Audient’s iD48 goes all-out for channel count and routing flexibility£799 / €899 / $999, audient.com
Recently, we’ve seen a flurry of flagships being added to popular USB audio interface lines. These interfaces are loaded with additional monitoring and preamp functions, plus higher input/output counts required by producers who want to track a whole band simultaneously or dabble with analogue outboard gear.

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Focusrite crowned its 4th Gen Scarlett series with the 18i20. SSL complemented its desktop range with the rackmount SSL 18.
Now Audient has joined the party, its new iD48 massively outstripping the channel counts of its siblings, and sporting pro-grade features rarely found on any audio interface. Let’s take a closer look…
Image: Press
What connectivity does the Audient iD48 have?
Although the iD48 comes from the factory configured for desktop use, it has a standard 1U enclosure and so its natural habitat is a rack cabinet. Removing the rubber feet and attaching the included rack lugs takes only a few twiddles of a screwdriver, but I’m nonetheless surprised that it isn’t rack-ready straight from the box.
Connectivity starts in a familiar way, with a set of eight XLR/jack combo sockets for mic or line signals, and a pair of front-mounted jacks for connecting instrument-level signals to the first two channels. The use of rear-facing combo sockets on rack mounting interfaces is a bugbear of mine due to the faff associated with changing between mic and line connections, but iD48 mitigates this in a really convenient way.
This workaround comes in the form of a D-Sub (DB25) input connector that carries eight balanced signal paths when the input path is set to ADC mode in the software. One use of this is to feed line signals directly into a channel’s analogue-to-digital converter (ADC), thereby bypassing the preamp and negating the need to dig around in the back of a rack case. An attractive selling point for those wishing to plumb in their own, boutique mic preamps.
Image: Press
Analogue output connectivity is handled by four rear-panel balanced jacks, two independent stereo headphone jacks located on the front panel, and a second D-Sub connector carrying a further eight line outs. The first pair of jack outputs is intended as a main monitor feed, and the second as alternate monitor outs, but you can route main and alt monitor feeds to any of the unit’s physical outputs.
The D-Subs use the standardised Tascam wiring method, so it’s easy to source compatible looms. Prices can vary hugely depending on supplier and cable/connector quality, so expect to pay anywhere between £50 and £150 per loom to break out to jack or XLR plugs.
Digital connectivity is via two pairs of optical in/out ports, with each pair switchable between stereo S/PDIF and multichannel ADAT modes, and supporting up-to iD48’s maximum 96 kHz sample rate. When operating in ADAT mode, each pair provides eight input and output channels at up to 48 kHz, and four channels at 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz. Wordclock in and out allows easy syncing with any external preamps or converters being used to access iD48’s digital channels.
Image: Press
How does iD48 differ from similar interfaces?
The new interface features the Audient Console Mic Preamp used across the iD range. This uses the exact-same discrete Class-A design as the preamps found in Audient’s ASP8024-HE large format console, the only significant difference being that the iD preamps are modified to function at the lower power levels used within an interface.
These preamps perform wonderfully! Sonic details are captured with exceptional confidence and clarity, and benefit from a soupçon of analogue sizzle. They truly do deliver the ‘console-like’ sound boasted by Audient’s marketing literature. Also, with a 100Hz low cut filter, polarity reverse, -10dB pad and opposing +10dB boost, the preamp can adapt to practically any source.
Another feature of iD48 that stems from Audient’s console-building roots is the provision of balanced insert points that can be engaged on any of the eight preamps. When enabled using Mic Insert mode on inputs, a preamp’s output is sent via the corresponding D-Sub output bus (making the bus unavailable for general output duties) and the results are returned to the ADC via the corresponding D-Sub input bus.
