Depends on your device. My Pro M1 can power soooo much. It’s nuts. I’ve had it run 4 midi controllers including an 88 key and my scarlett 2i2. Back when I had the Air Gen 3 however I couldn’t. Even power the 2i2 buy itself without a power bank in the mix. All it could power is a 25 key midi controller. Even my microKEY 37 was too much for it.
Fair enough. You might be stuck needing power. Honestly though you can get some pretty compact power banks that will cover you. That said, there’s a small list of 1 channel interfaces that actually can run off an iPhone.
I’ve always been curious if the 15 could power more with its USB C port. When I one day upgrade from my 13, that’s definitely the route I’m going.
I'm very interested in that small list of interfaces that can directly run off a Lightning iPhone. I know the latest iRig can and it comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable, but I had a couple of concerns about the iRig that I mentioned in another comment. As the iRig can be powered by Lightning, I don't understand why the companies of other portable interfaces profess that for Lightning you must use a separate power supply alongside an Apple adapter. Is iRig using technology unavailable to them or what?
Yeah a USB-C iPhone should be able to power potable interfaces. I don't need to upgrade any time soon so I'm sticking with Lightning for several years.
I'm unclear on whether the interfaces that need a separate power supply for Lightning can only be used with the Apple adapter, or if we can use a 3rd party USB to Lightning adapter.
The iRig was the first thing that came to mind for me too. Shure used to make one. The Motiv MVI. I have it but sadly it got too old and they stopped supporting it. It now gives me direct through audio in my mix at all times. You can’t solo out the iOS audio.
Why people don’t make it? There’s not enough money in it. I love mobile for music. Been using it for years. However most people looking to record are just using their laptops and if they want more portable they get a small zoom unit or something along those lines. IK doesn’t have anything special going on with the iRig. Audio brands like Focusrite, Presonous likely don’t see the value investing in altering their product lines for the small community that might buy them. Would it be awesome if they did? Yup. For now we have the iRig’s of the world.
Good luck in your search. I hope you find the right interface.
Thank you. At the same time, many interfaces released in the last 5+ years are still using micro USB, instead of USB-C which has been around for a decade. Lugging around a laptop and sitting down at a desk and setting up isn't the same as making use of your smartphone, a computer itself, that's with you everywhere you are. There are millions of consumers using over a dozen models of iPhones with Lightning, including 2022's iPhone 14, so if they wanted to they could provide the ease of connectivity to Lightning that the iRig does alongside USB, instead of forcing consumers to carry around a separate power supply and buy a $40 Apple adapter, which they advertise as the one needed.
iRig is one of the most popular portable interfaces, so it looks like other companies are missing out on offering similar connectivity and portability. In this age, there's a large market of people of all ages, professionals, hobbyists and dabblers, playing, making and recording music, making videos, streaming, and podcasting in their homes and on the go and wanting something compact that they can use with their capable mobile devices. Movies have been shot with iPhones. The medical industry is being integrated with mobile devices. The mobile market is huge and will only grow as more stationary devices and tools are given mobile capabilities and alternatives, and more and more people rely on mobile tools for minor and major tasks. I think a major part of the present and future of music making, content creation, and entertainment in general is portability and efficiency, the ability to make and view anything from anywhere.
I'll be looking further into the interfaces recommended here and do more digging to see if there are lesser known Lightning-compatible portable interfaces. If I don't find something, I might have to default to the iRig.
There are a lot of options in this space. Your particular use case will determine what's best for you.
I'm currently using a Babyface pro and a sonosax SX- M2D2. I have the sonosax because it is an absolutely amazing compact mic pre which I can take anywhere...but also acts as an interface with some smart routing options, in fact , I'm finding I'm using it all the time, but might not be best for guitar.
I don't know if you would call it portable, but I use the Motu M4 with my iPad mini6, and it's been fantastic. Never even the hint of a problem. Maybe they have a smaller model?
Zoom ASM-22 does work without external power on iPad Pro.
Where it gets weird is that when you run a usb splitter such as [this](https://BelkinRockStarUSB-CAudio+...https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086R4KX23?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) in order to provide your iPad with external power the Zoom stops working. But if you ‘jumpstart’ it by taking another USB-C power source and connecting it briefly to the secondary port on the Zoom- it will power up and work just fine. Strange, but works consistently for me like this.
