Record with a USB Audio Interface on iPad & iPhone
Turn your iPad or iPhone into a portable recording station. Connect compatible class-compliant USB audio hardware with multichannel routing and level metering.
What Does "Class-Compliant" Mean on iOS?
On macOS and Windows, many studio audio devices require proprietary driver software to function. iOS and iPadOS do not support third-party kernel drivers. Instead, Apple devices work exclusively with **compatible class-compliant audio interfaces** that adhere to standardized USB Audio protocols.
When you connect a class-compliant device, iPadOS recognizes it instantly without configuration. Aurec inspects the connected hardware and unlocks multichannel input routing.
Hardware Connection & Power Requirements: USB-C vs. Lightning
Hardware connectivity varies significantly depending on your iPad or iPhone model. Modern USB-C iPads and iPhones (such as iPhone 15 and newer) connect directly with standard USB-C cables. Simple two-channel bus-powered interfaces often run straight from the device battery, but multi-channel interfaces with 48V phantom power draw substantial current and will require a powered USB-C hub or an adapter with power pass-through.
Lightning iPads and iPhones cannot deliver sufficient bus power for most audio interfaces. You will need an official Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter with an active Lightning charging cable plugged in to supply 5V power to the interface.
Multichannel Input Routing and Peak Metering
Once connected, Aurec displays your detected hardware inputs (Input 1, Input 2, etc.). You can name these inputs (e.g. "Lead Vocal" and "Acoustic DI") and assign them directly to separate tracks in your multitrack workspace.
Aurec provides live dBFS peak and RMS level meters with clipping indicators on every hardware channel. This lets you set optimal gain on your interface preamp before hitting record, avoiding digital distortion.
Need to clean up or trim your takes? Check our audio editor guide or learn how to overdub additional layers.
Engineered for Sound.
Zero Compromises.
Every tool in Aurec is built directly into native iOS audio frameworks for low latency, high dynamic range, and rock-solid stability.
Automatic Hardware Discovery
Detects compatible class-compliant USB audio devices immediately upon connection without driver setup.
Multichannel Track Assignment
Route individual physical interface inputs directly to separate recording layers.
Peak & RMS Metering with Clip Alerts
Monitor preamp gain levels in real-time to avoid harsh digital clipping and distortion.
Studio 32-Bit Float WAV Support
Capture high dynamic range audio directly from your interface converters up to 48 kHz.
Simple 3-Step Workflow
From the initial burst of inspiration to finished, uncompressed stems ready for your DAW.
Connect Hardware
Connect your compatible class-compliant interface using a USB-C cable or Apple Lightning adapter with power.
Set Gain and Check Meters
Monitor input channel levels in Aurec and adjust your interface preamp gain knobs below 0 dBFS.
Track and Export
Record your takes in uncompressed WAV and export the files directly to Files, AirDrop, or desktop DAWs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using Aurec for hardware interface routing on iOS.
Related Audio Recording Guides
Discover all the capabilities of Aurec for musicians, podcasters, and sound creators.
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