Audient iD4 MKII Review: A Small Box with Big‑Studio Smarts
The Audient iD4 MKII is a compact 2‑in/2‑out USB‑C audio interface aimed at creators who want console‑grade sound and a streamlined workflow
The Audient iD4 MKII is a compact 2‑in/2‑out USB‑C audio interface aimed at creators who want console‑grade sound and a streamlined workflow without a big budget or desk footprint. For Indian home studios focused on recording vocals, acoustic instruments, guitars, and voice work, it delivers excellent audio performance, strong headphone power, and thoughtful monitoring controls—provided two inputs and no MIDI I/O fit the plan.
Build Quality and Design
The iD4 MKII feels robust and premium for its class, with a compact metal chassis and a clean top‑panel layout: two gain knobs (mic and DI), a large multifunction volume encoder, input/DAW monitor blend, and a speaker mute/dim function. I/O is simple and smart: rear combo XLR/TRS for mic/line and balanced monitor outs; front-panel JFET instrument input plus both 1/4″ and 3.5mm headphone jacks that can be used simultaneously. USB‑C connectivity is standard, and the unit is bus‑powered—Audient specifies USB 3.0 current for proper operation and higher headphone drive levels, which is a practical requirement to note for laptops with underpowered ports.
Technical Specs Explained
Preamps and DI
- 1x Audient Class‑A console mic pre with 58dB gain range, EIN -129dB(A), THD+N 0.0017% at 0dBu: translates to clean, low‑noise vocal and instrument capture, even with gain‑hungry dynamics
- JFET instrument input (40dB range), voiced to emulate a classic valve amp front end
- THD+N around 0.1% at 0dBu for touch‑responsive guitar/bass DI tracks
Conversion and dynamic range
- ADC dynamic range: 120dB(A), DAC/line outs: 125.5dB(A), headphone outs: 125.5dB(A) with THD+N as low as 0.0006–0.0009%, ensuring detailed mixes and clean playback for editing and mastering decisions.
- Frequency response is flat within ±0.5dB from 10Hz–40kHz on A/D
- ±0.1dB on D/A and headphone paths, for transparent capture and monitoring.
Sample rate / bit depth and latency
- 24‑bit / 96kHz operation covers professional standards for music and content creation.
- Audient’s DSP mixer round‑trip (in‑to‑out) latency is quoted at 0.65ms at 44.1kHz and 0.31ms at 96kHz (independent of DAW buffer), enabling confident zero‑latency hardware monitoring while tracking.
Monitoring and control
- Dual headphone outputs (1/4″ and 3.5mm) can run at the same time—handy for artist/producer monitoring or checking consumer earbud translation.
- Monitor Mix and Monitor Pan allow quick, no‑latency blends between inputs and DAW playback, with the encoder’s “iD” mode enabling ScrollControl for DAW/plugin parameters and a proper monitor controller feel.
Connectivity and power
- USB‑C, bus‑powered; Audient recommends at least 0.9A@5V (USB 3.0) for stability and full headphone output swing.
- iOS compatibility
Audio Quality
The defining trait is “quiet and honest” capture with a touch of analogue warmth from the Audient pre and a musically voiced JFET DI that flatters guitars and bass without masking detail. The high DAC/headphone dynamic range provides an unexpectedly open stereo image and transient clarity for mix decisions on quality headphones, and the output stage has ample power for common impedances (e.g., up to 280mW into 62Ω), keeping headroom intact. Multiple independent reviews highlight the iD4 MKII’s clean gain, robust construction, and guitar‑friendly DI as best‑in‑class strengths for the money.
Real‑World Use Cases
- Singer‑songwriters and voiceover: One mic + one DI is perfect for vocal‑and‑guitar tracking, podcasting, and VO with reliable zero‑latency monitoring and simple routing.
- Guitar/bass producers: The JFET DI pairs beautifully with amp sims; reviewers specifically praise it for guitar‑centric workflows under $200.
- EDM / beatmakers and streamers: Creator‑focused additions like loopback (for capturing system audio while recording a mic) and ScrollControl streamline tutorials, streaming, and sample capture.
- Mobile/compact rigs: Bus power over USB‑C and the rugged desktop format make it reliable for travel and small desks, assuming a proper USB 3.0 source.
Known Hardware/Software Issues and Fixes
- Windows optimization and pops/clicks: Some users report buffering/pops on certain Windows PCs; the typical culprits are DPC latency and power management rather than the interface itself. Audient’s official guidance includes using LatencyMon to identify problematic drivers (e.g., Wi‑Fi, GPU), disabling CPU throttling and USB power saving, and updating BIOS/chipset drivers. Adjust the DAW buffer and the driver’s “safety” mode as needed for stability.
- Driver updates and features: Audient maintains active driver development, with recent releases adding ARM64 Windows support, macOS Sequoia compatibility, accessibility improvements, and loopback UI indicators; make sure to install the latest iD software/firmware for best stability and features.
- USB power: For underpowered laptop ports or hubs, ensure a true USB 3.0/USB‑C port that can deliver ≥0.9A; insufficient current can reduce headphone drive or cause instability.
Review Scores of the Audient iD4 MKII
Final Words and Recommendation
Audient’s iD4 MKII nails the fundamentals with unusually high‑end sonics and a guitarist‑approved DI in a compact, bus‑powered package, then sweetens the deal with thoughtful workflow features like loopback, monitor pan, and a real monitor controller feel via the main encoder. For solo artists, content creators, and guitar‑first producers who value clean capture and honest monitoring over superfluous I/O, it’s one of the most convincing picks in the sub‑$200 class—just pair it with a solid USB‑C/USB 3.0 connection and keep drivers up to date for a smooth ride.
