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Who's using AUM + audio interface to use iPad as a complex mixer in an external hardware setup?
Maybe this question is a bit weird as AUM is first and foremost a mixer, but I'm interested in workflow and practicality of using an iPad running AUM as an audio and midi hub in a setup with external synths, drum machines, effects and sequencers.
So who's using an iPad and AUM to kind of roll their own digital mixer?
I've been using a Tascam Model 12 lately and it's cool, but there's only 2 mono aux sends and no returns so I'm finding it limiting and although it has onboard effects they're crap compared to my IOS apps. I've got on really well with AUM for ipad jams or just with my Deluge so wanted to extend this to a larger setup.
I just got a Motu Ultralite MK5 and want to use an Expert Sleepers ES-3 and ES-6 in a little case to extend it over ADAT.
So then I've got 14 in and 16 out, all available to AUM where I can run AUV3 effects and apps all 'in the box' with as many virtual effects busses as the CPU can handle, but can also route stuff out to external hardware for a good old spring reverb, modular synth fun or some tape delay or whatever. Plus then I can enable recording on any channel I like and set up hands on midi control of some faders and knobs with something like a Launch Control XL.
But I haven't seen many other people do it this way and use the ipad as a main mixer/audio hub for a larger hardware setup and when I come to put it together it kinda seems like it could get quite convoluted and fiddly to be poking away at a little screen (even with a 12.9" ipad) and I worry that it's going to be too complicated and busy a session in AUM to be fun with up to 30 tracks (although I guess many will be stereo ones) plus extras for virtual instruments. On one hand it's everything I wanted and on the other hand it just seems like there will be too much going on..
Here's a really messy shot of a table covered in some of the gear I'd like to connect
Any tips or tricks gratefully received 
Comments
It looks like you need to have everything plugged in so therefore
why not have everything routed the way you need them to be routed
and then get a writable overlay for the LC XL for your most used routings in AUM.
Once you’ve saved a session in AUM with your configuration then all you need to do is recall it.
In writing sessions look at the overlay to check what you need to adjust and you’re all set
and then you don't need to look at the screen until it’s time to adjust something particular
or change an effect.
I used a kind of prototyping system based on an iCA4+ to connect an iPad to a Pro Tools TDM and a Creamware Scope system (external fx-processing and synth sources) with AUM as the mixer centerpiece.
Worked nice, but limited to 2 stereo busses and multiple AD/DA conversions on send/return.
The original plan was to use Adat connections with 8 channel busses (Audient ID22 instead of the iCA4+)
Took a while to get an Adat Bridge for PT, but digital clock threw me back: with 3 optical connections as the only common sync signal it‘s hard to get 3 systems „in line“... let alone have them autostart in the desired way.
I hope to solve it by a Mutec MC4 clock, which is the only one (I found) to clock master an Adat and send out wordclock to PT and Scope. The ID44 (to replace the ID22) would be easier as it got wordclock in, but would break the budget.
Since I have no space for a mixer on my tiny desk (1/3 of yours) I am using TC Blender as an audio interface and the iPad as „the brain“ with AUM. Works fine for my setup. There are some limitations:
I like the advantage to have total recall and setup complex routings/configurations. Furthermore you will get a multitrack-session-recorder for free.
I was also thinking about getting a uTrack24 and build my own breakout boxes for dedicated use cases.
I’ve used AUM as my main mixer for hardware. It works great. I have fewer instruments than you do, but it should be the same experience.
The key is to create a template in AUM with all the sends, compressors, limiters, f/x, etc. that you typically use.
Given all the stuff you have on that desk, perhaps you can create different templates to support different workflows. Maybe create a modular template for experimenting with Eurorack, and another for Deluge-centric stuff, or whatever makes sense for you. The cool thing with AUM is that you can switch templates mid-session if you feel like it—say, you’ve got a nice eurorack patch going, and now you want to add some sequences from Deluge/ASM. You open the new template and it works instantly. Or save the original one under a new name and import the f/x channels from one session to another, etc.