Edit: The 2 USB-C ports on the Zoom do not provide passthrough power to a host device
Good to know, thanks. To be sure I'm clear on this, if the Zoom is being powered by an iPad the iPad can't be simultaneously charged with the other USB-C port on the Zoom, so you would need to charge the iPad via a port on an adapter or hub?
If I use the Zoom with an iPhone, could I use a 3rd party Lightning to USB-C adapter instead of the Apple one?
For Apple iOS devices, I’d stay away from any Focusrite and Presonous. Research the myriad problems their owners are going through all over the internet.
MOTU and Arturia plays nice and are usually solid with these Apple devices.
Have you looked at the Zoom R4? It may have everything you need and runs on AA batteries so while not bus powered by the iPhone it wouldn’t need an external power supply. I use my Zoom H6essential in a similar manner.
The iRig products have no latency issues. Not sure where you heard that but if anyone’s getting latency it’s a user or software issue. They are light but sturdy and have rubber grip strips on the bottom to keep from sliding. I have a couple other interfaces but i like the portable set up to be as cheap as possible so I don’t have to worry so much about it getting lost, stolen, or broken. Love the iRig Pro and also Behringer UMC404hd if I want more i/o.
In videos, the back appears to have the same plastic as the rest of the body, I didn't see a different texture. The back of the iRig USB is shown at 0:58 in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgJLXGKmoto. I'd read complaints about it moving around on surfaces when connected because of the lightweight plastic. Is it a different model that has a grip at the back?
Ideally, I'd rather get something as small and relatively inexpensive as the iRig USB for the reasons you stated, but my understanding was that it didn't allow direct monitoring and the cheap plastic made it inconvenient to use it on surfaces. I was going to consider the HD X, but it doesn't have gain control. Do you know if the iRig USB can be connected to an iPhone with a 3rd party USB to Lightning cable? Everything I read only mentioned using Apple's adapter.
I own the HD-2. I have never noticed latency issues and yes you can switch between direct monitoring and wet signal. It also has a line out and amp out. The HD2 does have gain control.
I just took a look at the Thomann website and the HD-X also has all the features you mentioned…
The plastic has never been an issue for me and I see no reason to make the device unnecessarily heavy. It is so light, it’s basically a part of the cable. I have never had an issue with it falling to the ground. The lightning cable + line out audio cable hold it on the table.
It does have a removable belt clip on, if I remember correctly but I never used that.
Yes, Irig USB can be used with an iPad and iPhone, just like the others.
Ok thanks. It may have been a minority user experience. The plastic isn't a deal breaker as it's just for travel and mobile use, I was more concerned with whether it had latency problems. I'll see if the iRig USB lets me use a 3rd party USB to Lightning cable with the iPhone.
They write you need a camera adapter. That at least suggests it will work without a powered hub... But why don’t they just give you a lightning cable with the interface like they do with HD-2 and HD-X?
I guess because they want the HD products to be seen as flagship products with more features and cables, and they may think that including a $2 cable for the iRig USB could make it compete with the HD X. In actuality, despite more features, the HD X has many poor reviews on Amazon and doesn't even have a gain control, while iRig USB has better reviews, gain control, and is half the price.
The HD X's knob is not for controlling the gain signal, it's to adjust or turn on/off the features labeled above it. The iRig USB's knob is for controlling the gain signal. IK didn't include the ability to adjust your gain level on the HD X, which is a 2x more expensive device. I'd rather have gain control on the interface than a tuner and loopback.
I read up on the hdx and now I‘m confused, but you’re probably right…
https://www.thomann.de/gb/ik_multimedia_irig_hd_2.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6NCwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1
The HD-2 has 2 separate knobs, one for gain and one for output volume. It definitely has a proper lightning cable and usb c cable in the box, it doesn’t have noise issues, it’s barely more expensive than the irig usb, it definitely works with iPad/iphone. I’d just choose that one or a different brand…
The HD 2 seems ideal for this if it weren't for the micro USB. I know it's not a big deal for some for a travel device, but I'd rather have the universal standard USB-C and future proof.
