External USB audio interfaces (compact)
External USB audio interfaces (rack mount)
iPad/iPhone audio interface docks
USB guitar interfaces for iPad/iPhone
USB microphones compatible with iPad/iPhone
Other iPad/iPhone compatible audio USB devices
Using an external audio interface with iPhone/iPad can give you the best sound quality. But of course, external interface or dock station should have its own AD/DA converters better than built-in iPhone/iPad. This is especially important for recording or mastering process.
To work with iPhone/iPad external audio interface should be recognized by Apple's Core Audio without need for a driver. If the interface works on a Mac without needing a driver, it will most likely work with iPad/iPhone.
The following interfaces reported by users or taken from other publications as compatible iPhone/iPad. Before choosing a specific interface carefully read its description and user reviews.
External USB audio interfaces (compact)
Click the interfaces Name to visit the manufacturer's product page.
| Name | In/Out | Notes |
| Akai EIE | 4/4 | 44.1k x 16 bit only, Akai EIE Pro not compatible |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 4x 1/4", 4x 1/4" Inserts, 1x 1/4" phones, USB Hub, MIDI
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| Alesis Core 1 | 1/2 | - |
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In: 1x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 1x 1/4" phones; USB powered only
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| Alesis iO4 | 4/2 | - |
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In: 4x 1/4" TRS, XLR, 4x 1/4" Insert; Out: 2x 1/4" TS, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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| Alesis iO Hub | 2/2 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TS, 1x 1/4" phones; USB/Battery powered
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| Antelope Zen Studio | 38/32 | DSP effects, portable |
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In: 12x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 1x D-SUB25 (8); Out: 1x D-SUB25, 1x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones; 2x ADAT, 1x S/PDIF Sound On Sound review Sonicscoop - Research & Development: Antelope Audio Zen Studio |
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| Apogee One for iPad & Mac | 2/2 | 30-pin/Lightning cable connect |
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In: 1x 1/4" TRS, 1x XLR, Built-in mic; Out: 3.5mm (1/8") phones, Charges iOS device
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| Apogee Duet for iPad & Mac | 2/4 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, USB MIDI DAC/ADC: CL CS4272, DAC: ESS Sabre32 PC Magazine review |
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| Apogee Quartet | 4/8 | - |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x ADAT; Out: 6x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, USB MIDI, Charges iOS device DAC: ESS Sabre32 AskAudio review Sound On Sound review Apogee Maestro control app iPad/iPhone (free) |
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| ART Dual Tube Pre | 2/2 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" Insert; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF (coax)
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| ART USB Dual Pre | 2/2 | Battery/USB/external powered |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones
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| Arturia Audiofuse | 14/14 | USB Hub, A/B monitors, Analog soft-clipping, Talkback |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS (RCA); Out: 4x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" Insert, 2x 1/4" (3.5mm 1/8") phones; ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI Synthopia review Streamworks Audio review |
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| Avid Fast Track Solo | 2/2 | 30-pin cable connect (need Lightning adapter) |
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In: 1x XLR, 1x 1/4" TS; Out: 2x RCA, 1x 1/4" phones
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| Avid Fast Track Duo | 2/2 | 30-pin cable connect (need Lightning adapter) |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones
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| Behringer UCA202 | 2/2 | USB powered |
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In: 2x RCA; Out: 2x RCA, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones, S/PDIF (optic) output DAC/ADC: TI PCM2902 |
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| Echo 2 | 2/2 | USB/external powered |
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In: 2x 1/4" TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones DAC/ADC: AKM AK4621, OPAMP: JRC NJM2114 |
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| Edirol UA-25EX | 2/2 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 2x RCA, 1x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF (optic), MIDI
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| Focusrite iTrack Solo | 2/2 | USB powered |
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In: 1x XLR, 1x 1/4" TS, Out 2x RCA, 1x 1/4" phones
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| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | 2/2 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones DAC/ADC: CL CS4272, OPAMP: JRC NJM2122 MusicRadar review HIFI ZINE detailed review |
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| Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 | 2/4 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 4x RCA, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI DAC/ADC: CL CS4272, DAC: AKM AK4384, OPAMP: JRC NJM4565, JRC NJM2122 Focusrite Scarlett inside |
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| Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 | 6/6 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS; Out: 4x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF (coax), MIDI DAC/ADC: CL CS4272 |
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| Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 | 8/6 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS; Out: 4x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF (coax), MIDI DAC/ADC: CL CS4272 MusicTech review |
