Loopy Pro: Create music, your way.
What is Loopy Pro? — Loopy Pro is a powerful, flexible, and intuitive live looper, sampler, clip launcher and DAW for iPhone and iPad. At its core, it allows you to record and layer sounds in real-time to create complex musical arrangements. But it doesn’t stop there—Loopy Pro offers advanced tools to customize your workflow, build dynamic performance setups, and create a seamless connection between instruments, effects, and external gear.
Use it for live looping, sequencing, arranging, mixing, and much more. Whether you're a live performer, a producer, or just experimenting with sound, Loopy Pro helps you take control of your creative process.
Download on the App StoreLoopy Pro is your all-in-one musical toolkit. Try it for free today.
Comments
+1 on MOTU. Fantastic company with a stellar track record of top quality products and support. These new interfaces look full featured and affordable.
I mean for the price you cant beat it and it is fine but you hear the terms clear and bright mentioned with audio devices and the UMC 1820 is not this IMO. The other sound card i owned was a UR22 steinberg and they sound great, i say clearer sounding than my ICA4+.
The Steinberg UR44 is 245 euro new, 6 outs but including the mains. I like the look of the expertsleepers ES range for my modular but i dont own one yet and of course the ES doesn’t have 1/4 inch jack inputs/outputs.
There’s definitely other users on here with them (sure Jakob Haq has a video in it). Someone else also confirmed the iPad can also see all inputs when expanded with behringers ADAT. I have 2 if the ADATs connected to my RME UFX on my Mac and haven’t noticed any major difference in quality. (it was the cheapest way to expand the I/O at the time)
Other option is behringer xr18... a bit more pricy but one less power cable and very good routing options
I like the look of the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 2nd Gen. Being a newbie at this audio interface stuff, can I ask, how many midi outputs does it have? I'm revealing myself as a know-nothing, but that's OK, because I am - and that's why I love this forum. It's a great help. Cheers.
Thanks - very helpful run-down of the contenders!
@audio_DT If you'd go for a Uno Dum and a MicroFreak (what I'd choose if I were you) you wouldn't need any midi in/out 5 pins, but only a usb HUB or a soundcard with multiple usb ports.
In this case, I think the Iconnect ICA4+ would be perfect for you.
You could use the midi in/out of the ICA4+ (if you really want to use midi cables, as it can be plug as an USB device for midi) then use the usb port to connect the Uno Drum.
Then if you'd like to increase your studio with a usb hub, you could connect up to 8 or 10 usb midi devices. (except for Launchpad, I don't know if they've fix this issue or not with the latest MK3 versions...or if Iconnectivity upgraded their firmware)
You'd have 4 audio inputs with good preamps, so you'd still have 2 inputs to add a mic and an other monophonic, or an additional stereo synth.
Also, if you have an other IOS device, you can connect it to the 2nd USB host port.
That means 2 ipads in sync sending/receiving audio with each other.
Lots of possibilities, quite an advanced setup to start with
I wonder if it’s a set up issue. Mine sounds perfect. What you hear directly from the synths is exactly what gets recorded and played back. Reviews are also favourable.
Also remember. This is the audio interface that haQ attaQ uses so it must be decent.
L> @crony said:
This sounds like just the ticket, actually. Just a standard usb hub will work? I’ve got an iPad Pro 2018 - not sure if I could use my standard usb hubs with it but hope so - I’ve got the hyperdrive usb drive thingy, so will see if that works. Thanks - I suspect this might be the way for me to go for now.
It even does power the hub normally...So yeah a very standard old usb hub 2.0 will work perfectly. (and NOT USB-C hub...
)
Ah also, didn't mention, but they provide a USB to Lightning cable that can power the iPad (no CCK required) and then if you want to connect a 2nd iPad you may use a CCK USB 3 (with power) or get thei propriatary cable, but I'd recommend a CCK for the 2nd iPad as their cable won't power your iPad, on this port, it just does not drain the battery.
Not trying to be patronizing here... but when people ask “whats best?” I always wonder if they realize that the entire range of class compliant USB audio interfaces designed for PC or Mac could potentially be used in iOS.
There are some issues specific to using a standard USB interface on iOS:
1. Always use the official Apple “lightning to USB adapter.” Its the only truly reliable option (for anything other than the 2018 iPad Pro with USB C)
2. How is the device powered? You may need external power or a powered hub.
3. What is the default I/O setup. Some class compliant devices have different arrangements available for the digital ins/ outs and iOS will only recognize the default setup. Or the user has to plug in the device to the Mac/ PC to change the default I/O settings. Just something to keep in mind if the interface does have software-based features (which may or may not be accessible on iOS)
4. It must be “class-compliant” meaning you can’t use a device that requires third-party Mac/PC software to work.
So the question really is just a matter of what features do you need? There are dozens of manufacturers making USB audio interfaces, huge range of quality and price, etc.
thanks for that info. I haven't installed Maestro yet on my USB-C iPad, and now I know that I don't have to. Well then one has to use the knob to set the levels, and a computer or Lightning iPad/Phone to change input type (XLR or instrument). So it's not fully compatible with USB-C iDevices, but recognised as audio card and MIDI input.
