For networked audio, the right Ethernet interface depends on whether you need to put microphone-level signals onto Dante, monitor a Dante feed, or do both at a compact workstation. I rank the Focusrite RedNet X2P first for its combination of two microphone preamps, headphone monitoring, and stereo line output. The MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D is the stronger fit when four XLR inputs matter more than local monitoring, while the Focusrite RedNet AM2 is a focused choice for listening and line-level output rather than recording analog inputs.
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These are not interchangeable USB interfaces with Ethernet added. They depend on a compatible Dante or AES67 network workflow, so your existing equipment, routing needs, and power plan matter as much as the channel count. I compare their signal direction, local controls, supported formats, and setup demands to help you choose the device that fits your system rather than the one with the longest feature list.
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Key Takeaways
- The Focusrite RedNet X2P is the most versatile pick here: it combines two Red Evolution mic preamps with stereo headphone and line outputs.
- Choose the MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D when four analog XLR inputs and Dante/AES67 transmission matter more than built-in headphone monitoring.
- The Focusrite RedNet AM2 is a playback and monitoring endpoint, not a substitute for an interface with microphone inputs.
- Only the MAXSQUARE unit explicitly lists both Dante and AES67 RTP support; check protocol and interoperability needs before buying.
- PoE can simplify power for the MSQ-3900D and RedNet AM2, but a compatible network connection and Dante routing remain part of the setup.
| Focusrite RedNet X2P 2×2 Dante Ethernet Audio Interface with Mic Preamps |  | Best Overall — a compact recording and monitoring endpoint | Network connectivity: Ethernet; Dante | Channels: 2×2 | Microphone preamps: 2 Red Evolution | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D 4-Channel Dante Analog Audio Network Interface |  | Best for Four Analog Inputs — Dante and AES67 support in one compact endpoint | Inputs: Four 3-pin XLR | Network formats: Dante and AES67 RTP | Supported sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Focusrite RedNet AM2 Stereo Dante Headphone Amplifier and Line Output Interface with PoE |  | Best for Network Monitoring — focused stereo listening and output | Network connectivity: Dante | Headphone output: 1/4-inch TRS | Line outputs: XLR | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ethernet audio interface | Network connectivity | Headphone output | Maximum sample rate | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite RedNet X2P 2×2 Dante | Ethernet; Dante | Stereo headphone amplifier | 96 kHz | — |
| MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D 4-Channel | — | — | 96 kHz | PoE class 0 or USB Type-C |
| Focusrite RedNet AM2 Stereo Da | Dante | 1/4-inch TRS | — | PoE or included external power supply |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Focusrite RedNet X2P 2×2 Dante Ethernet Audio Interface with Mic Preamps
The RedNet X2P earns my top spot because it combines the most useful mix of input and local output functions in this group. Its two Red Evolution microphone preamps give it a clear job at a recording position, while its stereo headphone amplifier and stereo line output let a performer or operator monitor audio locally. That makes it more flexible than the MSQ-3900D, whose four XLR inputs favor capture but whose supplied feature list does not mention a headphone or monitor output.
Its 2×2 role is also easier to match to a modest recording point than a larger multichannel input box. If two microphone sources are enough, the X2P can serve as both a Dante input endpoint and a listening station without adding a separate headphone device. It supports sample rates up to 96 kHz, matching the stated ceiling of the MAXSQUARE unit. That ceiling is useful for high-resolution workflows, but it does not by itself establish better sound quality than the alternatives; the decisive difference is what the device can connect and monitor.
The tradeoff is that this is a purpose-built Dante interface, not a general-purpose USB interface. A buyer needs compatible network routing and should verify the required computer, software, and system configuration rather than assume Ethernet alone makes it work as a direct desktop interface. Its listed connectivity and input details are narrower than the MAXSQUARE’s explicit Dante-and-AES67 description, so buyers building around AES67 should check compatibility instead of assuming it. The provided specifications also do not state power options, so I would confirm how the intended installation powers it before planning a PoE-only setup.