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| Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 | 18/8 | - |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 4x 1/4" TRS; Out: 6x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF (coax), ADAT, MIDI DAC/ADC: CL CS4272 PC Magazine review |
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| iConnectAUDIO4+ | 4/4 | Supports two devices simultaneously |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 4x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones; MIDI, Charges iOS device |
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| Lexicon Omega | 4/2 | - |
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In: 4x 1/4" TRS, 2x XLR, 2x 1/4" Insert; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF, MIDI Sound On Sound review |
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| M-Audio Fast Track | 2/2 | - |
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In: 1x XLR, 1x 1/4" TRS; Out: 2x RCA
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| M-Audio Fast Track Pro | 2/4 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS, 4x RCA, 2x 1/4" Insert, S/PDIF (coax), MIDI DAC: AKM AK4381, ADC: AKM AK5381 |
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| MOTU Ultralite AVB | 18/18 | DSP mixing, Audio networking |
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In: 2x XLR, 8x 1/4" TRS; Out: 8x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones; MIDI, S/PDIF, Ethernet AskAudio review |
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| Novation Audiohub 2x4 | 2/4 | Audio interface and USB hub |
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In: 2x RCA; Out: 4x RCA, 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" stereo phones; 3x USB hub Sound On Sound review MusicRadar review |
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| NI Traktor Audio 2 | 0/4 | USB/external powered |
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In: No; Out: 2x 3.5mm (1/8") line, phones
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| PreSonus AudioBox i Series | 2/2 | USB powered |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS(TS); Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI (iTwo only)
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| PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL | 2/2 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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| PreSonus AudioBox 44VSL | 4/4 | - |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 6x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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| RME Babyface | 10/12 | - |
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In: 2x XLR, 1x 1/4" TRS; Out: 2x XLR, 2x 1/4" stereo, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI DAC: TI PCM4104, ADC: AKM AK5385 Sound On Sound review MusicRadar review |
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| RME Fireface UCX | 18/18 | - |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 6x 1/4" TRS; Out: 6x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF, ADAT, MIDI
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| Roland Duo-Capture Ex | 2/2 | Battery/USB/external powered |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4", 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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| Roland Duo-Capture mk2 | 2/2 | USB powered |
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In: 1x 1/4" TRS mono, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo line in; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo line out, 1x 1/4" stereo (phones)
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| Sonible ml:1 | 0/2 | USB powered |
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In: No; Out: 2x XLR, 1x AES/EBU (S/PDIF)
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| Sound Devices MixPre-D | 2/2 | Battery/external powered |
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In: 2x XLR; Out: 2x XLR, AES, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo line out, 1x 1/4" phones
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| Sound Performance Lab Crimson | 4/4 | USB Interface and Monitor Controller |
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In: 2x XLR, 6x 1/4" TRS, 2x RCA, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo; Out: 2x XLR, 2x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones; S/PDIF; MIDI Music App Blog review MusicRadar review |
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| Steinberg UR44 | 6/4 | DSP (amps, revb, filter) |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS; Out: 4x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, MIDI MusicTech review MusicRadar review |
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| Steinberg UR28M | 6/8 | DSP (amps, revb, filter) |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS, S/PDIF (coax); Out: 6x 1/4" TRS, S/PDIF (coax), 2x 1/4" phones DAC: Wolfson WM8728, ADC: TI PCM1803, ADC: AKM AK5359 |
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| Tascam iXZ | 1/2 | 4 pole 3.5mm plug adapter, No AD/DA |
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In: 1x 1/4"-XLR; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo, Mic input powered by batteries
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| Tascam iU2 | 2/2 | 30-pin cable connect, USB powered |
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In: 2x 1/4" TRS, XLR (cable); Out: 2x RCA, 1x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF (coax), MIDI (cable)
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| Tascam US-800 | 8/6 | - |
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In: 6x 1/4" XLR/TRS, S/PDIF (coax); Out: 2x RCA, S/PDIF (coax) 1x 1/4", 1x 1/8" phones DAC: AKM AK4384, ADC: AKM AK5359 |
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| Tascam US-2x2 | 2/2 | Audio/MIDI Interface with HDDA Mic preamps |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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| Tascam US-4x4 | 4/4 | Audio/MIDI Interface with HDDA Mic preamps |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 4x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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External USB audio interfaces (rack mount)
Click the interfaces Name to visit the manufacturer's product page.
