Can you use an audio interface with a tablet?

An audio interface is an external hardware device that connects to a computer, laptop or mobile device to provide high-quality audio inputs and outputs. Audio interfaces allow you to connect professional microphones, instruments, speakers and headphones to record and playback audio with far superior fidelity compared to using the basic internal sound card built into most computers and mobile devices.

You may want to use an audio interface with a tablet if you are doing any sort of audio recording, production, podcasting, live streaming or other activities that require professional-grade audio. The built-in mics and audio capabilities of most tablets simply aren’t good enough for pro audio work. Connecting an external audio interface provides higher quality preamps, analog-to-digital conversion, headphone outputs and overall improved audio performance.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of audio interfaces, discuss the benefits and challenges of using them with tablets, review some interface options tailored for mobile use, provide tips on connecting, powering and finding compatible software, and offer some final advice for getting great audio quality with a tablet setup.

What is an Audio Interface?

An audio interface is a hardware device that connects microphones, instruments, and other audio equipment to a computer for recording, mixing, and processing audio. Audio interfaces provide the critical bridge between analog audio signals and digital audio workstations (DAWs) on computers.

Before digital recording, audio gear like mixers and tape machines handled microphone preamplification, monitoring, and routing audio signals. With computers at the center of most studios today, dedicated audio interfaces now handle these key functions. They enable high quality audio recording and production by converting analog signals from mics and instruments into digital data that DAWs can understand.

Audio interfaces contain preamplifiers to boost mic and instrument levels to appropriate recording signal strengths. They digitally convert the amped analog signals via analog-to-digital converters or ADCs. Audio interfaces will also have digital-to-analog conversion (DACs) to send analog signals to monitors and headphones.

Other key features of audio interfaces include phantom power for condenser microphones, headphone outputs for monitoring, and low latency monitoring. Most offer multiple inputs and outputs, enabling the connection of various mics, instruments, and speakers. This makes audio interfaces a vital component for computer-based recording and music production [1].

Benefits of Using an Audio Interface

One of the main benefits of using an external audio interface rather than relying on your tablet’s built-in audio is improved audio quality. As explained by Musician’s Institute, “The preamps and analog-to-digital (A/D) converters on even an entry-level audio interface far surpass the audio circuitry built into most computers and mobile devices.” [1] This results in clear, high-fidelity sound recording and playback.

Audio interfaces also allow you to connect professional external mics, instruments like electric guitars, and MIDI gear – all of which require the specialized inputs and outputs that an interface provides. The preamps on an audio interface can provide phantom power necessary for condenser mics and help boost signals from dynamic mics and passive instruments like electric guitars.

In addition, audio interfaces give you more control over your signals with features like mixer channels, headphone monitoring, and analog gain knobs. This allows you to optimize levels, minimize latency, and route audio more flexibly compared to using a tablet alone.

In summary, adding an external audio interface improves sound quality, expands connectivity, provides gain and phantom power, and gives you greater control over your audio workflow compared to relying on a tablet’s limited built-in audio interface.

Challenges of Using with a Tablet

Using an audio interface with a tablet presents some unique challenges compared to a desktop computer or laptop setup. Here are some of the main difficulties:

Many tablets lack a full-size USB port, which is the typical connection method for audio interfaces. iPad and Android tablets often have only one USB-C port or micro USB port. This means you may need to purchase special OTG (On-The-Go) adapter cables or hubs to be able to connect the interface (source).

Tablets have more limited processing power and RAM compared to computers. An audio interface with multiple inputs or high sample rates may overload the tablet’s capabilities and cause performance issues like glitches, clicks/pops, or lag (source). It’s important to make sure the interface specs match up with the tablet’s abilities.

Drivers and software support may also be limited for connecting audio interfaces to tablets. Some audio interfaces may not work properly or at all without the right drivers, which are not always available for mobile operating systems like iOS and Android (source).

Audio Interface Options

There are a number of audio interfaces that are designed to work with tablets, offering portability and professional quality audio recording capabilities.

Some top options include:

IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo – A compact 2-channel audio and MIDI interface that connects via USB-C or Lightning and works with iOS, Android, Mac and Windows devices (Source).

Audient EVO 4 – A high quality 2 in/2 out USB-C audio interface compatible with iOS, iPadOS, Mac, Windows and Android devices (Source).
PreSonus AudioBox GO – An ultra-portable 2×2 USB-C audio interface that works seamlessly with iOS, Android, Mac and Windows (Source).

These interfaces are designed for mobility and portability with tablets and smartphones in mind. They connect via USB-C or Lightning ports, are bus-powered so no external power source is needed, and offer professional quality audio conversion in a compact form factor.

Connecting to a Tablet

Connecting an audio interface to a tablet requires using the right adapters and cables. Most tablets only have USB-C or Micro USB ports, while most audio interfaces use full-size USB ports. This means you’ll likely need adapters. A USB hub or dock can also help provide extra ports.

