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Thanks for the insight and effort @mgmg4871. I read on Akai's web site that it supports 4 channel I/O over USB, but it wasn't clear if that's the absolute max, or if it is only referring to the channels on the unit. I decided to order it anyway, since the price is reasonable, and I want something beyond a single I/P, and given the response from @Dubhausdisco, some interfaces will work but limited to one at a time. If my Apogee Jam works, I'll be happy.
I guess it won't do much as a midi port in Cubasis. That seems odd, but I'm guessing a midi keyboard would work with it. I would be interested in what you find with GB, given the meter activity.
Sorry to rain on your AKAI parade, but there are actually many solid options for getting audio and midi in thru the CCK, though I have not seen others with 4 audio inputs and midi for under $150. This does sound like a great deal.
Now about the idea of bringing in multiple class-compliant audio sources to iOS thru a USB hub and CCK, I am quite sure this is not possible at the moment. The first device connected gets audio routing and any others get ignored is what I've read.
I am pretty sure that this limitation is why the forthcoming iConnect MIDI 4+ is making such big news, because it is designed to host other USB audio interfaces and route them all to iPad or PC.
Choosing the right audio interface for iPad is all about sacrifices...
Akai EIE is USB 1.0 and I've read you can't record all 4 inputs at once as 4 mono tracks? It does have a really good price tag though!
Lexicon Omega Studio has 8 inputs but has suffered quality problems with units breaking after some usage, although there's rumors users are seeing an updated "version 2" out which apparently adresses the quality issues. You also have issues with monitoring on the Omega - you can't have headphone monitor on all inputs at once, it's either 1-4 or 5-8 but not all of them. It's USB 2.0 so I guess getting all the inputs in at the same time is no issue besides the monitoring thing.
Focusrite does indeed sound like a good deal, but what's up with the 4 outputs?? When do you need 4 outputs?
The new Steinberg 192Khz/24bit interface is not class compliant. Duh!?
I have my eyes on the Roland Duo Capture EX which you can run off batteries and without a powered USB hub, and straight into the CCK. Sounds like the best compromise to me so far. Having an extra 2 line inputs wouldn't have hurt too much tho..
Why is there no 4 ins / 2 outs interface with MIDI?? Don't we all have keyboards, 1 guitar, 1 phantom powered mic and 1 mixer that we want to hook up to our iPads?
Another option is to go for a non-MIDI interface and hook a separate MIDI interface into the USB hub which is almost always mandatory when hooking up a USB interface to the iPad anyway. You can even use more than one MIDI interface into the same USB hub! Not sure about audio interfaces though. Maybe the iConnect MIDI does the trick, but I'm not sure, just like @Hmtx. The limitation is within iOS.
Anyone out there using the Roland Duo Capture EX yet? I'll drop a line here once I do..
@funjunkie In garageband the EiE does allow 2 inputs simultaneously. It will be either 1&2 or 3&4. EiE has 4 inputs so I'm thinking its an IOS limitation. The midi works perfectly in Cubasis. I was referring to the rp 255 showing up as a midi port in Cubasis. The EiE has 4 outs and 4 audio inserts.
I would guess it's an USB 1.0 limitation since other interfaces/apps happily can record up to 24 simultaneous channels. This 1&2 or 3&4 limitation was the biggest drawback for me when I was considering the EIE.
"Akai EIE is USB 1.0 and I've read you can't record all 4 inputs at once as 4 mono tracks?"
All inputs are available simultaneously in Auria and BM2 as mono or stereo. Sounds like its a GB issue... Not sure where you read that.
"Sorry to rain on your AKAI parade, but there are actually many solid options for getting audio and midi in thru the CCK, though I have not seen others with 4 audio inputs and midi for under $150"
Ok, listen carefully- the akai EIE is 4 in 4 out, with pre A/D inserts on inputs. It has one DIN midi in/out, and a 3 PORT USB HUB BUILT IN. Up to 4 midi controllers at once (1 DIN and 3 via USB)
There is no other self contained interface I know of currently that does this anywhere at any price. The iConnect claims it is the only solution to use USB midi controllers with iOS, and that's simply not true.
Ok, I'll stop testifying here.. Lol...
@Dubhausdisco I can't find the source for that, maybe I dug up some real old info there. Sounds great that it can record all 4 inputs at once! Can it also monitor all 4 inputs?
Yes- it has an input/output monitor knob. Also the inputs can be monitored thru the app.
I'm not saying every app can do all 4 at once but the ones I have allow it.
