Getting started on iOS

[Deleted User]

@creep13x said:
I've been trying to find reviews on the mic and headphones that come with the Itrack pack. I haven't found a review that mentions them anywhere, or even any comments on them specifically. I find it strange. No mention may be a good thing? This is the Internet after all. If people hate something you're most likely sure to hear about it.

Here's a recent iTrack Dock review on Amazon about a user who was having problems in a setup similar to what you're considering and the response they received from Focusrite.

decibelle

Hello!

I've been where you are, and tried pretty much every app there is, plus massive amounts of hardware.

Having pared down my setup to the most minimum stuff for maximum usability, for your needs this is the setup I would recommend:

Best all-purpose instrument/vocal/FX/foley mic I've ever used (my fav for last 10 years):

Audio Technica AT4033 (large diaphragm cardioid condenser)
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/9da35d460627c96c/

This needs a male to female mono XLR mic cable.

To connect mic to iPhone, MicPort Pro:
http://www.centrance.com/products/mp/

This takes male end of mic cable.
Connects with mini-USB to USB cable, plug into USB hub or direct into Apple's iPhone Camera Connection Kit.
Has headphone input for monitoring, depending on your headphones, you may need a 1/4" to 1/8" plug adapter.

For any direct plug-in instruments i.e. guitar, AxePort Pro:
http://www.centrance.com/products/ap/

Takes male end of 1/4" mono jack plug instrument cable.
Connects same as MicPort with mini-USB to USB cable and with headphone monitoring input.

For connecting everything up:

You'll need this cable connector adapter from Apple:
http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MK0W2ZM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter

External power source. 20,000mAh battery or similar, e.g.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X5RV14Y
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VJSGT2A/
(this is what I use)

This needs a micro-USB to USB cable to charge it, and accepts USB connector input.
You will also need a USB to USB cable to connect battery or wall charger to your USB hub - this will boost your iPhone/iPad's USB power to allow your USB audio interface (e.g. MicPort, Focusrite) to be compatible.

Compact USB hub, e.g.:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013XGK53E/
(this is what I use)

Fast mains charger e.g.:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016LPMFUA/
(this is what I use)

As for apps:
TwistedWave Audio Editor by TwistedWave
https://appsto.re/gb/GCx7x.i

This is the very best iOS recording/editing app I know, and has basic effects included such as reverb, compressor, etc, which from your description is pretty much all you need. Works on iPhone and iPad.

For mixing multiple tracks together:
MultiTrack DAW by Harmonicdog
https://appsto.re/gb/15qOt.i

I think that is really all the apps you need, any more would probably be overkill. All of this hardware and apps should run you under a grand. MicPorts and AT4033s can be got secondhand from online auction websites and the like. Just keep an eye out for when they turn up!

I hope I didn't confuse you? Best of luck to you.

Oh, oh, oh, ps: TwistedWave also allows you to export mp3 and m4a with metadata so it shows up in iTunes with artwork and track names and album info and everything! Big big feature, very hard tto find on iOS, saves a bunch of time off your workflow!

Ok, that's it now.

creep13x

Maybe the Itrack isn't for me. The bigger IPad Pro already doesn't fit it right.. it won't plug in without an adapter.

Wow. So much to think about. Let me read all these posts over a few times and think a bit and I'll get back with ya.. Thank you guys for all this help.

supanorton

@creep13x. As others have said, don't get a budget microphone. Personally, I wouldn't get a USB mic either. The iPad Air 2 should be 64 gigs or more, if possible. The Air 2 is quite capable for what you want to do.

The Focusrite Scarlet range interfaces (2i2 or 2i4) first generations are much less expensive now that the new versions have been rolled out. An excellent all around condenser mic is the AKG Perception 220. I have one, and I'm glad I do. Reverb.com has some great prices on the first generation Focusrite Scarlet interfaces and the AKG P220 mic.

Good luck.

creep13x

Well, the day is almost here, man. I decided to pony up more dollars after all and get something that I wouldn't have to sell and upgrade when I'm more experienced in a year. It turns out I probably posted this in the wrong forum, but I figured I'd fill you guys in.. just in case you're curious.

MacBook Pro 8gb 2.7 128gb (Which I found on sale for $99 more than my original budget. Sheesh. I can buy an external hard drive later.)

Focusrite 18i20 (Plenty of room to grow into.)

For mics I'm going AKG Petception 220 and a Rode NT1 to go with the Shure 58's I already have. (I figure as a singer I should have at least a couple tones to chose from.

I've already had two good pairs of neutral closed back Sony's. I can't afford monitors quite yet, so the Sony's are going to have to do.

For DAW, I'm going with Logic. I think it looks like a great program and a natural progression from where I started on GarageBand mobile.

Now I put my orders and and keep reading up and watching tutorial videos while I wait for arrival.

Talk about over budget. Lol. Thanks again, guys.