I love the facility of being able to make use of iD48’s excellent preamps whilst also bringing outboard EQs and compressors into the signal path. I’m also impressed with the flexibility of being able to choose the routing/ADC source on a per-channel basis. This flexibility has come at the cost of complexity, and I found keeping track of each channel’s particular configuration, and therefore how each D-Sub-based bus is being used and patched, weighed on the mental workload.
Image: Press
How is the Audient iD48 controlled?
iD48’s front panel is rather austere. Each channel has a gain pot and phantom power switch, along with a small light panel that indicates the status of the channel’s 100 Hz low cut filter, phase reverse, pad and boost switches, which are accessed via the iD mixer software.
The monitor section features a level controller, seven-segment meter, and a cluster of four buttons. Two of these can have monitor control functions assigned to them, with a choice of phase flip, mono, dim and cut. The other two are dedicated to main/alt monitor switching, and engaging the talkback channel. An abundantly handy feature here is that as well as being sourced from any iD48 input, the talkback mic can also be sourced from any other mic connected to the host computer including a laptop’s onboard mic.
Accessing iD48’s full complement of features and settings means turning to the iD software mixer. This provides access to all channel and monitor switches, shows detailed level metering, and allows five different monitor mixes to be created – a main mix and four cue mixes. These can be routed to any of the system’s output buses.
The software follows the tried-and-tested concept used across the whole iD range, but there’s a sense that iD48’s routing flexibility has pushed this concept to its limits. For example, in the manual and on the mixer’s routing setup screens, DAW output options include ‘DAW Analogue’, ‘DAW ADAT’ and ‘DAW THRU’… say what? The manual tries valiantly to demystify all of this, but you need to be wearing your best thinking trousers to make sense of its often turgid explanations and diagrams.
Image: Press
Should I buy the Audient iD48?
Granted, these complexities lessen as one becomes more familiar with the unit, leaving little to be disgruntled by. The maximum sample rate of 96 kHz may pose a problem for some, but I doubt there are many producers who routinely record at higher than this… in fact I’d bet the majority rarely exceed 48 kHz!
At a full £100 less than the closely-competing SSL 18, iD48’s £799 asking price appears extremely competitive. However, the Audient’s unique selling points rely on utilising D-Sub connectors and, with that cost added, the price differential disappears, or could even swing to SSL’s favour. The extra expense brings tangible benefits, though, enabling a feature set that SSL 18 simply can’t match.
In use, I find that the iD48 preamps sound better than those of the SSL 18 (which are themselves impressive), and that there’s little – if any – audible difference in the conversion quality despite SSL 18’s higher A/D and D/A specifications. On the flip side, I find the SSL more pleasant to work with thanks to a front panel that facilitates more direct control, as well as a personal preference for how the SSL 360° mixer software looks and works. There really isn’t much to separate the two units, though.
In theory, given a price differential of around £2,000, there should be a far larger distinction between iD48 and a higher-end multi-in/out interface such as a Universal Audio Apollo x8. Certainly Apollo’s DSP-powered insert processing, which allows UAD plugins to be hosted on every channel, is more flexible and convenient than iD48’s analogue insert points, and of course doesn’t rely on you owning suitable (and often expensive) outboard hardware.
But the most important consideration is sound quality, and here iD48 does not put a foot wrong. So much so that, pitted against the Apollo x8 in a blind listening test, I found it challenging to tell the difference between Apollo and iD48. There are tiny differences that give the game away, if you know what to listen for – Apollo delivers exquisite high-end detail and pinpoint positional accuracy – but iD48 is not far behind at all. Are such tiny differences worth an extra £2K? Well, it’s your money so it’s your call!