For a small studio, remote recording point, or performance position where two mic inputs and immediate headphone monitoring are the priority, the X2P is the best-balanced option here. Skip it if four analog inputs are essential, or if your main requirement is simply to distribute a stereo Dante signal to headphones and line outputs; the RedNet AM2 has the more direct monitoring role.
Pros:- Two Red Evolution microphone preamps provide two local mic inputs.
- Stereo headphone amplification supports performer or control-room monitoring.
- Stereo line output adds a separate local output path.
- Supports sample rates up to 96 kHz.
Cons:- Requires a compatible Dante network and routing setup.
- The supplied specifications do not list AES67 support or power options.
- Two inputs may be limiting when compared with the four-input MAXSQUARE unit.
Best for: A recording or performance position needing two microphone preamps, local stereo headphone monitoring, and a stereo line output on a Dante network.
Not ideal for: Buyers needing four analog inputs, a dedicated AES67-listed device, or a standalone USB interface that avoids Dante network configuration.
- Network connectivity:Ethernet; Dante
- Channels:2×2
- Microphone preamps:2 Red Evolution
- Audio input:XLR
- Headphone output:Stereo headphone amplifier
- Line output:Stereo
- Maximum sample rate:96 kHz
Our verdict“I recommend the RedNet X2P as the most versatile choice for Dante users who need two mic inputs and local monitoring in one device.”
MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D 4-Channel Dante Analog Audio Network Interface
The MSQ-3900D is my pick when the job starts with several analog sources rather than a performer’s headphone mix. Four 3-pin XLR inputs let it bring more analog channels onto an audio network than the two-input RedNet X2P. That difference can reduce the need for several small endpoints when a fixed position needs to feed multiple microphone or other compatible XLR sources into a Dante system.
It also has the broadest explicitly stated network-format support in this roundup: Dante and AES67 RTP, with uncompressed, low-latency transmission described in the product information. That gives it a useful role for buyers whose systems include AES67 requirements, though actual interoperability still depends on the rest of the network and configuration. Its supported rates include 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz. Compared with the X2P, its strength is the extra input capacity and listed protocol breadth, not local monitoring; no headphone amplifier or stereo line output is specified here.
Power flexibility is a practical advantage. The unit can run from PoE or USB Type-C, making it easier to place near sources where a separate power outlet is inconvenient, while the aluminum housing provides a sturdier enclosure than a purely lightweight plastic design would suggest. At 10.56 ounces, it is also relatively easy to position as part of a distributed setup. The one-year limited warranty is shorter than the RedNet AM2’s listed three-year coverage, which matters for buyers choosing gear for permanent installations.
This is an input-focused network converter, not the most complete personal interface in the group. A user who needs two premium-specified mic preamps plus a headphone amp may find the X2P better aligned, while someone who only needs to listen to a Dante feed should look at the AM2. I would choose the MAXSQUARE when four XLR inputs and explicit AES67 support directly solve the installation’s needs, and skip it when local headphone or line monitoring is part of the same endpoint’s job.
Pros:- Four XLR inputs provide more analog input capacity than either Focusrite device.
- Explicitly supports Dante and AES67 RTP.
- PoE and USB Type-C offer two power approaches.
- Aluminum housing and listed support for rates up to 96 kHz.
Cons:- The supplied details do not list a headphone amplifier or line output.
- Dante or AES67 transmission requires a compatible network configuration.
- One-year limited warranty is shorter than the AM2’s listed warranty.
Best for: Installers and recording teams that need four XLR analog inputs sent over a Dante or AES67 network, with PoE or USB-C power flexibility.
Not ideal for: Users who need built-in headphone monitoring, stereo line output, or a longer stated warranty than one year.
