Audient iD4 vs iD14: Which One Should You Get?

Did your all-nighters and unlimited coffee breaks finally pay off in the form of songs? Ready to start recording, but uncertain which audio interface to use?

Maybe you’ve heard of Audient’s iD range of interfaces and are now torn between the Audient iD4 vs iD14.

Read on to learn more about my takes on these two audio interfaces!

Audient iD4 Overview

The Audient iD4 is really built differently.

It’s one of Audient’s smaller consumer interfaces, but it has numerous good points that appeal to consumers.

Did you know that the same all-metal enclosures used in previous designs of Audient are used and revamped in the newer interfaces?

The iD4 has a sturdy build with a solid metal chassis design, and has:

• Powerful Class A Audient mic preamps
• An XLR/TRS combo input
• A TRS DI input (good for all input connection needs)
• 2-in/2-out interface

It also has a Stereo LED meter, which you can use for BOTH input and output metering!

The iD4 also has the following controls:

• Volume knob
• Mic gain
• DI Gain
• Phantom power button
• Mix/blend knob
• Mute speaker button
• ID button

While you can infer most of these controls’ functions at first glance, I’ll talk a bit more about the mix knob, the phantom power button, and the ID button.

The mix knob can help you blend between the dry input signal and your DAW’s output.

The phantom power button offers a switchable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones but also requires a 12V power supply.

Both the ID and function buttons can work together to form a variety of functions:

1. You can use the ID button and the volume knob to control the parameters in your DAW.
2. You can use the ID button, the speaker mute button, AND the volume knob to help make monitoring easier.

Sound good?

Read on to learn more about the various features that the Audient iD4 offers!

Main Features

1. Audient Mic Pre

Sound quality is one of the most important factors I always consider when buying audio interfaces. The Audient iD4 has MASTERED this aspect!

It has a high-grade hybrid discrete and op-amp design that’s responsible for cleanly and accurately translating your audio.

Want to know something cool? It’s known for having a noise floor 30,000 times QUIETER than the signal level!

This means that your recordings will consistently sound clean and transparent!

2. Converter

Are you the type of person who needs to hear every single detail in recordings so you can pinpoint possible areas of improvement?

If you are, then you can’t go wrong with iD4’s class-leading converters because they can help you hear every nuance of your audio!

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

3. Dual Headphone Outputs

Did you know that the iD4 has a jack and mini-jack connection AND a powerful headphone amp?

It’s no wonder that the iD4 has a powerful headphone output since these features can drive headphones up to 600 Ohms!

4. JFET Instrument Input

The iD4 is known for its DI input, also known as its discrete JFET instrument input.

I like this feature because it was designed to replicate a classic valve amp, making it harmonically rich and the perfect sonic foundation for your instrument!

5. Virtual Scroll Wheel

Have you noticed that the iD4 has a nifty little volume knob? Get this: it DOUBLES as a virtual scroll wheel!

This feature can help you with the following:

• Dial-in settings
• Adjust faders
• Write in automation

6. Monitor Mix

In my experience, audio latency is typically unavoidable, but Audient manages to deal with it through their monitor mix.

It helps you create and monitor a combination of the iD4’s inputs and computer audio so that you can find the perfect balance between them!

7. Audio Loopback

Are you interested in capturing the playback from your computer applications while simultaneously capturing playback from your mic?

This multitasking feature saves you a LOT of time and is perfect for recording the following:

• Computer audio
• Video calls with guests
• Gaming audio

Audient iD14 Overview

If you’re looking for the audio performance of a large format console in a compact package, then I recommend the Audient iD14!

The iD14 has the same Class-A mic preamps as the iD4, but with an additional second preamp, which helps you record with TWO mics at once.

It also features 2 Audient Console mic pres and console-style monitor control.

You also get the following controls:

• Volume knob
• Channel 1 Gain
• Channel 2 Gain
• 2x Phantom power toggle switches
• Headphone mute button
• Speaker mute button
• ID button

If this overview piques your interest, read on to learn more about the various features that the Audient iD14 offers!

Features

1. Burr-Brown Converters

These high-performance burr brown converters have the following dynamic ranges:

• ADC: 116-120 dB
• DAC: 117-126 dB
• THD+N (ADC): 0.001%
• THD+N (DAC): 0.0005%

2. Speaker Outputs

Did you know that you can connect up to TWO sets of speakers with the iD14?

That’s because this audio interface has four line outputs, which can also help you create a separate monitor mix.

At the rear of the iD14, you can find:

• Two line outputs
• Two XLR/1/4″ jack combos
• The ADAT input for expansion

3. ADAT Input

Dreaming of larger performances?

With great ambition comes great responsibility, aka more resources for more instruments.

The iD14 has got you covered in this area!

• Supports both ADAT input and SPDIF
• Gives you the ability to add up to 8 extra mic pre-inputs

4. ID Mixer Software

Thanks to the iD14’s powerful software mixer, I’ve never had to worry about latency.

The software interface can help you create and customize low-latency headphone mixes and undergo flexible monitor control.

5. Scroll Control

Audient’s unique ScrollControl feature makes another appearance in the iD14.

