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:
UK:amzn.to/45PYupH
US:amzn.to/3sqZxhb
Anker USB C Hub for iPad Pro:
US: amzn.to/3O5uuif
UK: amzn.to/3rHy5vu
Focusrite Scarlet 3rd Gen:
UK amzn.to/3YZ8hHK
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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

[@Prithvidixitofficial]

Can this connector be used for iPad 9th generation?

[@HeAintNoJoke]

@@Prithvidixitofficialif it’s usb c get the c version

[@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!

[@neilkilleen3911]

So I have a UR22C. I am powering it with 5V DC from a power bank. I've got a RHODE mic plugged in to the UR22C with phantom 48V power on, The output from the UR22C (USBC) is plugged into the iPhone lightning (USBC to Lightning cable). But my phone (iPhone 13 mini) does not seem to recognise the audio from the external source. I can't see why this should not work - I don't think I need a camera adaptor because I'm independently powering the UR22C...

[@hikkeline2339]

I got same UR22C and using an iphone 14, when I first time used the interface it was so good audio when i sang, but now it sounds like a scattered voice specially when I am prolonging. I dont know what to do anymore to make the sounds solid and better audio.

[@hikkeline2339]

By the way I use a condenser mic.

[@hikkeline2339]

And iphone 14

[@bassonthemark8191]

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!

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

If it works, then it works! Sounds like great setup!

[@14belowzero56]

@@TheGaragebandGuideany chance of getting a link to the official adapter?

[@BigMuffLover]

@@14belowzero56offical apple website

[@markmark8174]

yeah, same, he's just trying to make a little money with the amazon link

[@MP-cf8lw]

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!

[@randyestrada6224]

Does this work for using 2 pairs of headphones while one is messing with garage band and the other listening?

[@Beaner..]

I’m using the camera adapter on my iPad 9th gen with it also being plugged into the charger, and it’s still not turning the Scarlett on

[@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.

[@LearnBassWithAri]

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

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Thanks for watching!

[@LearnBassWithAri]

@@TheGaragebandGuide You rock! Can you hook up an instrument to the interface as well as the microphone? What's the quality there? Any way to add compression or denoising?

[@BarryGrueter]

Very cool, thanks for sharing 🌟

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kaden-e2h]

Do I really have to have that adapter? I can't afford one so can I just use a regular iPad charger with c type on one end

[@iltempetube]

thanks!!! useful! how about to use the audio of garage band as input in a video recording with camera or a video streaming in social media (as tik tok)? Is feasible? Thanks!!!

[@TheEric03041]

This channel is gold.

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

🍻

[@ThaSouthMU]

Dope video. Very informative.

[@anrianka]

hi, can we add more input channel if we onle have an Audio that only have 2 input channel? Thankyou

[@dallinhatchmusic]

My interface isn’t working with my iPhone what’s the best way to get ahold of you?

[@CheilaRaposo]

Why can't I record vocal and piano at the same time? One on each channel. Seems it either records voice on L and piano on R, or both on L.

[@pennywiser9607]

How do you run your iOS video camera plus audio simultaneously???

[@johanneskersthold]

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

[@321mzzz123]

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

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@theirishbandit7301]

So I I just plug everything in and start playing my guitar through garage band on this thing? Or do I need to connect it in settings or download their app to connect it?

[@tomharmon7516]

I'm trying to follow your instructions for connecting my usb audio interface to my iphone 13. After "realizing your mistake" you purchased an Amazon Anker adapter that sits "flush against the I-Pad when plugged in". But I can't find that adaptor... Can you give me a link? And will this also work with my iPhone 13 since I don't have a i-Pad? Thanks... Tom

[@ColeWren-u9i]

Did you find one by chance? I’m having the same issue. Thanks

[@AbhasJain]

I am getting only single channel recording that is on the left pan. How do I record in stereo mode ?

[@biggio_8453]

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

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@notbrendon]

The exact video I needed. Thank you!

[@vivekchachra]

Help me with focusrite 2i2 3rd gen . Need to do live act with my iphone connected without battery drianage

[@therealme2879]

Are there any negatives to connecting the Scarlett 2i2 to an iPad Air 4 using USB-C direct connection? Mainly concerned about battery life/longevity on the iPad especially when providing phantom power. Thanks in advance!

[@gabedestellano]

Nice to see he didn't respond... wtf

[@dannyhood8857]

I was going to ask same question. No answer?

[@therealme2879]

@@dannyhood8857 I never did receive an answer. However I ended up trying it out for myself and there didn’t seem to be any downsides to this method. Battery life was not even close to being an issue in my opinion as long as you remember to disconnect the usb-c cord after recording since the 2i2 doesn’t have a dedicated power on/off switch. I ran this set up for about a year before upgrading and never had any issues and my iPad is still fully functional and doesn’t seem to have a diminished battery life because of this. Hope this helps!