- Inputs:Four 3-pin XLR
- Network formats:Dante and AES67 RTP
- Supported sample rates:44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz
- Maximum sample rate:96 kHz
- Power:PoE class 0 or USB Type-C
- Housing:Aluminum
- Weight:10.56 ounces
- Warranty:One-year limited
Our verdict“I would choose the MSQ-3900D when four analog inputs and stated Dante/AES67 support outweigh the need for local monitoring.”
Focusrite RedNet AM2 Stereo Dante Headphone Amplifier and Line Output Interface with PoE
The RedNet AM2 fills a different role from the other two picks: it is a Dante monitoring endpoint, not an analog microphone-input interface. It pairs a 1/4-inch TRS headphone output with XLR line outputs, making it suited to a listening position that needs a Dante feed delivered to headphones and a separate line-level destination. Its independent headphone and line level controls let an operator adjust those paths separately, while a mute switch provides a straightforward way to silence the outputs.
That focus explains why I rank it behind the X2P for general versatility and behind the MSQ-3900D for multichannel analog capture. The X2P accepts microphone inputs and offers headphone and line monitoring; the AM2, based on the supplied details, does not list analog inputs. The MAXSQUARE accepts four analog channels and names AES67 support, while the AM2 is described as a Dante device. For a studio cue point, playback position, or control room that already receives audio over Dante, that narrower job can be a strength rather than a limitation.
The AM2 is also the most clearly specified choice here for a high-impedance headphone load, and it offers PoE or an included external power supply. That gives buyers an alternative if the network switch cannot provide PoE or the installation calls for a local supply. The listed three-year warranty is longer than the MAXSQUARE’s one-year term. Its tradeoffs are equally clear: it requires Dante-compatible routing, and its 1.8-pound weight is greater than the MAXSQUARE’s listed 10.56 ounces, which can affect placement in compact or mobile rigs.
Choose the AM2 when the task is to monitor a Dante stream and send audio to headphones and XLR line outputs, not when you need to record microphones into the network. Buyers seeking one endpoint for input, preamps, and listening should favor the RedNet X2P. Those needing more than two analog inputs should consider the MSQ-3900D. For a dedicated headphone-and-line output station, however, the AM2’s controls and power options make its purpose unusually clear.
Pros:- Drives high-impedance headphones.
- Independent headphone and line-output level controls.
- Mute switch supports quick output silencing.
- PoE or included external power supply, plus a listed three-year warranty.
Cons:- Requires a Dante-compatible network setup.
- The supplied details do not list analog inputs or microphone preamps.
- At 1.8 pounds, it is heavier than the listed MAXSQUARE interface.
Best for: Dante-system users who need a dedicated headphone listening point and XLR line outputs, including setups with high-impedance headphones.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs microphone or other analog inputs, four-channel capture, or an explicitly listed AES67 endpoint.
- Network connectivity:Dante
- Headphone output:1/4-inch TRS
- Line outputs:XLR
- Output controls:Independent headphone and line level controls
- Additional control:Mute switch
- Power:PoE or included external power supply
- Weight:1.8 pounds
- Warranty:Three years
Our verdict“I recommend the RedNet AM2 for Dante playback and monitoring stations that need controlled headphone and XLR line outputs, not for recording inputs.”
How We Picked
I ranked these three devices by how well their stated functions serve common Ethernet-audio jobs, not by treating every channel or connector as equivalent. My top position goes to the RedNet X2P because it accepts microphone signals and also supplies local headphone and stereo line monitoring, giving it the broadest role in a small Dante setup. The MSQ-3900D follows for buyers who need four XLR inputs and explicitly listed Dante and AES67 support. The RedNet AM2 is third in overall versatility because it handles monitoring and output, but the supplied details list no analog inputs.
