Many audio interfaces are designed for desktop use. When choosing one for iPhone or iPad, make sure it's iOS-compatible. Some analog interfaces (like the iRig 2) won't work with iPhone 7 and later due to the removed headphone jack.
1) Analog Interfaces with Headphone Cable (NOT for iPhone 7+)
- IK Multimedia iRig 2, iRig Stomp
- Peavey Ampkit Link
- Tascam iXZ
The easiest way to get guitar sounds from your iOS device, but only compatible with pre-iPhone 7 models.
2) Lightning Interfaces with Single Guitar Input (NOT for iPhone 7+)
- Apogee Jam
- Apogee Jam 96k
- IK Multimedia iRig HD
With a headphone output on your iOS device, you can use "input-only" interfaces and monitor through headphones.
To connect to a guitar amp, keep in mind:
- Plugging a low-level signal into a high-level input means turning up the amp volume, which introduces noise.
- Going the other way causes clipping at high volumes. Keep the volume low to avoid this.
- Due to impedance bridging, plugging a low-impedance device into a high-impedance device is fine. The reverse is not recommended.
In guitar rigs, the instrument goes into effects pedals, then line-level signal reaches the amp's high-impedance input. Similarly, a headphone output can drive a line input, but a line output generally cannot drive headphones.
Check if your guitar amp has an Aux In (usually a 1/8" jack). Many modern amps accept headphone-level signals through this input.
If your amp only has a guitar input, you'll need:
A. A stereo 1/8" TRS to mono 1/4" TS adapter cable (Hosa or Canare are common brands).
B. A re-amp box to convert the low-impedance signal to high impedance for the guitar input.
3) Lightning Interfaces with Guitar Input + Headphone/Line Outputs
- IK Multimedia iRig HD 2, iRig Pro I/O, iRig Pro DUO
- Line 6 Sonic Port (VX)
- PreSonus iOne, iTwo
- Focusrite iTrack Solo
More outputs means better flexibility — connect to headphones, a guitar amp, or studio monitors. To connect balanced outputs to a guitar amp, you still need a re-amp box. We recommend using FRFR (full range, flat response) speakers or studio monitors for the best results with Positive Grid's cab simulation.
4) Dock-Style Digital Interfaces
- Alesis IO Dock II
- Focusrite iTrack Dock
Dock-style interfaces mount on a stand or sit on a desk. Note that Alesis IO Dock I and Behringer iS202 have 30-pin connectors only and are not compatible with Lightning devices.
5) Generic USB Interfaces with iPad Compatibility*
- Steinberg UR series
- Tascam US 2x2, US 4x4
- Roland Rubix series
- MOTU Microbook IIc
- Zoom U series
Some newer models offer iPad compatibility. You may need Apple's Camera Connection Kit to connect. Refer to each manufacturer's website for details.
*Listed but not limited to these brands and models.
**Other product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies, not endorsed or affiliated with Positive Grid. Apple, IK Multimedia, Apogee, Peavey, Tascam, Focusrite, Line 6, PreSonus, MOTU, Roland, Steinberg, Alesis, and Zoom are trademarks of their respective holders.