[@zoaltamam]

Thank you very much for this video! I’m struggling with this setup though! I have the following: iPhone X Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (not sure which gen!) that has a USB 2.0 port iPhone camera adapter with lightning port The Focusrite doesn’t turn on when connected to the setup, not getting power I guess. So I plug the power cable into the iPhone camera adapter. The iPhone gets charged but the Focusrite still off! Any idea what to do?

[@tohoanguyen2275]

I have same problem!🤔

[@AVANDERMUSIC]

The focusrite needs to be powered too ofc? Like do you have it just not plugged in or? Like, and interface doesnt power when you connect it to a device.

[@elbiso2004]

Exactly what I was looking for!

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

🙌🙌🙌

Hi 👋 is it possible to connect an appolo twin ?(with thunderbolt)

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

No, Universal Audio don’t plan to make any of their interfaces iOS compatible unfortunately: uadforum.com/apollo-arrow-interfaces/45034-apollo-ipad-audio-interface-6.html

@@TheGaragebandGuide :( Ok thank you 🙏🏽

[@theresabrown3473]

Please tell me the exact model number of that Anker adapter that has the headphone jack. I don't see it on Amazon????

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

It’s this one, though I would recommend a different model now: amzn.to/3MPfjrk More info on other model here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4jZp4xufphnn5Y

[@kurtinklern3262]

does anker make a device like the one shown here but that connects flush via lightning?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

No, just the USBC one. You should always try to grab the official Apple adapter for lightning though, as iOS updates can make third party solutions obsolete overnight.

[@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

[@CZWhitek]

Hi, we are discussing the need for the jack on the port. Is it actually needed if the interface has its own monitoring jack plug? Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@jaxxmathew7620]

i guess Im quite randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to watch new tv shows online ?

[@xzavierbridger7693]

@Jaxx Mathew Flixportal :D

[@jaxxmathew7620]

@Xzavier Bridger thanks, I signed up and it seems to work :D Appreciate it !

[@xzavierbridger7693]

@Jaxx Mathew you are welcome :)

[@Locationchange]

What if your interface is 10 years old... Example Apogee Duet 2 (non iOS model) or fast track pro 2009 version? I have a 2021 iPad pro so it's usb-c. Thanks for the useful vid. We are all trying to use our hardware in any way we can and not habe to toss perfectly good rig!

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

Got a powered usb hub arriving tomorrow. I really hope it’s the missing link I need to use the Solid State audio interface I bought. If not then it’s time I bought a proper computer. Thanks for your help.

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Hopefully that’s the missing price of the puzzle. SSL don’t officially support iOS devices, but according to this link to their website, it should work with a powered hub: solidstatelogic.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002328398-SSL-2-BiG-SiX-iOS-and-Android

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

@@TheGaragebandGuide thanks so much

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

@@TheGaragebandGuide got the the iPad Pro 11 inch 3rd gen. Had reply from Solid State logic. They claim to just connect them with a USB cable. Don’t know where to go on iPad to recognise interface.

[@ianconanjuanico]

I have connected the Behringer UMC404HD to the iPad Pro using the HyperDrive USB-C Hub., I just can't record the vocals and I can't hear the audio playback using the Headphone plugged in to the interface. How to setup the audio interface with Garageband? Your advice will be a good help. Thank you

[@therockerofsufferings398]

Man, you are a life saver!

[@XSYKERSX]

thankyou so much 🙏

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Thanks for watching!

[@fiaschampion3379]

Very clear and to the point, great video bro

[@07questionmark]

Does it work also with the basic model of iPad ? Because mine is not working

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Yes, though you'll need to add additional power.

[@RudyGOfficial]

Hello! my iPhone 11 works with my Scarlett 18i8; however, it only works with inputs 1 & 2 and with a huge issue... It only records inputs 1 & 2 in stereo (input 1 is panned hard left and input 2 is panned hard right). I want to record both inputs in mono so both channels are in the center. Please help. thanks!

[@johnnyjouhajvnny8841]

Can I use my interface for listening Apple Music with the adapter?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Yes, absolutely.

[@johnnyjouhajvnny8841]

@@TheGaragebandGuide Good because windows computers dont have apple music app and the itunes on windows doesnt support apple lossless audio 😡 But hey thanks for the reply 🙂 I couldnt find any info on this 😂

[@1Keystaxx]

Can you use this with phantom power?

[@sebastianpuerto7999]

Does this work to also record a video using the mic and headphones?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

No it doesn’t I’m afraid.

[@andrewwynne3318]

If you have a cable that on one side is usb-c and the other side is usb-a….can you use that without needing the Ankler adapter?