I ended up switching to a hybrid setup with my Mackie 1202 + AUM. My iPad isn’t always in my studio, and I wanted to reduce friction. I have the Mackie’s AUX sends -> audio interface -> AUM for cool f/x chains, and the Mackie’s main outs -> interface -> AUM for recording. I also have the iPad -> audio interface -> Mackie channel strip so I can add AU instruments into the mix. With this configuration, I can decide which mixer to route my signals through depending on what I need.
Got everything plugged in through a MIDI interface connected to a USB hub which also has a USB mixer connected to it, along with various hardware devices. Use my MacBook, iPad or iPhone to control everything, but always use AUM with my iPad or iPhone.
Thanks, that method of intermediate mixer as the primary interface with AUM behind it doing the more complex stuff in a simpler way does seem to make a lot of sense. I really enjoy that with my Tascam at the moment. I can just flick it on and if I want to play about with a minimal setup with no computer involved it's all just there. The only mixer I can see that would kind of fit the bill is a Mackie 1604 VLZ4 They've got enough channels, sends, aux buss and stereo returns to work with everything, then it's all 1 for 1 hands on control too
Yeah, I guess I'll give it a go and see if it's manageable. At the moment I'm looking at it as 1 big complicated thing to achieve, but possibly as I break it down and get each bit working it'll make its own kind of sense
Things that are more flexible than a regular mixer like a particular channel or fader being able to be stereo might reduce the complexity compared to a regular mixer.
With complex setups I tend to reduce it down to what
needs to be flexible and what needs to be permanent.
AUM is super flexible as a mixer and you have enough
audio ins and outs to leave physical things in permanent places
so therefore you can use AUM, which was your original question,
as a mixer.
With my rig I can use either dRambo or AUM because
I leave everything wired in such a way that I can route
everything to everything.
As long as it outputs a sound then I can send it back and forth
between my two iPads and sum it in analog with my little mixer.
The advantage with this is I can mix in the box or route
signals out to my compressors for that analog sound.
The only thing to watch out for is latency.
I use to sending choosen sources by MADI to iPad AUM and them create kind of mix with au plugins especially Drambo Mfx and rough riger2 and sometime AudioRecerb or Eos2. This allows me to expediment with different settings where I work on audio tracks from ableton.
On my iMac Drambo not working.
Ok, cool, that makes sense, and yeah, I guess if I have a synth going into AUM, but then I run an outboard effect like a spring reverb on an aux send, but then I also run the whole stereo mix through the Analog Heat then that signal has crossed the line between the Analog and Digital worlds 5 times hasn't it. I'm vaguely aware there are some latency compensation settings in AUM but haven't investigated that yet. I guess I'll see how bad it appears to be
A little bit tired so I’ll figure out how many times it
has gone round the Analog Digital world at some point.
Yes, latency will play a factor here if you need the signal to be in phase.
I ran numerous tests for latency and found a way that works using a fine delay.
The inbuilt latency settings do assist in AUM but not all the time which isn’t
a slur upon AUM itself, it’s due to the fact that additional effects can create latency.
It’s not a big problem though.
Once you’ve got your rig setup the way you need to be then you
can set and forget the latency settings for the most part.
Ahh yes, in regards to overlays I found a nice little
company and I’m awaiting news as I have an LC XL as well.
They’re testing for wipeable writeable overlays and custom designs.
I’ll post up the news from them in due course.
There is some latency, but with fx like spring reverb or any 19“ unit it’s neither noticeable nor disturbing.
It though may became a problem if you parallel process things like drum or bass on split channels as attacks are significantly displaced in the returned signal.
You‘re right about the conversion loss, which of course depends on the quality of in/out stages. That‘s the main reason why I wanted to replace the analog pathes by digital busses.
In my case the iCA4+ and the Digidesign 882/20 line level connections both aren‘t the most brilliant implementations.
But since many IOS signals are quite well defined (or rather „cutting through“) a bit of conversion mud may be tolerated)
I used to use Aum + an interface as a mixer, and now Drambo + interface. Specifically, an ICA4+ and 2 iPads both running Drambo. One iPad runs my drambo songs and the other one is a glorified (fxed) looper / mastering / transition instruments (granular). I also use a APC 40 MKII as a midi controller for my Drambo trax and looper controls, helps from getting overwhelmed.
