The Synido Live Dock A20 is a compact interface designed for musicians and creators who work on-the-go. At roughly 8x8cm, it’s a pocket-sized audio processor that’s designed for recording onto smaller devices like phones and laptops. The size and simple design make it a great option for live streaming and casual recording, and it comes with a range of useful features for more accurate, high-quality processing.

The A20 is the mid-tier option in Synido’s interface line-up, offering significant upgrades over the Synido Live Dock 10 whilst being more portable and budget-friendly than the A30. The Synido Live Dock 10 is a much simpler adapter for basic recording; the A20 adds dedicated instrument inputs and Bluetooth capabilities. The A30 is more advanced, with physical knobs and a transmitter for a better wireless connection. It has a built-in battery, supports up to 6 hours of continuous use, and can be used while charging. The Live Dock A20 is the most balanced option for mobile-first creators, and it’s a great budget option at only $50. But is it worth it for complex recordings and more advanced setups? This article will look at the features, hardware specs, pros and cons to help you decide if the A20 is the right interface for your setup.

Technical Features and Hardware

The A20 is designed with a selection of inputs and outputs focused on mobile workflows. Despite its size, it includes several dedicated hardware controls for real-time monitoring and high-fidelity audio processing.

> High-Resolution Processing: The unit features a 32-bit DSP dual-core chip that handles all audio processing. It supports studio-standard 24-bit/96kHz resolution, making it usable for more detailed recording. The inbuilt DSP chip means there is very low latency when recording or monitoring, so you won’t be distracted by delays.

> Inputs: The A20 includes a 6.35mm (1/4″) instrument input and a 3.5mm microphone input. This enables you to record both instrument and microphone inputs at the same time, perfect for singer-songwriter style performances with vocals accompanied by a guitar or keyboard. 

> Output: There is only one output, a 3.5mm TRS port for connecting to headphones or a speaker. Both inputs and the output can be gain-staged separately, giving you the ability to hone in the levels for all your devices for a more balanced recording and playback. 

> Dual USB-C and Charging: There are two USB-C ports on the side, one for data transfer and the other for charging your device. This means you can charge your phone whilst recording or streaming, preventing the battery drain that usually limits mobile setups.

> Bluetooth and Loopback: The A20 includes a built-in Bluetooth receiver for additional wireless recording. It also features a Loopback function, which allows you to record or stream the audio coming from your computer/ phone along with your live instrument.

> Class-Compliant Drivers: The A20 is a “plug-and-play” device, which means you don’t need to install drivers or separate software; just plug it in and it’s good to go.

> Mono/Stereo Switch: A simple button allows you to switch between Mono and Stereo recording for the Instrument Input, giving you more options when recording guitars or keyboards.



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