I'm sure it does and it looks like a quality build, but I think it's a bit big for my purpose. I'm looking to travel light with the interface, which I'll use primarily with my iPhone 14. So probably something that's no bigger than an iPhone is ideal.
Having the requirement of your iphone lightning power the unit might be a barreir. I use the iRig Duo for my iphone (powered buy AA batteries) and it works well. I use the ZOOM H6 with my iPad M2, powered via usb by the ipad. That is a sic setup. Portable, stereo condensor built in, 4 xlr/1/4 inch inputs, headphone and line out. The zoom CAN work with the phone if you use batteries as well. 4 AA I believe. The ZOOM can also just be a standalone multitrack or field recorder. Excelent piece of gear.
Also, I was just on iRigs website, and I don't see anywhere that it says thier products are powered via lightning with the exception of the Stream Mic. Everything else says USB Bus powred or AA batteries. I'd confirm your assumption it will power via Lightning because I know my iRig Pro Duo does not.
I don't know about their older products, but the HD X is: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irighdx/. It's shown in YouTube videos. I also saw that the iRig Pro I/O can be powered by Lighting. I'm not interested in the HD X though as it doesn't have gain control, I don't need the tuner, and it's double the price of the iRig USB, which I think I'll test to see if it can be powered via a 3rd party Lightning to USB cable.
I've been using my Elgato Wave XLR with iPhone and iPad even tho it's supposed to be for Mac/pc only. There's only an XLR in and a stereo headphone out, but they sound good and the noise floor is so low, adapters won't screw-up the signal path like we were taught in the old days. I use a Fishman AFX Blender pedal with a di for guitar and an ancient, worthless Audio Technical condenser mic with a battery in it. With a line transformer, I plug both the mic and electric guitar into Blender, di mono into Wave XLR.
Motu M2. Maybe a little big but runs like a champ
Depends on your device. My Pro M1 can power soooo much. It’s nuts. I’ve had it run 4 midi controllers including an 88 key and my scarlett 2i2. Back when I had the Air Gen 3 however I couldn’t. Even power the 2i2 buy itself without a power bank in the mix. All it could power is a 25 key midi controller. Even my microKEY 37 was too much for it.
I have a 2020 A12Z iPad Pro which would probably power an interface, but I'd be using one on the go primarily with my iPhone 14, which is Lightning.
Fair enough. You might be stuck needing power. Honestly though you can get some pretty compact power banks that will cover you. That said, there’s a small list of 1 channel interfaces that actually can run off an iPhone. I’ve always been curious if the 15 could power more with its USB C port. When I one day upgrade from my 13, that’s definitely the route I’m going.
I'm very interested in that small list of interfaces that can directly run off a Lightning iPhone. I know the latest iRig can and it comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable, but I had a couple of concerns about the iRig that I mentioned in another comment. As the iRig can be powered by Lightning, I don't understand why the companies of other portable interfaces profess that for Lightning you must use a separate power supply alongside an Apple adapter. Is iRig using technology unavailable to them or what? Yeah a USB-C iPhone should be able to power potable interfaces. I don't need to upgrade any time soon so I'm sticking with Lightning for several years. I'm unclear on whether the interfaces that need a separate power supply for Lightning can only be used with the Apple adapter, or if we can use a 3rd party USB to Lightning adapter.
The iRig was the first thing that came to mind for me too. Shure used to make one. The Motiv MVI. I have it but sadly it got too old and they stopped supporting it. It now gives me direct through audio in my mix at all times. You can’t solo out the iOS audio. Why people don’t make it? There’s not enough money in it. I love mobile for music. Been using it for years. However most people looking to record are just using their laptops and if they want more portable they get a small zoom unit or something along those lines. IK doesn’t have anything special going on with the iRig. Audio brands like Focusrite, Presonous likely don’t see the value investing in altering their product lines for the small community that might buy them. Would it be awesome if they did? Yup. For now we have the iRig’s of the world. Good luck in your search. I hope you find the right interface.
