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iOS interface lightning/device powered
I know I've asked this before but I just ordered a UM2 and cancelled after figuring out ( 
) that it can't be powered by the device.
Is there an interface for recording guitar that can be powered by the iPad through the lightning port? I have an iPhone that has no 3.5 jack but if I can't record into it that's no big deal. The iPad is what really matters. Looking for the cheapest thing to record into an iPad 9 without an extra power source.
Comments
Line 6 sonic port is made for this.
Line 6 sonic port
Be careful, however: Line6 Sonic Port offers lightning port and that's all for connections. The Lightning port was what you were asking for, so you're fine at first. Still, recent iPads are featuring USB connector only, so most probably you'll not be able to use the Line6 with devices to come. If you are fine with it, you're fine. For me, it's a built-in expiration date.
Apogee jam can do this.
The old ones have only one input, so you need a headphone out socket, or a second audio device for output (and then you need a hub for more ports).
The newest Apogee Jam model, the plus, has a mono guitar input and stereo headphone output on one device.
The old one can be found second hand. There are actually 3 models, orignal Jam, 96khz model, and the plus. People reported the 96 khz sounds the same as the original one. And the plus sounds the same as the 96 khz. So getting the first model for cheap, is actually a good idea. Recording guitar on 96 khz samplerate, I think that is not needed, a guitar signal is pretty rough, unpolished. The original one has 48 khz as maximum.
The plus has some extra features, a "preamp" to color the guitar signal a bit. Might be just for marketing reasons, more features justify a higher price.
I think I would go for an IK Mumtinedia irig pro. I think that it still qualifies you for a free mixbox cs license for desktop or iPad too which makes it a great deal if you don’t have mixbox already. The irig comes with a lightning cable as well as a standard usb. Check their site to see if the deal is still on.
Or a zoom u-24 which is bigger but more capable. It’s battery powered so works perfectly with iOS with the apple CCK.
Check out IK Multimedia’s stuff as earlier posted!
/DMfan🇸🇪
Talking of ikm there’s also the tc-helicon go range
https://www.tc-helicon.com/series.html?category=R-TCHELICON-GOSERIES
Shure MVi. Well built, fool proof, works every time. Easy.
Can’ t recommend. Tried a GO Twin and the sound was compressed, basically only useful for live situations or casual listening. Budget sound quality, not good for studio use.
/DMfan🇸🇪
I have the Apogee Jam+ and can recommend it. Works with USB-C and Lightning, it sounds good, it’s simple to use, and the distortion preamp is surprisingly useful. It’s usually my go-to device because it’s so small and easy to travel with, although being mono-only gets frustrating when I want to pair it with something other than a guitar.
If you want more inputs and don’t mind fussing with AA batteries, the Zoom U-44 is worth looking into. IIRC it’s around the same price as the Jam+ but has two combo-inputs with microphone preamps. It also has MIDI out and can be expanded to 4 inputs, should you so require. I’ve never used the U-44 but I’ve used the H6, which has no MIDI but comes with a microphone and 4 additional audio inputs. It’s really not too bad using AA batteries as long as I remember to charge them.
Thanks for this. So the L6 cannot use anything other than a lightning connection? And is the lightning port on the way out?
Thanks for the detail. Price is a bit of an issue but I do like the idea of a range of connection options. Would be great if something could use jack, usb-c and lightning. Being powered by either batteries or the iPad is essential. Sorry for OP, didn't think about battery powered as an option.
The only thing I don't like is the no dials approach. How do you find that? Works well and is reliable. I think this one is device powered right. Also the option of usb-c or lightning is good. I'd rather avoid the extra expense of the camera adapter if I can.
I find it better to use a USB connection with the Apple CCK that has the power adapter. I have an iRig that comes with a lightning cable, but I use the USB cable that came with it instead. This is a lot more practical.
When, inevitably I start to run out of juice, all I have to do is plug in power to the lightning port on it. Or, if I want to use a midi devices as well, all I need to do is plug in a hub.
Yes, it's an extra dongle, but that's the way it goes.
Of the current iPad models, only iPad 9 has Lightning. The rest, Air, Mini, Pros, all have USB-C. The current Pros have actually stepped up to USB-C4 (Thunderbolt 4). So it does look like Lightning is on the way out.
Thanks for that. I think I'll rule that out. Do you know if the C4 fits the USBC slot?
It's all a bit tricky. I can't imagine why an interface would need a specific connector to work. Seems o me that if the device is plugged in it should work.
CCK, is that camera and charge? I assume the Apple $$$ version is recommended. The sure option above looks ok. As it comes with Lightning and USBc. Do you think it could be used with the CCK just by using different cable to the ones supplied?