I also compared signal direction, available controls, and power options. Input count helps only when a device can accept the source you need to connect: the AM2’s stereo outputs do not make it a recording input device. Conversely, four inputs on the MAXSQUARE unit will not replace the X2P’s headphone amplifier or mic-preamp role. PoE is useful for reducing local power wiring, while USB Type-C or an included supply can give more flexibility where network power is unavailable.
All three recommendations require a network-audio plan. I treated Dante compatibility, any stated AES67 support, sample-rate information, and physical connections as decision factors, while avoiding assumptions about unlisted features such as bundled software, exact conversion specifications, or driver compatibility. Buyers should confirm device configuration and interoperability with their existing network, computer, and other Dante equipment before committing to a system.
| Ethernet audio interface | Network connectivity | Power | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite RedNet X2P 2×2 Dante | Ethernet; Dante | — | — |
| MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D 4-Channel | — | PoE class 0 or USB Type-C | One-year limited |
| Focusrite RedNet AM2 Stereo Da | Dante | PoE or included external power supply | Three years |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Ethernet Audio Interfaces
Ethernet audio interfaces are best compared by their job in the signal chain. I would start by asking whether audio needs to enter the network from analog sources, leave the network for monitoring, or travel in both directions at a local position. Then I would check network compatibility, output needs, and power before comparing channel counts.
Decide whether you need inputs, outputs, or both
Channel counts only tell part of the story. The MSQ-3900D has four XLR inputs, so it is the clearest fit here for sending multiple analog sources into a network. The RedNet X2P has two mic preamps and adds headphone and stereo line outputs, making it the more balanced recording-point option. The RedNet AM2 is primarily for listening and output: its headphone and XLR line connections are useful, but the supplied details do not list analog inputs.
Map each source and destination before choosing. If a mic must enter Dante and a performer must hear a return mix at the same spot, the X2P matches that combination most directly. If four source signals need network transport, the MAXSQUARE’s input capacity is the point of difference. If the audio is already on Dante and the task is to monitor it, the AM2 avoids paying attention to input features your position does not need.
Check Dante and AES67 requirements
Ethernet describes the physical connection; it does not mean every device will appear as a standard computer audio interface when plugged into a network. These products are designed around network audio routing, and a buyer needs compatible equipment and a workable configuration. Confirm how the unit is discovered, routed, and connected to the intended computer or system before planning a session around it.
The MAXSQUARE listing explicitly names both Dante and AES67 RTP. The two Focusrite products are described as Dante devices. If an installation depends on AES67 interoperability, that distinction deserves attention: verify the exact compatibility required across the whole system instead of assuming a shared Ethernet connection is enough. Similarly, do not assume unspecified driver, operating-system, or software support; check the manufacturer’s current documentation for the target setup.
Match outputs to the listening position
For local headphones and a separate line-level feed, the X2P and AM2 each have a role, but their input abilities differ. The X2P combines its headphone amplifier and stereo line output with two mic preamps. The AM2 concentrates on monitoring, listing independent headphone and line controls and a mute switch. That can make it a more direct pick for a fixed listening position that does not need microphone capture.
Headphone needs vary by model, so check the actual load and listening level required in your setup. The AM2 is specifically described as able to drive high-impedance headphones; the X2P is described as having a stereo headphone amplifier, without the supplied information specifying the same headphone-load claim. For speakers or other line-level destinations, compare connector type and output arrangement, not just the word “stereo.”
Plan sample rates and channel capacity
The X2P and MSQ-3900D both list support up to 96 kHz, while the AM2 details provided here do not state a sample-rate ceiling. A higher maximum can matter when it matches a production requirement, but it does not tell the full story about conversion quality, latency under a particular network load, or how many channels a full system can route. Confirm the specifications for the complete setup and use a consistent rate plan across connected equipment.
Consider how many simultaneous analog sources you need at this location, not only how many channels appear in the product title. Two mic preamps can be enough for a compact recording point; four XLR inputs give the MAXSQUARE more headroom for multi-source capture. If the endpoint is only a stereo monitoring station, extra input channels do not add much value.
