Short answer: the MOTU M2. It ranks #6 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 3.8/5, at $199.95; the Behringer Studio XL ranks #17, rated 1.6/5, and costs $239, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The MOTU M2 is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured 111 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review judged the headphone amplifier barely adequate on power and the recording converter only adequate.
Why pick the Behringer Studio XL: It packs a lot of connectivity into one box: two combo mic and line inputs, ten balanced TRS line outputs, two headphone jacks and a hardware volume control. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured just 55 dB SINAD, a serious audible weakness, and found it clips easily in ways that are hard to diagnose, so it gave no recommendation.
Buy the MOTU M2. It is rated higher than the Behringer Studio XL and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| MOTU M2 | Behringer Studio XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 | $239.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #17 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 55 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), MIDI in, USB-C | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), USB-B (6 inputs total) |
| Outputs | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 2 RCA (mirrored), headphone | 10 x 6.35 mm TRS line outs, 2 headphone |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) | Yes (TRS outs) |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob (VCA) |
| Dimensions | - | 12.9” x 3.1” x 6.4” (328 x 80 x 163 mm) |
| Weight | - | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How MOTU M2 compares with other leading options:
- Topping M62 vs MOTU M2
- Topping E2x2 vs MOTU M2
- MOTU M2 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M2 vs MOTU M6
- MOTU M2 vs MOTU M4
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
MOTU M2: $199.95 Amazon $199.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 111 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. It has two XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic, line or instrument, balanced TRS monitor outputs with mirrored RCA outputs, MIDI in, level meters and a hardware volume knob, all powered over USB-C.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review judged the headphone amplifier barely adequate on power and the recording converter only adequate. The Topping E2x2 rates higher for less.
Full MOTU M2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), MIDI in, USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 2 RCA (mirrored), headphone |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Behringer Studio XL: $239.00 Amazon $239.00 eBay
Pros: It packs a lot of connectivity into one box: two combo mic and line inputs, ten balanced TRS line outputs, two headphone jacks and a hardware volume control.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured just 55 dB SINAD, a serious audible weakness, and found it clips easily in ways that are hard to diagnose, so it gave no recommendation. Behringer doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD rates far higher for much less.
Full Behringer Studio XL review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 12.9” x 3.1” x 6.4” (328 x 80 x 163 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), USB-B (6 inputs total) |
| Outputs | 10 x 6.35 mm TRS line outs, 2 headphone |
| SINAD | 55 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (VCA) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons