Do you want to know how to connect a USB audio interface to your iPad? In this article, we’ll introduce you to the additional equipment you’ll need and explain how to connect it all. Then you’ll finally be able to record microphone and instrument audio directly on your iPad.
Quick Answer: You’ll need an iPad adapter and powered USB hub to connect a USB audio interface to an iPad. The final setup should look like this: iPad > iPad adapter > powered USB hub > USB audio interface.
How to Connect a USB Audio Interface to an iPad
You will need:
- iPad Camera Adapter: https://currentprice.io/lightning_usb
- Powered USB Hub: https://currentprice.io/usb_hub
- Apple Multiport USB-C Adapter: https://currentprice.io/multiport
Total Time: 5 minutes
Plug the iPad adapter into your iPad
The adapter type varies by iPad model; see the iPad adapter section below for details.
Plug a powered USB hub into the iPad adapter
Make sure the USB hub is also connected to a power outlet.
Plug the USB audio interface into the powered USB hub.
Connect your audio source(s) into the audio interface.
Record!
iPad Adapters
iPads don’t have a standard USB port, so you need to use an adapter to connect USB devices. Apple makes two different adapters as not all iPads have the same inputs.
- iPad Camera Adapter
A lightning to USB adapter for standard iPads. - Apple Multiport USB-C Adapter
A USB-C to USB adapter for the iPad Pro.
Powered USB Hub
Most USB audio interfaces are designed to draw power from the computer they are attached to through the USB connection. iPads cannot provide the power required, so if you connect the audio interface directly to your iPad, it will do nothing.
A powered USB hub solves this problem. This plugs into a power outlet and supplies power to any devices connected to the hub.
Connect a USB Audio Interface to an iPad Equipment Prices
- Presonus USB Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/audiobox
- iPad Camera Adapter: https://currentprice.io/lightning_usb
- Powered USB Hub: https://currentprice.io/usb_hub
- Apple Multiport USB-C Adapter: https://currentprice.io/multiport
How To Connect USB Audio Interface to iPad Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:09 – iPad Adapter
- 0:45 – Powered USB Hub
- 1:58 – Connect USB Audio Interface to USB Hub
- 2:49 – Final Thoughts
Related: How To Connect iPad to Projector