Key Features

USB2 audio interface via USB-C
1U rackmount with removable/refittable rack lugs and rubber feet (included)
24-bit / 96 kHz maximum sample depth and rate
Up to 24 input and 32 output channels
8 Audient Console Mic Preamps
12 analogue line outputs
2 stereo headphone outputs
8 switchable balanced insert points
2 optical ins/outs supporting S/PDIF and ADAT S/MUX protocols
Wordclock in/out

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Moog and UJAM’s new $19 plugin is based on an iconic preset used by Gary Numan – and all proceeds are going to charityMoog and UJAM have teamed up on a cheap and cheerful plugin based on a preset used on Gary Numan’s famous track, Cars.
The plugin, called Vox Humana, keeps the same name as the original preset, originally from the Polymoog 280A synth. Priced at just $19, all proceeds will be going to the Bob Moog Foundation, supporting its efforts in education, preservation, and the Moogseum.

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The original Polymoog has been “meticulously recorded” by synth expert Alex Ball for the plugin, which is described as offering “a lush, vocal-like tone with rich movement and warmth, defining late ‘70s synth sounds”.
Designed using UJAM’s Gorilla Engine, Vox Humana delivers “the authentic warmth of the original while offering modern features”, including envelopes, effects, and multiple timbral modes.
Through a range of controls, users can now alter the iconic Vox Huamana sound, and play around with four different versions of it: Original, Bright, Octaves, and Hollow. There are also Reverb, Phaser and Chorus effects on board, plus Attack and Decay can also be adjusted.
Check it out in the video below:

“At UJAM, we owe much of our inspiration to industry pioneers like Bob Moog,” comments UJAM co-founder, Peter Gorges (via DJ Mag). “His contributions to music technology have shaped my career and so many others. Supporting the Bob Moog Foundation through the Vox Humana plugin is an honour, and by waiving all fees, we’re ensuring that every dollar goes directly to advancing its mission and preserving Bob’s legacy for future generations.”
In other Moog news, it was recently announced that after five years, the Moog Subsequent 25 has run its course. Initially unveiled at NAMM 2020 as an affordable take on the Subsequent 37, the Subsequent 25 will now no longer be in production. Production of the Subsequent 37 will continue as normal, however.
To find out more or purchase now, head over to UJAM.
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💬 🔥 Weekly Deals & Freebies Thread
Welcome to the BPB Community Weekly Freebie Thread for March 24-30, 2025! 😊 Read the Thread Guidelines 💬 This section of our community is where BPB readers can share links to the latest freeware news and deals with fellow music producers in the comments. Thank you for contributing! To keep the discussion helpful and relevant, please [...]
View post: 💬 🔥 Weekly Deals & Freebies Thread

Cole Phillips Signs With WME For Global RepresentationRising country singer-songwriter Cole Phillips has signed with WME for global representation in all areas.Born and raised in Bridge Creek, Oklahoma, Phillips has quickly made a name for himself with his gritty storytelling, raw authenticity and powerhouse vocals. Influenced by country legends like Hank Williams Jr. and David Allan Coe, as well as red dirt and rock icons including Zach Bryan, Cody Jinks and Nirvana, Phillips blends traditional country roots with a modern edge.His breakout single “Drinking Alone” went viral, amassing millions of streams and establishing him as a compelling new voice in country music. His upcoming EP, Steel Toes and Texacos, is set for release on April 11 via RECORDS Nashville, featuring five tracks he co-wrote, including the recently released “West Tx,” listen HERE. “Cole’s unique voice as a young songwriter and performer immediately caught our attention. We are absolutely thrilled to partner with someone this incredibly talented,” shares Geoff Turner from WME.Cole adds, "I like working with real people that are going to do right by me. The people over at WME are real folks with real values and that meant a lot to me the first time we met. Can’t wait to see where this goes!" Phillips is also represented by WHY&HOW for management and continues to build momentum with a slate of upcoming headline tour dates.For a full list of tour dates, announcements and more please visit www.officialcolephillips.comBack Row (L-R): WME’s Jon Folk, Jeremy Upton and Caleb FennFront Row (L-R): WHY&HOW’s Reid Alexander and Matt Stubbs, Cole Phillips, WME’s Geoff Turner and WHY&HOW’S Harrison KleinPhoto Courtesy of WMEThe post Cole Phillips Signs With WME For Global Representation first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Trump Media looks to partner with crypto.com to launch ETFsTrump Media has signed a non-binding agreement with Crypto.com to launch a series of exchange-traded funds in the US.Trump Technology Group Corp (TMTG) — the operator of the social media platform Truth Social and fintech brand Truth.Fi — is also part of the agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, according to a March 24 statement from Trump Media. The parties plan to launch the ETFs later this year through Crypto.com’s broker-dealer, Foris Capital US LLC. The ETFs will consist of digital assets and securities with a “Made in America” focus.Crypto.com will provide the infrastructure and custody services to supply the cryptocurrencies for the ETFs, which may include a basket of tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP (XRP) and Cronos (CRO).The parties involved expect the ETFs to be widely available internationally, including in the US, Europe and Asia across existing brokerage platforms.”Once launched, these ETFs will be available on the Crypto.com App for our more than 140 million users around the world,” Crypto.com co-founder and CEO Kris Marszalek said.The ETFs are anticipated to launch alongside a slate of Truth.Fi Separately Managed Accounts (SMA), which TMTG also plans to invest in with its cash reserves.Source: Kris MarszalekRelated: Who’s running in Trump’s race to make US a ‘Bitcoin superpower?'The potential ETF launch would mark yet another crypto-related endeavor involving US President Donald Trump.However, Democratic lawmakers say that conflicts of interest have already arisen between Trump’s presidential duties and the Trump Organization’s ownership of the crypto platform, World Liberty Financial, in addition to the Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin that launched three days before he was inaugurated.House Representative Gerald Connolly recently referred to the TRUMP token as a “money grab” that has allowed Trump-linked entities to cash in on over $100 million worth of trading fees. Democrat Maxine Waters also criticized Trump’s memecoin on Jan. 20, referring to it as a rug pull that represented the “worst of crypto.”Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions

