Audient iD44 MKII USB Audio Interface
- 20 In / 24 Out
- USB-C connector
- 4 Class-A Audient console microphone preamps
- Gain: 60 dB
Audient iD44 MKII Review
Audient has launched the iD44 MkII, an upgraded version of their popular USB 24-bit/96kHz audio interface. The main highlights include improved A-D converters, delivering a 9dB increase in total harmonic noise and distortion performance, as well as the addition of an Audio Loop-Back feature.
This new function allows users to capture audio playback from multiple applications on their computer at the same time as the microphone inputs. Audient says this makes the iD44 MkII an excellent choice for podcasters, content creators, and streamers.
One of the two built-in headphone amps now features dual outputs (via a quarter-inch socket and a mini-jack), allowing up to three sets of headphones to be connected at once. Along with these technical upgrades and extra features, the unit also gets a stylish update, with an all-metal casing now finished in a new smoke-grey color.
Audient iD44 MKII Key Options
Each iD interface features the Audient Console Mic Preamp, the same discrete circuit design found in the renowned ASP8024-HE recording console. Engineered to deliver ultra-low noise and minimal distortion with a touch of classic analog warmth, iD44’s four Audient Console mic pres give you the professional sound you deserve.
Easily configure your studio to handle larger sessions. Equipped with two optical input and output connectors, iD44 gives you plenty of expansion options. Supporting both ADAT and SPDIF, you can add up to 16 channels of mic preamps to your setup for even more flexibility.
Integrate your favorite outboard FX before conversion and start creating signal chains that rival the best studios. The insert returns also give you direct access to the A/D converters, providing the cleanest signal path possible. This is perfect for print-backs or integrating outboard line-level sources.
Designed to emulate the input stage of a classic valve amplifier, iD44 features two harmonically rich JFET Instrument Inputs. These give you the perfect sonic foundation for your guitars or basses before you run them through your amp sims.
The iD mixer seamlessly integrates hardware and software, making it easy to set up low latency direct monitoring. Create up to four stereo artist cue mixes, name and customize channels, save layout presets, assign hardware function buttons, and quickly manage advanced routing.
Speed up your workflow with iD44’s three programmable function buttons. Assign any advanced monitoring option—such as Speaker Select, Mono Sum, Polarity Reverse, or Cue Mix monitoring—to any of the F-buttons, and quickly take control of your session.
iD44’s dedicated talkback feature lets you use any audio source connected to your computer, such as a built-in or USB microphone, as your talkback mic, freeing up valuable mic preamps for recording.
Now equipped with Audio Loop-back, iD44 can quickly transform into a multi-purpose powerhouse. Capture playback from multiple applications on your computer simultaneously with your microphones—Audio Loop-back lets you create a custom audio feed ready to send to your streaming software. Perfect for content creators, podcasters, and streamers.
Audient iD44 MKII Routing and Converters
The converters have also been upgraded, boasting a 9dB improvement in total harmonic distortion and noise. We can confidently say that these new converters are ultra-clean and accurate, delivering sound quality that rivals interfaces costing at least twice as much.
The output conversion is just as precise and impressive, feeding four analog output jacks on the rear panel, along with two built-in headphone amps. These amps power three front-panel headphone sockets: a 3.5mm and a 6.35mm jack for the first headphone channel, and a single 6.35mm jack for the second channel.
The signals sent to the outputs depend on how you configure the interface’s internal routing map, which is managed through the iD software. This software is primarily used for mixing the iD44’s input signals with internal busses from your DAW—allowing you to combine input signals with DAW output signals for ultra-low-latency direct input monitoring.
You can create up to five independent mixes—a main monitor mix and four cue mixes—which can be routed to any of the hardware outputs. There’s also a separate monitor output that carries a copy of the main mix. Additionally, the DAW THRU mode routes internal DAW output busses directly to the corresponding hardware bus.
- 2 ADAT inputs and outputs for digital expansion
- 2 Discrete JFET instrument inputs
- 2 Independent stereo headphone outputs
- 3 User-defined function buttons
- Talkback, dim and cut buttons
- DSP mixer with intuitive software
- Main and alt speaker outputs
- 2 Balanced inserts
- 24 Bit / 96 kHz
Why You Need the Audient iD44 MKII
Audient rarely disappoints when it comes to the quality of their products. This item is no exception, and you can expect top-notch quality from it. Like their previous model, this one offers even more features and has been improved where it was needed most.
For the reasonable price they charge, anyone familiar with their products will recognize that this is a great deal for what it offers.
Conclusion
As we mentioned before, Audient really delivers. We believe this unit will find its way into many studios and make a lot of customers happy. To be honest, we’re also taking a closer look at it ourselves and plan to get one for our own home studio.
If you have any questions about this device, feel free to ask in the comment section below or reach out to Audient’s customer care team on their website.