I like that the ICA4+ forces me to use a stripped-back hardware setup (only 4 inputs) and gets me to focus on my iPad as the brain. My goal was to have something I could take out live (you know, when that happens again). Also the ICA4+ lets two usb devices talk together with no additional ADC/DAC latency, which makes a 2nd iPad as a looper work really well. Allows me to load up new songs while keeping the old one going.
Not quite the setup you have, and I think we have somewhat different goals, but similar enough that I thought it might be worth mentioning. Using AUM as a mixer is definitely extremely powerful.
That's a nice one... and you could use all those inserts with the jacks 1/2 plugged to double up the channels in AUM for recording, and/or fx
Cheers all. I made some progress with wiring up and had a little jam last night. Quite a lot of trying to work out ADAT channels and finding appropriate wires for everything but initial signs are good. The session in AUM seems pretty busy already with only 2 external aux sends, but last night was experimentation so nothing's labelled properly or put in a sensible order.
One stumbling block I encountered is only being able to send midi clock out from AUM to a single midi destination. I prefer using usb midi as it's less wires and means each device identifies themselves in AUM. Last night I used Midi Link Sync to make it work, but it seems like a bodge. Maybe I also need to run a separate midi clock bus over 5pin din by setting 1 device as the destination and using a splitter like the Miditech Midi Thru 4 /Filter?
Been thinking about the retrokits rk06 to get all my stuff synced instead a midi thru Box. There are a lot of possibilities then
Do you have dRambo?
If so you can use that to send Midi clock to multiple midi outs.
Thinking about it if you have MiRack you could use that as well.
I have a very similar setup and AUM is my main mixer. I love it. I'm using Expert Sleepers ES-8+ES-6 and ES-9 to connect either two iPads or iPad and computer.
I prefer recording to my iPad, so it works really well. I recommend getting a Launch Control XL and another midi interface. RK006 is great because it uses very little USB power, and will be helpful to keep midi devices in sync. AUM is 100x the functionality of an mixer, with all the midi and audio AUs, we have available. As others have recommended, having templates for multiple setup is super helpful.
Also, what's your modular case?
Thanks, I have an RK-006 and I really like it. Works great for syncing clock to the modular, but it's only got 2 midi in channels and with stuff like the bass station, Hydrasynth and Nord drums I want to be able to play patterns in using their pads and keys in order to record that midi into the Deluge. I could tag my usb hub onto the RK-006 rather than ipad, but wasn't sure how the ipad would see all the usb midi clients properly if it wasn't being the host. I'll experiment!
I do have Drambo. if I could just drop a Drambo on a channel and set that up to distribute midi clock that'd be great. Do I just drop a few 'midi output' modules into a blank track and that'll do it?
Also got a Launch Control XL
I'm keenly waiting for Monitus Music to record his next video as he's got some templates and a really nice workflow for combining a Deluge, Launch Control XL and Drambo/AUM to make an amazing sounding 'Octaluge'
Modular case is a NONO Lander 2 from Italy - http://nonomodular.com/lander-two/
Cool, re case. Re: RK006, works just fine with USB hub.
excellent, thanks. What other external gear are you including in your setup?
Part of what I'm trying to work out is not just 'how do I connect all my gear' but more like 'what's a good hybrid setup that allows easy creativity without being a headache?' because I suspect that there's a sweet spot where it all makes more sense and there's plenty of options, some nice hands-on stuff to play with and perform and a good workflow. I'm full open to the possibility that a setup with this much gear is not actually practical for a human with 1 brain and a single pair of hands to play a track on...
Or maybe I just need a 2 stage approach where phase 1 is recording lots of cool noises from this lovely gear and phase 2 is to use those noises as samples on the Deluge or iPad to perform a track. I like the idea of having a smaller core system that works in a modular way and is able to connect into this larger suite of gear, but can also operate as a separate mobile thing.
Haha, yeah, integrating lots of gear has its limitations. Sometimes, there's more time spent on that than actually making music. LOL.
For my non-modular hardware, I have another audio interface with ADAT in and out, so I can send audio into my iPad or PC using ES-8. It works in theory, but I've been mostly been focused on modular/PC/iPad combo recently. Otherwise, there's USB hubs for each device plus midi controllers. More of my setup is here, most recent jams using PC/modular/Maschine + recording on iPad.
