Line 6 Sonic Port Channel Audio Interface

Happy with this purchase. 4.5 stars. If you wanted to skip to the chase, scroll down to the Summary at the bottom. UPDATE All volume issues are no longer an issue. Using Tonestack as my go-to sim, and the volume is more than adequate. Like most apps, Tonestack allows you to adjust input/output levels, but more importantly, if your clean boosts are giving you too much dirt, you can just add another amp and get your clean volume from that setup. Also, I have successfully used Sonic Port with a FiiO E7 for more boost, but in light of the above, it's just not necessary. ORIGINAL REVIEW These days, I'm pleasantly surprised when electronics work at all, let alone flawlessly. I guess that comes from years of Windows and Android machines. But I digress. This was truly plug and play with my Air 2. I have the first generation iRig and hate the thing. Could never get it to work consistently, and when it did, it sounded horribly. I mention this because if you have an old analog interface that connects via the device headphone jack, you can rest assured that the new digital audio interfaces are light years better. To be fair to iRig, there are new digital models like the HD, which are said to be excellent. Did a lot of thinking and research before choosing the Line 6. Although I would prefer a hardware-mounted volume pot as on the Apogee Jam 96k and discontinued Peavey Ampkit (don't recall the iRig HD so can't compare), I prefer connecting headphones to the interface instead of the iPad so I'm not tangled in wires. I also like the fact that the Sonic Port sits nice and stable on a flat surface (as opposed to a round design). and, of course, Sonic Port comes with Line 6 software. Once you plug in Sonic Port, the hardware automatically launches your App Store to download the bundled Mobile Pod software. I was very concerned about it drawing power from the iPad, but I'm completely satisfied with its performance after a full day of running it through the paces. Glad I didn't drop major coin on an expensive phantom power interface. It could use a bit more volume boost for cleans in some software like GarageBand--I'm having to dime the amp master volume and output pots of the sim software which isn't ideal for a warm jazz tone. I have needed my guitar volume at 10 (Duncan Hot Rod humbuckers) as well, which really makes it worse of course. Thinking of running a cheap headphone amp (like my Fiio E7) between the interface and my headphones so I can turn down the gain for better tone. Think I can use the line out for the headphone amp. Another slight downside is that Sonic Port is not compatible with wireless headphones. Not sure if any of the other are; but I would assume that interfaces without a headphone out jack wouldn't interfere with Bluetooth headsets. Dunno, but worth looking into if that's a critical factor for you. Gear: I've been running it the background with GarageBand or Mobile Pod whilst using Guitar Pro and Amazing Slow Downer. Plays nice with others. It works with other free sim software I've tried as well. The Lightening cable was longer than expected -- another pat on the back to Line 6. So this is my 4th Line 6 hardware purchase. Had 2 pods and a mini Pod. All work flawlessly. FWIW - I always use a right angle TRS adapter to protect my headphones and the device. Worthwhile investment. Anyway, I ran 2 very different types of headphones without a glitch. The first pair are IEMs with a mic. I was expecting issues but it worked just fine via the 1/8th" adapter. Also worked with my Grado SR 80is. Not a techie but thought impedance diff. Would have an impact, but no. SUMMARY: ---------------- POSITIVE: ----------------- - Well-made - Light weight and quite small - Flat sides for stability - 1/8" Headphone out - 1/4"' line out - Bundled with Line 6 Mobile Pod software (which FYI DOES run in the background) - Bundled with two adapters, one of which is Lightning cable - Clear sound for my needs. No discernible noise - Great price via-vis competition - Plug and play - Seems compatible with variety of headphones -- at least using an adapter - Plays nice with Apple Core Audio apps - Very low drain on iPad battery for jamming activities (haven't tried recording). ----------------- NEGATIVE: ----------------- - No hard volume or gain pot - Relies on device power and cannot simultaneously charge iPad - Could use a bit more amp boost for some dry cleans. Won't be an issue for most. - Not compatible w/ wireless headsets Advantages far outweigh negatives. If mine was stolen, I'd have ordered a new one the same day.

