If we're searching for the best audio interfaces, the iPad is up there with other music production tools. In this article, we aim to give you a medium through which to plug your ax into your android.
Whether its to simply create a direct digital recording via a device you have on hand, or to get the most of the more advanced apps on offer, an iOS-compatible interface is quickly becoming a sought-after thing.
We've included a few versions of the same brand, to be able to give you a clear comparison of what the best types of audio interfaces for iPad are capable of and how they function, so you can work out what's best for the recording needs.
Most interfaces on the market are simply a bare-bones means to plug in and play. With them being relatively early in their development, these recording devices don't differ very heavily from one another.
Most are also fortunately enough, reasonably priced so there is no excuse not to give one a go, so let us compare.
| IK Multimedia AmpliTube | IK Multimedia iRig 2 Guitar Interface | IK Multimedia iRig Guitar Interface |
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View The Best iPad Interface Below
1. IK Multimedia AmpliTube
Our first slot has been given (quite rightly) to the original IK Multimedia Interface, developed for use with Amplitube, a fantastic iOS tone lab software designed with Brian May to provide a jam-packed plug-in for your DAW.
It's very well made and presents a very low-cost solution since the revamped second edition model came on to the market.
The replacement model, which we will look at next, is actually better equipped than this one. This is because it was overhauled to keep up with newer mobile operations, making it one of the best choices.
However, if you're going to be using this casually for fun, this interface could be best, as it will work older versions of Amplitube.
It provides a lightning connection and a 3.5mm mini-jack which allows you to connect your guitar.
It sells with an edition of Amplitube to play with, but can also be used with other instrument plug-ins and some DAWS.
Pros:
+ Cheap.
+ Easy to use.
+ Compact.
Why We Liked It - Despite the lag issues, it's still a great, fun way to introduce younger users on-board, and offer them the freedom of tone exploration without shelling-out a lot of cash.
Efficiency - Convenience is key when it comes to working with ipad guitar interfaces. Your interface of choice should be compact enough so that it doesn't interfere with your recording set up. That being said, you'll also want to make sure that you have a long enough instrument chord as these interfaces primarily serve as adapters between the instrument and your ipad or iphone.
2. IK Multimedia iRig 2 Guitar Interface
Now for a look at the updated model, which provides a lag-less line with a quicker response from the tone software.
It has a completely new body style, that allows it to accommodate an independent auxiliary out to connect your mobile or iOS device, (such as your iPhone, iPad) and listen via headphones so you can play your instrument privately and keep the sound quality.
Unlike the IK Multimedia or the iRig Pro, the analog circuitry pathways have been upgraded and engineered to include a dual FX/Thru switch, which means you can send the signal of your phone with ts added tone effects from the amp directly to an amplifier which is a welcome feature.
The thru switch bypasses the effects and lets you send a clean signal which is ideal for more practical tasks such as tuning via a mobile app or iOS device.
This model also has a gain dial so you have a little control over the levels sent to your mobile.
Pros:
+ Gain dial.
+ More versatile.
+ Dedicated headphone out.
+ FX/Thru switch.
Why We Liked It - It offers better latency levels and is more widely compatible. The additional controls give users better handling over their input and output.
3. IK Multimedia iRig Guitar Interface
Next up we have an older version of the IK Multimedia iRig Pro, which has efficient engineering that works seamlessly with digital devices and ios devices. It has refined circuitry which provides high-definition signals that stay true to input.
The modern electronics of this audio interface allow it to have a streamlined high-tech appearance.
It's equipped to handle a range of guitars both passive and active. Like the Analog iRig above, this interface features a dual switch to select between and FX send and a clean Thru channel.
There is a ¼ inch input for your guitar and a dedicated ¼ inch output to send to your amplifier at the bottom, then at the top is an iOS device (Mac ) and PC in and out as, as well as a headphone mini aux out, meaning you'll always experience good sound quality.
It has a volume and audio dial for adjustable input gain from the get-go and comes with an iOS Mac, iPhone, and iPad copy of Amplitude, effectively giving you an entire recording studio in your pocket.
Pros:
+ Hi-Def.
+ DSP.
+ dedicated amp output.
Why We Liked It - It's a lot more capable than the company's entry-level model. The sound quality is better, the lag is undetectable, and it can be used far more freely in a live situation, thanks to the I/o combos.
Experimentation - Don't forget that you don't have to just use guitar with these interfaces! These interfaces are compatible with any instrument that supports a standard 1/4" cable. Experiment with amplifier and effects apps for some added flair, or simply record with Garageband to get the ball rolling.
4. Korg Audio Interface
The Korg Plug KEY is another great audio interface. This is a stripped-back model that's easy to use and suitable for beginners.
This audio interface has a much better build quality than some of the basic options on the market and provides well-defined, true to signal sound quality and audio.
The ¼ inch connection is studio quality and is gold plated for better fidelity and quieter lines. It has a built-in iOS connection with a generous length and reinforced entry points, so you won't get a tear in the connection.
This audio interface features an input gain control and offers up a separate USB port so it can be used to charge your iOS devices directly during use. This feature is its saving graces, as it's something the others can't do, making the audio interfaces a little less practical in a live situation.
It can be used as a MIDI-in device, running between your remotes and your iOS iPad software, though we would say that it does suffer from a little MIDI choke, as they all seem to with iOS operation.
