Audient iD14 vs Apollo Twin: Full Comparison Guide

Picture this.

You’re wrapping up the songwriting process at your studio and are finally ready to start recording your audio.

But before you begin, you realize that you don’t have an audio interface!

After scrolling through numerous articles, you’ve finally narrowed down your main options: the Audient iD14 vs. Apollo Twin MKII.

If you want to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of these audio interfaces, keep reading as I lay them out for you!

Audient iD14 Overview

I’ve seen numerous users sing the Audient iD14’s praises, and with good reason!

This interface has numerous impressive components, including, but not limited to the following:

• 2 x Audient Console Microphone Preamps
• 4 x Line Outputs
• 1 x JFET Instrument Input
• Dual Headphone Output
• ScrollControl
• Low Latency Software Mixer
• USB 3.0 Bus Powered
• Line level inputs

In addition to this, the Audient iD14 also offers powerful sound in a compact build, which is always a bonus for home recordings.

Interested? Keep reading to learn more about the additional components of this interface!

Additional Features

Of course, there is way more to the iD14 than what was listed previously.

Here is some additional information on this interface that you can check out!

1. 10-in 6-out interface

If you’re a big fan of being able to expand your equipment, you’ll definitely get hooked on the Audient iD14’s interface!

What sets this apart from most interfaces is that it includes more inputs and outputs!

Regular 2-in, 2-out interfaces, give you two channels to record and two channels to monitor.

Expanded interfaces give you EVEN MORE opportunities to record, like with a 10-in, 6-out interface.

2. iD Button

Don’t you just love multifunctional buttons?

The iD button is one of the most popular, and one of my favorite, aspects of Audient’s interfaces. It offers the following:

• Volume control
• Dim
• Mono Sum
• Polarity Reverse
• Talkback

The volume control of the iD button also lets you convert it to a virtual scroll wheel, which helps you dial in settings and adjust faders!

3. Burr-Brown Converters

The Audient iD14 has powerful converters which offer high sound quality. This can help you pinpoint possible points of improvement even faster!

They also offer the following:

• Dynamic Range (ADC): 120 dB
• Dynamic Range (DAC): 126 dB
• THD+N (ADC): 0.001%
• THD+N (DAC): 0.0005%

4. Dual Headphone Outputs

If you want to be able to connect your device to a jack AND a mini-jack, the Audient iD14 has got you covered!

It also has an amazing headphone amp that can drive headphones up to 600 Ohms!

5. Speaker Outputs

Did you know that the Audient iD14 has 4 outputs?

This means that you can use up to TWO sets of speakers to listen to your home recording!

You can also use the extra outputs to connect to an external headphone amp so that you can send your mix.

6. JFET Instrument Input

I recommend the iD14 f you want to emulate the inputs of classic valve amps.

The Audient iD14 has a powerful JFET instrument input that offers a stable sonic foundation for your guitar!

7. ADAT Input

The Audient iD14 supports both ADAT and SPDIF, which gives you the ability to add up to 8 extra microphone pre inputs!

These ensure that you have the perfect setup for holding music production sessions on a larger scale!

8. Ultra-Low Latency

A challenge that I, and other musicians and music producers is always minimizing latency.

Luckily for you, the Audient iD14 comes equipped with an iD mixer that helps you utilize flexible monitor control.

This means that you can easily create and handle low-latency headphone mixes!

Specs

• D.I/Instrument Input
  • Range: 40dB
  • Frequency Range – Mic Gain: ±0.5dB 10Hz to 20kHz
• Microphone Preamps
  • Gain Range: 58dB
  • Microphone Max Input Level: 12dBu
  • Max Input Level: 21dBu
  • Input Impedance (Microphone): 2.8k
  • Input Impedance (Line): >8k
• Headphone Output
  • Lineup: 18.5dBu = 0dBFS
  • Dynamic Range: 125.5dB A-Weighted
  • Frequency Range: ±0.25dB 10Hz to 40kHz
  • Maximum Level @30R: 2.59V Peak, 1.827V RMS, 223mW
  • Maximum Level @62R: 4.18V Peak, 2.95V RMS, 280mW
  • Maximum Level @600R: 7.72V Peak, 5.46V RMS, 100mW
• USB-C High Speed
  • Minimum Requirement: 0.9A @ 5V | >=USB 3.0 Port
  • Maximum Requirement: 1.5A @ 5V } USB-C

Apollo Twin MKII Overview

If you’re familiar with Greek mythology, the first thing to pop into your mind might have been Artemis, twin sister of the Greek god Apollo.

Just like the powerful goddess, this interface has numerous points of strength that’ll reel you right in!

