Audient iD44 20in 24out Audio Interface

Audient iD44 20in 24out Audio Interface

The iD22 was the first in Audient's iD series of desktop USB audio interfaces, which debuted in 2013. In 2014, the iD14 became more compact, and in 2016, the iD4 became even tinier. Audient has now reversed this decreasing strategy with the release of the iD44, a 20-in/24-out, 24 bit/96kHz, USB 2.0 audio interface that runs on both Mac (OS 10.7.5 and later) and Windows (7 and later) PCs with its companion iD Mixer DSP application.

The Tough Stuff

The iD44 has the same bulky black and silver metal body as its siblings, bespoke aluminum knobs, illuminated pushbuttons, a huge rotary encoder, and a single stereo LED meter horizontally-oriented microswitches.

Its four mic/line analog input channels use Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connections. Its two pairs of optical inputs and outputs can be adjusted independently to give extra inputs and outputs in either ADAT or ADAT S/PDIF formats. External digital hardware is synchronized using an oddly hefty BNC word clock output connector.

Four of the iD44's eight analog outputs are connected to TRS jacks set up as two L R pairs, 1+2 and 3+4, and are line-level and electronically balanced. The others (5+6 and 7+8) are sent to the front of the unit's two headphone outputs.

The Soft Stuff

The iD Mixer application features two screens, Mixer and System Panel, that are only for configuring and controlling the iD44's functionality and have no effect on the DAW to which the ID44 is attached as an audio interface. You can set the format of the optical digital inputs and outputs; select the source for the unit's word clock; select the loudspeaker(s) used when the mono sum mode is active; trim the levels of outputs 1+2 and 3+4 when the Dim and Alt(ornate) Speaker modes are operational; set the talkback input (analog input or external source), and assign functions to the three front panel Function buttons. The Main Mix, Alternate Speaker (when active), Cue mixes, and the DAW Thru (eight direct DAW outputs with no volume control) are all routed to the iD44's hardware analog or digital outputs via this Screen.

The iD Mixer Screen shows the iD44's three available input blocks: four microphone channels, 16 optical channels, and eight DAW returns (plus an additional two DAW returns that allow you to route an external talkback microphone to the primary and cue mixes). You can also rename channels and build a central monitor mix and up to four different independent cue mixes that can be utilized by external processors using the ID mixer. Although an ID44 analog input channel does not have an EQ, it can be reversed polarity, panned, soloed, or muted, and grouped into a stereo pair. The current signal levels in dBFS are displayed adjacent to the faders on all viewable channels, with 0dBFS equaling +18dBu. The polarity reverse is missing from the DAW returns, but the channel controls and metering are identical.

Use

The iD44 involves the setup and execution of both hardware and software. You'll need to route the Main Mix, Alt Spkr, Cue, and DAW thru outputs to the desired analog and digital outputs after installing the iD Mixer app, setting up the iD44 as your DAW audio interface, configuring a clock source, and configuring any additional digital inputs and outputs (stereo or mono, ADAT or S/PDIF). If you switch the Main or Alt results from stereo to twin mono, the DAW Thru is automatically routed in their place because the ID mixer assumes they're being used as line-level sends.

Trimming the level of the Alt Spkr output to match the Main Mix, adjusting the Dim monitor level, and optimizing the F1-F3 critical assignment so that they influence Alt Spkr switching, main mix mono summing, and single side polarity reversal are all additional software setup tasks for the iD44's hardware. Finally, you select a talkback source, create your first Main and Cue monitor mixes, and get started.

The iD low-latency DSP mixer software transforms the iD44 into a user-friendly and powerful mixer/controller that makes putting together your primary monitor and cue mixes a breeze. You can also save your monitor mixes/setups to your computer to use as starting templates or recall later in the project. You may also keep a complete setup as a Standalone State, which saves the current configuration in the iD44, allowing you to use a pre-programmed monitor/cue mix setup without needing to connect to a computer.

Features:

• Desktop interface with 20-in and 24-out ports

• 4 Audient console mic preamps with a gain of 60dB

• State-of-the-art 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters

• Digital expansion with two ADAT inputs and outputs

• 2 JFET instrument inputs that are discrete

• Two perfectly balanced inserts

• Two stereo headphone outputs, each with its volume control

• Speaker outputs (primary and alternate)

• ScrollControl

• Three function keys that the user can customize

• Separate controls for talkback, dimming, and cutting

• DSP mixer with low latency

• The output of the word clock

• USB 2.0 compatibility

• All-metal chassis for durability

Conversion with high efficiency

The iD44's high-performance AD/DA converter technology is designed to provide an enhanced dynamic range for accurate and natural recording reproduction. Because of the converters' exceptional clarity, you can hear subtle detail and make better mix selections, resulting in better-sounding recordings. Two harmonically improved JFET DI inputs are also included on the iD44, aiming to re-create the input stage of a vintage tube amplifier. Connect your bass guitar or synthesizer, hit Record, and listen to the magic unfold.

It's all about connectivity these days.

The iD44 has two optical ports each for input and output, making room for a wide range of expansion possibilities. The iD44 adds up to 16 channels of mic pres to your rig, supporting both ADAT and S/PDIF, making it excellent for more extensive sessions or tracking a band. Two completely balanced insert points make it simple to integrate your outboard gear before conversion, allowing you to plug antique mic pres, compressors, and EQs rapidly. The insert returns also provide you direct access to the A/D converters for the cleanest signal path imaginable, which is ideal for print-backs or integrating line-level analog sources. Whether you're processing stems or putting together a vocal chain, iD44 has you covered. 

Monitor control in the console-style

The iD44 provides exceptionally versatile monitor control functionality, including dedicated talkback, cut, and dim buttons, as well as polarity, mono, speaker selection, and cue mix monitoring, all inspired by Audient's significant analog console design experience. All monitoring functions can be assigned to three programmable function buttons, eliminating the need to dig through menus for incomprehensible software-controlled capabilities! Assign the necessary monitoring functions and take command of your session. Sweetwater's engineers adore Audient's console-style approach to hardware control, and you will work as well

There are up to four stereo artist cue mixes available.

The iD Mixer software from iD44 allows you to build up to four stereo artist cue mixes, name and customize channels, save layout presets, assign hardware function buttons, quickly set up complicated routing, use presets in standalone mode, and more. The iD Mixer software is closely and tastefully connected with the iD44 hardware, allowing you complete control over the recording process.

The "center-section" functionality is extremely powerful.

The iD44 is smartly intended to imitate the tremendous capabilities of a console's center portion for communications and monitoring control. Dedicated talkback technology on the iD44 allows you to use any audio source connected to your computer as your talkback mic, freeing up valuable mic pres while providing a reliable talkback solution no matter where you are. With the press of a button, the iD44's volume encoder transforms into a virtual scroll wheel, allowing you to manage your DAW, plug-ins, and more as if you were adjusting hardware. Without staring at a screen, quickly dial in settings, tune faders, or even write in automation.

All-metal chassis that can withstand the elements on the road

The Audient iD44 is precision-engineered to give you years of reliable performance in the studio and on the road, from its high-grade components to its all-metal structure and hand-finished aluminum knobs. The iD44 comes with a conventional USB cable and a USB Type-C cable, connecting it to any USB-compatible Mac or PC that supports USB 2.0 or higher.