Audient Expands iD Series with the iD48 Audio Interface
Audient has unveiled the latest addition to its iD series of audio interfaces: the iD48. This eight-channel, rack-mountable interface is priced at £799, €899, and $999, and boasts a range of impressive features. Among them, one stands out as particularly exciting—the inclusion of switchable balanced inserts via D-sub connections.
Completing the iD Series Line-Up
The iD48 rounds off Audient’s iD series, joining the single-channel iD4, the two-channel iD14, the upgraded iD24, and the four-channel iD44. While the iD48 shares many specifications with its counterparts, including 126.5dB A-weighted digital-to-analogue conversion, it does improve on analogue-to-digital conversion with a 2dB enhancement, reaching 122dB.
Key Features of the iD48
The iD48 is a 24-input, 32-output interface, with a variety of routing options:
Inputs:
8 high-quality Audient console mic preamps with combination XLR/line inputs*.
8 analogue inputs via DB25 connectors*.
16 digital inputs via ADAT at 48kHz or 8 digital inputs at 96kHz.
2 JFet instrument DI inputs located on the front panel, which override XLR inputs 1 and 2 when in use.
*Selectable on each channel in the iD Mixer application
Audient iD48 rear highlighting inputs and outputs
Outputs:
8 analogue outputs via DB25 connectors.
16 digital outputs via ADAT.
4 balanced jack monitor outputs.
2 stereo headphone outputs.
Other notable features include a 58dB gain range for mic inputs, USB-C connectivity, mains power operation, and 24-bit resolution at up to 96kHz. Additionally, the front panel hosts a speaker selector, a permanent talkback button, and two assignable function buttons for tasks like summing stereo outputs to mono or cutting the signal to outputs.
Analogue Inserts: A Standout Feature
Audient iD48 analogue routing.
The inclusion of 8 switchable balanced inserts via D-sub connectors is a defining feature. These inserts allow analogue outboard gear to be integrated into recording or mixing chains pre-conversion. The iD Mixer software enhances this functionality by providing flexible routing options:
Mic: Routes mic preamp inputs directly to a DAW.
ADC: Allows recording from external hardware, such as preamps or synthesisers.
Insert: Utilises the D-sub I/O path as a fully analogue insert point for the on-board mic preamps pre-conversion.
This flexibility extends to routing audio from a DAW for mixing and mastering with external hardware. However, it’s worth noting that the analogue inserts align with each channel (e.g., mic preamp channel 1 corresponds to D-sub channel 1). Additionally, only eight analogue pathways can be used simultaneously, meaning users cannot record 8 XLR inputs and 8 line inputs via D-sub simultaneously.
Expandability and Comparisons
The iD48 supports up to 24 inputs, with an additional 16 digital channels available via ADAT. Expansion options include devices like the EVO SP8, ASP800, and ASP880. While the ASP800 and ASP880 are high-quality preamp racks, they lack digital-to-analogue converters, which limits their ability to send audio from a DAW. The iD48, however, supports both recording and analogue signal processing with outboard gear, making it a more versatile solution.
Applications and Final Thoughts
The iD48 is designed for professionals needing a streamlined solution for recording and mixing. It offers the convenience of permanently connected analogue gear, multiple monitoring setups, and the ability to mix and master through analogue chains. Its feature set is particularly appealing for producers and studios working on fast-paced projects.
At its price point, the iD48 provides excellent value, with ample expansion and routing options. While high-end headphone amplification or premium conversion would require additional investment, the iD48 excels as an all-round interface for serious studio setups.
Looking to the future, it will be interesting to see how Audient expands the iD series. Could an iD96 with 16 analogue inputs and advanced features be on the horizon? Only time will tell.
Purchasing links*
BUY THE AUDIENT ID48 HERE:
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/raGek5
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/609185?offid=1&affid=707
* Purchasing this, or any of your studio gear through these links earns me a small commission and is a great way to support the channel and help me to keep it going if you’ve found value in this review. Thank you.
