See the table below to compare iAudioInterface2 with other dock-connector options.
iAudioInterface2 has been specifically designed for audio and acoustic analysis. While it will also work as a recording interface, it performs far better for acoustics work than a generic interface, and the integration to AudioTools provides many benefits.
See our Microphones and iOS Devices page for more microphone information.
Device Overview
Here are our frank thoughts on the audio input devices that are currently available for the iOS platform, based on direct testing of these products, and user feedback.
Alesis IO Dock
The most hopeful contender. It lacks battery power, and is not really usable with the iPhone and iPod touch-sized devices. Has phantom power, but not fixed input gain for calibration. See table below.
But the big problem, according to my own tests, and several user reports, is that it has a habit of intermittently dropping out in the middle of measurements.
Tascam iU2
This device appears usable, as it includes 2 microphone inputs, but it has problems. It does not have batteries, rather it uses the iOS device power, except for Phantom power -- in this case, it needs you to plug in a powered USB cable. Also, it uses (supplied) 1/4" to XLR adapters for the mic inputs, which is never ideal with Phantom power, because rotating the 1/4" plug can cause crackling in the audio. So it is a bit awkward to use with measurement mics.
It's not very sturdy, thin plastic, and has unbalanced RCA jacks out line output. Level controls are certainly not repeatable as to gain setting, and are a bit awkward to use.
And although it has a SPDIF digital audio output, we can't use it with our Surround Signal Generator because we can't properly program the registers to use it for non-PCM digital audio.
More details soon…
Line 6 Mobile In
Unbalanced line in stereo, clips at +6dB, uses iOS device power, no gain control. No output.
Tascam IXZ
Analog interface, plugs into the headphone input, and so is subject to all of Apples filters, limiters, and converters. Has microphone phantom power. Not suitable for measurement.
micW
As above, plugs into headphone connector.
Apogee Jam
Guitar input accessory, no mic input, no outputs.