One of the most practical and fun things to do is connect the guitar to our Android phone. Generally, the connection between guitar and Android is used to use your mobile phone as an amplifier or to record the guitar on your Android. Whatever your goal, in this guide I will show you how you can connect guitar to Android in the best way.
Contents
How to Connect Guitar to Android?1. iRig UA2. Bandlab Link3. Saramonic SmartRig+
Steps to connect Guitar to AndroidRecording on the Android mobile phoneUsing the Android mobile phone as an AmplifierConclusions: Connecting Guitar to Android
How to Connect Guitar to Android?
To connect your guitar to Android, you will require a guitar audio interface for Android mobile phones. That is, an interface that is used as an intermediary between the guitar and your Android mobile. Since it is impossible to directly connect the guitar to the mobile, because its signal needs to be processed and pre-amplified.With an interface, you can use your Android mobile phone as an amplifier, or record audio on the phone.Next, I will show you the best guitar interfaces for Android.
1. iRig UA
iRig UA is the first audio interface that allows you to connect the guitar or another instrument such as the bass with the Android mobile phone. This product is developed by IK Multimedia, a company that develops software and audio products. He first developed the iRig in 2010 for iPhone, but then he had to adapt it for Android and developed the iRig UA.
iRig UA is compatible with any smartphone or tablet running Android above 4.2. That is, it works with any brand of mobile phone, Samsung, Xiaomi, LG, Motorola, Sony, etc.
You connect your guitar to the interface, then the interface to the mobile phone and that’s it. You can now record or use as an amplifier.
With this interface, you have the app specially developed for iRig UA, which is called AmpliTube UA. This app is only compatible with Android and iRig UA. You can download it from Google Play for free. The AmpliTube app is used to use your mobile phone as an amplifier. You can emulate up to 21 free teams. You can get effects such as Chorus, Wah, Distortion, Flanger, etc. You can also emulate the best amplifiers such as Fender, Ampeg and more. This processor solves the problem of latency and allows you to make clean, clear and powerful recordings. With its 24-bit processing it allows you to record in high quality 44.1 kHz on your mobile phone.
- See iRig UA on Amazon / eBay
Tip: Do not confuse iRig 2 with iRig UA. iRig 2 is for iOS, while iRig UA is for Android. Many people get confused and that’s why they can’t get the app to work on their Android.
- Read full review of iRig UA
2. Bandlab Link
Bandlab Link is a new mini audio interface compatible with Android and iOS. This new version is super small and weighs almost nothing, ideal to carry everywhere. You can make clean recordings with a good signal directly on your mobile phone .Simply connect your guitar to the interface, and the interface to your smartphone. On your phone, you can download the Bandlab app, which is a digital audio station (DAW), which allows you to make recordings or process effects.
With the Banlab app you access a huge library of free sounds and effects.
This interface also includes a gain regulator to adjust the appropriate volume level. Also, as a bonus, this interface comes with Keepdrum headphones to fully enjoy your guitar sound.
- See Bandlab Link on Amazon / Thomann
3. Saramonic SmartRig+
Saramonic SmartRig + is a compact two-channel audio interface for connecting guitars, instruments or microphones.
That is, you can not only connect a guitar, but also other instruments and even professional microphones. And unlike the previous ones, this one accepts up to two instruments/microphones at a time. It is a mini audio board for mobile phones and tablets. It has XLR inputs with a pre-amplifier with 48v Phantom Power for recording microphones. The line input allows you to record electric basses, electric guitars, pianos, and even acoustic guitars. The pre-amplifiers on this board allow you to record with professional quality, clean sound and low latency. Just as its quality is more professional, so is its The cost is higher than that of previous platforms. You can check the price of the Saramonic Smartrig+ on Amazon or eBay.
Steps to connect Guitar to Android
- Connect the audio interface to the mobile phone.
- Now, connect the guitar to your Android interface
- Ready, you can now use the mobile phone as an amplifier or start recording.
Recording on the Android mobile phone
To record on your Android mobile phone, you will need a DAW (Digital Audio Station) and an audio interface. In the case of the boards mentioned above, each one comes with its own DAW. But you can also try other audio editors. For example, N-Track Studio, Audio Evolution Mobile or FL Studio Mobile are excellent audio editing programs.
Using the Android phone as an Amplifier
Another of the most fun things to do is use your phone as an amplifier. The best option to do this is with AmpliTube UA, but it only works with the iRig UA interface. From this application, you can emulate amplifiers, effects and different equipment. It’s really a lot of fun.
With other interfaces, you can try the “Guitar Amp Deplike” app, which is a universal amplifier.
Conclusions: Connect Guitar to Android
Connecting the guitar to the Android is very useful to make recordings from anywhere, or to be able to carry your own portable amplifier in your pocket. Through an interface for Android you can achieve this goal and start recording from your home. Although there are hundreds of audio boards for PC that you will get better quality, connecting the guitar to the mobile is an excellent alternative to take everywhere.