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ISO: Audio Interface that runs on battery
Hi everyone! I’ve been researching this subject for days. I haven’t found a solution yet. I need something very specific:
I’m looking for an audio interface that has the following:
• An XLR Mic input (Phantom powered)
• A Hi-Z guitar input
• Uses battery as its power source (Doesn’t require a power plug, AC adapter, bus power, etc).
• Also compatible with Windows, OSX, etc
I’ve found that the toughest part is finding what I want that is battery powered.
Comments
I think a Zoom U-24 fits the bill, what do you think?
Mmmm, does the Roland Duo capture work?
https://www.roland.com/ca/products/duo-capture_ex/
Oh, discontinued...
Zoom u24
Get it and never regret it.
I have both u24 and u44 but have a feeling that the former is slightly lighter on battery. Super versatile, runs off 2 AA USB or micro usb power socket through which it can be plugged into a power bank.
It’s a treasure. Phantom power, Hi Z. Has 5 pin midi IO too.
I just got one of these from CEntrance. It is amazing. It ticks all the boxes. Has phantom power, has a rechargeable battery in it, has hi-Z, two inputs, great sound. Heavy duty, the list goes on.
https://centrance.com/store/MixerFace-R4-Portable-Mixer-and-Mobile-Recording-Interface-p99765702
And do yourself a favour and skip Behringer UCA202 or Alesis AudioHub. Either too noisy or suffer from crackles etc. Most of interfaces will run off computer usb socket but as soon as you plug them into an iPad they start playing up, especially when using phantom power. So unless they have a battery or power socket option (for a power bank) don’t bother as you will likely run into problems.
This might fit the bill, however it’s now discontinued so maybe old stock or 2nd hand?
https://www.roland.com/uk/products/duo-capture_ex/
The newer Roland Rubix interfaces changed from battery power to a micro usb input.
One solution might be to power an interface from a usb battery bank gizmo if you can live with the extra unit to carry.
+1 for the Zoom U-44.
I have one also and it has SPDIF in/out.
U44 is great, but due to CV19, Zoom prices have gone up. I got it for 129 last year but it's retailing at 179 now.
Making the sacrifice of powering your interface from a USB power pack will open your interface choice by alot. It is a extra thing to carry but you can tape them together or something similar.
Thanks for the suggestion guys! The Zoom U-24 looks interesting, and actually ticks all of the boxes. Would it work with an iPhone?
https://www.sounddevices.com/product/mixpre-3-ii/
Yes. I think I’ve used it with my phone but let others confirm, just in case
Interesting! What USB power pack do you recommend? Will it work for any of the devices powered by USB?
Not necessarily. You’re going to need a usb hub if using an interface without a power socket. That’s where things get a bit foggy to me. Assuming that getting a usb powered interface can be powered using a power bank attached to a hub would work I bought Alesis AudioHub but unfortunately, while it works I get weird crackles and noise floor goes up. If you’re going to go for one of the interfaces with only usb as a power connection make sure you’ve researched it thoroughly before buying.
Something as trivial as turning on of phantom power can make things go south.
Xsonic Xtone Pro runs off of usb or via a power adapter and comes with dongle to connect a lightning cable keep the iphone/ipod charged. It has XLR in with phantom power.
unfortunately i was about to buy this a back but..
*Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit is required for use with the iPad; must be powered by batteries or AC adapter when used with the iPad.
Are there any with these features that run on ipad power?
Maybe I’m missing something here but doesn’t iRig Pro do all this? Admittedly, I haven’t tried on Windows but works just fine on iPad, iPhone and Mac.
It doesn't have to be an AC adapter. You can also use a battery bank plugged into the CCK. That goes for any interface that can run off the CCK + power combo.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DR40X--tascam-dr-40x-handheld-recorder
Edit: It's a little cheaper on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/DR-40-4-Track-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B07N3FDT3M?th=1
I have the U44. It’s like a Swiss Army knife of options, 2x XLR,/Jack, inputs with Hi Z switchable for guitar, phonos, sp/dif, headphone zero latency monitoring, phantom power, battery, or mains via 5v mini usb phone type adapter, Midi B and MIDI DIN In and out and you can even use Zooms interchangeable mics plugged directly onto it to turn it into a field recorder. I use it as my ‘lab bench’ mini mixer/interface with my various hardware small synths and electro acoustic noisemakers and an ancient IPad 4 via the charging camera connection kit, (running AUM, AudioShare, Quantum, Xynthesizer and some no longer available quirky drone apps like Giant Isopod) to grab wavs. Brilliant piece of kit.
Roland Go Mixer Pro does all of this, including phantom power.
https://www.roland.com/global/products/gomixer_pro/
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And there was me tempted by your alesis on eBay
I was wondering why they didn’t catch on, seemed good apart from lacking midi. U24 brilliant for me, but mine is embedded in a rig, so still curious for ultra portable options.
U24 absolutely fine with cck and iPhone 7+ from experience (with usb power pack, not tried with AA’s).
Another vote for the Zoom U24 (or 44)
I use mine with my iPhone and it works flawlessly.
It works perfectly with my Mac too. One of those devices that just works. They have gone up in price quite a bit though.
I can highly recommend a ‘juice weekender’ if you can get one cheap (£15 on eBay in uK). They’ve been superseded by newer models now hence the low price. Built in lightning and USB micro cables, plus a usb A socket. Can charge 2 devices at once, sufficient current output for an iPad, nice form factor.
No on/off switch, you need to give it a firm tap to activate, built in level indicator. 8,400 mAh, 3.4 amp output.
No extra cables is a winner.
Here’s an Amazon uk link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Juice-Weekender-Powerbank-Connectors-400mAh-Red/dp/B00PK43NO6
Edit: some reviews say built in cable flimsy, but i’ve been using and abusing for 3 years or so with no problem and it has the socket anyway.
Yes, it did occur to me I might be shooting myself in the foot by slagging it here 😇
It works well with my laptop though so I’m sure it will go sooner or later.
Small digital world we’re living in!
Another U-44 recommendation here, great mobile device, midi too.
Never seen this one. Ain’t cheap but seems a beautiful machine.