[@reck6977]

so that is not problem with straight plug the headphone to the interface ,right sir?

[@branblunt]

Can i use this to record video and audio from the console?

[@alanaburnett4698]

Can I connect it with a regular c to c cable?

[@agumon51]

Would this connection also work for video recordings on the iPhone?

[@ndy817]

Hi i have an issue, Im recording on mode stereo for the music and microphone but when im listenined i only hear my voice in the left side can you pleae help!

[@mjdelaserna1207]

Can ipad 3rd gen or ipad mini still working on garageband this days?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

You may be able to install an older version of GarageBand on either of those two, but I imagine performance wouldn’t be great.

[@mjdelaserna1207]

@@TheGaragebandGuide thanks a lot do you have a tutorial or any link on how to connect the audio interface on ipad to other device like phone camera or camera for music and video recording

[@johne1599]

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??!!!!

[@a.s.arpansamadder9385]

Can I use this Audio Interface & GarageBand app while recording video simultaneously with iPhone or iPad?

[@alexreyes8316]

Can you do it with iPhone 13 Pro if you don’t got an computer or iPad?

[@GingerHoliday]

I need help and I’m at my wits end. I have a focusrite scarlet 2i2 and it’s always worked on my old MacBook. I just updated to a 4th gen iPad bc the other one was old and slow. I tried two different usb c adapters (none were the ones shown in the video so maybe they are cheap and shitty) and at first one of them worked and I could record from my pre amp. It only worked for 5 minutes though. The second usb c adapter allows the focusrite to light up so I know there is power to it, but it’s not registering on GarageBand. Is there a setting in garage band that I need to select for it to work? I would just use another computer but I really need this to be portable. Please anyone help.

[@JWapologist]

Would the iPad work with a usb-B to usb-C cable, without needing the adapter?

[@kinghydraofficial]

Would I be able to use the 18i8? It needs a wall adapter for power. Would I also be able to use condensers on my interface with phantom power?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Not sure it’s compatible with iPad/iPhone/iOS. Double check Focusrite’s website.

[@navjotsinghsohal8191]

I have a big query. Some videos show that you require a usb powered hub to run audio interface. But in this you showed only connecting charger is enough. Can you help in this query Thanks for the wonderful video.god bless you

[@LuisMurillo-jp3py]

How can adapt my trio+ and play with garage band or other apps

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

You’d need to plug in via an audio interface

[@oscarmuchow758]

Nice, I have an iPad 9. gen basic model. Isn’t it enough to connect the interface with the iPad with an lightning to usb type c cable?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Depends on the interface. Most will require power to work, especially if you want to use 48v phantom power.

[@richardlowe8062]

Does the anker adapter work with IPhone as well as iPad?

[@williamvega8652]

Can you use headphones with the official apple lightning to usb adapter?

[@erlstn]

Under your “External” options in GarageBand, you have the interface option. Mine does not have that…I only have the Audio Unit Extension option. How do I get that interface option?

[@ezequielmartinez2042]

How can I charge the iPad while using a hub? Which hub should I look for?

[@timelanguid4813]

So this interface needs a special lead from guitar to device other than a normal guitar lead?

[@hharliv]

Have you seen any quality strain or problems with microphone quality

[@SrinivasanChakravarthy]

Does phantom power work as well?? Because most XLR mics need that oomph in power.

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Yes, phantom power works too.

[@amulyamallikarjun6975]

It’s not working with the adapter connected,light on my focusrite is blinking, what do I do , pls help me out

[@alemusicante]

Does the connection you illustrate work only with iPad Pro or even with a simple iPad 2018 sixth gen iOS 12.2?

[@slammingcash]

2:10 you say first step is to plug in the adapter, but you are already on a screen called "external" on your ipad. So getting to that screen would actually be the first step, and how does one do this on the iphone, where I have gone tons of settings - and cannot find any option to select external audio? when I connect the devices nothing happens...

[@eventheoddss]

it’s just garage band

[@juanfajardo1295]

Can this be used by connecting it to the mixer to get the audio of a livestream

[@frizaja7628]

Can you help I connect my mic agerything is good but when I click 48V for the mic to work it says it requires too much power , it’s connected to charger

[@luluvsraven]

Can the anchor be used to connect irig for vocals? Is it an input?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

The headphone jack on it is not an input, no.

[@luluvsraven]

🥲thanks for getting back. Looks like another £100 odd on a digital condenser.

[@lenninaraica347]

Hello can you replace one of the mic cables for a headphone jack to lighting jack to plug interface and iPhone together to record live phone calls? Thanks

[@0g779]

does it work with iphone 15 pro? does it require an external power source to work or does it work just fine?