| Name | In/Out | Notes |
| Antelope Orion | 32/32 | 1U rack size |
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In: 4x D-SUB25; Out: 4x D-SUB25, MADI, ADAT, S/PDIF DAC: TI PCM4104, ADC: TI PCM4202 |
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| Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 | 18/20 | 1U rack size |
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In: 8x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 10x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF (coax), ADAT, MIDI DAC/ADC: CL CS4272 Pro Tools Expert review |
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| Lynx Aurora 16 | 16/16 | 1U rack size, Need LT-USB card |
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In: 1x DB-25 analog, 1x DB-25 AES; Out: 1x DB-25 analog, 1x DB-25 AES DAC: CL CS4398, ADC: CL CS5381 |
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| Phonic Firefly 808 Universal | 8/8 | 1U rack size |
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In: 8x XLR, 1/4" TRS; Out: 8x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, AES, S/PDIF (coax), ADAT, MIDI
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| PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL | 18/18 | 1U rack size |
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In: 10x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 10x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF, ADAT, MIDI
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| Prism Sound - Titan | 18/18 | 1U rack (rubber feet and rack ears supplied) |
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In: 6x 1/4" TRS, 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 8x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF, ADAT, Ethernet
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| Prism Sound - Atlas | 18/18 | 2U rack (rubber feet and rack ears supplied) |
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In: 2x 1/4" TRS, 8x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 8x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF, ADAT, MIDI, Ethernet
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| RME Fireface UFX | 30/30 | 1U rack size |
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In: 8x 1/4" TRS, 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x XLR, 6x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, 1x AES/EBU, 2x ADAT, MIDI DAC: TI PCM4104, ADC: CL CS5368 |
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| RME OctaMic XTC | 24/20 | 1U rack size |
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In: 8x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TS; 4x AES/EBU, 1x ADAT, 1x MADI, MIDI Sound On Sound review |
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| Steinberg UR824 | 24/24 | 1U rack size, DSP (amps, revb, filter) |
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In: 8x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS; Out: 8x 1/4" TRS, 2x 1/4" phones, S/PDIF (optic), 2x ADAT |
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iPad/iPhone audio interface docks
Click the interfaces Name to visit the manufacturer's product page.
| Name | In/Out | Notes |
| Alesis iO Dock | 2/2 | 30-pin iPad dock, No AD/DA |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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| Alesis iO Dock II | 2/2 | 30-pin/Lightning iPad dock |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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| Alesis iO Mix | 4/2 | 30-pin iPad dock, Mixer, No AD/DA |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, Stereo mix of all inputs
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| Behringer iSTUDIO iS202 | 2/2 | 30-pin iPad dock, Battery/external powered |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x RCA (aux); Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones, MIDI |
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| Focusrite iTrack Dock | 2/2 | Lightning iPad dock |
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In: 2x XLR, 1/4" TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, USB midi
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| Focusrite iTrack Pocket | 2/0 | Mic and guitar dock for iPhone |
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In: 1(2)x Microphone, 1/4" TS instrument; Out: none
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| Griffin Studio Connect | 2/2 | 30-pin iPad dock, No AD/DA |
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In: 1x 1/4", 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo; Out: 2x RCA, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones, MIDI
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| Griffin Studio Connect HD | 2/2 | 30-pin/Lightning iPad dock |
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In: 2x 1/4" XLR/TRS; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 1/4" phones, MIDI
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| Mackie DL806, DL1608 | 8,16/2 | 30-pin/Lightning iPad dock |
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In: 8/16x XLR; Out: 2x XLR, 4/6x 1/4" Aux sends, 1x 1/4" phones
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USB guitar interfaces for iPad/iPhone
Click the interfaces Name to visit the manufacturer's product page.
| Name | In/Out | Notes |
| Apogee Jam | 1/0 | 30-pin/Lightning/USB cable connect |
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In: 1x 1/4" TRS; Out: No, USB powered
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| Apogee Jam 96k | 1/0 | 30-pin/Lightning/USB cable connect |
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In: 1x 1/4" TRS; Out: No, USB powered
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| Fender SLIDE | 1/2 | USB powered |
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In: 1x 1/4" TS; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones
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| IK Multimedia iRig PRO | 1/0 | 30-pin/Lightning/USB cable connect |
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In: 1x 1/4"-XLR/TS; Out: No; MIDI
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| IK Multimedia iRig HD | 1/0 | 30-pin/Lightning/USB cable connect |
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In: 1x 1/4" TS; Out: No
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| Line 6 Sonic Port | 2/2 | 30-pin/Lightning cable connect |
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In: 1x 1/4" TS, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo line; Out: 1x 1/4" stereo line, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones, Device powered
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| Peavey AmpKit LiNK HD | 1/2 | Guitar interface, USB powered |
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In: 1x 1/4" TS; Out: 2x 3.5mm (1/8") line, phones
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| Sonoma GuitarJack Model 2 | 2/2 | 30-pin iPad/iPhone socket |
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In: 1x 1/4" mono, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo
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| Sonoma GuitarJack Model 2 USB | 2/2 | USB connection, device powered |
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In: 1x 1/4" mono, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo
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USB microphones compatible with iPad/iPhone
Click the interfaces Name to visit the manufacturer's product page.