It has a Desktop 2 x 6 Thunderbolt interface and a UAD-2 DUO Core Processing that helps you use preamps and plug-ins with little to no latency.

It also includes the following:

• Models of classic tube preamps and transformer-based preamps
• Front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and headphone output
• 2 digitally controlled analog monitor outputs
• Up to 8 channels via ADAT

If these piqued your interest, keep reading, because I’m about to tell you more about the additional components of this interface.

Additional Features

Let’s see what extra goodies the Apollo Twin has to offer!

1. Mic Preamps

Did you know that the Apollo Twin MKII interface has two Unison-enabled mic preamps? This helps you with mic preamp emulations from the following:

• Neve
• SSL
• API
• Manley
• Universal Audio

It successfully replicates the sound of these tubes and solid-state mic pres while also tackling input impedance.

2. A/D and D/A Conversion

I’ve found that one of the best ways to judge the quality of audio interfaces is by determining the quality of their conversion.

The Apollo Twin MKII interface comes equipped with AD-DA converters that offer an extensive dynamic range and ultra-low THD.

This ensures that your music recording features both depth and accuracy!

3. Luna Recording System

You’re in for a real treat with the Luna recording system! This system uses various features such as

• Accelerated Real-time Monitoring
• Integrated Multitrack Tape
• Neve Summing
• And more!

The combination of all these traits in the Luna recording system helps the interface produce the best type of sound in professional or home studios.

4. Improved Monitoring

The upgrades just keep coming! The Apollo Twin MKII interface offers the following buttons that can help you monitor outputs:

• Mute
• DIM
• Mono
• ALT speaker switching

In addition to this, it also has dedicated monitor remote controls!

5. Talkback Mic

If you’re looking for ways to make communication easier, then I think you’ll love this!

It has a built-in talkback mic that ensures smooth communication between the control room and the live room and helps you record cues.

6. Expanded Software

Are you the type of person who’s always looking to expand your set-up? Because of Apollo Expanded Software, users of any of the following interfaces:

• Thunderbolt-equipped interface
• Apollo 8 interface
• Apollo 8p interface
• Apollo 16 interface

The Audient can also combine up to FOUR Apollos and SIX UAD-2 devices!

7. Vintage Amps

Who doesn’t love a good vintage amp?

I won’t make much use of this feature, but the Apollo’s Unison Technology (located on its front panel instrument input), can offer you various guitar and bass amps emulations!

These include the following:

• Fender ’55 Tweed Deluxe
• Marshall Plexi Super Lead 1959
• Ampeg B-15N Bass Amplifier

8. Low Latency

The interface offers ultra-low latency and a LOT more bandwidth for sample rates!

The Apollo Twin MKII utilizes Thunderbolt, which ensures fast connectivity and greater stability than USB.

It’s helped me execute projects that have high track counts at low latency. It also helps you record using UAD plug-ins with >2 ms latency!

In addition to this, the interface has a Console 2.0 Application, which helps you utilize the following:

• Channel Strip presets
• Drag & Drop functionality
• Resizable window

Specs

• A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Built-In DSP/FX: Two SHARC processors – Real-time UAD processing
• Number of Preamps: (Two) mic, (One) instrument
• Phantom Power: Yes
• Analog Inputs: 2 x XL-1/4″ combo, 1 x 1/4″ (Hi-Z)
• Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ (monitor and line)
• Digital Inputs: 1 x Optical Toslink (ADAT)
• Headphones: 1 x 1/4″
• Thunderbolt: 1 x USB-C Thunderbolt 2
• Height: 2.60″
• Width: 6.31″
• Depth: 6.20″
• Weight: 2.35 lbs

What Are Their Key Differences?

Now that I’ve rundown both devices, it’s time to see how one device is different from the other in terms of the following aspects:

• Technical Specifications
• Performance
• Sample Rates
• Latency
• Pricing

Technical Specifications

The iD4 has the following technical specifications:

• 2 x Multi-Segment LED Meter
• 1 x 1/4″ TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
• 2 Inputs / 4 Outputs at 96 kHz (Analog)
• 8 Inputs / 0 Output at 48 kHz (Digital)
• No high pass filter

The Apollo Twin MKII has the following technical specifications:

• 5 x Multi-Segment LED Meter
• 1 x 1/4″ TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
• 2 Inputs / 6 Outputs at 192 kHz (Analog)
• 8 Inputs / 0 Output at 48 kHz (Digital)
• 4 Inputs / 0 Outputs at 96 kHz (Digital)
• 2 Inputs / 0 Outputs at 192 kHz (Digital)
• A 75 Hz high pass filter
• Built-in processors that help you run plug-ins on your own without needing to exhaust your laptop’s resources

WINNER: Between the two interfaces, the winner is the Apollo Twin MKII!

