Even should you’re taking your productions from the bed room studio to the lounge sofa, a change in setting may provide the inventive enhance you could hit your songwriting stride.
Whereas most cell music-making apps will usually include a built-in library of digital devices and samples to work with, you’ll want an audio interface should you plan on utilizing microphones and {hardware} devices. On this checklist, we’ll discover one of the best cell interfaces out in the present day that allow you to do that.
Simply as you’d should you have been purchasing for a desktop interface, you must ask your self what you intend to get performed along with your cell interface.
For instance, if you wish to preserve your rig transportable and use condenser microphones, you’ll want an interface that provides phantom energy. Possibly you intend on recording guitar and vocals on the identical time; you then’ll want sufficient inputs that additionally enable simultaneous recording.
Many of those interfaces are designed to work with cell units foremost and are small and powered by USB or disposable batteries. Some have been initially designed for computer systems and later up to date to run with cell. There’s a little bit of a tradeoff with the latter; when you might sometimes get higher preamps, their energy draw could make them much less versatile for transportable rigs.
The very best cell interfaces to purchase at a look:
- IK Multimedia iRig Professional Duo I/O
- Steinberg UR-RT2
- Focusrite iTrack Solo
- Rode i-XLR
- Audient iD4 Mk II
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Apogee Jam+
- Zoom U-22
- Tascam i-XZ
- Saramonic SmartRig+
IK Multimedia iRig Professional Duo I/O
This transportable little gizmo is likely one of the hottest choices on the market in the present day for including high-quality recording to iPhone, iPad and Android units, plus it’s additionally suitable with Mac and Home windows. With two combo XLR-¼-inch inputs and 48V phantom energy, it will probably deal with condenser mics, plus direct guitar and line-level sources akin to synths.
The iRig Professional Duo I/O additionally doubles as a MIDI interface with two in or out jacks for two.5mm breakout cables. It may be powered through USB or a pair of AA batteries and consists of Lightning, USB-A and USB-C cables so you will get straight to work, irrespective of your recording system. Plus, it comes with a collection of IK software program, together with AmpliTube, SampleTank and T-RackS.
- Worth: £169 / $200
- Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic / line / Hello-Z)
- Outputs: 2 x 1/4” TRS
- MIDI I/O: 1 x 2.5mm In/Out (consists of 2.5mm breakout cables)
- Preamps: Class-A
- Decision: As much as 24-bit / 48kHz
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8”
- Phantom Energy: Sure
- Energy: 2 x AA Batteries / USB-powered / 9V DC energy provide (not included)
- OS Supported: Mac, Home windows, iOS and Android
- Included software program: AmpliTube, SampleTank, T-RackS and different bundled content material
Steinberg UR-RT2
Designed to take a seat in your desk or be taken out on the street, Steinberg’s UR-RT2 affords recording resolutions as much as 24-bit / 192kHz and assist for Home windows and Mac units together with iPhone and iPad.
It includes a pair of Yamaha’s D-PRE preamps and a secondary set of transformers from Rupert Neve Designs, which bumps up particular harmonics for a richer sound. The UR-RT2 additionally comes bundled with Cubasis LE, a sequencer app that allows you to document, edit and blend songs with assist for 4 audio and 4 MIDI tracks.
- Worth: £294 / $350
- Inputs: 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/line/Hello-Z), 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/line), 2 x 1/4″ (line)
- Outputs: 2 x 1/4” TRS
- Preamps: Class-A
- Decision: As much as 24-bit / 192kHz
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8”
- Phantom Energy: Sure
- Energy: 12V DC energy provide (included)
- OS Supported: Mac, Home windows, iOS
- Included software program: Cubasis LE, DSPMixFX software program, REV-X reverb, Channel Strip, Guitar Amp Classics FX
Focusrite iTrack Solo
There’s loads to love in regards to the iTrack Solo, from its easy and compact design to its high quality Focusrite preamp. It’s additionally affordably priced and comes packaged with a duplicate of Ableton Stay Lite and the Scarlett plug-in suite for much more worth.
Designed for tablets and supporting each Mac and PC, this sturdy interface will be conveniently packed away and introduced out with you for music-making on the street. It provides one XLR and one 1/4” enter and the power to document with each concurrently.
- Worth: $150
- Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″
- Outputs: 1 x stereo RCA
- Preamps: Focusrite
- Decision: As much as 24-bit / 96kHz
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4″
- Phantom Energy: Sure
- Energy: USB 2.0
- OS Supported: Mac and PC, iOS (iPad)
- Included software program: Ableton Stay Lite, Scarlett plug-in suite
Rode i-XLR
The Rode i-XLR presents a fuss-free method so that you can join a microphone to your iOS system, if that’s all you want from a cell interface. Whereas it does preserve issues easy with a devoted record-stop button and Lightning-tipped three metre wire, there are some caveats to notice. It solely affords a single XLR enter and its use is restricted to dynamics or self-powered condensers, as there isn’t phantom energy.
Nonetheless, there are nonetheless many issues to love in regards to the i-XLR. It’s bus-powered so that you gained’t have to fret about different cables. It definitely gained’t be for everybody, however should you’re a podcaster or creator who does plenty of segments outdoor, this is perhaps simply best for you.
- Worth: $149
- Inputs: 1 x XLR
- Outputs: 1 x Lightning
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8″
- Energy: Bus-powered (Lightning)
- OS Supported: iOS 9 or later
- Included software program: Rode Reporter app
Audient iD4 Mk II
Audient refreshed its iD4 audio interfaces in the beginning of 2021 to supply a wider dynamic vary and make additional enhancements to audio efficiency. It is a high quality desktop interface designed for computer systems however with assist for iOS units.
