Connecting your audio interface to an iPad or iPhone is practical for artistic creation because you can take them with you when you record sound or play music.
Yes, modern technology can finally make this feasible!
These mobile devices are easier to set up and configure because they don’t need external equipment or DAW to format voice tracks and instruments.
Your mobile does not support multiple inputs, so only one audio interface or MIDI controller can be connected simultaneously.
You need a data app that works with your device, after which you attach the products.
In this written article, we’ll solve the problem and explain how to set up an iPad or iPhone to your audio interface and different options to search for.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Connecting an A.I. to your iPad or iPhone is highly recommended, especially for content creators online.
- The application of the A.I. is what makes recorded sounds using an iPhone of the highest quality.
How To Connect A USB Audio Interface To Your iPad or iPhone
You need to add a “real” USB audio interface if you want to literally search on Youtube or GarageBand on your iOS product to record the finest possible latency.
Whatever model you choose, connecting it to your iPad or iPhone won’t be as simple as you’d like.
Below are a few tutorials depending on your phones and equipment.
The power your audio interface will deliver to your computer through recording must be converted so your iPad or iPhone can read it. But a lightning adapter is all you need!
You can start recording on your phone by connecting your audio interface to your iPhone or iPad port.
Here’s how to connect to and use an audio interface, whether you have a USB-C-equipped iPad Pro or a lightning-based iPhone or iPad.
You will need:
- iPad Camera Adapter
- Powered USB Hub
- Apple Multiport Adapter
The time needed: 5 minutes.
- Add the iPad to the adapter.
- Attach an electrical hub to the adapter.
- Ensure that it is also plugged into a power source.
- It should have the audio interface plugged in.
- Your source(s) should be attached to the audio interface.
- Record!
It’s SUPER easy for recording sessions to use your product to provide power through an audio interface for maximum quality and portability!
iPad Adapters
You must use this to connect devices to iPads because they lack a regular USB port. Since not all iPads have the same inputs, the company makes two different adapters.
- iPad Camera Adapter: A USB to lightning converter for regular iPads.
- Apple Multiport USB-C Adapter: A USB-C to USB cable adapter for the iPad Pro.
Powered USB Hub
The majority of audio interfaces are made to be powered by the computer to which they are connected via the USB connection.
If you attach the product straight to your iPad, nothing will happen because iPads cannot supply the necessary power.
This issue can be solved using a powered hub.
Any devices connected to it will receive power from this when it is plugged into an electrical outlet.
How to Attach Mobile to Mixer
You can do that if you want to create sounds with your mixer but want them on your mobile.
GarageBand is one of the most useful apps available, as it should literally come pre-installed on your phone and can already listen from external sound.
You’ll also need adapter cables (like a TRS to TRRS cable or a Lightning/USB to TRRS cable).
Here are the steps on how to attach it to your iPhone:
- Your 1/4 cables should be plugged into the mixer’s “Out” ports. You might require XLR to TRS converters if it doesn’t have two 14 ports designated as “Out” ports.
- Connect the TRS to TRRS cable to your mobile. If your phone does not have a jack, you’ll need a TRRS-to-Lightning adapter plugged into your mobile. All iPhones later than 7 don’t have a jack and need this TRRS product.
- Add the audio interface to the adapter’s open end. You already plugged two 1/4 cables into the product’s “Out” ports; now, you’ll plug the other end into the adapter to your mobile.
- On your Home Screen, visit Garage Band. Once the app has finished installing, you may tap Open from the App Store site or locate the app icon on one of your Home screens.
- Set your mobile as the input source. To change the source, tap the icon next to the level meter.
- To start recording, press the red record button. If you hit that symbol once again when you’re through recording, your file will be saved alongside your other tracks.
Try a USB interface if it isn’t sounding great or you’re having issues. There aren’t many cords or adapters for the Roland GO:Mixer, which is recommended.
Why is an Audio Interface Needed for an iPad or iPhone?
“But why is it useful to match an audio interface to my iPad or iPhone” you might be asking in disbelief.
Well, there are a few situations where this handy tip will unquestionably come to your aid. We’ll go over each of the ones I’ve seen so far, but there are undoubtedly more advantages.
Garage Band Will Love You (and You’ll Love Garage Band)
Garage Band started out being a thing to play with containing pre-recorded loops.
What if you wished to duplicate the fantastic, simple-to-use, high-quality power method Garage Band employs when run on a computer or laptop using an audio interface?
On the other hand, Garage Band literally adores fusing written and pre-recorded loops with the spirit of your inspiration and will also present countless new opportunities.
Additionally, you can link a virtual piano set and other instruments and services.
There is a whole new universe to discover when you power, plug, and play; it’s true!
Ultimate Portability
If you want to record a song with your talented musicians, you can do that on the go!