All you have to do is turn the volume knob into a scroll wheel, and you can accomplish the following:

• Dial-in settings
• Adjust faders
• Write in automation

6. Talkback

This is a term that is usually found in the radio or broadcasting industry, but bear with me here!

In the case of the iD14, it helps you use ANY audio source that’s connected to your laptop or host MAC as a talkback mic.

Some examples of these audio sources are

• Built-in microphones
• USB microphones

This feature ensures that you have enough Audient mic pres for recording!

7. Monitor Control

Working in the music industry involves a LOT of recording and editing. One way to speed up your work process is to utilize iD14’s monitor control!

You can assign the following features to the ID button for faster monitoring:

• DIM
• CUT
• Polarity Reverse
• Mono Sum
• Talkback
• Cue Mix Monitoring

Audient iD4 vs iD14: Performance Review

Here are some similarities I’ve found between both audio interfaces:

• Excellent at producing clear and accurate sounds
• Have aesthetic designs
• Have console-quality preamps
• Have unique scroll control features
• Have a minimum requirement of >=USB 3.0 ports
• Have a maximum requirement of USB c cables; this is because the USB c cable provides higher headphone output levels.

What Are Their Main Differences?

Now that I’ve given you a rundown on the respective features, pros, and cons of the Audient iD4 and the iD14, it’s time to determine what sets them apart from each other.

Interface

The Audient iD4 has a 2-in, 2-out interface, while the Audient iD14 can be expanded to become a 10-in, 4-out interface.

WINNER: Since the latter is expandable, I’m giving the win to the Audient iD14 as the superior USB interface!

24bit/96kHz Resolution

The iD4’s 2-in, 2-out interface can record up to 96 kHz/24 bit.

On the other hand, the iD14 can also record up to 96 kHz/24 bit, but this can increase if it’s expanded.

WINNER: While both interfaces have similar resolutions, the winner of this round is the iD14!

Mic Preamp

Both the iD4 and the iD14 have a Class A Audient mic preamp, but you can get an additional preamp for the iD14.

WINNER: Among the two Audient preamps, the ability to record with TWO mics at once makes the Audient iD14 the clear winner of this round.

Audio Latency

Whenever you get a USB audio interface, I recommend getting one with extremely low latency.

If you aren’t familiar with this term, audio latency or round trip latency is also known as “delay.”

This refers to the delay from when a signal is first sent to when we hear it from the monitors.

Both the iD4 and iD14 have the following specs for their DSP Mixer Latency Round Trip:

• 44.1 kHz | 0.65 mS
• 48.0 kHz | 0.6 mS
• 88.2 kHz | 0.33 mS
• 96.0 kHz | 0.31 mS

However, for the iD4, Audient claims an “all-round latency” of 5.91 milliseconds at 44.1 kHz.

WINNER: While both interfaces have similar specs, the winner of this round is the AudientiD4 because of its all-around latency.

Pricing

I recommend balancing features and specs with your budget because you can spend the extra money on different gear.

The exact price depends on where you plan to purchase the interfaces.

However, you can usually get the iD4 at the price of $199 and the iD14 at the price of $229.

WINNER: If you’re on a budget, the Audient iD4 is the right pick for you!

Alternatives You Can Check Out

Do you want to have more options so that you can make a longer pros and cons list?Or maybe you’re interested in learning about the various different audio interfaces?

You might be interested in Audient’s rack-mounted mic preamps, high-end mic preamps, or their other award-winning audio interfaces!

1- Audient iD22

The Audient iD22 is known for the following aspects:

• High-quality Burr-Brown converters
• Console-style monitor controls
• JFET DI
• ADAT expandability
• User-defined function keys

It offers flexibility and two balanced insert send and returns for its preamps.

2- Audient iD44

The Audient iD44 is known for the following aspects:

• 2 JFET instrument inputs
• Independent headphone + stereo outputs
• Fully balanced inserts
• Four line outputs
• ADAT expandability
• Talkback technology

You can also integrate an outboard FX before the conversion process starts, which helps you create clear signal chains!

3- Sono Guitar Interface

The Sono guitar interface is known for the following aspects:

• Valve instrument input
• Onboard two notes DSP
• Re-amp output
• Ultra-low latency
• ADAT input
• 12AX7 analog valve

It also offers a 3 band analog tone control, which helps you adjust your sound and add more depth as needed!

Final Verdict: Which Interface is Better?

I definitely had a hard time choosing between the Audient iD4 vs. the Audient iD14.

While both of these audio interfaces have their respective strengths and weaknesses, the overall winner is the Audient iD14 because of the following aspects:

• Expanded interface
• Multiple line outputs
• A talkback feature
• Additional mic preamp

The Audient iD14 is perfect for the following:

• A singer/songwriter with headphones/a pair of studio monitors
• Performing with your band/a large group
• A performer who can handle purchasing slightly expensive technology
• A guitarist who wants virtual inputs for a guitar amp and the instrument’s DI feed
• A solo performer
• A performer on a budget

Conclusion

I’d say both audio interfaces definitely offer exceptional value!

To determine which interface is best for you, thoroughly weigh the pros and cons and do proper research.

Figure out which USB audio interface is suitable for the type of output/performance you wish to produce!