I've found track limitations to be helpful, keeping to max 8 stereo tracks for mixing, and not bothering with sends, only working with insert fx.
First thing i would do is sketch out your setup so you can try out a few configurations on paper. This is what i did last year before finally adding my OctaPre to my my Scarlett to increase my channel count to 16:
Option 1
Option 2
You really need to pre-vis your ideal setup, otherwise you will overwhelm yourself with options and possibilities.
The Map is the territory and will help with your budget as well. 😉
What i set up because of the pre-vis work
Yeah, that's the thing I keep coming back to. I sat on the floor last week and played a Yamaha Reface CS through these old Boss effects and got totally lost in the music for a lovely couple of hours in a way I wouldn't usually do with a more complex setup
Sometimes less options means way more creativity and enjoyment.
Thanks, that looks a great setup you have there. I bet there was a fair bit of juggling even just to get the physical fit of things right let along having it functionally all singing along!
I've been using a virtual whiteboard thing to mock up some setups which I've found useful for creating several versions and trying different combinations of gear.
Also playing with moving different functions around from 1 piece of gear to the next. Straight away it seems that for more complex effects like granular delay and posh reverb, there's benefits to having those run within the ipad, from a latency, user interface and simplicity point of view. I've recently got a Microcosm pedal, but I think actually for DSP based stuff like this I may as well be using an Eventide reverb AUv3 or Gauss or Borderlands Granular.
I think for the sake of enjoyment and not getting too overwhelmed I might strip things right back to basics and maybe introduce a new piece of kit each week or so if I feel I'm really missing something.
Some good progress this evening
I shelved the Microcosm for now and moved the other outboard effects to be in-line with the gear that most benefits from them so now I only have 8 inputs looking like.
Mic > 1Bass station2 > Boss DM100 delay > Boss RX100 reverb > 2Nord Drum > Analog Heat > 3&4Deluge > 5&6Hydrasynth > 7&8which is massively simpler as an AUM session as well as to wire up. I dropped a Gauss on the mic channel, added a channel of Pure Piano and set up an effect bus with Bleass Motion FX and some Eventide Reverb and put a Magic Death eye on the master bus and just spent an hour jamming and it works really well indeed
I want to figure out how to send extra midi clock outs to midi destinations from within AUM. I had a look at dRambo for this, but it doesn't 'see' the other midi clients when it's loaded within AUM like it does standalone. I would guess that a Mozaic script is probably the most straightforward way to output more midi clock? Not that I know how to make it do that, but it seems like the right tool.
Tomorrow I'll map the Launch Control XL and generally label some stuff, but I'm very pleased with how that's come together so far
I had a look myself this evening.
I can confirm that dRambo doesn't as yet.
Here's a thought.
What not run dRambo standalone in the background and have that synced that to Ableton.
That way dRambo standalone will simply be providing midi clock nothing else.
You can then select in the settings of dRambo which channels need midi clock.
The other way to do it would be to use MiRack in AUM.
Here's a patch I made for a MiRack when I was looking
at different ways to get things syncing together.
https://patchstorage.com/midi-clock-start-stop/
You can route the output of this patch to whatever port needs midi clock.
Same, more or less. I have the Mackie 1202 going into an iConnect iCA4+. This lets me hook up a Max, an iPad, or both.
I gave up on AUM in these cases. Too much futzing, and something would always go wrong. Now I record any iPad instruments (like Thumbjam) into Ableton.
I also have a patchbay before the Mackie, so I do most of my routing there. I can quickly connect an OP-1 and sample from the iPad, for example.
I use it with my rme uxc, The uxc doesn't have any on board controls, so using AUM is a great solution and really lets me use all those AU outside the ipad ecosystem and process all my other gear.
Cool, thank you. I'm a total MiRack novice but that seems to be a great tool for this type of thing as I don't need to learn mozaic code and can just wire things together, plus it seems to see the usb midi clients just fine when loaded in AUM. Now I need to work out how to multiply the clock signal in mirack as I think it's sending out 1PPQN rather than 24 or whatever I need as my synths are seeing approx 5bpm rather than 120