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An introduction to Audient iD48, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Bigger, better and more powerful than ever, iD48 is the flagship USB iD interface made for producers and engineers.
— Audient official site
What is iD48?
iD48 is the flagship USB interface in Audient's iD range, with 24 inputs and 32 outputs, described as made for producers and engineers. It connects over USB-C and works with Mac and Windows.
It carries eight Audient Console Mic Preamps, an all-discrete design that Audient says is the same circuit design as in its ASP8024-HE console. Gain is 68 dB including the 10 dB boost. Audient stresses that these are real analog console preamps, not emulations.
A new feature is Switchable Analogue Inserts: eight balanced inserts on D-sub connectors, with per-channel switching of whether the mic preamp or a DAW output feeds the outboard, without re-patching. The returns can also bypass the preamp when recording an external mic preamp.
Optical ADAT and S/PDIF I/O can add up to 16 channels with external preamps. There are two independent headphone amps, Main and Alt speaker outputs, talkback and user-assignable buttons, all part of the built-in monitor control.
Eight Audient Console Mic Preamps
Eight discrete preamps with 68 dB of gain; Audient highlights low noise and a touch of analog warmth, and the count helps with multi-mic sessions such as drums.
32-bit ESS converters
32-bit ESS DAC technology with 126.5 dB DAC and 120 dB ADC dynamic range (A-weighted); Audient says subtle details are easier to hear.
Switchable Analogue Inserts
The eight D-sub inserts can be switched to send DAW outputs to outboard, which may reduce re-patching for stem mixing and print-backs.
Optical digital expansion
ADAT and S/PDIF optical I/O add up to 16 channels with external preamps, leaving room to grow the studio.
Full monitor control
Two independent headphone amps (driving up to 600 ohms), Main and Alt speaker outputs, and function buttons for Dim or Mono. A USB or built-in computer mic can serve as talkback.
iD Mixer with four cue mixes
The included mixer app sets up low-latency direct monitoring and up to four stereo cue mixes, with saveable layouts.
JFET instrument inputs
Two JFET inputs modeled on the input stage of classic valve amps, for guitar or bass before an amp simulator, per Audient.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| I/O | 24 inputs / 32 outputs |
| Connection | USB-C (macOS / Windows) |
| Mic preamps | 8, gain 0 to +68 dB (with 10 dB boost) |
| Line gain | -10 to +58 dB |
| EIN | -127 dBu |
| Mic input impedance | 3 kohms balanced |
| Line input impedance | 10 kohms balanced |
| Max input level | +18 dBu |
| Preamp THD+N | 0.0016% (-96 dB) at 0 dBu, 1 kHz |
| Preamp SNR | 99 dB A-weighted |
| ADC dynamic range | 120 dB A-weighted |
| DAC dynamic range | 126.5 dB A-weighted |
| Instrument inputs | 2 (ch 1 and 2, gain 0 to +68 dB, 500 kohms) |
| Headphone outputs | 2 (up to 530 mW into 30 ohms, 126 mW into 600 ohms) |
| Inserts | 8 (D-sub, balanced) |
| Digital | ADAT / S/PDIF optical I/O |
| Width | about 44 cm (rack ears detachable) |
What is included and system requirements
- iD48 interface
- Rack ears (detachable)
- ARC software bundle (the official page describes a collection of recording software)
- iD Mixer app
How to use it
- Connect iD48 to the computer via USB-C and install the driver and iD Mixer.
- Plug mics into the XLR inputs.
- Enable 48 V phantom power per channel for mics that need it.
- Select iD48 as input and output in your DAW.
- Connect monitors to Main and a second pair to Alt.
- Build headphone cue mixes in iD Mixer.
- For outboard, connect the D-sub inserts and choose the signal sent.
Multi-mic drum and band sessions
Eight preamps plus ADAT expansion may suit sessions using many mics at once.
Mixing through outboard
The inserts may suit sending signals from the DAW through outboard compressors and EQs and back.
Vocals with an artist headphone mix
Independent headphone amps and cue mixes may suit giving a singer a separate mix.
DI guitar and bass
The JFET inputs may suit direct recording before an amp simulator.
Who it may suit
- Producers and engineers looking for a high-channel-count interface.
- Users who want to reduce re-patching with outboard gear.
- People wanting real analog mic preamps over USB-C.
- Anyone who wants monitor control consolidated on the desk.
Good to know before you buy
- At about 44 cm wide it needs desk space; rack ears are included and detachable.
- The contents of the ARC software bundle should be checked on Audient's current page.
- Check local dealer pages for regional pricing.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
Sources: audient.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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