@Dubhausdisco you're right. My test was strictly with GB. My next test will be with Auria.
@dubbhaus, the Akai EIE sounds like it must be a solid product and its cool to see your enthusiasm. 4 mic/line inputs plus MIDI is uncommon at that price for sure. I just thought we might want to reign it in a bit after people started pondering if the built-in USB hub might even be able to route additional audio devices rather than just midi (simply not possible, as you also noted yesterday).
I know if I were the OP, I would rather hear about a variety of options. Any other users have good setups for audio in/out and midi on the iPad?
My current setup is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for audio using the CCK and a powered USB hub.
I could not be happier with the audio quality of the 2i2.
In my setup, the powered USB hub can easily accommodate USB MIDI interfaces in the future if I need it.
I'll be good with it just handling all 4 audio I/Ps at the same time. Midi is an added bonus on the USB ports. I just thought that additional audio interfaces via the EIE USB ports would really put the thing over the top. I hope to have mine by the end of the week.
I don't have much experience with any others, aside from Apogee Jam, which I'm quite pleased with, although a single port is limiting.
I also had plans on using multiple audio interfaces, so I asked Behringer about using multiple UCA222's through a USB hub, which I thought would be a real cheap way of getting LOTS of line inputs into the iPad. Their response was this:
"The main issue you will encounter is internal clocking. When using multiple UCA222's you will not be able to decide between the iPad or U-Control's which will be the master and which will be the slave. This will result in jigger and signal loss."
So even if iOS would support multiple external audio interfaces (which it doesn't), there seems it still would be an issue with clocking somehow..
To handle multiple interfaces kinda properly would take a fractional Sample Rate Converter module on each interface, iPad driver side. Would not be useable in a studio with house clock scenario, but might be OK for garage studio use. Then again, if you want cheap using 202's you're not talking house clock anyway. Main problem is, my tests so far show Apple do not handle more than one interface, so this would require a low level change on their part.
I can confirm that you cannot connect more than one Behringer UCA to an iPad, as I have tried. The iPad's CoreAudio will only connect to the first and ignore the second.
As for other recommendations, I'm a big fan of the Scarlett line. I have an 18i6, which I think I paid $300 for. This interface has separate volume controls for headphone and monitor mixes, easily accessible input gain knobs on the two front XLR inputs, and DIN MIDI In and Out. Works flawlessly with the iPad and all my Audiobus apps, including Auria, MT DAW, and Beatmaker.
This interface is not bus powered, so it requires a separate power supply, but it does not need a USB hub as many other interfaces do. One minor nit is that it doesn't have a power switch, so I always have to unplug it to turn it off.
Practically, this makes for a great setup in my basement studio. Headphones, external speakers, and MIDI keyboard all remain permanently connected to the Scarlett. I pop the single lightning connector into my iPad and it all just connects and I'm good to go. I'm a big fan.
The Scarlett line has some smaller options (fewer Ins, mostly) that fall in the low to mid $200 range.
@dubhaus @mgmg4871 I'm thinking of getting the Akai eie based on your recommendations, do either of you happen to know if it can record 4 inputs into multitrack Daw? Also, I have a USB mic, do you know if it would it be able to record from that as a 5th track, simultaneously?....thanks for listening to my dumb questions.
@girlvsworld The only dumb question is the one not asked. Recording 4 inputs into a multitrack Daw is dependent on the Daw. Some can and others can't. EIE is definitely capable of doing it. For instance Garageband will only allow 2. Either 1&2 or 3&4. Auria will allow up to 24. Meteor will only allow 1. As far as the USB mic, I haven't tried mine yet, but plan on doing that this weekend and will let you know how that turns out.
Thanks so much!
Just tested the EIE into Cubasis yesterday. No problem in getting three mono tracks and a midi keyboard into Cubasis! I'm just having a problem with mixing it down, which I started a new thread on that.
Anyone checked this... looks a bit consumer-like, plastic and perhaps a bit bulky but in any case is the only thing that I can find that will deal with charging, MIDI, Audio I/O all at the same time with a new iPad 4 and a lightning connector.... Griffin StudioConnect...
http://www.griffintechnology.com/press/release/griffin-introduces-studioconnect-lightning-industry’s-first-music-creation-accessory-l
Hi all! Maybe someone here can help me. I read that you can use a Behringer UCA 202 to connect two IPads together using the CCK to USB so you can record from one IPad into Audiobus on the other.So I purchased one so I could record iMini on my mini into Beatmaker or cubasis on my IPad 3. But I've tried the logical connections and can't get it to work.If anyone has had success with this any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hello
New to the forum just purchased Audiobus but have been recording with iPad 2 using Garageband, Amplitube, and Sample Tank. As for audio interfaces I own the Alesis IOdock and it is fantastic all the I/O for microphones, instruments, and midi also headphone and studio monitor outs. I purchased it for $199 I have seen recently for as low as $99 at Sweetwater.com
Another benefit of the Agogee JAM is you can use it as an input with your iDevices as well as your computer! All the proper cabling is included in the box.