CCK is an out of acronym standing for Camera Connection Kit. The one I use is actually called the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter. It has a USB-A input for data and a lightning input for charging only (no data).
I assume a USB-C to USB-A adapter would work for getting USB-C input to it, but I don't actually know.
And yes, Apple Original Equipment recommended IMO.
Thanks, and sorry but meant to ask which iRig you have?
No dials is fine. It is a “touch interface” interface just like an iPad is. We get along fine without physical buttons on the iPad!
Yes it is device powered. And yes make sure if you do go with it you order the correct one, usb-c or lightning. Amazon is notorious for sending the wrong one.
I would only buy the Apple CCK (camera adapter) if you want to use this one with phantom power. Otherwise no need for it.
Ha! It's an old iRig Pro from 2013. It just works, so I never had reason to replace it.
:
+1
I actually never had an issue with IK stuff. A bit on the pricey side, but I think you get what you pay for. If you’re going to spend the money, I’d say go for the Pro Duo I/O. Two channels in which lets you record in stereo if needed and both a guitar and a vocal for example at the same time. This way you can to a much larger extent future-proof yourself with inputs. As said before avoid the copy, the cheap TC Helicon GO Twin. It DOES NOT sound good.
And: when it comes to dongles and Lightning, always use Apple. There are numerous threads here describing cheaper options failing. If you use a USB-C iPad, things get a lot easier connection-wise, but then you have the dreaded headphone out issue… which solves itself when using a device powered audio interface😊.
But.,. dongles are here since a long time ago, resistance is futile. Just get on with your music-making👊.
/DMfan🇸🇪
Context plays a part here.
For sofa jams; you can’t beat the irig or jam. One cable to the phone/iPad, no dongles, tiny, hardly and friction to getting started. The irig pro io has midi in/out and can charge the iPad if you get the optional power supply. But you don’t want to be plugging in power adapters for a sofa
For a permanent studio space, a focusrite or MOTU would be top of my list.
For a combination of both, the Zoom U22 or 24 are a great compromise. Battery/bus or adaptor powered.
The worst thing about the irig and the JAM is that they use proprietary cables. I had an original apogee Jam with 30 pin cable. Apogee wanted £25 for a lightning lead 15 odd years ago.
The Zoom U24 use all standard cables including full size DIN MIDI. Lose a usb cable and you can get another almost anywhere. And when you need a usb-C cable for a future iPad or Mac it’s just a new £5 cable away from being dongle free. And the zooms can use a standard power supply too. No proprietary connectors for that either unlike IKM.
If you don’t need MIDI the Zoom u22 makes a lot of sense. The U24 is perfect if you do.
For me the U24 was the sweet spot. I’ve not been disappointed with it. But My sofa is my studio these days.
A USB3 CCK with a USB-A-to-USB-C cable definitely works with my Evo 4, though it does require the lightning power to be connected (I believe a power bank can be used to be mobile, just haven’t tried).
On my iPad 8 without power around 100mA power can be supplied - my Keystep is under this limit, my EWI USB however requires a higher power charger connected even though it’s power spec is around 100 mA - vagaries of USB!
Is it just the cable that varies or the device? I thought (can't find it now) I saw a seller offering it with a choice of cables or both.
I like the sound of no proprietary cables. Don't think I need more than the 22. As far as price goes it's looking like the Shure and Zoom are good value. Although if I can find a used iRig pro I'd prefer to spend under 50 bucks.
Just wondered if you know a couple of things about this interface.
I saw a video that said you can't turn the latency free monitoring off. I guess than means I am going to hear my guitar as well as the processed signal with no way of turning that off?
Also the Shure promo said it will work with any iOS device with a lightning port. I guess than means if I got an iPad pro the interface would be useless? Or would it still work with an adapter like USB A to USB C?
To answer your questions:
I am 99% sure it is the same device, choice of cables. I only have the ‘first’ version with lightning cable.
You can mute monitoring so you only hear the processed sound.
Sounds like the promo is an old video. Shure came out with a “second version” that has a USB-C cable. Should work fine with all iPads, Android, PCs etc…
Awesome, thanks. I changed the thread title because I probably didn't really know what I wanted at the start. I like the idea of a device being at least a little future proof. If it only worked with a lightning cable I'd probably avoid it.
How do you like the build quality. From what I've read the case is sturdy but the components are not so good (e.g. combo port not well attached to pcb).
I like the build quality. The xlr/ line input seems good to me. I could maybe see the micro usb being an issue down the line but this thing has been in packs all over the place. Just always been careful with micro usb no matter what I am using. It’s Shure - not some boutique company so I can imagine them being around for a while with some support for you.
Sometimes they have a sale for $79. Even at the full price it’s really great value.