UPDATED: Android tablet and BOMGE 2 ch interface...

[mcoyle1960]

Hi Gang,

In a few months I'm going on vacation and want to bring along a little potable recording setup. I'm bring an Android tablet and am looking at the following 2channel audio interface.

The interface is a BOMGE 2 channel with 48V phantom. I'm skeptical that a 5 volt tablet can provide 48v phantom. Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks.

UPDATE: Well, I received the interface today and the Android tablet could not power it, so back it goes. I connected it to my laptop which powered it correctly, but since I already have a much better interface for the studio, I just don't need this one if it can't be powered by the tablet.

[asbak]

Why skeptical?

48V phantom is common on Roland (and no doubt other manufacturers) USB audio interfaces. Many of the Roland's are USB powered only, no external PSU.

The tablet USB provides 5V, same as a regular PC USB port. There'd be a boost circuit on the soundcard.

[mcoyle1960]

The tablet USB provides 5V, same as a regular PC USB port.

While all USB is 5V, the various standards have different current abilities. USB 1 & 2 are 500 milliamps and USB 3 is 900 milliamps. The fact that the port is a small USB C connector does not gaurentee that it's at the USB 3 900 milliamp standard.

[asbak]

This USB3 vs USB2 or the port type (USB C) debate is irrelevant.

If the tablet USB port can only deliver 300 mA or less things are going to become tight on a 2 ch interface w. mics.

A typical mic requires about 2 to 10 mA from phantom at 48V, that's roughly 1/2 Watt maximum, possibly less.

The real question is whether the tablet USB port will give you at least 400 mA in which case there should be more than enough power available for a 2ch USB powered interface incl. mics.

[colonel_panic]

I have never had much success with USB audio interfaces in Android. It seems to be so dependent on the manufacturer of the device.

I think if you're just doing recording, a multitrack recorder like a Tascam DP-006 would be a great solution. There are two superb quality microphones built in, and it will all work together with no messing about.

They're not very fashionable anymore so the prices are pretty good these days. I bought mine for £40.