Early this year, Audient unveiled upgraded iD4 and iD14 MKII audio interfaces, adding new features and a new look, at the same price as their predecessors. In this article and video, James Ivey talks us through both interfaces and puts them to the test.
Since 1997, UK based pro audio manufacturers Audient have been designing and building high-quality audio hardware. It started with David Dearden’s dream recording console, that we now know as the ASP 8024 and in 2021 at the nearly NAMM show, Audient launched updated versions of their iD4 and iD14 portable interfaces. However, this is more than just a fresh, stylish new look. So let’s dive deep into the treasure that is the Audient iD4 and iD14 Mk2 and find out what’s new.
Audient launched the original iD14 and iD4 in 2015 and 2016 respectively following on from the success of their first USB audio interface the iD 22 in 2015. Click the links to read and watch our original reviews from the time.
I know many of the team at Audient very well and this friendship is one of the reasons I invested in a full fat 24 channel Audient ASP 8024 Heritage Edition large format console. I really do like the Audient sound and I also know that they are not the type of people to rest on their pro audio laurels, hence I knew that it would take more than a lick of paint for the Audient team to call these units “Mk2”.
Audient iD4 and iD14 Mk 2
So, I hear you ask what is new? Let’s look at the two interfaces separately.
Audient iD 4: First up that good news is that the mic pre design and signal path are unchanged which means you still get that wonderful clean and clear Audient sound. However, the audio performance has been enhanced to give us an extra 7dB of dynamic range of the A-D side and 11dB on the D-A side. It might sound like chasing numbers but it really does make a difference and the unit sounds better because of it.
The new iD4 is also a USB-C interface and is still fully bus-powered. And it’s had a new paint job and new styling. Very sharp.
Audient iD14: I think it’s fair to say that a little more work has been done on the slightly older iD14. Once again the Audient ASP quality mic preamps remain and once again the audio quality as been tweaked to give us and extra 5dB on the A-D side and 9dB on the D-A side. Small increments but when the previous specs were as good as they were, you are only ever going to be getting marginal gains. They all add up.
Along with the new aesthetics, the front panel now sports a second headphone output over mini-jack to match the iD4 and we also get an extra 2 line outputs around the back giving us potentially a second pair of speaker outs, if that is your want. iD14 is also now fully bus-powered over USB-C so again no need to hunt around for the wall wart power supply.
It’s also worth noting that both iD4 and iD14 now ship with USB-C cables in the box so no disappointment when you get your new interface home then have to jump on a well-known shopping site to order the cable for next day delivery. Because that has never happened before has it?
Audio Quality
I was impressed 5 years ago with what Audient had managed to get from this really very small audio interfaces and with the new tweaks, this has only got better. If you are new to the iD range you are going to say those are some good looking and good sounding interfaces. However, if you have heard the originals then you will know how much work has gone into the updates to make them sound even better than the originals.
Audient have also updated the iD software for iD14 and iD4 Mk2 so you get the same slick control panel as you use with the big brother of the range the iD44.
Build Quality
Very much like version 1 iD4 and iD14, the new versions are built to last. They are all-metal construction, that, although I have not tested it, I’m pretty sure you could drive a truck over. and they would be just fine. So than capable of handling life on the road or in your laptop bag. The gain pots feel good and solid and the master volume / continuous encoder feels great with it’s gently detenting and nice push action.
And when you are not on the road, the Kensington Lock port is a nice little extra.
Results
If you are in the market for first audio interface and you should look no further than the Audient iD range of interfaces. They sound great and easy to use and perform brilliantly every time. However, I’m going to warn you now, you will be spoilt because unless you spend a significant amount more cash on a super high-end unit for your second interface you are not going to get better audio quality. That’s the Audient trick, or in sales speak the Key Selling Point (KSP). Their entry-level units sound every bit as good as their high end recording consoles. However, I don’t fancy the idea of trying to get a 24 or 48 channel console in my rucksack.
You can find out more about the new iD4, iD14 and the full Audient range or interfaces, mics pres and recording consoles at the Audient website.