Applies to: Bus-powered USB audio interfaces

This article explains how to connect a bus-powered USB audio interface (such as Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen) to an iPhone or iPad. If you have a mains-powered audio interface (i.e. it needs a dedicated power supply), see Connecting a mains-powered audio interface to iPhone or iPad.

We officially support the following interfaces on iPhone and iPad:

• Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
• Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
• Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
• Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
• Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

While not officially supported, we expect the following interfaces to work on iPhone and iPad:

• Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen
• Vocaster One & Two

Check your iPhone or iPad is running a supported iOS/iPad OS version here.

Due to the power requirements of our audio interfaces and the specifications of USB-C Apple devices, some iPhones/iPads are not able to provide enough power to the interface via a direct connection alone, whereas others can (e.g. an iPad Pro).

Use one of the following methods to connect.

Direct connection (USB C-to-C)

Some USB-C iPhones and iPads are able to provide enough power from their USB-C ports alone to power an audio interface. In this case, connect a USB C-to-C cable from the iPhone/iPad's USB-C port to the USB port marked USB. This is an ideal portable setup as no mains power is needed.

An iPhone can't power Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen/4th Gen) by itself.

As the iPhone/iPad isn't receiving power, be aware of it's battery level to avoid interruptions or the loss of recordings.

Requirements

• USB-C iPhone/iPad
• Focusrite USB-C audio interface
• USB C-to-C cable

Connection steps

1. Connect one end of the USB cable to the port marked USB on the audio interface
2. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB-C port on the iPhone or iPad

Direct connection + 5V DC power supply

Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen and Scarlett 4i4 Gen only

If using a Scarlett 2i2 or 4i4 4th Gen, you can connect a 5V DC power supply (such as a standard USB-C iPhone charger) to the 5V DC port on the rear of the interface to provide power. Then, connect a USB cable from the Scarlett to the iPhone or iPad.

As the iPhone/iPad isn't receiving power, be aware of it's battery level to avoid interruptions or the loss of recordings.

Requirements

• USB-C iPhone/iPad
• Scarlett 2i2/4i4 4th Gen
• 5V DC USB-C power supply
• USB C-to-C cable

Connection steps

1. Connect the 5V DC power supply's USB-C cable to the port marked 5V DC on the audio interface.
2. Connect the 5V DC power supply into a mains socket and switch it on.
3. Connect the USB C-to-C cable to the port marked USB on the audio interface.
4. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB-C port on the iPhone or iPad.

USB-C hub with Power Delivery

You can connect all interfaces this using this method, but primarily this setup should be used if the iPhone/iPad cannot provide enough power to the interface via a direct connection.

To check a USB-C hub has Power Delivery, look for one of it's ports being marked PD. This means you can connect a USB-C power supply (such as an Apple iPad/MacBook power adapter) to the hub to both charge the iPhone/iPad, and provide enough bus-power to it's other USB-A/USB-C ports.

Requirements

• USB-C iPhone/iPad
• Focusrite USB audio interface
• USB-C hub with Power Delivery
• USB-C power supply (recommended 30W minimum)
• USB C-to-A or USB C-to-C cable (depending on USB-C hub used)

Connection steps

1. Connect the USB-C hub to the USB-C port on the iPhone or iPad.
2. Connect the USB-C power supply to the port marked PD on the USB-C hub.
3. Connect one end of the USB C-to-C or USB C-to-A cable to one of the USB ports on the hub.
4. Connect the other end of the USB cable into the port marked USB on the audio interface.

Due to the power requirements of our audio interfaces and the specifications of Lightning-equipped Apple devices, these iPhones/iPads can't provide enough power to the interface via a direct connection alone.

Use one of the following methods to connect.

Mains-powered USB hub

You can connect all interfaces using this method.

A mains-powered USB hub means the hub comes with a power supply you can use to ensure it's USB ports carry bus-power. 

Requirements

• Lightning iPhone/iPad
• Focusrite USB audio interface
• Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
• iPhone/iPad Lightning charger
• Mains-powered USB hub
• USB C-to-A cable

Connection steps

1. Connect the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to the iPhone/iPad's Lightning connector
2. Connect the Lightning charger to a mains socket and connect the Lightning end to the Lightning port (marked A below) on the Camera Adapter
3. Connect the USB hub to a mains socket using it's included power supply
4. Connect the USB hub's data to the USB-A 'camera' port (marked B below) on the Camera Adapter
5. Connect one end of the USB C-to-A cable to one of the USB ports on the hub
6. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the port marked USB on the audio interface

USB-C hub with Power Delivery

You can connect all interfaces using this method, but primarily this setup should be used if the iPhone/iPad cannot provide enough power to the interface via a direct connection.

To check a USB-C hub has Power Delivery, look for one of it's ports being marked PD. This means you can connect a USB-C power supply (such as an Apple MacBook power adapter) to the hub which charges both the iPhone/iPad, and provide enough bus-power to it's other USB-A/USB-C ports.

Requirements

• Lightning iPhone/iPad
• Focusrite USB audio interface
• Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
• USB-C hub with Power Delivery
• USB-C power supply for hub (5W minimum)
• iPhone/iPad Lightning charger
• USB C-to-A or USB C-to-C cable (depending on USB-C hub used)

Connection steps

1. Connect the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to the iPhone/iPad's Lightning connector
2. Connect the Lightning charger into a mains socket and it's other end into the Lightning port (marked A below) on the Camera Adapter
3. Connect the USB-C power supply from a mains socket to the port marked PD on the USB-C hub
4. Connect the USB-C hub's cable to the USB-A 'camera' port (marked B below) on the Camera Adapter
5. Connect one end of the USB C-to-C or USB C-to-A cable to one of the USB ports on the hub
6. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the port marked USB on the audio interface

If you've completed all the steps above with the recommended equipment, but you are experiencing sound issues, please see our Sound issues on iOS and iPadOS article.

If you are having difficulty connecting your Focusrite interface, please see our Troubleshooting connection issues with iPhones and iPads article.