Being an audio interface in the interface, it’s one of the more advanced gadgets but also one of the most complex, as the audio interface has a myriad of connections that can be hard to figure out.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Shure MVi Digital Audio Interface + USB & Lightning Cable | Best Overall |  |
| IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 digital guitar interface | Budget Pick |  |
| Apogee One | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Shure MVi Digital Audio Interface + USB & Lightning Cable
Pros:
- Low latency
- Compatible with most microphones
- Simple design
- No drivers needed
Cons:
- Doesn’t function when you use a screen protector
- Relatively low input impedance
- Plastic construction
If you’re in the market for a great iPad audio interface that checks most of your needs, the Shure MVi is one such device to consider. There is definitely a lot to like about the Shure MVi and a few things to keep in mind as well. With that said, it remains one of the most affordable options for getting a stronger microphone input while recording your iPad.
For starters, the Shure MVi is one of the most budget-friendly iPad audio interfaces on the market today, and it’s definitely easy on the eyes. The Shure MVi features a slim and stylish design with an all-white exterior. The product is well-constructed and comes with a built-in mic stand mount, headphone jack, power switch, USB connection, and of course the input and output jacks.
All in all, the Shure MVi provides you with most of the functionality you need if you’re just beginning to record with your iPad.
2. BEHRINGER Audio Interface
Pros:
- Can be used to record mic, instrument, and line inputs
- One of the lowest-priced audio interfaces on the market
- Automatic detects and configures itself for unbalanced 1/4-inch TS, balanced 1/4-inch TRS, or unbalanced 1/8-inch TS line inputs
- Solid metal chassis
- Comes with a breakout cable
- Four monitor mixes and assigns for individual outputs
- Low latency between an input and output
- Allows for syncing up to 32 tracks
- Provides MIDI clock synchronization
Cons:
- Audacity has a tendency to crash when changing the routing of channels
- None that we know of
When recording things like vocals, guitar, and other acoustic instruments, you might want to go the more professional route and need to get an interface. The Behringer UMC404HD is a formidable contender in the audio interface world, and an excellent choice for those looking to do professional, studio work.
The support for up to 32 channels worth of recording means have more than enough flexibility to record a large variety of instruments. The preamps are great, and they really seem to bring out all the best sounds as long as you have excellent audio to start with.
3. IK Multimedia iRig PRO DUO 2 channel professional audio interface
Pros:
- Cheaper, hence, a good investment for a beginner
- Allows you to plug in a wide range of audio equipment like a microphone, synthesizer and electronic drum kit
- Packs up neatly, and good for travel
Cons:
- Quality is reported as lacking
- Software sounds a bit tinny
IRig Pro DUO is a 2-channel professional audio interface for iPhone, iPad and Mac/PC with two XLR/TRS combo jacks for microphones or instruments input; two 1/8-inch high-impedance input jacks for electric guitars and basses or other similar instruments; a pair of RCA-style line input jacks for CD/DVD players, mixers or other audio sources; an 1/8-inch TRS headphone output for connection to any type of headphones; a 3.5mm TRS stereo line/headphone input jack in addition to the higher quality built-in headphone output and a speaker output for connecting to an external speaker cabinet with an aux in jack. All of these features have been combined into a no-frills aluminum portable case with a built-in protective pouch, which enable you to take the interface anywhere with the added benefit of being able to add real, professional-like guitar tones.
4. Apogee One
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Works on both iOS and desktop PCs
- Easy to use
- Can record high quality audio with both instruments and vocals
- Great customer service
Apigee One is not a USB interface or an additional device that can docked on the computer. It’s a standalone interface that connects directly to your speakers or headphones, or even your headphones and microphone with XLR cable. It will give you the quality to make music or recordings with a Pro Tools quality, even if you’re just a beginner.
Apigee One has a built-in studio quality microphone that is also a button. With this button, you can turn the microphone on or off, or put it in standby. You can also change the gain to either “Low” or “High”, depending on how loud or quiet the sound is that you’ll be recording. That way, it won’t get distorted.
5. IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 digital guitar interface
Pros:
- Option to detect digital signal or process through analog channels
- Sends guitar sounds to headphones or mixer
- Inputs for simultaneously connecting other instruments
- Works with all iPad and iPhone models
- High-quality mic preamps
- Works with any recording software
- Portable design
Cons:
- Can only be used for recording music and video
- Doesn’t convert signals
- Controls can feel a little difficult to reach
If you’re looking for the best cheap audio interface for your iPad, the iRig HD 2 from IK Multimedia offers you portability, functionality and quality.
This digital guitar interface is a portable device that turns your iPad or iPhone into a mobile recording studio. You can use it with GarageBand, Apple’s free application for music creation on an iOS device. It offers full-range stereo output via headphones or via standard RCA jacks on a mixer. Use it with one of the many mic preamps on the market for studio-quality results.
6. iConnectAUDIO4+ Advanced Audio & MIDI Interface
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Allows you to connect to a computer through USB and an iPad device through a dock
- Easy to put together
- Comes with a USB cable and a Thunderbolt adapter
- Features a built in powered fan
Cons:
- Does not come with a power supply
- The device is a little bit heavier than other equipment, so you have to be a little bit careful when transporting it
The iConnectAUDIO4+ is the first choice for musicians looking for an audio interface that connects with a computer and an iPad.
This product highlights the different functionalities of both the device and its software. It gives your project the quality that you are trying to achieve while allowing enough flexibility to experiment with different sounds as you are recording. It is powerful enough to be used with a computer suite, a DJ platform or an iPad. It has enough power to give you punchy, yet full-sounding bass lines and high-rpm percussion.