Vertical farming company Plenty files for bankruptcy after raising nearly $1BVertical farming company Plenty has filed for bankruptcy, the company said in a press release on Monday. In its statement, Plenty said it has received a commitment for $20.7 million in debtor-in-possession financing as part of a proposed restructuring plan. It plans to continue to operate a strawberry farm in Virginia and a plant science […]

Mural: The Plotter That Draws On WallsLet’s say you’ve got a big bare wall in your home, and you want some art  on it. You could hang a poster or a framed artwork, or you could learn to paint a mural yourself. Or, like [Nik Ivanov], you could build a plotter called Mural, and get it to draw something on the wall for you. 
The build is straightforward enough. It uses a moving carriage suspended from toothed belts attached to two points up high on the wall. Stepper motors built into the carriage reel the belts in and out to move it up and down the wall, and from side to side. In this case, [Nik] selected a pair of NEMA 17 steppers to do the job. They’re commanded by a NodeMCU ESP32, paired with TMC2209 stepper motor drivers. The carriage also includes a pen lifter, which relies on a MG90s servo to lift the drawing implement away from the wall.
The build is quite capable, able to recreate SVG vector graphics quite accurately, without obvious skew or distortion. [Nik] has been using the plotter with washable Crayola markers, so he can print on the wall time and again without leaving permanent marks. It’s a great way to decorate—over and over again—on a budget. Total estimated cost is under $100, according to [Nik].
We’ve featured some neat projects along these lines before, too. Video after the break.

The best argument why Spotify (and other music streaming platforms) need to increase their prices in 2025.Why the oft-ignored metric of ARPCH gives the music industry a fresh perspective – and fresh insights – on streaming's pricing model
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Niu plusplus WavetableSampler(Multi-language support、Unlimited trial available) WavetableSampler is a tool for capturing wavetables, designed to be efficient, fast, and professional. It provides waveform snapshots f... Read More

Focusrite update Scarlett 4th Gen firmware Focusrite have just released a firmware update that brings some powerful new functionality to the latest generation of their hugely popular audio interface range.

Apple is bringing lossless audio to its AirPods Max headphones in a free updateApple has announced a new software update which will add lossless audio and ultra-low latency to its AirPods Max headphones.
The update, which will be released in April, will see AirPods Max become the only headphones musicians can use to create and mix in personalised spatial audio, including head tracking.

