphone preamps. The MSQ-3900D has four XLR inputs, but the supplied description does not list microphone preamps, so buyers should not assume it can take microphone-level signals without suitable external equipment. The RedNet AM2 is designed for network monitoring and has no analog recording inputs listed.
Which model supports the most analog input channels?
The MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D has four 3-pin XLR inputs, compared with the RedNet X2P’s 2×2 configuration. That makes it the better match when the key need is bringing several analog sources into a Dante or AES67 network. The AM2 is an output-focused device and has no analog input channel count listed, so it should not be selected for multi-channel capture.
Can I use one of these without a Dante network?
These products are intended for networked audio workflows, and the Focusrite models are specified as Dante devices. The MSQ-3900D also lists AES67 RTP, but it still requires compatible network audio equipment and routing for that mode. If you want a simple interface that connects directly to a computer over USB, these options may not suit your setup; check the full connection and software requirements before purchasing.
Which interface is best for headphone monitoring?
The RedNet AM2 is the most focused headphone-monitoring option because it has a headphone amplifier described as capable of driving high-impedance headphones, separate headphone and line-level controls, and a mute switch. The X2P also includes a stereo headphone amplifier, making it more versatile when the same endpoint needs mic inputs as well. The MSQ-3900D has no headphone output listed, so it is not the right choice for a standalone listening position.
Conclusion
My overall pick is the Focusrite RedNet X2P for a small studio that needs two mic preamps and local headphone and line monitoring at one Dante endpoint. Choose the MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D instead if four analog XLR inputs or AES67 support is the deciding factor, and plan for separate monitoring hardware if needed. For a Dante system that already has its sources elsewhere, the Focusrite RedNet AM2 is the best fit for a dedicated headphone and XLR line-output station. I would skip all three if the goal is a simple USB interface with no network setup: their strengths appear when the rest of the workflow is built around Dante or compatible network audio.
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