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Connecting guitar and Microfreak to iPad Mini 6
Hello folks, I am curious if there is a way to connect a guitar and a Arturia Microfreak to the iPad Mini 6 simultaneously. What would I need to buy to accomplish this as efficiently and portably as possible, with the least amount of wiring? I would like to switch between MIDI out and Audio out from the Microfreak into the iPad Mini 6 as seamlessly as possible, and while recording MIDI notes and/or synth, play guitar at the same time. I am wondering if I need to buy separate midi and guitar iRigs or if there is a one-stop solution, given the single Thunderbolt port on the iPad Mini 6. Of course, I would need to plug in headphones as well and have everything powered up and charging (I have heard the Microfreak requires a separate power source). I will also probably want to incorporate the Monome Norns somewhere along the line, but this is not necessarily a serious consideration at this time, so much as a reason for an extra port on a potential interface. Thanks for your help!
Comments
You'll need an audio interface with two inputs...
In order to keep the iPad charged while using the interface get a USB-C hub with USB-PD port.
For this case I'd recommend a USB-C hub with at least 2 USB-A ports to power both the audio Interface as well as provide power and Midi In/Out for the MicroFreak. (There's too many options here to list everything).
I'd avoid hubs with a 3.5mm a port as they will most likely interfere with the connected audio-interface...
(ie. if you plug-in the headphones to the 3.5mm jack the output to the audio-interface gets stopped, and if it's a headphone with a mic you'll also loose the audio input from the audio-interface as well).
Also consider if you'll be adding additional hear in the near future...
Some of the 2 channel interfaces provide one Microphone input and one D.I./Instrument input so you'll be limited to two mono-channels. Other interfaces provide 2 combo-jacks that can also be used to record stereo signals.
If you can and have the option to visit a local music store with your iPad that would be the way to go...
...try out the different interfaces.
Each interfaces has their pros/cons and it's always a decision that no one else can make for you.
(I've got two interfaces at the moment I use on a daily basis, Audient ID4Mk2 and Steinberg UR-242).
Cheers!
Have a look at Arturia’s new “MiniFuse” line of interfaces.
Everything @Samu mentions is spot on, though I’d recommend an interface with 4 inputs rather than just two. This way you can run stereo signals from both your guitar rig and your synth simultaneously.
I’m currently using a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 interface which has 4 inputs (2 on the front and 2 on the back), and I’ve got it plugged into Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport adapter.
This Apple AV adapter has the USB-C power delivery port to keep the iPad charged while it’s being used, and it has the USB-A port (I plug a 5 in 1 USB 3.0 adapter here to give me all the ports I need for my interface, synths, keyboard & mouse, etc.) I use this when I have my iPad “docked” at my desk, and utilize the hdmi port for a 27” display as a bonus!
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwi6pfXFsPX2AhVsIK0GHay1AxwYABAMGgJwdg&ae=2&sig=AOD64_0zFJSeJxrKE3dPFpHor-YgPoV_Tw&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwj-4uXFsPX2AhVeJkQIHUYdAIIQ5bgDegQIAhBR&adurl=
I’m planning on purchasing the new Arturia “MiniFuse 4” interface when it comes out (as Arturia’s site says “coming soon”). The “MiniFuse 4” interface has 4 inputs like my Scarlett, two on the front, and two on the back, but it also has two built in USB-A ports! (The MiniFuse 2 only has one)
https://www.arturia.com/products#audio
Let us know if you have any questions. What you’re trying to do is absolutely possible, there’s just several different ways of getting there!
Let us know when you get it.
I've avoided both the MiniFuse 1 & 2 as they can NOT power the LaunchpadPro Mk3 which requires a bit more than the 250mAh the built-in MiniFuse USB port delivers which is kinda sad since it would have made a pretty nice portable setup fully powered by the iPad thru USB-C...
But I get it the USB-C port on the MiniFuse is a 'USB2.0 Port' with USB-C connection so the interface can not draw enough juice from the iPad to have fully powered USB-Ports...
Oh well, maybe the 2nd generation in a year or two will get us there
Oh wow, I didn’t see that. And I also have the Launchpad Pro MK3.. well, looks like I’ll be waiting for gen 2 as well.
I’m in no hurry as my Scarlett is hanging in there just fine, and my LP MK3 works beautifully with my current setup.
There are lots of options and depending on budget and your usage you might like some more than others. Interfaces by MOTU, focusrite, arturia are all good.
My suggestions differ depending on how you intend to use your iPad. I personally never use my iPad whilst charging it an only use it away from my desk as a completely mobile setup.
If you also prefer something more portable and a single box solution (no requirement for hubs etc) then also consider the ik multimedia irig pro duo which is relatively tiny, has midi and also the option of a power adaptor that passes through to the iPad to keep it charged if that’s a requirement for you (it’s not for me!). It also has MIDI in and out but requires adaptors from 2.5mm jacks to 5!pin din.
Alternatively The zoom u24 has 2 inputs including a high Z guitar input and full size midi in and out (no dongles to lose) and has options for battery/bus or adaptor power, but can’t power the iPad.
Both also work well with an iPhone, the IK directly and the zoom via a CCK adaptor.
For my personal preference I want my iPad/iPhone audio interfaces to be small and light and unnecessary to tether to hubs or power. I don’t use my iPad at a desk and for the occasion that I am at desk and use more equipment I switch to my Mac instead. The whole point of the iPad for me is to be completely mobile and convenient to use anywhere/anytime.
But a lot of other people use their iPads as desktop replacements so their use cases are very different to mine. Both are equally valid but can result in different recommendations.
Yeah, it was/is a bummer
I did try it at a local music store when the MiniFuse's started to become available as I was on the look-out for a new audio interface. A powered USB hub is always an option but adds more bulk...