For wired connections, USB-C to USB-A or Micro USB to USB-A adapters allow connecting to the audio interface’s USB port. Make sure the adapter supports data transfer and not just charging. USB hubs with power delivery allow connecting multiple devices. For iPads, the Apple Camera Connection Kit provides a USB port for connecting an interface.

Bluetooth audio interfaces like the iRig Pro Duo I/O provide a wireless connection option. This allows flexibility without cables and adapters. However, Bluetooth can introduce latency which may be unacceptable for monitoring live audio when recording. Wired connections are lower latency for real-time audio work.

When connecting any audio interface to a tablet, make sure the interface is compatible with the tablet’s OS and has driver support. Interfaces with class-compliant USB connectivity have the most broad support. Refer to the manufacturer’s specs and OS compatibility information when selecting an interface for tablet use.

Power Considerations

Most audio interfaces require external power and cannot be powered directly from a tablet alone, as tablets often do not provide enough power over USB. There are a few options to provide sufficient power to an audio interface when using it with a tablet:

Use a powered USB hub or docking station. The hub or dock provides external power to the audio interface. Just make sure to verify it provides enough power for your specific interface model. Some options are the Anker PowerExpand Direct 7-in-2 USB C Hub or Behringer U-Dock.

Use a battery pack or portable USB power bank. These can power both your tablet and audio interface simultaneously. The Anker PowerCore+ Mini is a popular portable option.

Use a power adapter specifically designed for music equipment. Some adapters like the iRig PowerBridge can charge your tablet while powering your audio interface.

Some audio interfaces like the MOTU M2 or Focusrite Scarlett Solo are USB-bus powered and do not require external power, so they can work directly with a tablet.

Software Compatibility

When choosing an audio interface to use with a tablet, it’s important to consider what recording, editing, and digital audio workstation (DAW) software is compatible. Many professional DAWs like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and FL Studio have limited or no support for Android tablets.

However, there are some quality options that work well:

Steinberg Cubasis 3 – This full-featured DAW is designed for tablets and works seamlessly with USB audio interfaces. It supports MIDI, virtual instruments, effects, mixing, and more. Source

FL Studio Mobile – An Android version of the popular FL Studio DAW. It has MIDI sequencing, drum pads, synth plugins, and support for low-latency audio interfaces. Source
Audacity – The open-source audio editing software Audacity is available on Android. You can record, edit, mix, and master tracks when using an audio interface.

The interface’s drivers and class-compliant USB connectivity must be compatible with the tablet’s OS for proper functionality. Interfaces like the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo are designed to work seamlessly with Android devices and DAW apps without complex configuration. Reading reviews and interface specifications is recommended to ensure full compatibility before purchasing.

Audio Interface Tips for Tablets

When using an audio interface with a tablet, it’s important to optimize the latency, use appropriate sample rates and bit depths, and monitor levels carefully. Tablets often have more limited processing power compared to computers, so a bit more care needs to be taken when setting up an audio interface.

To optimize the latency, it’s generally recommended to use a lower buffer size setting in your interface’s control software. However, decreasing the buffer size too much can also cause performance issues, so finding the right balance is key. Many interfaces aimed at mobile use will have optimized buffer size presets for use with tablets and smartphones. Refer to your interface’s documentation for any tablet-specific setup recommendations.

Sample rate and bit depth settings also impact performance. Most tablets can comfortably handle 44.1-48 kHz sample rates at 16-24 bit depth. Higher settings may be supported, but can tax the processor more. Stick to CD quality settings unless you specifically need high resolution formats. Additionally, use the simplest stereo or mono input/output configuration you can, rather than complex multichannel I/O.

Since tablets often don’t have the same visual level monitoring capabilities as desktop interfaces, relying more on your ears is key. Monitor headphone levels carefully as you adjust gain and watch for clipping. It’s easy to accidentally overload a tablet’s inputs, so keep levels on the lower side for any incoming signals.

Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_qCh3TIk8w
https://emastered.com/blog/how-to-use-an-audio-interface

Conclusion

Using an audio interface with a tablet can provide some great benefits for mobile recording and music production, but also comes with some unique challenges. The main benefits are portability, expandable I/O, and access to high-quality audio conversion even on a tablet. However, you need to be mindful of power requirements, software compatibility, and the smaller screens and controls of most tablets.

With the right audio interface that connects properly to your tablet, either via USB, Lightning or wirelessly, you can greatly enhance the audio quality and capabilities. Look for an interface with onboard DSP and mixing capabilities to supplement the tablet. You’ll also want one that has its own power source and can drive headphones well for latency-free monitoring.

While the smaller size of tablets makes them great for portability, it can also hamper workflow when doing intensive music production or editing. Consider connecting an external monitor and using a standalone controller if possible. Tablets work best for basic recording and editing, particularly with mobile rigs. Overall they provide musicians and content creators with an unparalleled ability to produce professional-quality audio anywhere inspiration strikes.