Choose power and placement together
PoE can reduce the need to place a separate power outlet beside a network endpoint, but it depends on a compatible PoE source and a suitable installation. The MAXSQUARE explicitly supports PoE or USB Type-C, while the AM2 supports PoE or its included external supply. The supplied X2P details do not state a power method, so I would verify that information before designing a remote position around network power.
Placement includes more than the power cable. The MSQ-3900D’s listed 10.56-ounce weight and aluminum housing suit a compact endpoint, while the AM2 is listed at 1.8 pounds. Think about mounting, cable access, and whether controls need to be reachable during use. A device with useful front-panel monitoring controls may be preferable at an operator position, even if another model is lighter or has more inputs.
Weigh warranty and support details
The listed warranty terms vary: one year for the MSQ-3900D and three years for the RedNet AM2. No warranty term is supplied for the RedNet X2P in the provided information, so buyers should check current coverage directly. Warranty length is only one part of support planning, but it matters more for permanent installations and equipment that is difficult to replace quickly.
Before purchase, confirm current documentation, supported network configuration, connector expectations, and any software or firmware requirements. I would also plan a way to test routing with the rest of the system before relying on the interface for a live event. That preparation is especially useful when comparing an input converter such as the MAXSQUARE with monitoring endpoints such as the two RedNet devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ethernet audio interface?
An Ethernet audio interface sends or receives audio over a network connection rather than relying only on a direct USB connection to a computer. In this roundup, the products use Dante, and the MAXSQUARE also lists AES67 RTP. A compatible network and routing setup are required; an Ethernet port alone does not guarantee direct, plug-and-play audio with every computer or device.
Which of these interfaces is best for recording microphones?
The RedNet X2P is the best match for a compact microphone recording point because it has two Red Evolution microphone preamps and adds headphone and stereo line monitoring. The MSQ-3900D offers four XLR inputs, which is preferable when input count is the priority, though the supplied description does not specify preamp details or local headphone outputs. The AM2 is a monitoring endpoint, not the choice for microphone capture based on the listed connections.
Can I use the RedNet AM2 to record analog inputs?
The provided RedNet AM2 specifications list a headphone output and XLR line outputs, but do not list analog inputs or microphone preamps. I would treat it as a Dante playback and monitoring device, not an analog recording interface. If you need to route microphone signals into a Dante network, compare the RedNet X2P’s two mic preamps or the MSQ-3900D’s four XLR inputs instead.
Which product supports AES67?
The MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D is the only one of these three whose supplied description explicitly lists AES67 RTP support alongside Dante. The Focusrite RedNet X2P and RedNet AM2 are described as Dante devices. If AES67 is required in your system, verify the precise interoperability and configuration requirements with the manufacturers and your other network-audio equipment.
Do these devices work just by plugging them into a network switch?
No. A network connection is only one part of the setup: the network must support the required audio workflow, and Dante devices need to be configured and routed appropriately. Power also needs planning; the MSQ-3900D supports PoE or USB Type-C, and the AM2 supports PoE or its included supply. Check the documentation for your network, computer, software, and power requirements before installation.
Conclusion
My recommendation depends on the job at the network endpoint. Choose the Focusrite RedNet X2P if you want the strongest all-around combination of two mic preamps, headphones, and stereo line output. Pick the MAXSQUARE MSQ-3900D when four analog XLR inputs and explicitly listed Dante/AES67 support are the deciding requirements. Select the Focusrite RedNet AM2 for a dedicated Dante listening position with headphone and XLR line outputs, especially when independent level controls and PoE or an external supply suit the installation.
I would not choose among them on channel count alone. First confirm your protocol, signal direction, power source, and local monitoring needs; then match the device to the sources and destinations it must serve. That process makes the X2P the broadest small-studio option, the MSQ-3900D the strongest multichannel input choice, and the AM2 the focused monitoring pick.
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