I can also recommend the RME Babyface. I have borrowed one from a friend.
About breakout cables: interfaces like Duet or Babyface can only be that small when they have breakout cables. It's actually a brilliant idea. One can use the interface without, using only headphones.
I also recommend ICA4+ and also the Zoom u44 is a very nice mobile option.
One other option to get MIDI into the iPad/iPhone and audio out with volume control...
$79 Korg PlugKey. The MIDI is the 5-pin classic format so the hardware has to accept 5-pin MIDI. The D/A hardware in the PlugKey is not bad and it has (2) 1/4" Line Outs for running to a mixer or PA.
NO AUDIO IN but your headphone jack is still open since it connects via Lightning cable and avoids adding computer chip noise to your audio out. I used the headphone jack for a condenser mic input once when testing driving a vocal harmonizer app.
Don't forget about the potential of Bluetooth MIDI either. Bluetooth is OK for MIDI latency wise but never for live audio unless it's just to play backing tracks.
The MIDI targets would need to have some that support MIDI Through to make a chain of MIDI synths. It has a power port to allow the iPad to get power for gigs while working for audio and MIDI.
For USB MIDI they have you covered... I like my Presonus USB AudioBox a lot. Comes with a license for "Studio One" for desktops.
I use the an Anker hub: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B072K5SFHG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 That work with the interfaces, you think?
I understand, but the Duet isn't that small, and is huge to use for headphones only. I ended up buying a Jam+ to use as a headphone and guitar input. I replaced my Duet with an Ensemble and Remote, which is sooo much nicer for my uses. If only they'd release updated drivers for Catalina.
That looks like a charger, not a data hub. That would not work (except for charging).
For the 2018 iPad Pro you need a USB-C hub, something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-PowerExpand-Delivery-Ethernet-Chromebook/dp/B07PPGWQ15
This is a USB hub with “power delivery” so it will keep your iPad charged and provide 2 standard USB 3 ports, one of which could be used for any class-compliant USB audio interface.
Ah, gotcha. Silly me! Thanks for the heads upon that, I'll get one, I think. Thanks for the link, too - I'm an Anker fan.
For iPad, I would not buy an interface that didn’t have built in usb midi host (for midi controllers/new synths w usb), as well as 5 pin midi. Otherwise your dealing with all this hub shit.
Also wouldn’t buy one that doesn’t charge the iPad, which makes a pretty short list. I guess they make the usb3 adapter that has a plug for power now, but figure in an extra $40 for that.
Despite connectivity problems with the app, I still find the ica4+ to be pretty specialized for iOS. Are there any others that charge the iThings?
I’m a big fan of the Behringer UMC204HD. Got two of them. I’ve had Apogee and others, I don’t see how the Behringer is in any way inferior. I certainly haven’t experienced "muddy" sound with it. The only problem is the prices on the Behringer keep going up. I got both of mine for less than one would cost today.
I cant speak for the UMC204HD, but the UMC 1820 is noticeably inferior in sound quality to my other sounds cards which are not high-end by a long shot although the yamaha sound chips are well known for good quality. Which apogee sound card do you have?
It's a shame your experience of the interface is not the same as others.
It's a great audio interface and one of the highest review rated interface in its class. Just look at the tons of positive reviews for this interface on google. I've got one and it sounds great. I cannot hear the different between the sound going in and the sound going out as born out by all the reviews I read before I bought it.
Jakob Haq (from haQ attaQ) tested multiple interfaces and settled on that and he knows his audio.
For others considering this interface. Some of it's main points are:
Companies seem to be just dipping there toes with dedicated ios audio interfaces.
It’s leaving us jumping through hoops getting one that fits our needs.
Im hoping in time, the major makers will give us fully fledged no fuss ios interfaces.
i have used Audiofuse with no issues
@audio_DT Focusrite 4i4 and up have USB MIDI plus DIN connectors for MIDI I/O. You'll need a powered USB data hub.
Thanks 👍
When I bought u44 cant rememer why I chose it over u24. Maybe spdif. Was going to use it outside but I doubt I will. Think I were noticing people say other interfaces mentioned had quiet headphone out but they may have not been using 32ohm headphone. Mine are 32ohm.
I think I need to be able to cue, which would basically need monitors or a capable audio interface and headphones, with AUM also capable with faders off. Might be buying a lyra. Can see drones being first sound, then abelton link/volca modular/volca drum. Maybe I could just have an additional sound along with drone. This would should set everything else to sync.