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Guitar interface that allows high quality sound output to PA system
I have an Apogee Jam, which is a great little guitar interface. However I've been reading over on Yonac's site (and others) that hooking up to a PA via the headphone jack isn't really recommended due to audio quality losses through the jack. It is recommended to get audio output from the lightning connector instead. As I consider an iPad Air 2 as a replacement for my iPad2 I am also considering upgrading my guitar interface to the lightning connector and would like to have the ability to connect to a house PA system at the same time I am using the interface w/ my guitar into ToneStack.
There look to be so many options. I've been burned once or twice before and would prefer not to waste money trying things out for myself. Suggestions for interfaces to try?
Comments
I've got the Apogee One for Mac and iOS and could recommend that, especially if you like the sound of your guitar through the Jam.
It isn't that the problem is the headphone jack, as that is also what the One offers, its a matter of the preamp quality driving the sound. iOS devices have a weak preamp, most likely designed to not overwhelm and thus be compatible with the greatest number of cheap headsets. So, if you have high quality headphones with a high Ohm requirement, an iOS device will not have the necessary power to drive those headphones, and if it did, the battery life of the device would be severely diminished by 80% or more.
Unpowered headphones with high energy requirements eat batteries for breakfast, and so does the Apogee One for that matter when used with my Audio-Technica M50x. Thankfully it has its own power brick which is definitely a necessity for long term use.
I think for a live option, your choice will depend on if you need midi control and if you feel that midi control has to go through the audio interface or not. This can be more useful if using an iPad as your only live device, while not as necessary on a Laptop, but depends on the type of midi connection needed.
I need to research some more before I can really give any more suggestions.
Depends on specific needs/desires. I love the Akai EIE 16 bit, but it is bulky. It give you four analog inputs plus three USB midi ports, a midi DIN pair, sends on the analog inputs, and headphone out. The size and 16 bits might be a deal breaker though, depending on how you'll be using it.
I just ordered a Behringer UMC202HD interface from their site. I know, Behringer gets a bad wrap sometimes, but this seems like a pretty good interface for the price. Two combo inputs,, xlr, trs, and rca outs, plus an insert on each chanle, and a headphone out. 24/192
They have a couple of others in this line with more i/o.
$49.99 right now
I've used the little iRig (the first version) playing on a mega sound system. Worked great. Didn't run into any audio quality issues.
I use an iConnectivity ICA4, which I love as it powers the iPad. Also have had good experience with the Line6 SonicPort VX.
You should also look at the Sonoma Wire Works GuitarJack Stage interface - designed for stage use, has a L/R out (don't know if it's balanced) and headphone out, can run from iPad power OR charge the iPad when plugged into an outlet, has control knobs for amp settings, stomp switches, EXP input, presumably MIDI control. It's very new and priced at $300 so very few "reviews" out there so far...
Thanks all for the suggestions! I guess I should have read the sticky at the top of the forum and the linked thread. https://forum.audiob.us/discussion/84/guitar-interfaces but the question was a bit more specific and I really appreciate those who noted when interfaces were able to keep the iOS device charged while in use.