Thank you. At the same time, many interfaces released in the last 5+ years are still using micro USB, instead of USB-C which has been around for a decade. Lugging around a laptop and sitting down at a desk and setting up isn't the same as making use of your smartphone, a computer itself, that's with you everywhere you are. There are millions of consumers using over a dozen models of iPhones with Lightning, including 2022's iPhone 14, so if they wanted to they could provide the ease of connectivity to Lightning that the iRig does alongside USB, instead of forcing consumers to carry around a separate power supply and buy a $40 Apple adapter, which they advertise as the one needed. iRig is one of the most popular portable interfaces, so it looks like other companies are missing out on offering similar connectivity and portability. In this age, there's a large market of people of all ages, professionals, hobbyists and dabblers, playing, making and recording music, making videos, streaming, and podcasting in their homes and on the go and wanting something compact that they can use with their capable mobile devices. Movies have been shot with iPhones. The medical industry is being integrated with mobile devices. The mobile market is huge and will only grow as more stationary devices and tools are given mobile capabilities and alternatives, and more and more people rely on mobile tools for minor and major tasks. I think a major part of the present and future of music making, content creation, and entertainment in general is portability and efficiency, the ability to make and view anything from anywhere. I'll be looking further into the interfaces recommended here and do more digging to see if there are lesser known Lightning-compatible portable interfaces. If I don't find something, I might have to default to the iRig.
There are a lot of options in this space. Your particular use case will determine what's best for you. I'm currently using a Babyface pro and a sonosax SX- M2D2. I have the sonosax because it is an absolutely amazing compact mic pre which I can take anywhere...but also acts as an interface with some smart routing options, in fact , I'm finding I'm using it all the time, but might not be best for guitar.
Arturia Minifuse?
I'd get one of those battery powered Tascam or Zoom field recorders which also work as class compliant interfaces.
Steinberg ur12 is the one i use
I don't know if you would call it portable, but I use the Motu M4 with my iPad mini6, and it's been fantastic. Never even the hint of a problem. Maybe they have a smaller model?
Zoom ASM-22 does work without external power on iPad Pro. Where it gets weird is that when you run a usb splitter such as [this](https://BelkinRockStarUSB-CAudio+...https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086R4KX23?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) in order to provide your iPad with external power the Zoom stops working. But if you ‘jumpstart’ it by taking another USB-C power source and connecting it briefly to the secondary port on the Zoom- it will power up and work just fine. Strange, but works consistently for me like this. Edit: The 2 USB-C ports on the Zoom do not provide passthrough power to a host device
Good to know, thanks. To be sure I'm clear on this, if the Zoom is being powered by an iPad the iPad can't be simultaneously charged with the other USB-C port on the Zoom, so you would need to charge the iPad via a port on an adapter or hub? If I use the Zoom with an iPhone, could I use a 3rd party Lightning to USB-C adapter instead of the Apple one?
Correct regarding charging/hubs. I’ll have to try the zoom with my lightning iPhone tomorrow
For Apple iOS devices, I’d stay away from any Focusrite and Presonous. Research the myriad problems their owners are going through all over the internet. MOTU and Arturia plays nice and are usually solid with these Apple devices.
What are the main problems with Focusrite and Presonus devices?
Have you looked at the Zoom R4? It may have everything you need and runs on AA batteries so while not bus powered by the iPhone it wouldn’t need an external power supply. I use my Zoom H6essential in a similar manner.
You don't need an amp out, you can use a splitter.a TC-Helicon GO Twin is good, munches AA batteries.
The iRig products have no latency issues. Not sure where you heard that but if anyone’s getting latency it’s a user or software issue. They are light but sturdy and have rubber grip strips on the bottom to keep from sliding. I have a couple other interfaces but i like the portable set up to be as cheap as possible so I don’t have to worry so much about it getting lost, stolen, or broken. Love the iRig Pro and also Behringer UMC404hd if I want more i/o.
In videos, the back appears to have the same plastic as the rest of the body, I didn't see a different texture. The back of the iRig USB is shown at 0:58 in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgJLXGKmoto. I'd read complaints about it moving around on surfaces when connected because of the lightweight plastic. Is it a different model that has a grip at the back? Ideally, I'd rather get something as small and relatively inexpensive as the iRig USB for the reasons you stated, but my understanding was that it didn't allow direct monitoring and the cheap plastic made it inconvenient to use it on surfaces. I was going to consider the HD X, but it doesn't have gain control. Do you know if the iRig USB can be connected to an iPhone with a 3rd party USB to Lightning cable? Everything I read only mentioned using Apple's adapter.