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The software update unlocks 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio. This integration allows for the preservation of the integrity of original records, meaning users can listen to music in the same way it was created in the studio.
Personalised spatial audio will also have the lossless feature, meaning uncompressed sound and a more immersive listening experience.
By using AirPods Max with music creation software such as Logic Pro, artists can record and mix using the headphones without compromising fidelity. To use the software to its full potential, users will require an iPhone with TrueDepth camera to create their own personal profile. TrueDepth cameras were introduced with the iPhone X, and all models more recent than this come equipped with the feature.
Streamers and gamers can also benefit from the lossless and ultra-low latency audio update, as it significantly lowers lag time. Hearing your enemy as soon as they’re nearby in shooter games, or wanting the most immersive gameplay experience possible will be invaluable to gamers.
While there’s no exact release date just yet, the free firmware update will roll out with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and MacOS Sequoia 15.4. If you’re yet to get your hands on the AirPods Max, they’re available for £499 in Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange colourways
For more information, head to the Apple Store.
The post Apple is bringing lossless audio to its AirPods Max headphones in a free update appeared first on MusicTech.

StubHub files IPO, acknowledges risks aheadTicket resale marketplace StubHub on Friday filed its initial public stock offering. More than 40 million tickets were resold on StubHub last year, according to the company.
The post StubHub files IPO, acknowledges risks ahead appeared first on Hypebot.

Music Marketing 2025: Swifties, Vaporwave, Superfans & MoreUnderstanding today’s music audiences is key to music marketing success. Learn how algorithms, niche communities and more are helping artists connect with fans in the new playbook for music marketing 2025.
The post Music Marketing 2025: Swifties, Vaporwave, Superfans & More appeared first on Hypebot.

Rupert Neve Designs introduce the RNDI-M Rupert Neve Designs' DI box line-up has gained a new single-channel unit that comes houses in a compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure.

Rhodes unveils the Stage 61: A compact, gig-ready tine piano built for the modern musician.Rhodes Music has launched the Stage 61, a fully passive 61-key tine piano that offers the signature touch, feel, and sound of a Rhodes in a compact, gig-ready design.
Built for both touring musicians and studio environments, the Stage 61 will be available for preorder starting tomorrow (25 March). To mark the occasion, Rhodes is also releasing a special Launch Edition, limited to just 61 units worldwide.

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The Stage 61 is the latest addition to Rhodes’ legacy of handcrafted instruments, following on from the flagship MK8 piano in 2021. Designed with a focus on playability and portability, the new model distills the Rhodes experience into a streamlined, classic design inspired by the original pianos of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and early ‘80s.
At the heart of the Stage 61 is a precision-crafted 61-key Kluge Klaviaturen keybed, the same high-quality keyboard found in the MK8. The instrument operates entirely on passive circuitry, requiring no external power while maintaining an authentic analogue signal path.
Players have access to volume and tone controls, as well as a single jack output; the unit is also designed to be used with an amplifier, DI box, or preamp. Weighing just 59 pounds, the Stage 61 is said to be the most compact and portable Rhodes model to date.
Despite its lightweight design, it maintains the durability expected of a professional-grade instrument, featuring a Tolexed wooden case and a protective ABS lid. Every component, from the tines and pickups to the hammer tips and cable-driven sustain pedal, is drawn directly from the MK8, ensuring an authentic Rhodes playing experience.
For those seeking something extra special, the limited Launch Edition of the Stage 61 offers a distinct aesthetic crafted by renowned designer Axel Hartmann. This edition features a khaki green ABS hood with a premium wear-resistant vinyl finish, a sleek black front panel with orange accents, and exclusive design details.
Image: Rhodes
“The new Rhodes Stage-61 perfectly embodies the classic Rhodes Stage tone, now housed in a compact and portable retro-future shell designed by Axel Hartmann,” says Dan Goldman, Rhodes Music’s Chief Product Officer.
“Utilising the exact same (Kluge) keyboard, precision components, and technology found in our flagship MK8 tine piano, it’s the ideal choice for both stage and studio performers alike.”
​Preorders for the Stage 61 will open on 25 March, exclusively through the Rhodes website. Customers may place a 20 percent deposit or pay in full; the latter will receive a complimentary stand. The product page will remain password-protected until preorders begin. Orders are expected to ship approximately six months after purchase.
The Stage 61 is priced at $6,495/£4,995/€5,995, while the Stage 61 Launch Edition will set you back $6,995/£5,495/€6,495.
For more information or to register your interest, visit Rhodes Music.
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