Zoom AMS-22 USB Audio Interface for Streaming — main product image

Zoom AMS-22 USB Audio Interface for Streaming

Zoom

Zoom AMS-22 USB Audio Interface for Streaming

Name: Zoom AMS-22 USB Audio Interface for Streaming
Brand: Zoom
SKU: AMS-22

★★★★★4.3 (36 reviews)

XLR

Stream and record in 24-bit/96kHz quality with the bus-powered Zoom AMS-22 — no drivers or extra software required.

$99.99*

✓ In Stock on Amazon.com

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Zoom AMS-22 is a compact 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface built for streamers, podcasters, and musicians who want studio-quality audio without a complex signal chain. Its single XLR/TRS combo input accepts both microphones and instruments, with a dedicated Guitar switch that adjusts input impedance for direct electric guitar or bass recording. A stereo line input expands connectivity for keyboards, drum machines, or audio from a secondary device. On the output side, two balanced TRS main outputs feed studio monitors while a dedicated headphone output with its own level control handles personal monitoring.

What sets the AMS-22 apart in its class is the inclusion of hardware-controlled loopback and direct monitoring switches — features typically requiring software configuration on competing interfaces. The loopback function mixes computer audio with your live input for streaming, while direct monitoring lets you hear yourself with zero latency during recording. With 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA conversion, phantom power for condenser microphones, and bus-powered operation over USB-C, the AMS-22 delivers a complete recording and streaming solution that works out of the box on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android without installing drivers or additional software.

Key Features

TWO INPUTS, TWO OUTPUTS, ONE SIMPLE INTERFACE – Features one XLR/TRS combo input with Hi-Z and one stereo 3.5mm input, delivering clean, professional-quality audio for solo musicians, podcasters, and content creators.

MONITOR AND LOOP BACK WITHOUT EXTRA SOFTWARE – Monitor your input signal in real time with the Direct Monitor switch, and combine input audio with computer playback for streaming using the Loopback switch, all without additional software.

ONE SWITCH BETWEEN STUDIO AND STREAM MODE – Toggle between Music mode for DAW recording with individual gain control and Streaming mode that combines all inputs into one signal for seamless, software-free livestreaming.

WORKS WITH EVERY MAJOR PLATFORM AND DAW – Works across all major platforms and integrates with popular recording and streaming software including Pro Tools, Cubase, GarageBand, YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, and more.

BUS POWERED — JUST PLUG INTO YOUR COMPUTER – Powers directly from your computer via USB-C with no external power supply needed, making it the perfect lightweight and portable audio interface for mobile recording and streaming.

Specifications

Brand

Zoom

Model

AMS-22

Interface Type

2-in / 2-out USB-C

Preamps

1 XLR/TRS combo input

Line Input

Stereo line input

Outputs

2 TRS main outputs, 1 headphone output

AD/DA Conversion

24-bit / 96kHz

Phantom Power

Yes

Loopback

Yes (hardware switch)

Direct Monitoring

Yes (hardware switch)

Power

Bus-powered (USB-C)

Compatibility

PC, Mac, iOS, Android

Weight

8.1 oz (230 g)

Dimensions

6.1 x 5.63 x 2.28 inches

Zoom AMS-22 — Editorial Review

The Zoom AMS-22 is an ultra-portable 2-in/2-out USB-C interface aimed at entry-level recording and streaming — simple, bus-powered, and built around hardware switches that handle common streaming tasks without software.

Featured Video Review

Julian Krause · "ZOOM AMS-22 and AMS-24 - USB Audio Interface Review (portable recording)" · Watch on YouTube

Streaming-ready switches in a tiny, bus-powered box

Sound on Sound and Zoom note the AMS-22 offers 24-bit/96 kHz conversion, one XLR/TRS mic/Hi-Z combo input with phantom power, and a dedicated 3.5 mm stereo line input, plus dedicated Direct Monitor and Loopback hardware switches that simplify streaming with no extra software. It runs on a single USB cable, making it easy to record or stream anywhere. In Julian Krause's measurement-focused review — featured above — its converters and preamp are bench-tested.

Honest cons

24-bit only. No 32-bit float capture, unlike Zoom's pricier interfaces.
One mic input. Fine for a solo voice or instrument, not for two mics at once.
Conventional architecture. No onboard DSP or advanced routing — it's a straightforward budget box.
Mobile power. Streaming away from a computer means carrying a USB power pack.

Where this interface fits

New streamers and podcasters who want hardware loopback and direct monitoring without software.
Solo recordists capturing one voice or instrument plus a stereo line source.
Grab-and-go setups needing a tiny bus-powered interface.
Not two-mic sessions, 32-bit-float workflows, or onboard-DSP/streaming-mixer needs.

Sources & Citations

Sound on Sound, "Zoom AMS-22, 24 & 44," soundonsound.com (accessed 2026-05-27)
Zoom, "AMS Series (product and technical overview)," zoomcorp.com (accessed 2026-05-27)

Last verified: 2026-05-27

Now that you've seen the details — ready to take a closer look?

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Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Hardware loopback and direct monitoring switches provide essential streaming features without extra software
Bus-powered USB-C design means no external power supply and easy portability
Works across PC, Mac, iOS, and Android for flexible recording in any environment
24-bit/96kHz conversion delivers high-resolution audio capture and playback
Combo XLR/TRS input with guitar switch accommodates microphones and instruments on a single jack

👎 Cons

Only one mic/instrument preamp input, so recording two microphones simultaneously is not possible
No MIDI input or output for connecting keyboard controllers or drum machines
The compact form factor means no built-in gain meters or level displays on the unit
Two-output configuration limits routing options for more complex monitoring setups

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Zoom AMS-22 be used with a smartphone or tablet for mobile recording?

Yes. The AMS-22 is compatible with iOS and Android devices in addition to Mac and PC, making it a viable option for mobile recording and streaming setups.

Does the AMS-22 require phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the AMS-22 provides phantom power for condenser microphones through its XLR input, so you can use studio condenser mics without a separate power supply.

What is the loopback function on the AMS-22 used for?

The hardware loopback switch routes your computer's audio output back into the AMS-22's input stream. This lets you mix system audio (music, sound effects, calls) with your microphone signal for streaming or podcast recording without additional software routing.

Does the AMS-22 need a separate power adapter?

No. The AMS-22 is bus-powered, meaning it draws all the power it needs from the USB-C connection to your computer or mobile device.

Can I plug a guitar directly into the AMS-22?

Yes. The XLR/TRS combo input includes a dedicated Guitar switch that sets the correct impedance for plugging in an electric guitar or bass directly, without needing a separate DI box.