After loading all the tracks into your iPhone, you can now go in search of your friends to record the different instruments and sounds with nothing but mobile and an audio interface.
Imagine that you could bring your power equipment in a little bag and record friends’ contributions to your brand-new album! It’s never been so simple!
We’ll explain later in this written article all our research to solve this problem.
More Professional-Sounding Recordings
Whether you are creating videos or other content that needs professional recordings, connecting your interface to your everyday gadget like an iPhone can help you do so!
Despite not having a major setup, you can still create professional-sounding clips, videos, and music, which could contribute to your success online!
There is no written rule about requiring a big sound booth! All you need is a high-quality microphone, an audio interface, and your phone and vóila!
Once you hear yourself, you will sound as professional as those big names online!
MIDI Controllers
You can arrange your songs using MIDI to trigger the various instruments if you are a multi-instrumentalist and a talented singer like our other pals.
Most MIDI controllers today operate via a straightforward power USB cable, a significant issue due to delay and several cords.
Putting in Power Drivers? Unnecessary on an iPhone or iPad
“How can I install the interface’s drivers on an iPhone cable?” is what you and other musicians are wondering.
There is no written rule about power drivers!
The majority of audio interfaces, including Focusrite’s hugely popular Scarlett line, are what’s known as “Class Compliant,” which means it doesn’t require the installation of any.
Which Interfaces Can I Hook My iPhone and iPad To?
There are various interfaces to choose from, but most are for desktop use, so make sure to pick one that works with iPad and iPhone.
Due to the absence of a headphone port, some analog interfaces, such as I.K. Multimedia’s iRig 2, will not function with the iPhone 7 and any subsequent devices.
1) Analog Interfaces With a Wire for Headphones
- IK Multimedia iRig 2, iRig Stomp
- Peavey Ampkit Link
- Tascam is
The simplest way to use your iOS mobile is to get your favorite guitar tones. However, as was already established, only pre-iPhone 7 models can use the analog product.
2) Lightning Interfaces With One Attachment for the Guitar
- Apogee Jam
- Apogee Jam 96k
- IK Multimedia iRig HD
You will need to increase the amplifier volume, which introduces noise if you try to plug a low signal level product into a high signal level product.
Going the other route will result in clipping at loud volumes. You should be alright if you lower the volume.
Examples of this concept in use with guitar gear include the following:
- Plug the guitar into the pedal socket; from there, the signal is at line level and passes through numerous pedals before arriving at the high impedance instrument.
- Connect a guitar amp’s headphone jack to the AUX In. Similar to how a headphone jack may drive an input, a line output typically cannot drive a pair of headphones.
Check to see whether your guitar amp has “Aux In” (often one 1/8″ socket), then call for assistance.
This is a regular function on certain contemporary guitar amplifiers, and they will gladly accept the headphone signal from consumer devices.
3) Lightning Interfaces With Guitar Attachment, 1 Set of Headphones Out, Or One Pair of Outputs
- IK Multimedia iRig HD 2, iRig Pro I/O, iRig Pro DUO
- Line 6 Sonic (VX)
- PreSonus iOne, iTwo
- Focusrite iTrack Solo
More outputs equal greater flexibility, and as the example above demonstrates, you may connect any of these to your headphones, guitar amp, or studio monitors.
Positive Grid software is built with accurate cab simulation techniques, so we strongly advise using studio monitors whenever possible to get the most power out of it.
4) Dock-Style Digital Interfaces
- Alesis IO Dock II
- Focusrite iTrack Dock
Many customers prefer dock-style interfaces because they are simple to put on a stand or set up on a flat desk and offer a superior user experience in various situations.
Remember that models with lightning connectors cannot be used with the Alesis IO Dock I or the Behringer iS202 because they only have 30-pin connectors.
5) Generic Interfaces With iPad Compatibility
- Steinberg UR series
- Tascam U.S. 2×2, U.S. 4×4
- Roland Rubix series
- MOTU Micro book IIc
- Zoom U series
To connect both ends, you might require Apple’s Camera Connection Kit. Please visit each manufacturer’s website for more details on how to connect.
Can I Use This Setup With Monitor Speakers?
Without a doubt, the answer is yes.
The incredible thing about most studio speakers is that they are active speakers, which means they don’t require power from other devices.
Whatever the situation, you can now mount a complete home studio using an iPad and a few accessories.
Final Thoughts
Because of rapid technological advancement, recording music is now simpler than ever!
One of its many benefits is that you can start writing songs without making big financial decisions and develop your songwriting abilities via hard work rather than investment.
With a proper microphone, recording device, and a little patience, you can eliminate all intermediaries between your artistic expression and your target audience.
Remember that the availability of low-cost and accessible technology makes today a perfect time to be INNOVATING!
There has never been a finer time than today to create music.
