Simply because almost everyone is wandering around with a mini-computer in their back pocket (in the form of a phone), the world of audio recording is only expanding - especially when you add a mobile recording interface to complete a mini-recording studio that can literally be taken anywhere.
Mobile Audio Interfaces: The World is a Recording Studio
Compared to regular audio interfaces, mobile audio interfaces are specially designed to be plugged into a mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet. By adding an interface, you can suddenly plug a professional microphone or even a guitar into your phone. These little interfaces aren't just a great tool for travelling producers or musicians, but can be used by sound designers to capture samples, journalists to record interviews, or even content creators and podcasters. There are even interfaces available that feature live-stream functions like 'loop-back' as well as a port for connecting a phone, and buttons for playing back jingles. Of course, if you just want to hook a good microphone up to your phone or tablet without needing to use an interface, you could just use one of these Android or iOS compatible microphones.
Android-Compatible Audio Interfaces
Android devices used to come fitted with a micro-USB port as standard but these days, usually come fitted with a USB-C port. We stock plenty of interfaces that come with compatible cables, and even interfaces that are initially designed for computers and laptops can be hooked up to a smartphone or tablet using an OTG adapter. This is a short cable with a micro-USB or USB-C plug at one end and a USB-A socket at the other. If you're looking for an interface for an Android device, always read the model specifications in detail so you're certain that it's compatible.
Apple-Compatible Audio Interfaces
There are also plenty of mobile audio interfaces that have been specially designed for iPhones and iPads. These models will always come with a Lightning and/or USB-C cable included, and just like with Android devices, there are some interface models for computers and laptops that you can also plug into an iPhone or iPad using an Apple Camera Connection Kit. Again, if you're looking for an interface for an Apple device, always read the model specifications in detail so you're certain that it's compatible.
What's the Best Mobile Audio Interface?
The best mobile audio interface will be the model that has exactly the kind of connection ports that you need. Do you want to plug in an external microphone? Then look at models fitted with microphone inputs and phantom power. Do you want to plug in an electric guitar? Then look at models fitted with a Hi-Z jack input. Another nice perk is that many mobile audio interfaces can be battery-powered. Some can even recharge your phone or tablet while you work - a definite bonus if the connection port of your phone doubles as your charging port. Names like IK Multimedia, TC Helicon and Focusrite make really popular audio interfaces, and when you invest more money in your interface, you usually get higher quality preamps and better analogue-to-digital conversion included in the deal - which basically translates to better sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Recording Interfaces
What's an audio interface?
Put simply, the internal microphone of any average phone just doesn't cut it when it comes to making professional audio recordings. By plugging a compatible audio interface into your phone, you can not only improve the recording quality but add professional XLR microphone sockets, TRS jack sockets and even stereo RCA sockets. These interfaces also help reduce latency - so the delay between the sound and the recording.
How do you connect an audio interface to a smartphone?
You can pick up audio interfaces that have been specially designed for iOS or Android devices, which will come including the right cables for your specific device. But, using the right adapter, you can even plug some standard audio interfaces into your phone. If you have an iOS phone, you'll need a Camera Connection Kit, and if you have an Android phone, you'll need an OTG Adapter.