Depending on your requirements: if you can get hold of one, I'd definitely recommend looking at the TASCAM iU2. 2 x phantom-powered (TRS) mike/line inputs, guitar input, headphone out, stereo RCA phono outs, optical digital out and MIDI in/out... with both USB and 30-pin dock-connection (and USB through-charging on the latter for the iDevice).
I've read a few horror-stories from some owners, though aside from the odd glitch, I've got on with the iU2 wonderfully (and recorded most of an album on my iPhone with it). Sadly, TASCAM seems to have withdrawn the iU2, but I've heard they can be picked up for well under £100 if you can find one. It's a flat-out bargain at that price, especially if you want it for an iPhone (the iU2 doesn't need the CCK, which the iP doesn't support anyway).
May be a little old, but: be careful with 30 pin extension cable purchases. The CableJive one costs a lot more than most, but it turns out those cheaper ones only extend charging circuits (and not that well ether, iPad takes twice as long to charge). Go with CableJive. It also seems to charge at full rate. Only thing it does not extend is video out.
The little adapter shown in the video is really only useful for debugging 30 pin non-USB hardware iOS Apps using XCode. The reason it does not work for us is that plugging anything into the mini-B connector switches over the 30 pin USB access to that connector inside the adapter. Even if what you lug in does not have USB (i.e. a charge only cable). I think the switch over is done with a physical switch in the socket.
I also have a Focusrite 18i6. 8 of the ins are from an ADAT optical port, which I am not using (at present). I wish they did not include them when no ADAT is connected, as in combination with Auria they all show up and represent additional CPU load, making my iPad 3 unable to run that, Auria, Audiobus, Magellan, and Sunrizer, at the same time. Had to fall back to Bismark - a very competent multi timbral GM Soundfont player, but because of that a little limited (for me) but very lightweight.
Last, inanswer to the question "what use are 4 outs", the 18i6 has 6, as 3 stereo pairs. I assume the 4 out one is arranged as 2 stereo pairs. These are assignable in the Focusrite mix control App to pretty much anything. On mine the outs are Main, Monitor, and Headphone. Very handy for main mixer, control room, and me. But I can if I wish hook them all up to my LPCM surround sound system. Auria seems to support that too, at least its subs can be used that way.
Anyone tried the Line6 Mobile In?
I use the Roland duo EX and luv it.
PROS:
It's got balanced I/Os, midi, phantom power, hiZ/lowZ, battery powered for portability, core audio compliment for ipad, headphone jack and 1/8" outputs to powered monitors. It does most everything anyone will need on there ipad at present. It by passes the need for any other guitar or microphone input device.
CON: Only does standard 44.1/ 48 ( in my opinion all thats needed) but wish it did 96 recording for the hell of it like my 10 year old UA-101 already did.
Line 6 mobile in cannot record the guitar tones! The tones are only available when playing live. I'm a big long time line 6 owner and supporter and gotta say they blew it with that device. I returned mine after a few days. If there smart they'll just release a paid app that let's people get there great guitar tones using any choice of input device, and this time make them recordable.
Apogee jam is amazing!
Can someone recommend an Interface that lets one get good quality Audio out of the iOS device ?
I am more interested in getting the Audio out from the iOS to the Pc/Mac and into the main DAW.
Is there any digital interface that can work with the 30 pin or Ipad4 connector ? Most of the Interfaces I have seen rely on the headphone output and then AtoD it ...is that the most efficient or currently affordable way ?
If it can do MIDI I/O too then that will be super.
I am waiting on the iConnectMIDI2/4+ which is coming out soon and I think that it will do what I am describing above ,but I am not sure if there any more existing interfaces that I have overlooked.
I am not interested in the ioDock since it iPad only and also is specific to the iPad form factor.
Any other suggestions for interfaces that can do digital Audio out along with MIDI are welcome..
Akai EIE, but not the Pro version.
I think the only option is the upcoming iConnectMIDI2/4+. I haven't heard of any other device that has direct digital to digital interface. Akai EIE does digital I/O but not to a second device