How to Connect a USB Audio Interface to an iPad or iPhone

How to connect a USB audio interface to an iPad/iPhone

If you want to record the highest quality audio possible with GarageBand on your iPhone or iPad you’ll want to look into using a ‘proper’ audio interface. Which audio interface is right for you is a conversation for another day, but whatever model you go for, attaching it to your iDevice isn’t going to be as straightforward as you might like.

Wether you’re rocking a lightning based iPhone or iPad, or a USB C equipped iPad Pro, here’s how to hook up and use an audio interface.

Official Apple Lightning to USB adapter:

Anker USB C Hub for iPad Pro:

Focusrite Scarlet 3rd Gen:

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#connectaudiointerfacetoipad #ipadaudiointerface #connectaudiointerfaceios

[EdwinDPZ]

Oh thank god, I was worried I was going to have to invite people into my house to record directly into my DAW but now I can just take my interface and ipad

[SonessStevens]

This worked even with Steinberg UR22C which isn't connecting to MacBook Pro. Having this connect with iPhone XR to Garageband in such an easy to follow way is a lifesaver! Thank you so much for the simple and clear explanation!

[bassonthemark]

After thinking about it much longer than I should have I finally bought a $13, 3rd party (despite your warnings, I know) adapter after watching some of your videos on this. I was able to plug in my Scarlett 2i2 to a 5th gen iPad. Works like a charm so far. I have had an irig hd2 for a while, but appreciate now the XLR in for vocals, and miking an acoustic guitar. One thing I noticed is that the latency seems a little less (which is good) with 2i2 vs. the irig. In any case, thank you, and your accent is awesome!

[MP-cflw]

Thank you so much I have tried everything to add my smb7 to my scarlett 2i2 3rd gen, and 6th gen ipad..but not until i came across this video did anything make sense. You are awesome Patrick. I have a ton of questions ..lol. (vocalist, songwriter) So glad I found this!

[johne]

The 4-port Sabrent powered hub with On-Off buttons for each port, along with the Apple Camera Connector Kit for Lightning devices, have turned out to be the most important accessories for using USB devices of ALL types with my iPad Air 3.

The On-Off push buttons make resetting a USB connection a breeze. My iPad stays connected to the charger 24-7 via the Camera Connector Kit.

My Butterfly Page Flip Pedal is connected to my iPad directly via the USB hub AND the hub powers it. That’s a much better solution than battery power and Bluetooth connection with the PageFlip device.

Thanks to the powered hub, my Yamaha P-125 connects directly to GarageBand via USB. Then I can record the piano’s native sounds as an Audio recording (a Microphone recording to GB). OR, I can use the piano’s MIDI interface to use it as a MIDI controller with any of GB’s virtual instruments.

NOTE: The Yamaha P-125’s audio interface only works when the hub supplies power to the USB cable connection. The piano becomes an input (microphone) and output (speaker) device in the iPad. If you hear a squeal (feedback) when Monitor is selected in GB, then turn off Audio Loopback in the piano.

See how useful the powered hub and Camera Connector Kit turn out to be??!!!!

[johanneskersthold]

Great man, you made my day with this video !!!

[LearnBassWithAri]

Fun channel name. Thanks for the video, helped me out!

[mzzz]

I'm super grateful for this video, you answered my question perfectly!

[MindYaBizz_Whiz]

Damn, I’m so happy I chose an iPad Pro and got a hub that already has the headphone port. Great video, man. Subbed

[NikroozHosseini]

Thank you! As I have the exact same Scarlett 2i4, as well as an iPad Air 2, I'll definitely give this a try!

[JT]

Thanks for your explanation! In germany we say: „i kiss your heart“

[biggio_]

Thanks!! I've been wondering this for a while!!

[fiaschampion]

Very clear and to the point, great video bro

[cequiestbon]

I’m subscribed to you, but I only have been lately getting recommended Pete’s videos

[neef]

Very helpful video! Thanks for sharing!

[beckyjohnson]

Thank you! This worked using a TASCAM dr 40x as the audio interface. Works without the powered lightning adapter too but would not work long without it if you wanted to use a condenser mic.

[MrMixolydian]

I was planning to buy but have the Steinberg UR22 and all other equipment. You just saved me some money! Thank you.

[dodoguitar]

Thank you so much! Great tips, saves me a lot of headache 👍🏽

[georgiebearpaws]

Yes, that worked with my usb audio interface connected.
But, it seems my Ipad's internal mic continues to to bring in
sound also. I can't find any way to disable it in Garageband.
I can work around it, but it's a bit annoying seeing "rises" on
my VU meter when my vocal mic is unplugged.

[kyawtehhtoo]

Very helpful informative, thank so much for sharing!!