[@manningcustom]

will an older usb interface work? something about 10 years old? My ipad doesn't see it

[@rezacheraghi1980]

Can I connect Iphone SE to this interface?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Yes, absolutely!

[@kyawtehhtoo]

Very helpful informative, thank so much for sharing!!

[@djamilleoliveira]

Hi! Are you good? I have iPad Air 4 th generation with type C. Wherever hub is right?

[@manuconnexion]

I guess it will also work with the new IPAD AIR equipped with USC-C as well ? THanks for help

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Absolutely!

[@manuconnexion]

@@TheGaragebandGuide Great ! Thanks for quick response. Do I Need an adapter with Headphon Jack if I am using the new Focussirte that is having an Headphone output directly on the interface ?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

No you can just use the headphone output on your interface.

[@manuconnexion]

@@TheGaragebandGuide OK great ! Thanks for great video :-)

[@theb.o.c.channel6395]

Maybe you can help me.when i record with all of that gear to my camara app.my audio comes out split on the head phones.is there a way to fix that?

[@thebattagliatheory]

Could we use 2 mics??

[@JWEINDEL07]

My iPad is not recognizing my focusrite scarlett??

[@bahadirkeles.]

I tried it with zoom g7.1ut proccessor but I can't get audio output from ipad.

[@tonylil1466]

Question, so right now I’m using the unofficial apple usb converter, and the effector app from my iPad has no sound. So the solution is just to buy a official apple usb converter?

[@dodoguitar2415]

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

[@gamnon1]

thanks yet i guess that when all this is done properly the bt conecection to external speaker wont wont work.

[@Marcelo_B_159]

Thank you! Can I still hook studio monitors to the audio interface to hear the recordings?

[@MitchMaxMuzik]

Yes. It takes over the entire audio and microphone system in the phone or tablet.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

Does the USB dongle give enough juice to allow the iPad to charge at the same time as using the interface? I’m assuming not?

[@neef68]

Very helpful video! Thanks for sharing!

[@Menestro]

I Have an Audient id14 mkI with power supply. I need to use the charger or not?

[@bymac3976]

Does it charges the iphone at the same time too? I need it to charge too, and results have been... iffy. Also: I get noise with most charger. Only connecting it to a powerbank, gets me noise free audio.

[@fxcudrillz]

Does it work with a Focusrite Clarett 4pre with usb-c?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Yes, more info here: support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360002662100-Can-I-use-my-audio-interface-with-my-USB-C-iPad-Pro-

[@bryanvera4940]

Please, please help! I have an IPad Pro 12.9inch 3rd Generation software version 15.4.1. Will this IPad be compatible with a focusrite interface using this method? Do I just need to connect it and the IPad will read the interface receiving the Mics audio or do I have to setup the focusrite first in a PC? Also, if it works, what's the most recommend USB-C HUB for this today? Thank you🙏🏻 My end game is to be able to record my voice on the beats I make in garageband🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Yes, it’s compatible with any class compliant Focusrite interfaces (Solo, 2i2 etc). You don’t need to set the interface up, though you will need an adapter. I like this one: UGREEN USB C Hub for iPad... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QVM78KN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@bryanvera4940]

@@TheGaragebandGuide thank you so much!

[@nessoskleinefrauenhaende]

Is it going to work with a condenser mic and phantom power?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

As long as you add extra power as outlined in the video, yes.

[@RainHavok1111]

I've been searching all day on here. I don't have the apple camera lighting box so why can't a regular hub work? I plugged it all in 100 times iver today &I'm still getting no sound out of my akai

[@TheHeraldOfChange]

Curious. For weeks I've been banging my head against the wall, trying to make things work, "for me." I have an iPad Air 5, Audient ID4 mkI, Saramonic SR-MV2000 USB-C Mic, powered usb-c hub with "working" PD port, Apple Airpods 2, etc. you know what? It doesn't matter. The iPad Air tries to identify "Headphones or other" and in various audio apps I cannot select independently the headphones/speakers and/or the mic input/output sources. this frustrates the shit out of me. I would like to use my webcam mic, my airpods as headphones only, and have that degree of control. Have you solved this issue? If so, how? Garage Band sort of has such selective control but is still significantly limited. Its driving me nuts.

[@Mr.Bread2]

Hey! tnx for this info! I plugged my focusrite 18i20 to my iphone , it seems now only channels 1+2 are going in the iphone... can't hear all the other channels! and I don't have any control on the sound card because it is connected to the iphone ... any idea why this is happening ? tnx!

[@douniabenhaddou465]

Your videos are always the best!! Thank you

[@1traphouse]

Will it power Phantom Powered Condensed Mics??

[@sophia16853]

Hi! I have a question, can an ipad pro with usb c ports still power a usb interface that is connected to an xlr microphone that needs 48v phantom power?