The iD4 packs a studio-grade preamp, a combo jack and an instrument enter. We discovered this mixture to be well-suited to guitarists, because it permits you to document acoustics with a mic and direct from an electroacoustic jack output.
In our overview, we mentioned: “Audient‘s iD vary of audio interfaces has proved a preferred alternative in recent times, thanks in no small half to the corporate’s extremely regarded home-grown mic preamp. This circuit, first seen in 1997’s ASP8024 giant format console, has a repute for delivering a clear, low-distortion sound, with only a contact of musically-sympathetic colouration so as to add a little bit of life and lustre.”
- Worth: $199
- Inputs: 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/line), 1 x 1/4″ (instrument)
- Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ (L/R)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″
- Energy: USB 3.0 Sort-C
- OS Supported: Home windows, Mac, iOS
- Included software program: ARC software program suite
Learn our full overview right here.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 third Gen
Focusrite’s ever-popular Scarlett 2i2 was fleshed out with compatibility for iPad Execs final 12 months, supplying you with entry to a fantastic sounding interface that performs properly with a variety of software program from Garageband and Cubasis 2 to FL Studio Cellular.
This dual-input interface comes with a secondary preamp voicing to supply brighter tones and a sound nearer to the model’s costlier ISA preamps. Whereas the iPad Professional and Scarlett 2i2 pair-up is great – contemplating it may be powered by USB-C – we wouldn’t essentially advocate it for lengthy periods.
The sheer energy draw means you’ll get a couple of good hours out of the combo earlier than your iPad runs out of juice, which will not be sufficient to hit your manufacturing movement state. However, it’s nonetheless a stable cell choice, particularly if you could lay down an in depth sketch or do a fast tackle the go.
- Worth: $159.99 / £139
- Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/line/instrument)
- Outputs: 2 x TRS (1/4”)
- Preamps: Scarlett
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4”
- Energy: USB 2.0 Sort-C
- OS Supported: Home windows, Mac, iOS (iPad Professional with USB Sort-C solely)
Learn our full overview right here.
Apogee Jam+
This single-input interface is designed for guitarists and allows you to make nice sounding recordings, even when all you have got is simply your guitar. Drive Mode creates an amp-like response for an genuine taking part in expertise bolstered by results and amplifier fashions equipped within the included Bias FX Jam bundle.
For such a small system, it additionally affords increased recording resolutions of as much as 24-bit / 96kHz. In fact, it’s also possible to use it with your individual devices and microphones, as long as they will join through a 1/4” instrument jack.
- Worth: $159
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4”
- Outputs: 1 x 1/8” (Headphones)
- Preamps: PureDIGITAL
- Decision: As much as 24-bit / 96kHz
- Phantom Energy: No
- Energy: Micro-USB B
- OS Supported: Mac, Home windows, iOS
- Included software program: Bias FX Jam bundle
Zoom U-22
Zoom is maybe finest identified for its transportable recording units, which could additionally clarify why the U-22 seems like a one which received halved by buzzsaw. It is a dependable cell interface that packs versatile choices for the cash.
The U-22 equips the identical preamp discovered within the H6 Audio Recorder and provides phantom energy to juice up condenser microphones, a combo jack and Hello-Z choice for recording guitars and different devices immediately. You additionally get the choice to energy it up through USB or a pair of AA batteries, which means that turning it from a desktop to a cell interface is so simple as unplugging the cables and flicking the battery-power change.
The U-22 is suitable with iOS units and computer systems. It comes bundled with Ableton Stay Lite and Cubasis LE.
- Worth: $100
- Inputs: 1 x XLR-1/4”, 1 x 1/8” (might document with both at a time)
- Outputs: 2 x stereo RCA
- Preamps: Similar as Zoom H6
- Decision: as much as 24-bit / 96kHz
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8”
- Phantom Energy: Sure
- Energy: Micro USB, 2 x AA batteries (selectable)
- OS Supported: Mac, Home windows, iOS
- Included software program: Ableton Stay Lite, Cubasis LE
Tascam i-XZ
Designed particularly for iOS units, the pocket-sized Tascam iXZ is a simple interface that allows you to sketch concepts or document complete takes on the go. It affords a single combo enter for microphones and devices and includes a built-in cable. When operating devices by the iXZ, you are able to do so battery-free. In any other case, you’ll want a pair of AA cells to utilize the microphone enter.
- Worth: $90
- Inputs: 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/Hello-Z)
- Outputs: 1 x 1/8″ TRRS plug
- Preamps: Hello-Z
- Decision: as much as 24-bit / 96kHz
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8”
- Phantom Energy: Sure
- Energy: None (instrument), 2 x AA (microphones)
- OS Supported: iOS
Saramonic SmartRig+
Our checklist lined its fair proportion of iOS-only units, so right here’s one for Android customers as properly. The Saramonic SmartRig+ is a simple interface that allows you to shortly and simply improve the recording capabilities of your cell system.
It is a two-channel interface with combo jacks and the power to document with each concurrently. Some methods you would possibly use this are to mic up an acoustic guitar from two angles, document vocals with a keyboard on channel two, or have a pal be part of you on a take.
- Worth: $179
- Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/instrument), 2 x 1/8″
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8″
- Decision: as much as 24-bit / 96kHz
- Phantom Energy: Sure
- Energy: 1 x 9V battery
- OS Supported: Android, iOS