I have an iPad 2 and an Apogee Jam that I've been using with it for the past couple years, without any problems. I decided to get the Sonic Port to see the difference in quality and tone (not to mention you can only use their Pod app with this device). When it came in, I connected it to my iPad 2 and I received the error message: "Cannot Use Device: Sonic Port: The connected device is not supported" I did some research on this, and apparently one of the "fixes" is that you have to allow the Line 6 Pod app access to your microphone (which I didn't). I went into the settings and changed it to allow access. Still didn't work. I then read that some people got it to work after rebooting their iPad, which I then did. Still didn't work. I read that you should have the latest version of iOS, which I did. I also read that some people had to reset their iPads to factory settings, which I then did (after hours of backing up). Still didn't work. At this point, I put in for an exchange with Amazon, and they quickly put one in the mail. While waiting for the replacement, I did more research on Line 6's forums, and some people said that they had to go back to the store and exchange for another one, which worked. Other people said that they had to contact Line 6 directly to send them a replacement cable. I figured since I already had the exchange coming my way, I might as well put in a ticket to get a replacement cable in the event that the exchange doesn't work. I put in the ticket, and Don from tech support replied to me a couple days later, with this following helpful advice: "The error message you received is a generalized error message that iOS reports when it is experiencing a connection problem with the connected accessory. In most cases this indicates either damage to one of the connection pins on the iOS device or the cable used to connect the two. I would suggest that you have Apple assess your iPad to ensure you do not any damage to the pins on it's connection. You can report back here with your findings. -Don Customer Support Line 6" Now, I don't live near an Apple store, but even if I did, I don't need one of them to asses my iPad when it charges perfectly, connects to my computer & transfers files, and a competing product which does the EXACT SAME THING connects without any problems. Also, when I connect it, it's recognizing it, telling me that the Sonic Port is not supported. It obviously knows what's hooking up to it --it's just telling me that the iPad doesn't support it. I reply back within an hour of getting that ticket updating saying as much, and I haven't heard anything back from him, despite Line 6's promise that they will reply within 3 business days. And that's what I want to do, play ticket-tag with Line 6 where they literally take days to respond over a defective product. I plugged in my Apogee Jam in several times during this fiasco, and it always worked. Being in this situation, you start to think that maybe you're just an idiot who doesn't know how to use a simple electronic device. I even tried to hook it up to my friend's iPhone and it didn't work (and the Apogee Jam did, what a surprise). While waiting for Don's reply of my findings, the replacement that Amazon sent finally made it's way to me (which wasn't without it's fault, as FedEx held the package for 4 days at their facility...for no apparent reason). It finally came in and, you guessed it: Still didn't work. I still had the first Sonic Port I got, and I tried both of them with the cable that came with the other package, and I could get nothing to work. It's one thing for a product to not work, but the frustration that comes with waiting for a replacement, and a generic response from support that blamed my iPad, and no follow-up from that same support that really piles it on. And I'm not the only one that's experienced this. When researching for possible fixes, I found that some people's cables stopped working after 30 days, and some people never even got a response from Line 6. In that regard, maybe I should feel lucky. I'm not going to ask for another replacement. I'm just done with this. There's obviously quality control with these cables that Line 6 is either unwilling or unable to fix. Amazon was amazing in handling my claims, but it's time that both of these devices go back. I've been a Line 6 fan since 2000, but the true character of a company is how they handle things when they go wrong, and Line 6 dropped the ball. You should be ashamed of this product, as well as your customer support.

I have to this is awesome. I first tried to plug it in to the effects loop on my Roland Blues Cube 60. It did not sound great. I need to experiment with it connected to the amp but decided to take the amp out of the equation and just plugged the guitar and a set of headphones into it and of course the iPad Air 2. OMG!!! I found a preset for Crazy Train (was not trying to play that song but thought the combination of distortion would be good for a test of how this sounds and it was. I had a great little jam session. Sounded phenomenal. This is a rating of the device. I would have taken one or two star off for the seller. Every place you see a listing of this device it indicates it comes with an Apple 30 pin cable and a Lightning cables. The one I got only had the 30 pin cable which did me very little good buy itself. I had to go out and buy an adapter which ate the savings I got from buying a used device. Regardless happy with the device. Going to be jamming a lot more especially since I can do it with headphones and not disturb my wife.

