Audient iD4 Review: Console-Quality Preamps in a Compact Interface

Audient built its reputation designing large-format recording consoles for professional studios worldwide. The iD4 brings that console expertise to a compact desktop interface, offering preamp quality that exceeds what competing entry-level interfaces provide. At $199, the iD4 MKII delivers professional recording capability in a form factor that fits any workspace.

Audient Console Heritage

Audient’s ASP8024 Heritage Edition console represents the company’s flagship, found in professional studios across the globe. The microphone preamp topology developed for these consoles forms the foundation of the iD4’s input stage.

This direct lineage means the iD4 shares DNA with equipment costing tens of thousands of dollars. The preamp quality isn’t compromised for the price point—Audient simply focused resources on what matters most for recording.

The company’s philosophy prioritizes analog audio quality over features. The iD4 includes fewer bells and whistles than some competitors but delivers superior sound where it counts.

Class-A Preamp Performance

The iD4’s single microphone preamp provides 58dB of gain through a discrete Class-A design. This topology delivers the warmth and dimension that budget op-amp designs cannot replicate.

The noise floor measures impressively low, allowing gain to be pushed when needed without introducing audible hiss. This headroom matters for quiet sources and ribbon microphones that require substantial gain.

The preamp character adds subtle warmth without imposing obvious coloration. Sources sound like themselves with enhanced depth and dimension. This characteristic flatters vocals, acoustic instruments, and anything demanding accurate capture.

Compared to budget interfaces, the iD4’s preamp reveals differences more apparent with high-quality microphones. Users upgrading from entry-level gear hear immediately audible improvements.

JFET Instrument Input

The iD4’s instrument input deserves special attention. Rather than the typical op-amp DI circuit, Audient implemented a discrete JFET design that adds warmth and character to guitars and basses.

JFET transistors exhibit subtle harmonic behavior that flatters instruments in ways that clean, clinical DI inputs cannot. Guitars sound fuller and more three-dimensional. Basses gain weight and presence.

This instrument input alone justifies consideration for guitarist and bassist home studios. The character suits direct recording without amplifiers, providing usable tone without extensive processing.

The separate instrument input means microphone and instrument can record simultaneously, enabling singer-songwriter tracking in a single pass.

Converter and Monitoring Quality

The MKII version improved converters over the original iD4, now featuring Audient’s latest designs. The 24-bit conversion captures detail faithfully while the monitoring path reveals that detail accurately.

The headphone amplifier drives demanding headphones without strain. The volume range accommodates both low-impedance IEMs and high-impedance studio headphones.

The large encoder knob controls monitor level with smooth operation. ScrollControl functionality allows using this knob as a scroll wheel in supported DAWs, improving workflow integration.

The monitor outputs provide balanced quarter-inch connections suitable for powered monitors. The output quality ensures that mixes translate accurately to other playback systems.

Compact Desktop Design

The iD4’s distinctive rounded design sets it apart visually from rectangular competitors. The sculptural form factor integrates aesthetically into creative workspaces.

The compact footprint occupies minimal desk space while the vertical orientation positions the large encoder ergonomically. The design works well on desks, keyboard trays, or studio furniture.

Build quality reflects Audient’s professional heritage. The metal chassis survives studio use while the premium feel inspires confidence. The interface looks and feels more expensive than its price suggests.

Software and Compatibility

The Audient iD mixer software provides essential control over routing and monitoring. The interface works class-compliant on Mac for immediate operation while Windows users install drivers.

The software bundle includes Cubase LE and various plugins from partner developers. While not as extensive as some competitors’ bundles, the included software provides functional recording capability.

Driver stability and compatibility across platforms reflects Audient’s professional background. The interface works reliably with major DAWs without the quirks that some budget alternatives exhibit.

Limitations to Consider

The single microphone input limits recording to one microphone at a time. Singer-songwriters tracking vocals and guitar can work around this with the instrument input, but drummers or bands need more inputs.

The iD14 MKII ($299) provides two microphone inputs for users needing additional capacity. The same preamp quality scales to this larger format.

MIDI I/O is absent, requiring separate interfaces for keyboard controllers and hardware synthesizers.

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The Audient iD4 MKII is available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon with excellent availability.