The iRig Pro Quattro I/O is a compact audio interface and mixer for creators recording speech, music, or other audio on the go. In this review, we look at its connections, monitoring, power options, and sound, with a focus on podcast and video dialogue. The key question: does its flexibility make up for needing a separate device to record?
Key takeaways
- The Quattro I/O is an interface and mixer, not a standalone recorder. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or computer to capture audio over USB.
- Four XLR combo inputs, additional line inputs, and several outputs make it useful for varied production setups.
- It offers direct monitoring, loopback, and a built-in microphone, but its limiter may not prevent clipping.
- The Zoom H8 and CEntrance Portcaster may be better choices if you need onboard recording or different strengths in noise performance and durability.
What the iRig Pro Quattro I/O does
IK Multimedia’s Quattro I/O is designed to connect microphones, instruments, and line-level audio sources to a computer or mobile device. It works with Mac, PC, iOS, and Android, and can also function as a small standalone mixer. It does not have a memory card slot or internal recording function: the connected device handles recording.
The unit supports 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 96 kHz. When connected to a Mac or PC, it can send its four main inputs to separate tracks. That can be handy for a podcast or video interview where you want to adjust each microphone independently in post-production.
Connections and useful features
There are four balanced XLR combo inputs. Inputs one and two can also accept instrument-level signals, while inputs three and four can handle line-level sources. Phantom power is available in two groups, one for inputs one and two and another for three and four. There are also two unbalanced RCA inputs and a stereo 3.5 mm line input.
For outputs, the Quattro has balanced XLR connections, a stereo 3.5 mm output, and a headphone jack. Direct monitoring lets you hear incoming audio without routing it through the recording device and back again.
Loopback can bring audio playing on a connected phone or computer into the mix, which may help with a remote guest, playback, or a podcast segment.
A built-in MEMS microphone offers a quick way to capture audio without connecting an external mic. The review found it surprisingly usable for a built-in option. Five-segment LED meters help with checking levels, though the unit has no screen or menus; more detailed settings are handled in the recording app or software.
How it performs for dialogue
The reviewer tested the Quattro I/O with a Neumann U87 and a Shure SM7B. The preamps sounded slightly warm rather than fully neutral, and the unit had enough gain to use the SM7B with its input level turned up. That character may suit spoken-word recording, though creators should still monitor their levels and choose a microphone appropriate to the room and voice.
The limiter is a less convincing feature. In testing, it appeared to act after the audio had been converted, so a sudden loud signal could still clip at the input. It may help manage some peaks that are below clipping, but it shouldn’t replace careful gain setting or a sound check.
At maximum input gain, the measured preamp self-noise was usable but not especially low. The Zoom H8 tested quieter, while the Quattro’s preamps had a warmer sound. For everyday dialogue work, the practical result will also depend on the microphone and recording environment.
Power, setup, and build
The Quattro can run from four AA batteries, a USB power source, or an optional DC adapter. In one test, rechargeable AA batteries powered it for about four and a half hours with phantom power on and one microphone connected. A removable plate with a 1/4-inch mounting thread allows it to attach to a camera or stand.
There are a few setup quirks. The USB connection to a phone or computer uses IK Multimedia’s cable rather than a standard cable on the Quattro end, and the power switch takes a little getting used to. The power input is micro-USB. The body is mostly plastic, and the reviewer had concerns about the feel of some switches, though the control dials felt good.
At the time of the review, the basic kit cost about $350. A $450 deluxe kit added a pair of stereo microphones, a DC adapter, and a storage bag. Prices and package options may change.
Who should consider it?
The Quattro I/O makes sense for creators who need a flexible interface for more than one kind of production setup. Its mix of mic, instrument, and line inputs can solve practical problems, from recording several sources to bringing a mixer’s output into a computer or phone. That range is useful in podcast, video, and event workflows where the available gear can vary from one job to the next.
It is less appealing if you want a self-contained field recorder. The Zoom H8 records onboard and offers more independence from a phone or computer. The CEntrance Portcaster, as discussed in the review, has a metal build, cleaner preamps, analog limiters, and microSD recording, but fewer inputs.
For PodcastVideos.com readers comparing production tools, the main trade-off is straightforward: the Quattro prioritizes flexible connections and interface use over onboard recording and rugged construction. If that matches your workflow, it’s an interesting audio problem-solver. If you need to record all day without a connected device, a dedicated recorder may be the more practical choice.