I have been a guitarist for 25+ years, and recently decided I would investigate the world of "virtual amplification" - for both live and home recording applications. In so doing, I investigated not only iOS based amplification rigs, but also the current offerings of inexpensive audio interfaces [my definition of inexpensive in this instance would be any interface LESS than $100]. After considering the Positive Grid Jamup Plug, IK Multimedia iRig, Apogee JAM, and Line 6 Sonic Port, I decided to go with the Sonic Port [based upon public upon and my own experience with Line 6 gear]… …Design of the Sonic Port is sleek and forward thinking. The front of the interface features dual 1/4" jacks [one for instrument in, one for signal out] and dual 1/8" jacks [one for headphone out, one for aux in]. The 4 jack design allows for a plethora of connective permutations. At the rear of the Sonic Port is where you connect either Lightning or 30 Pin connection [both ARE supplied with the interface] to whatever device you might be using. In my instance, since I was connecting to an Apple iPad Air, I was using Lightning. All aforementioned jacks seem very robust, and had a positive tactile click when any cable was engaged. All the jacks likewise seem to be of metal construction, despite the housing being constructed of "anodized" and/or lightly rubberized plastic. I auditioned the Sonic Port using Positive Grid JamUp, IK Multimedia Amplitube for iOS, Agile Partners AmpKit, and Line 6's own Mobile Pod. In each instance, the Sonic Port preformed just as it should - clear strong signal. NO peaks, NO intermittent signals, just good clean strong signal. Connectivity with an iOS device couldn't be simpler, just connect and go. No drivers are necessary as the interface is immediately discoverable. My own personal inclinations toward amp modeling aside, this is a very strong offering for someone looking for an inexpensive audio interface. That said, I gave the Sonic Port 3 out of 5 stars based upon two factors: one being design flaw [in my humble opinion] and the second being value… …when looking at the Sonic Port, you can clearly see that all the main connectivity occurs at the front of the interface. Now, I found myself typically using the two 1/4" jacks, sometimes the 1/4" instrument and the 1/8" headphone. In both instances, a straight 1/4" jack will make the light, tapered design tip over [as all the mass will then be in the front]. It was very bothersome to try to have a clean, uncluttered workstation with an interface that kept flipping head over heels, or falling off my desk entirely. I am a bit particular when it comes to cable routing/clutter so I found this extremely off putting. All the photos of Sonic Port must have seen people taping the unit down, or adhering it in some shape or form… …in terms of value, it represents fair value. I would have rather seen a red anodized metal frame, inserted into a grey rubberized plastic sleeve at this price point, thereby adding a level of robustness that no other interface at this price point is matching [and thereby separating it from it's competitors]. Granted, this is meant mainly for the studio environment, but my ultimate designs for the use of this were to be for live amplification as well…and one can never anticipate what might happen on the road. All in all, my foray into iOS based amp modeling was a bit of a disappointment. In the end, none of the apps lived up to my expectations [with the exception of Amplitube, but even that isn't ready for prime time in my estimation]. At the end of the day, iOS amplification is therefore going to remain a rehearsal/practice tool for me and nothing more. And given my opinion of the Sonic Port, and it's place in this whole scenario, I feel that IK Multimedia's iRig HD represents a better design and value [at nearly $20 cheaper]. That being said, for someone who needs a few more features, a decent price, and will be using computer based recording/amplification software, the Line 6 Sonic Port will serve you well.

I have a variety of audio devices that will work with the old 30 pin adapters, but nothing that will work with my iPhone 5. I was happy to see that Line 6 released something that will work with the old and new interfaces. The Sonic Port has a 1/4" guitar in, a 1/4" guitar amp/line-out, a headphone jack and an aux-in which beats all other devices I've seen so far. The Sonic Port can use either the guitar or the aux input, but will give preference to the aux input if both have something plugged into them. The Sonic Port will let you get the full power from Line 6's free app "Mobile Pod" which is a close copy of the physical amp modeler they sell. The mobile Pod app is missing a few essential effects pedals, but hopefully they'll add those for free since you need to use a Line 6 device to get the full benefit of the app in the first place. Charging extra to buy core functionality would be rather cheesy IMHO. I also tested the interface with Garage band and had no trouble using it at all. The Sonic Port seems very well made, but take good care of the proprietary 30-pin and lightening cables since there's no telling how much a replacement would cost. The only downsides to the Sonic Port are the somewhat high cost and the inability to charge your device while using the Sonic Port. Update: May 2020 - The sonic port didn’t work with iOS 13 until the 13.4 release. It works just fine again. Update: April 2021 - I just upgraded to an 11” iPad Pro and am struggling to find a way to connect the sonic port through the USB-C port. I’ll update this review when I find (or don’t find) a solution.

There are nights when my wife watches her shows that I am absolutely not interested in. And on those nights I end up being bored reading or wasting time mindlessly browsing websites on the tablet. I'm not rich so I don't have a studio in my house so I unfortunately cannot practice playing the guitar when the boss is watching "Dancing With The Stars." This little gem has got to be one of the best purchases I have ever made. I hook this up to the iPad, plug in the guitar and headphones, open up MobilePOD, start some tunes and I get to jam along with my favourite songs as loud as I want. The Line 6 MobilePOD software is in no way even close to sounding as good as the Helix, but for a quick jam fix it does the job. After some amp and effect tweaks I have a pretty decent sound that will entertain me for the night and allow me to get my practice in. This unit works very well. Low noise and easy connections. It couldn't be simpler. There is 1 1/4 line in port for plugging in your guitar or other musical instrument. For output's you get both an 1/8 and 1/4 line out for connection to external amps or other devices. There is also an 1/8 out headphone jack. The unit uses the power port on an iPhone or iPad to connect and it comes with both the new Lighting connector cable and the old style power connector cable. I don't know how this unit and software sounds running it through an amp but I personally wouldn't use it in that way. I know that the sound and effects produced by this unit will in no way match the sound and power from my Helix board. But I am actually quite surprised at how good it does sound through the iPad and a set of headphones. You have the ability to use various software applications. Line 6 has the MobilePOD which sound pretty good but is limited on effects. Or you could use apps such as Jammit which I've personally never used, or ToneStack which I also use and is quite good. I have found that the ToneStack app doesn't sound quite as good as the MobilePOD app, but it makes up for it with an amazing amount of decent effects. Be warned though, all of these apps have in-app purchases to unlock additional amps and effects. So the cost could run up to be almost twice as much as the initial Line 6 Sonic Port purchase. MobilePOD is cheaper than ToneStack and does have an in-app purchase for additional amps and effects which I believe is approx. $20. ToneStack however has additional in-app purchases as much as almost $70! But that's for the whole kit and caboodle but it does give you a dizzying array of amps and effects.

