A Clear Comparison for Beginners, Home Recordists and Creators



The Donner Livejack 2x2 and the Livejack Lite - Both available in Musicmaker now!

Home recording has never been more accessible, and Donner have become one of the most exciting brands in the budget audio space by doing one simple thing very well: making gear that actually works for beginners.

The Donner Livejack Lite and Donner Livejack 2×2 USB audio interfaces are both affordable, compact and easy to use — but they are built for slightly different musicians. Choosing the right one comes down to how you plan to record, what you want to connect, and how much room you want to grow.

Let’s break it all down properly.



A wealth of handy outputs, including MIDI in/out on the Donner Livejack 2x2

Donner Livejack Lite – Simple, Focused, Beginner-Friendly

The Livejack Lite is designed for musicians who want to start recording quickly without complexity. It’s compact, intuitive and ideal for bedroom setups, apartments and headphone-based practice.

Inputs

  • 1 × combo XLR/TRS input - Accepts either a microphone or an instrument/line signal
  • 1 × dedicated 1/4” instrument input - Perfect for electric guitar or bass

This setup makes the Livejack Lite ideal for singer-songwriters, allowing you to record vocals and guitar at the same time, or for solo musicians who only need one microphone and one instrument.

Outputs

  • USB-C (audio + power)
  • 1 × 1/4” TRS headphone output

There are no dedicated line outputs, no RCA outputs, and no MIDI on the Lite. Everything is designed around headphone monitoring and portability.

What It’s Best For:

  • Beginners starting home recording
  • Guitarists using amp sims
  • Vocal recording with a condenser mic
  • Podcasting and voice-over
  • Quiet, late-night practice
  • Minimal, travel-friendly setups

The Livejack Lite is uncomplicated by design — and that’s exactly why so many beginners love it.

More details HERE.



Check out the Donner Livejack Lite in Musicmaker now.

Donner Livejack 2×2 – The Proper Home Studio Upgrade

The Livejack 2×2 is a more fully featured interface that steps confidently into traditional home studio territory. It’s still beginner-friendly, but it offers far more flexibility for musicians who want to expand.

Inputs

  • 2 × combo XLR/TRS inputs
  • Both inputs accept: Microphones, Instruments, Line-level sources

This makes the 2×2 perfect for dual-mic setups, recording two musicians at once, or capturing stereo sources.

Outputs

  • USB-C (audio + power)
  • 2 × balanced 1/4” TRS line outputs (Left / Right) - For studio monitors
  • 2 × RCA line outputs (Left / Right) - For hi-fi systems or external gear
  • MIDI In and MIDI Out
  • 1 × 1/4” TRS headphone output

This output selection turns the Livejack 2×2 into a true studio hub.

What It’s Best For:

  • Singer-songwriters who want studio monitors
  • Recording two microphones at once
  • Collaborating with another musician
  • Using MIDI keyboards, synths or drum machines
  • Growing a home studio over time

If you want more connectivity and future-proofing, the Livejack 2×2 is the clear winner.

More details HERE.



Livejack Lite vs Livejack 2×2 – Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Livejack Lite if:

  • You’re brand new to recording
  • You mainly record vocals or guitar
  • You use headphones rather than speakers
  • You want the simplest possible setup
  • You value portability and affordability

Choose the Livejack 2×2 if:

  • You want to use studio monitors
  • You plan to record two mics at once
  • You need MIDI connectivity
  • You collaborate or layer tracks
  • You’re building a proper home studio

Both interfaces sound clean, work reliably with popular DAWs, and offer excellent value — the difference is how far you want to go.



A very handy feature of the Donner Livejack 2x2.

FAQ – Donner Livejack Interfaces

Is the Donner Livejack Lite good for beginners?

Yes. It’s one of the easiest audio interfaces to use, with a clean signal, simple controls and no unnecessary complexity.

Can I record vocals and guitar at the same time on the Livejack Lite?

Yes. The Lite has one combo input and one instrument input, making it ideal for singer-songwriters.

Does the Livejack Lite support studio monitors?

No. The Lite is headphone-based only and does not have dedicated line outputs.

What makes the Livejack 2×2 better for a home studio?

It offers two combo inputs, balanced TRS outputs, RCA outputs and MIDI I/O — making it far more flexible.

Does the Livejack 2×2 support MIDI keyboards?

Yes. It has both MIDI In and MIDI Out for controlling external gear.

Do both interfaces work with popular recording software?

Yes. Both work with GarageBand, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase, Reaper and Audacity.

Can I use these interfaces with electric guitar and amp sims?

Absolutely. Both handle instrument-level signals very well and work great with modelling software.

Which one is better for podcasting?

Both work well, but the Livejack Lite is often preferred for its simplicity.

Is the Livejack 2×2 worth the extra cost?

If you want monitors, MIDI or dual mic recording, yes — it’s a very worthwhile upgrade.



Everything a beginner needs to start recording with the Donner Livejack Lite

Final Word

Donner have done something genuinely impressive with the Livejack range: they’ve made audio interfaces that are honest, affordable and genuinely useful.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a reliable gateway into home recording — without the frustration that usually comes with budget gear.


Available now at Musicmaker Dublin.


Get your Donner Livejack Lite HERE.

Get your Donner Livejack 2x2 HERE.