When it comes to recording guitar, we're not short of options, but an easy-to-use and well-stocked solution remains the most important link between your musical ideas and getting them down.
The Audient iD4 can help you with that. It is a small but powerful USB audio interface from the UK studio console company with a big reputation for high-quality recording hardware.
The iD4 setup couldn't be more simple. It is a two-input/two-output unit that features a mic preamp as well as an instrument level DI for plugging in your guitar or bass. The mic preamp has phantom power for using condenser mics.
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What's more, you will find a main output for your speakers and dual headphone outputs. The iD4 is can be powered via USB, with Apple’s camera connection kit and it can also work with an iPhone/iPad.
Audient has been thorough with the iD4's design. Everything has been considered with value and usability in mind. Let's look at that mic preamp; it is the same design as those you will find in Audient’s top-line desks.
Then there is that all-metal body (a rare feature at this price), two sizes of headphone jack to allow you to use any headphones or for have two people listening at once, plus the flexible metering, with display levels for whichever control you turn.
Finally, we come to iD control. This acts as a self-assigning controller for on-screen knobs and faders.
It’s hard to stand out from the pack, and even harder for buyers to make a decision when there are so many interfaces and ways of recording available. But Audient has done it, while giving a budget recording solution the feel of a premium product. This is the best we’ve seen at this price for a long time.
MusicRadar verdict: The Audient iD4 is a budget solution that feels premium, taking the much-lauded mic preamp from its top-line desks and housing it in a compact interface.