Performance

One of the age-old questions essential for purchasing the best type of device is, “How well does it perform?”

The iD14 has the following technical specs:

• 10 Hz to fs/2 ±0.1 dB (A/D D/A)
• 20 Hz to 22 kHz ±0.1 dB (Min Gain for Microphone & Line)
• 20 Hz to 22 kHz ±0.1 dB (Max Gain for Microphone & Line)
• 101 mW into 30 Ohms (Headphone Power, Max)
• 64 mW into 60 Ohms (Headphone Power, Max)
• 39 mW into 600 Ohms (Headphone Power, Max)
• 24-Bit (Bit Depths)
• ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF (Sync Source)

The Apollo Twin MKII has the following technical specs:

• 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.1 dB (Microphone, Line, Hi-Z)
• 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.1 dB (Monitor, Line, and Headphone)
• 80 mW into 600 Ohms (Headphone Power, Max)
• 24-Bit (Bit Depths)
• ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF (Sync Source)

While both devices include excellent components and benefits, determining the winner of this round would depend on the type of performance, you’re looking to get from them.

WINNER: Between the two interfaces, if you’re looking for the best type of performance, the winner is the Apollo Twin MKII!

Sample Rate

The sample rate for the iD14 ranges includes the following:

• 44.1 kHz
• 48 kHz
• 88.2 kHz
• 96 kHz

On the other hand, the Apollo’s rates can increase to 192 kHz.

While having higher rates might sound appealing, it’s important to consider that humans can often hear frequencies that range between 20 Hz and 20kHz. [R]

In addition to this, you would most likely convert the music files to either 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz after you’re done with the recordings, so I recommend sticking with one format for consistency.

WINNER: Between the two interfaces, the winner is the iD14!

Latency

In regards to latency, the iD14 processes

• 6.52 ms at 44.1kHz (depends on the type of buffer size)
• 4.65 ms at 96 kHz (depends on the type of buffer size)

On the other hand, the Apollo Twin MKII processes 1.1 ms at 96 kHz (input to output).

WINNER: Between the two interfaces, the winner is the Apollo Twin MKII!

Pricing

One of the most important factors to consider before purchasing an interface is PRICE.

While the exact price can differ depending on your preferred supplier, the Audient iD14 is often sold at $229, while the Apollo Twin MKII is often sold at a whopping $1,099.

I’d normally say “you get what you pay for,” but the Apollo Twin MKII’s price is a big ask, so the iD14 wins here.

WINNER: Between the two interfaces, the winner is the iD14!

Alternatives That Are Worth Checking Out

While the Audient iD14 and the Apollo Twin MKII are some of the best audio interfaces around, you might need a few more options before deciding.

If this is the case for you, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of the best alternative interfaces that I’ve found:

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

This audio interface is well-known among various musicians and producers. Besides its STRIKING red color, it also has the following:

• Two powerful Scarlett microphone preamplifiers
• Two high headroom instrument inputs
• High-quality converters
• Zero-latency

These features all help the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 provide you with clear and detailed music, plus durability to boot!

2. Sono Guitar Interface

This audio interface is very popular among guitarists because of its technology and accurate conversion.

It also includes the following:

• 2 x Audient Console Microphone Pres
• Valve Instrument Input
• Onboard Two Notes DSP
• Low Latency

It’s also expandable with ADAT, which means you can easily get more channels and successfully capture live performances.

3. Solid State Logic SSL2+

This interface is responsible for various award-winning soundtracks because of its superb technology and clear music conversions!

Here are some of its components:

• 2-in, 4-out
• Legacy 4K -analog color enhancement
• 2 x SSL designed microphone preamplifiers
• Monitor mix control
• Balanced monitor outputs

Its Legacy 4K aspect is responsible for enhanced sounds and includes a high-frequency EQ boost.

It’s also known for its Subtle-Harmonic Distortion, which deals with distortion from compressor VCAs and VCA faders.

If you want to learn more about the different audio interfaces out there, you can check out my list of the Best Budget Audio Interfaces!

Final Verdict

After covering everything there is to know about the Audient iD14 vs. Apollo Twin in this discussion, I think the best audio interface is the Apollo Twin MKII because of the following aspects:

• ADAT expandability
• Excellent conversion rate
• Clear and accurate music
• Built-in processors

However, if your focus is on getting the best performance at a cheaper rate, you should definitely consider purchasing the Audient iD14!

Conclusion

An audio interface is a key element of any home studio.

If you want to improve the quality of your home recordings, make sure to carefully consider all the best audio interfaces.

While these will differ in terms of preamps, sound quality, and sample rate, finding the best combination of these aspects will ensure your music is high quality.