If you make music on your iPad or iPhone or laptop, you need a good quality audio interface. We have come up with some of the best iOS audio interfaces, which are currently favorite in market this year.
It is a tough task to decide which audio interface to buy as needs and requirements are different for different users. There are some factors to look to, before choosing the most suited audio interface for you. These factors include device compatibility, class compliance, power consumption, input compatibility, mic preamp quality, design and price.
Top 10 iOS Audio Interfaces For Musicians: –
Here is a list of 10 best iOS audio interface which may help you to choose the best one for audio recording or music production with your iOS device.
1. IK Multimedia iRig Pro
IK Multimedia iRig Pro is one of the best iOS audio interfaces in terms of compatibility and versatility. It can be used with guitar, microphone, or keyboard, and MIDI controllers. It can be connected to the devices and instruments by , USB, or MIDI cables. It provides high quality A/D resolution of 24 bit/96kHz and is powered by +48V phantom power by 9V battery.
It is a portable, robust and compact audio interface which is loaded with features including direct monitoring, signal metering, XLR/Hi-Z inputs.
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2. Audient ID4
Audient ID4 is a portable audio interface which offers premium features without compromising on budget. It features a mic preamp for using condenser mics and JFET DI circuit for connecting guitars or bass. It is bus powered and requires USB power hub or power bank to run. It includes 2 separate outputs for headphones in addition to a main output for speakers.
Audient ID4 is known for its excellent sound quality and ease of use. Its other unique features include zero-latency monitoring, mix and pan controls, and a console like interface.
3. Focusrite iTrack Solo Lightning
Focusrite iTrack is an affordable audio interface with sleek and elegant design. It is compatible with latest generation of devices including iPad gen 4, iPad mini, iPad Air etc. Its best feature is its 2 Focusrite mic preamps powered by 48V phantom. It can connect many devices with a lightning cable and can record sound from various instruments with crystal clarity. It comes with a 2-year warranty.
4. Apogee Duet
Apogee Duet is a premium audio interface which is especially designed for professionals. It provides impressive sound quality with 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A conversion. Its preamp mic is especially designed for instruments and provides sufficient headroom for clear recording. It requires low level of monitoring and ensures full control over input and output. Both lightning and 30 pin USB cables can be used with Apogee Duet. It is also powered by phantom. Apogee Duet is an expensive audio interface compared to other interfaces.
5. Yamaha AG03
Yamaha AG03 is a multiplatform audio interface which also provides mixer functions. It allows easy switching between channels and fading any channel. It consists of D-Pre mic preamp and HI-Z instruments for easy and clear recording. Its online streaming platform allows real-time broadcasting. It also features built-in DSP effects for reverb, compression and filtering of audio.
It requires a USB 5V adaptor or power bank to function. It is a good choice for users who need combo of audio and mixer interface.
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6. RME Babyface Pro
RME Babyface Pro offers some unique features which makes it different from its competitors. It gives stunning clarity even with low level microphones with its extended range of 76dB. It features XLR socket to save space and ADAT audio interface to connect up-to 12 input/output channels. Its other best features include 2 mic preamps, hi-Z and lo-Z inputs and MIDI input/output via breakout cable.
RME is a premium audio interface which is suited both at home or studio.
7. Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD
Behringer U-Phoria is a budget audio interface with many great features. It is equipped with 2 mic preamps with 48V phantom power. It also provides MIDI connectivity, switchable input pad and double insert jacks. It is not possible for iPad to provide charging to make it work. It requires lightning and USB adaptors with powered USB hub to function.
Given the features, it is very low priced. It can be used with many instruments including guitars and bass.
8. Shure MVi
Shure MVi is a versatile and compact audio interface with excellent sound quality. Its best feature is its switchable recording mode which allows using its preamp mic for different purposes such as singing, speech or instruments. It has good control features, which include built-in DSP and EQ settings. It is Bus powered and also utilizes phantom power of 12V when used with iPad power and, 48V when used with USB power.
9. Arturia AudioFuse
Arturia AudioFuse is a classic audio interface with lots of connectivity options. It is equipped with both mini jack and ¼-inch plugs. It has 2 fully independent headphone outputs and 2 other speaker outputs. Besides these, it also features line level connectors, MIDI input/output ports and S/PDIF and ADAT input/output for digital interface. It also has a built-in USB hub containing 3 extra USB 2.0 ports.
In addition to connectivity to different sound sources, it also provides high quality sound, easy recording and good control settings.
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10. PreSonus AudioBox iTwo
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is the best iOS interface for beginners which provides great features in low price. It has 27 native effects, 4 virtual instruments, demo bests over 6GB of space and stereo music production software to assist the beginners. In addition, it has Class A preamp mic with low noise and high headroom, 48V phantom power and line inputs.
There is no perfect choice for everyone. The needs of a beginner are different from those of a professional. You need to decide that how many instruments you need to connect. Whether you need MIDI connectivity, phantom power, or require an extra preamp mic.
We have tried to enlist some of the best iOS audio interfaces in different categories. Make sure that you know about your requirements and their features before you make your mind to buy an audio interface.