Pros:
+ Studio quality audio connections.
+ Built-in cable.
+ Charging port.
Why We Liked It - It is much higher quality, the layout is simple. It gives users good control and can be used whilst devices are charging, making it the best iPad MIDI interface for those whose device's power always run low.
5. Tascam iXZ
The last option we're leaving you with is a flexible interface model from Tascam that offers up a little more versatility.
This interface is stocked with an XLR/TRS combo connection, which means it can be used for plugging in your guitar but also for using a microphone. This means it can be used for recording line and mic signals and, in conjunction with a decent DAW app, you can find yourself recording anything via your iPad with its help.
This iPad audio interface features a nice compact design that would fit in a pocket. The widest point is no bigger than a typical XLR connection. It has a switch to select instrument or mic and, of course, a phantom power switch to engage phantom power for condenser microphones.
As well as a phantom power switch, it is equipped with a volume and audio dial to give you input, gain adjustability, and has a headphone output for monitoring with, making it one of the best for music production.
Pros:
+ Versatile.
+ Phantom power.
+ Gain control.
Why We Liked It - It is surprisingly budget-friendly for its capabilities. It is a great iPad compatible audio interface option which handles, not just guitar, but vocals as well. We love the phantom power switch, with engages phantom power for condenser microphones.
Adapters - Keep in mind that many of these rigs still utilize the outdated aux jack output. You may need to purchase an additional adapter to connect your guitar interface into newer models of iphones or ipads. If you're looking for a little extra control over your sound, be sure to use a guitar interface that has an embedded gain knob.
iPad/iOS Audio Interface Buyers Guide
This week's buyers guide is simple, given that the functional nature of an iOS guitar audio interface is merely to act as a power go-between. Just like any other adapter, its primary job is to provide the correct connection for the device of choice - the best ones do this without any hassle. In this case, since the device is an iPad, it requires a lightening connection.
Your typical electric guitar emits its electronic audio and sound signals via a ¼ inch TS connection, which is often referred to as a jack.
Some devices allow for connection via a 3.5mm or 2.5mm TS or TRS (mini-jack), requiring an adapter that simply downsizes the tip of the Jack into a narrower form, similar to your headphone output. Except, obviously, an auxiliary input.
TRS is an acronym for Tip, Ring, and Sleeve. These are the names of the three incorporated conductors on the TRS cable.
A standard guitar cable has just two, having a tip-sleeve design, though they are sometimes mistakenly thought of as a TRS as well, as opposed to a TS cable.
Since Apple, along with a few other companies, decided to remove the once pretty handy and nigh-on universal mini-jack from their device designs completely, and replace it with a lightning connection, we now need a slightly more complex adapter with more power for your iOS iPad device. Who said music production was easy?
That is where audio interfaces come in and fortunately, a few are creeping onto the market to make life a little easier, and function as a middle man between your instrument and your iOS iPhone, iPad.
As you will have seen from our review highlights, they come in both digital and analog forms. The audio interface requires a little power to run and for recording, which is provided by the bus power nature of the lightning connection port.
Obviously, the end game is for a digital musical signal. Having an analog option means that greater fidelity to the original input is kept from the get-go, but a digital pathway has more power and is generally capable of a lot more in terms of enhancement and modification.
The fidelity of the signal is reliant on signal processing, digital processors tend to have more advanced and refined capabilities, allowing them to provide a higher-definition.
If you're playing or recording audio on your iPad for your personal enjoyment, bog-standard audio interfaces will probably suffice, but if you're looking to achieve something a little more professional, then you might want to pay the excess for a Hi-Def model to get the best of the best.
The best music production generally requires working at a higher resolution to start with because music is ultimately compressed when it's formatted for export.
Most music sharing and recording platforms require Wav or Mp3 formats that compress the file into a smaller size. This compression lessens the quality when recording, so its best to start higher.
Conclusion
There's no question, that the capabilities of iOS devices are becoming just as advanced as the functions of modern computer software.
With their portability and convenience, iOS devices are a quicker, more accessible route for many, and their intuitive touch-screen operation renders them a good tactile remote option as well.
We're getting to the point where we're seeing many iOS products run in conjunction with very impressive electronic instruments and equipment; the iOS audio is professional quality.
There are a lot of audio interfaces out there, such as the Focusrite iTrack, the Focusrite iTrack Solo, the IK Multimedia iRig Pro, the Shure MVI, Jam 96K, and Apogee Jam to name a few. The iRig Pro will differ and have different power options, features, and different ways of recording from the Focusrite iTrack Solo, so it's always important to find the best for you.
The best applications available for your guitars are less of a gimmick these days than they were previously considered, but if you wish to use one, you're going to have to cave and invest in a decent iOS compatible interface (whether that be Focusrite iTrack/Solo, or IK Multimedia iRig Pro).
We've shown you the best iOS audio interface options for music production and hope that they will have inspired you to shop. When it comes to audio interfaces, iPad and iOS have stepped up their game.
Expert Tip
If you are looking for an iOS audio solution with multiple channels, and have a significant budget allowance for recording, we would highly recommend the iConnectivity iConnectAudio4+ audio interface, as this might be the best iOS iPad interface for you and your recording.
Did you Know
The original ¼ inch jack connection is one of the oldest still in use today. It has largely remained unchanged since &1878.
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