I don't know how this compares to other similar devices as I've not owned or used any of the others on the market. With that said i dont really see myself using any other device either. The sonic port does everything i need. One issue i have noticed which may not be the fault of the sonic port is a noticable latency when used with Bias. I dont notice any latency with pod farm or garage band but with Bias there is a noticable delay between when i play to when i hear the output from Bias. Im using this on a iPhone 6 plus. Update. Loved it while it worked. Since updating to IOS 13 it no longer works at all. Line 6 is blaming apple and apple doesn't seem to care. No idea who's fault it is but it's not been working for several months now. Customers are caught in the middle. Do not buy this!

This device worked really well, at first. I put about three hours' worth over the course of three weeks, was playing and then noticed the sound quality seemed to be lacking. All of a sudden a LOUD tone generated and didn't stop until I unplugged the Sonic Port from my iPad. It never worked at all after that. Only then did I check out a few forums and find this product has had inconsistent Quality Control and more than a few have not held up. My situation was strictly electronic FAILURE; it was never abused or jostled around, never transported anywhere, always treated with great care. Thank God for amazon... It was a simple process to have it replaced. If this one holds up I will upgrade my rating to 5 stars because whenitworks,it works very well and seems to play well with ALL the guitar amp sims as well as Jammit, Mobile POD and Garage Band. Update 3-29-14: replacement works fine, zero complaints- so I've upgraded my review to 5-stars. For the money this product does everything I would expect of it.

Item was in poor condition

This little thing is serious stuff. I used it to get my ideas down with my iphone and it work like magic. Material is durable and cable seems strong as well. Never had even one problem with this, it even comes with app recommendations that let you play with mutliple amps and even work simultaneously with garage band. ( I really recommend using it with GB). Very easy to instal and overall just a lifesaver. If you're into having a very small music set, this is for you. You can make some real sounding stuff with this.

買おうと思ったら認識されないということで軒並み低評価になっていたので様子を見ていましたが、復活と聞いて早速注文。 iRig系でも良かったのですが、低ノイズと聞いてこちらを待ってました。 確かに低ノイズで、MobilePod,及びGarageBandでもほぼノイズレスで認識します（シールドはカナレ）。 ただSonicPort側のイヤホン端子に接続するとノイズが出ます。当方iPadに接続して使っていますが、iPad側のイヤホン端子につなぐと問題ないです。 遅延もなく宅録用途なら十二分、ライブなどで使うとしても十分使用に耐えうるものと思いますが、いかんせん付属のケーブルがよろしくない。 まず本体との接続がシビアで、適当にグリグリやっても刺さりません。 また抜くときも、ケーブル側の持ち手が本体に半分ほど埋まるため、抜きづらい上に硬いです。 おそらく本体より先にケーブルが死にますね・・・そしてケーブル単品での購入はできない・・・ ここが気になってますが、製品としては満足です。また何かあったら追記しようと思います。 とりあえずiOS端末とつなぎたいなら、コンパクトで安いですしおすすめです。

Ich betreibe den Sonic Port mit dem iPhone5 und den Apps von JamUp XT und BIAS. Ich bin hierbei einfach nur sprachlos. Was hierbei von meiner Gitarre (Line 6 Variax 500) rüberkommt, ist unglaublich. Die beide Apps sind nun herrlich integriert. Somit bietet BIAS die Verstärkersimulation, welche bis auf die verwendeten Rohren im Gerät konfiguriert werden kann !! In JamUp werden die Effektgeräte zugeordnet und eingestellt. Alles in absoluter Echtzeit, kein Signalversatz. Selbst mit dem kleinen Display des iPhone kann hier problemlos ein Sound entweder gebastelt oder vom Internet geladen werden. 3 Dinge braucht der Mann oder die Frau: Gitarre - Sonic Port und iPhone (mit Apps).

Me llego mucho antes de lo esperado, excelente calidad de sonido. Lo uso para tocar en vivo con el bais fx. Edito después de dos años de uso( lo sigo usando) pero se que no se funciona en Ios13, no he actualizado mi IPAD y no hay ninguna solución todavía de parte ni de apple ni Line 6. Si lo quieren, les recomiendo esperar , o comprar otro.