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Direct audio in and USB audio out - any suggestions?
Hi, I'm looking to set things up with my iPad so that I can occasionally use it as an effects unit with my desktop based recording setup.
I would like to find an interface that will allow me to plug my guitar directly into the iPad, run the signal through a couple of FX apps using Audiobus, and then send a USB audio feed direct to my desktop and DAW.
Does any unit allow that?
Comments
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Here's one...
http://agilepartners.com/apps/ampkitmac/interfaces/#linkhd.
Guitar to ipad
http://www.iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI2plus
For ipad to desktop
But others may have better suggestions.
But... as far as I know, it's not possible to run two USB audio devices on a hub into an iPad (via a CCK). So if the Ampkit (or equivalent) has to go into the iConnectMID2+ and then the iConnectMIDI2+ into the iPad, theres no USB connection left for the desktop port!
Or can you run two USB devices into one iPad?
Or have I missed something obvious here?
No,that set up would require you to record into ipad daw or audioshare first and then run the recording out through iconnect,to desktop.
You could check other threads for ppl that use USB hubs,(I don't)
Or give it a bit longer on here and someone will pipe up.
Uh huh. No, I want to do all the routing at the same time.
I have noticed that the Focusright iTrack Solo has ALL the right connections (ie USB and a dedicated iOS connection - http://us.focusrite.com/ipad-audio-interfaces-usb-audio-interfaces/itrack-solo)
However, I cannot find anywhere (on Focusright’s site or on the web) if the two connections can work simultaneously. If they can, the my problem's solved (plus the unit has phantom power, which I would like too).
Anyone had experience of the iTrack Solo?
I have the itrack but thought that the USB was a power in.never used it as you are suggesting.
The itrack is also fine for acoustic guitar but not meant for electric.(from what I've read around the web,it clips the signal).
My instinct says it won't function that way. Just read 10 or so reviews and not one mentions the idea, let alone testing it.
I'll try and see..
..nope..
Not clear what your budget is. But you could use 2 Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 interfaces, one on your desktop and one to your iPad, and connect the S/PDIF coax out from the iPad one to the coax S/PDIF input of the Desktop one. There are other boxes with S/PDIF channels too, but usually not at the lower end of the price range, or (like the UA-3) they have optical instead of coax and do not work with the iPad. A coax to optical converter runs about $16. This will give you live routing Guitar -> 6i6 instr in -> iPad -> 6i6 coax out -> 2nd 6i6 coax in -> desktop DAW. This is pretty much how I do it, though I already have a Motu 828 Firewire interface on my desktop, and it has a coax S/PDIF input. Note that all the Focusrites from the 6i6 up have coax I/O, and it may be you can get say the 18i6 for less money than the 6i6. I found mine for $200.
I'd like to recommend the iConnectMIDI4+ instead, but until I see one I do not know how it manages an audio interface connected to its USB host port (a feature lacking in the 2+). Then use a Focusrite Solo there. But I don't know how that would work as yet. The manufacturer does not even have the manual posted for download on their site.
It is definitely not possible to connect two audio USB interfaces to the iPad and have both of them functional. If your desktop is a Mac the Audio/Midi panel allows you to build compound audio devices incorporating multiple USB interfaces.
Bottom line, there is no cheap way to do this with iPad -> DAW staying digital. Otherwise you could just hook the Solo main out to your deskop analog in and pay the quality cost of the extra D/A -> A/D conversions.
Thought so. I'll see if anyone else chimes in with a smart idea. I think I may be asking for too much...
Hi dwarman, thanks for the suggestions. The 2 Scarlett suggestion would work, I guess, thought it seems a bit OTT for my needs.
I'll take another look at what the iConnectMIDI4+ does. Or at least email the manufacturer for advice.
2 behringer UCA202s would do it
That's a LOT cheaper!
However, looking at it a little more carefully, it's only a digital output, so I guess the UCA202 could only handle one side of the connection. Right?
Yeah, I'm a skinflint...
trouble is the 202 does not have a guitar input, and you'd have to take the D/A - A/D hit.
@bennorland Sorry, I meant UCA222. It's stereo input and output, USB at the IPad/PC end. Also has a optical out, so if your PC had an optical input, you could use that and avoid the D/A - A/D conversions.
Thanks for the suggestions, Paul. You've got me thinking and made me realise/remember that my Mac does have an optical in. which opens up a lot of possibilities.
There are one or two compact USB interfaces with line and mic inputs that have optical outputs. As long as I can find one that plays nicely with the iPad, I may have killed several birds with one interface.
Well @thesoundtestroom also has a UCA222 and has raved about it on video. I'm very happy with mine, it may be cheap, but it gives quality results. The only downside is it's line level only. Don't forget you need the appropriate CCK.
iConnectMidi 2+ or 4+
is the only one that have Audio pass through USB
http://www.iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI2plus
Paul, I was trying to figure out using the UCA222.
Is it right that I would need to go:
iPad -----> CCK
CCK -----> UCA222
UCA222 -----> A converter from RCA digital output to the optical port (plus leads).
And if I occasionally want to use the interface with a mic that needs phantom power I would need a phantom power box to plug into the UCA222 for those occasions.
I guess I need to add the cost of those things up and set that against an all in one solution...
The digital output on the UCA222 is Toslink Optical (S/PDIF), is it not the same on your Mac?
Otherwise, correct.
So it is! My mistake, that's excellent, I think I'm buying one...
One final question. To get my guitar (and mic) in via that route, I'll need a tiny little mixer, preferably with phantom power. Is that the best solution? Something like this:
http://www.gak.co.uk/en/alto-zmx52-mixer/51486
That mixer doesn't have 2 things you probably want: guitar level input and separate headphone level control.
Ah, the line level vs instrument level thing still confuses me. Are all small mixers going to have this issue? Will I need another box? It all starts to feel too complicated to me.
I just picked up an ART USB Dual Tube Pre for $89 at Guitar Center. It has all of the features you are looking for...........I think. I got it because I'm on a budget and needed something that had a stereo interface with phantom powered XLR inputs, instrument and guitar level inputs, separate outs capability to outboard effects, worked with iOS/Windows/Mac, and cost less than $100. It normally costs $99, but it was on sale in my local Guitar center. Also, I didn't want to have to use a hub. While it DOES require an AC adapter to power the device, it is a small one. At least check it out and see if it might have what you are needing....
Edit: Note--the interface is only 16/44.1 so if that's not a show stopper for you, it might be what you are looking for...
Edit #2: It looks like this may not completely cover what you are wanting, because there is still the issue of getting the audio back into your computer.....it would be pretty good for the iOS side of things though
One note about the Behringer units: the UCA 202 and UCA 222 are the same piece of hardware. The only difference is that the UCA 222 is red and comes with some additional software.
Auria's list of IOS interfaces is always the first place I look for information.
http://www.auriaapp.com/Support/auria-audio-interfaces
I would suggest finding an Edirol (Roland) UA-25EX
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/970/specs/
It has everything you need plus an optical out. It looks like Focusrite has some interfaces with digital out, too, but those seem to use RCA rather than optical.
You need the Mac end to be the mini-TOS style connector. You can get cables with each end with the right size, or a standard cable and a step-down adapter for the Mac end. Cheap on