| Name | In/Out | Notes |
| Apogee MiC | 1/0 | 30-pin/Lightning (model 96k) cable connect |
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In: 1x Microphone; Out: none; USB powered
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| Blue Microphones Spark Digital | 1/0 | USB condenser microphone |
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In: 1x Microphone; Out: none; Add: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones
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| Blue Microphones Mikey Digital | 2/0 | Lightning connector condenser microphone |
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In: 1x Microphone, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") lines; Out: none
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| Blue Microphones Yeti Pro | 1/0 | USB condenser microphone |
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In: 1x Microphone; Out: none; Add: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones
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| Fostex - AR-4i | 2/2 | iPhone 30-pin dock with microphones |
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In: 2x Microphone; 3x 3.5mm (1/8") line; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones; USB/Device/Battery powered
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| Fostex - AR101 | 2/2 | iPhone USB/30-pin cable mic (holder) |
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In: 2x Microphone; 2x 3.5mm (1/8") line; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones; USB/Device powered
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| Griffin - MicConnect | 1/2 | 4 pole 3.5mm plug adapter, No AD/DA |
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In: 1x XLR; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones; Battery for phantom power
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| IK Multimedia iRig PRE | 1/2 | 4 pole 3.5mm plug adapter, No AD/DA |
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In: 1x XLR; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones; Battery for phantom power
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| IK Multimedia iRig Mic Field | 2/2 | Stereo field microphone with Lightning connector |
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In: 2x Microphone; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones; Device powered
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| Line 6 Sonic Port VX | 2/2 | Mic and guitar USB interface |
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In: 1x Microphone, 1x 1/4" TS, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo line; Out: 2x 1/4" TRS, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones; Device powered
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| Rode Microphones NT-USB | 1/0 | USB condenser microphone |
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In: 1x Microphone; Out: none; Add: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones
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| Samson G-Track | 2/0 | USB condenser microphone |
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In: 1x Microphone, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") line; Out: none; Add: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo
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| Zoom iQ5 | 2/2 | Mid-side stereo condenser mic (Lightning connector) |
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In: 2x Microphone; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo; Mini USB (only for recharging); Device powered |
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| Zoom iQ6 | 2/2 | X/Y condenser mic (Lightning connector) |
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In: 2x Microphone; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo; Device powered AskAudio review |
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| Zoom iQ7 | 2/2 | Mid-side stereo condenser mic (Lightning connector) |
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In: 2x Microphone; Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo; Device powered |
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Other iPad/iPhone compatible audio USB devices
Click the interfaces Name to visit the manufacturer's product page.
| Name | In/Out | Notes |
| Behringer Digital Mixer x32 | 40/16 | Complete digital mixing console |
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In: XLR; Out: XLR
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| Behringer U-CONTROL UMA25S | 2/2 | USB/MIDI Keyboard controller, Audio interface |
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In: 2x RCA; Out: 2x RCA, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones
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| Behringer XENYX X1204USB | 2/2 | 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer, USB audio interface |
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In: 1x Stereo USB input; Out: 1x Stereo USB output
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| Behringer X AIR Series | 12/2 | Digital Mixer for iPad/Android Tablets |
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In: 4(8,16)x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 8x 1/4" TRS; Out: 2x XLR, 2(4,6)x 1/4" TRS Aux, 1x 1/4" phones; MIDI, WiFi router, Ethernet |
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| Cymatic Audio LR-16 | 16/2 | 16 Track Recorder |
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In: 16x 1/4" TRS; Out: 1x 1/4" stereo
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| Fostex - HP-P1 | 2/2 | High quality headphone amplifier with D/A converter |
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In: 1x 3.5mm (1/8"); Out: 1x 3.5mm (1/8") phones amp, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") line; S/PDIF; USB/Battery (lithium-ion) powered DAC: AKM4480 HP-P1 Inside (japan) Review and discussion |
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| miniDSP USBStreamer B | 2/2,8 | USB to ADAT/Toslink interface, USB powered |
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In: 1x Optical; Out: 1x Optical Toslink/ADAT
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| Yamaha AG Series mixers | 3(6)/2 | - |
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In: 1(2)x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 2x 1/4" TRS, 2x RCA; Out: 2x XLR, 1x 1/4" phones
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| Zoom H6 | 6/2 | Portable recorder, Battery/USB/External |
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In: 4x 1/4" XLR/TRS, 1x 3.5mm (1/8") stereo; Out: 2x 3.5mm (1/8") phones, line Sound On Sound review Audiofanzine review |
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