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Need new audio interface!
My iconnectaudio4 is finally giving up. 1st problem - the power socket is not connecting. I solved that with a bit of bluetack and it was manageable. One day maybe I can find someone to look at it. 2nd problem - today the second usb input (the one that charges at 2.1, won’t connect. I don’t think it’s the cable because the other, lower powered input, works.
This is good, I can use the other input, except I have an iPad 12.9. So I need more power than the output gives, ideally usbc.
I’m on a budget. Maybe a cheap interface and a usbc hub? But reasonable quality. Ideally 2 inputs. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Comments
What kind of inputs do you need?
If you just need stereo line in, the Zoom H1n is a great little device which also works as a 'handy' standalone recorder and you can use it to mount the SD card in the files app to download the samples.
It is class compliant, has stereo line in and is battery powered. And it's small. The built in microphones might come in handy too...
If you need Hi-Z or XLR inputs and MIDI, the Zoom U24 ticks lots of boxes and is also battery powered (plus bus or adaptor powered when needed) and has two independent mono inputs. I got one used in as-new condition for £60.
I guess a usb connection to the iPad, so the Zoom u24 looks good. 81€ here. Do you know if it will work with a usbc hub so I can charge my iPad at the same time?
I can't see any reason why not. However I don't use a hub with an iPad. I never use the iPad plugged in.
I use a u24 with a usb 2.0 hub, then that into usb-c adapter dongle (usb-a and pd power). The u24 is connected to the hub with both a data cable and a power cable, but the hub itself doesn’t need power for usb-c iPad (it does need power for lightning iPad).
Alternatively you can use AA batteries in the U24.
In short, without batteries, I think you need the two cables off whichever hub you use (usb-c or other). I’ll double check this now and edit if I’m wrong. The 5v power input is usb mini connector.
For me the iPad excels when it’s a completely portable device. The battery powered zooms are perfect for iPads and the U24 is just at home in a desk setup.
But being able to use an interface without being tethered to the wall makes them even more versatile.
Yes, it does need usb power as well as the data cable. Attached a photo of my setup. You could swap my usb 2 hub and dongle for a usb-c hub, so long as you had at least 2 usb ports. iPad can provide enough power, but obviously a power supply needed to keep things charged.
It’s a great interface in my opinion, I have others, but this is the one I use the most.
Only thing I don't really like about the Zoom is not balanced outputs, but they're fantastic for the price. I passed my U-44 on to someone.
I like the Motu M , also absolutely amazing for the price, 2, 4 or 6 model depending on what you want. I replaced my iconnectaudio units with Motus a couple of years ago. (I weighed up that the iconnectaudio model of redundancy I could achieve more reliably with 2 interfaces that don't need wall plugging for power, and could switch either manually or with something like the small Radial switcher, and a hunch that iC being a small company might be a recipe for problems down the line).
Audient also stunning for the price, the ID14 MK2 even having ADAT, is a bargain.
I splashed on the RME Babyface, fantastic but not cheap. I prefer the top down form factor like @steve99 's photo, of units like the Zoom, Apogee, and now my RME, for me this is the better way to gig, so as good as the Motu is, I'm sticking with this form for now. I also had an Apogee Duet previously for the same reason, but had a problem with the usb socket needing a re-solder so that didn't last in the setup very long.
(Along with Focusrite I've used all of these in the last 2 years so this is relatively up to date experience).
For desktop I'd definitely put Audient top of the list unless you're going to be spending RME kinds of cash...
I have a SONO connected to my Mac Studio and I really like it.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I will keep the zoom u24, and even u44 in mind. At the moment my (ultra) budget option is to use the other, lower powered, input and to turn the screen light down to see if I can use only a small amount of power.
It seems there are many 2 input interfaces available, but I guess you get what you pay for. If anyone has experience with any other cheap but ok sounding interfaces, especially when connected to a usbc hub, I’d be grateful for the info.
Thanks again.
Maybe a powered hub could help you with the low power usb.
The Arturia Minifuse 4 has been great.
https://www.arturia.com/products/audio/minifuse/minifuse4
So far I haven't had a problem with USB C hubs in combination with any of the aforementioned, that said, I have a few just in case. Because sods law. Anker or Ugreen.
Another useful addition is a power bank. Harley Benton, common with pedalboarders, are great.
So a hub, an audio interface, the ipad, and a power bank, and then you don't need to be plugged in to the wall and can go where you want without fear of running out of power.
(Oh, one interface I had tons of problems with was IK irig pro duo. According to me stay well clear.)