This product also allows you to play with latency-free sound just like the other products in the same category. Though it is designed for iTunes and GarageBand, it also works with Stage, GarageBand, Cubasis, and Ableton Live.
7. Tascam iXR USB Audio Recording Interface
Pros:
- Made of high-quality components
- Full control over your audio mixing
- Class A converters for optimal quality
Cons:
- Takes up an additional USB port
- Some have issues with the software
This audio interface for the iPad is really impressive. It provides professional, high-quality audio output, and many rave over the surprisingly great quality they get for their actual budget. There are other options on the market that are cheaper, but they don’t provide the sound quality here. This is a quality piece of equipment that will definitely help you out.
This product is of a higher quality and better made than similarly priced options, so you’re definitely getting what you pay for! Feedback indicates that this could be the best iPad audio interface for those just starting out recording music and needing to record some instruments at home. This one is a great addition to home studio equipment and has very satisfied customers.
8. Focusrite iTrack One Pre Compact Mic Preamp and Instrument Input
Pros:
- The iTrack One is an ultra-portable audio interface for iOS devices
- A preamp is always appreciable
- The Focusrite iTrack One is dead simple to use
- The overall sound of the iTrack One is great
- You can use the direct output mode to plug in your headphones while recording
- For those looking to just record vocals or instruments, the iTrack One is perfect
The iTrack One takes everything great about the iTrack Solo and adds more. You can simply adjust the gain and your are good to go. Thanks to direct XLR input, the Focusrite iTrack One is a really good choice for the solo artist. It really pairs up nicely with the Focusrite iTrack Solo.
As it is an ultra-portable audio interface and not an actual sound recording device it has a 1/8-inch headphone output. You can plug your headphones directly in and hear the recording.
9. Behringer iSTUDIO iS202 Recording Dock and Audio Interface
Pros:
- Good sound quality, specially for the price
- Easy to use
- Wired option for those who don't want to use WiFi
- Works with ableton live
- Plug and play, windows and mac drivers are easy to use and work great.
- Very versatile
- Doesn't get too hot when you're playing with a loop
- Comes with some useful audio apps
- Support and download information is easy to find on their website
- Comes with some cables, and a cd.
Cons:
- No phantom power
- Vinyl/CD workspace isn't the best if you don't have a separate studio workspace
(12 Pack)
A good cheap iPad audio interface is an invaluable addition to your studio, and can make mixing your music easier. For this reason we chose the Behringer iSTUDIO iS202 Recording Dock and Audio Interface for iPad. It's low price is backed by good reviews and recommendations.
The iS202 is envisioned as a complete monitoring and recording studio, which can be used as a standalone console and/or with an iPad. The built-in mixer functions for iPad, CD and turntable are absolutely vital for home recording. The speakers for the record player have even been class-A sonically certified for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What audio interfaces work with iPad?
Most of the audio interfaces included on our list work with iPad. Some require specific apps to be installed, but those all work with iPad, as well.
Of course, the majority of iPad music creation apps also work with iPhone.
The majority of audio interfaces for iPad, iPhone and Mac are compatible. The ones mentioned in our list are Mac, iPad and iPhone compatible.
Though they are all frequently used with a Mac, these interfaces work with an iPhone or iPad just as well.
The Fender Go-Mic is an affordable option that is easy to use if you have a Mac, iPhone or iPad.
Though it is fairly simple, you have a ton of options when using this microphone with your Mac and other Apple devices. It is a great way to get started with recording your own music.
Can I connect audio interface to iPad?
The mobile recording kit is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people discover the benefits of being able to record tracks on a computer that can be taken anywhere. Not only can the studio be taken to a gig or a rehearsal, but it's also possible to run a train or an airplane recording session, and the whole thing can be packaged up in a suitcase along with the cable you need to connect it to your iPad , which is truly a technological marvel.
The question of whether you can connect an audio interface to an iPad comes down to three things: the physical connection, the operating system, and the software available for you to use.
What is the best sounding audio interface?
When you are just using a tablet harp, then the "best" audio interface is the most inexpensive one, regardless of whether it is a USB interface or Lightning. By definition, a tablet harp is simple, so less expensive interfaces are proven to work fine.
However, some folks want the best of the best sound, and in that case, you should select an M-AUDIO or a MOTU. Both of these names win in most comparisons and have near-universal compatibility with Macs and Windows, and both companies also have an excellent track record with third-party app developers.
You might be surprised by the price, but for the dedicated harpist, an AUDIO BUBBLE or AVID ESSENTIALS will not be short on features, and, in turn, your music will not be either.
What audio interface has the best preamps?
The Adam A7’s preamps are exceptional, offering not only a pristine sound but also an insanely wide dynamic range. This means you can push the preamps to their limit, making them extremely responsive. There are few preamps on the market that can match the pristine sound and wide dynamic range of the A7.
Additionally, the A7 is versatile. It works with both the XLR inserts and the 1/4…? input jacks. It is also easy to use, so you can have it up and running in no time.
Conclusion
As we hope you will see, the aims of this review are to highlight the top 9 options for iPad audio interfaces that are available right now, along with a handy summary table to compare all these options at a glance. We will also analyze each one of them to give you a clear idea about which one meets your needs and expectations.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Shure MVi Digital Audio Interface + USB & Lightning Cable | Best Overall | |
| IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 digital guitar interface | Budget Pick | |
| Apogee One | Upgrade Pick | |