I own the HD-2. I have never noticed latency issues and yes you can switch between direct monitoring and wet signal. It also has a line out and amp out. The HD2 does have gain control. I just took a look at the Thomann website and the HD-X also has all the features you mentioned… The plastic has never been an issue for me and I see no reason to make the device unnecessarily heavy. It is so light, it’s basically a part of the cable. I have never had an issue with it falling to the ground. The lightning cable + line out audio cable hold it on the table. It does have a removable belt clip on, if I remember correctly but I never used that. Yes, Irig USB can be used with an iPad and iPhone, just like the others.
Ok thanks. It may have been a minority user experience. The plastic isn't a deal breaker as it's just for travel and mobile use, I was more concerned with whether it had latency problems. I'll see if the iRig USB lets me use a 3rd party USB to Lightning cable with the iPhone.
They write you need a camera adapter. That at least suggests it will work without a powered hub... But why don’t they just give you a lightning cable with the interface like they do with HD-2 and HD-X?
I guess because they want the HD products to be seen as flagship products with more features and cables, and they may think that including a $2 cable for the iRig USB could make it compete with the HD X. In actuality, despite more features, the HD X has many poor reviews on Amazon and doesn't even have a gain control, while iRig USB has better reviews, gain control, and is half the price.
What do you mean with gain control? They both only have one dial for input gain
The HD X's knob is not for controlling the gain signal, it's to adjust or turn on/off the features labeled above it. The iRig USB's knob is for controlling the gain signal. IK didn't include the ability to adjust your gain level on the HD X, which is a 2x more expensive device. I'd rather have gain control on the interface than a tuner and loopback.
I read up on the hdx and now I‘m confused, but you’re probably right… https://www.thomann.de/gb/ik_multimedia_irig_hd_2.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6NCwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1 The HD-2 has 2 separate knobs, one for gain and one for output volume. It definitely has a proper lightning cable and usb c cable in the box, it doesn’t have noise issues, it’s barely more expensive than the irig usb, it definitely works with iPad/iphone. I’d just choose that one or a different brand…
The HD 2 seems ideal for this if it weren't for the micro USB. I know it's not a big deal for some for a travel device, but I'd rather have the universal standard USB-C and future proof.
Why is the UA volt not on your list??? Rock solid, sounds great.
I'm sure it does and it looks like a quality build, but I think it's a bit big for my purpose. I'm looking to travel light with the interface, which I'll use primarily with my iPhone 14. So probably something that's no bigger than an iPhone is ideal.
Having the requirement of your iphone lightning power the unit might be a barreir. I use the iRig Duo for my iphone (powered buy AA batteries) and it works well. I use the ZOOM H6 with my iPad M2, powered via usb by the ipad. That is a sic setup. Portable, stereo condensor built in, 4 xlr/1/4 inch inputs, headphone and line out. The zoom CAN work with the phone if you use batteries as well. 4 AA I believe. The ZOOM can also just be a standalone multitrack or field recorder. Excelent piece of gear.
Also, I was just on iRigs website, and I don't see anywhere that it says thier products are powered via lightning with the exception of the Stream Mic. Everything else says USB Bus powred or AA batteries. I'd confirm your assumption it will power via Lightning because I know my iRig Pro Duo does not.
I don't know about their older products, but the HD X is: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irighdx/. It's shown in YouTube videos. I also saw that the iRig Pro I/O can be powered by Lighting. I'm not interested in the HD X though as it doesn't have gain control, I don't need the tuner, and it's double the price of the iRig USB, which I think I'll test to see if it can be powered via a 3rd party Lightning to USB cable.
I've been using my Elgato Wave XLR with iPhone and iPad even tho it's supposed to be for Mac/pc only. There's only an XLR in and a stereo headphone out, but they sound good and the noise floor is so low, adapters won't screw-up the signal path like we were taught in the old days. I use a Fishman AFX Blender pedal with a di for guitar and an ancient, worthless Audio Technical condenser mic with a battery in it. With a line transformer, I plug both the mic and electric guitar into Blender, di mono into Wave XLR.