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Choosing hardware to run with iPad
My music making setup is mostly iPad and iPhone.
But I have a real draw to buy a nice piece of hardware to go with my setup. Something I can use standalone, and with my iOS setup.
I'm looking at three possibilities:
Elektron model:samples.
Korg Volca Sample.
Teenage Engineering OP-Z.
I'd love to hear some thoughts on this, from those who are using, or have used any of these setups, particularly in combination with their iPad setup.
Style/genre of music:
(Meditative) Ambient / Soundscapes / Drone.
I've heard some great examples of these genres on all three of these boxes.
I would love to be able to take my new setup outdoors, at my work table, on the sofa, in the car (i often hang out in the back of our little van-car at the beach, whilst my partner surfs. I love to noodle there.
Comments
Of those listed I would think about the OP-Z because of its versatility. It has decent on-board synths, great drums, a decent Sampler, and one the best Seqeuncers on the market. It plays very nice with the iPad/iPhone as well since TE created an app for it to help you see the UI of the OP-Z on your device when it's connected over Bluetooth or USB-C.
Hope that helps.
That helps a lot, thanks!
I listen to a lot of your stuff, you're an inspiration, so I respect your feedback.
I've been inspired by all the stuff I've seen so far, in all three of these devices.
One question: do I need an audio interface to use with it?
Sure thing. The OP-Z acts as an Audio Interface when connected to the iPad. I don't recall if you can feed the OP-Z into AUM and effect it without feedback though...I will check on this when I get home this evening and confirm for you.
Maybe @mistercharlie can confirm this as well since he's a big OP-Z user
Thanks, that would be really helpful, as I do want to be able to run it through some effects in AUM — and yes please, @mistercharlie, do weigh in on this too.
There is an easy fix for this. With my OP-1f, I just plug it into a USB Hub, and on the Hub, I use the USB-C port to attach a 3.5mm Audio Dongle, which allows me to send the signal to Headphones, or Speakers, so I can hear my OP-1f synths being effected by AUM, Drambo, etc...and also hear the output of the iPad synths.
Where there's a will...they say
Thanks! That's what I was wondering about doing. I have the dongle already.
This is the setup for any synth which also acts as an audio interface (OP-Z in your potential case):
Either use headphones or speakers from the headphone dongle to hear your effects in Real Time.
Ive hade the model sampels and sold it because it is not a very intuitive tool when creating sounds. onboard effects and lfo are pretty boring. I Woold say it is mainly to be used as a one shot drum machine. If your still looking in that direction (the teenage engendering strut are pretty pricy…) I would say consider the model cycles also. A lot mor fun when it comes to finding different sounds. If you like the sound of it because it (to my ears) has a somewhat distinct sound. But fun to doodle with!
Nice.
Besides this, do you have, or have you ever used, the Korg Volca Sample 2?
Thanks, that's helpful.
I was recommended it as a first Elektron box by a friend who makes house and ambient. I haven't come across the model:cycles.
But you should be aware of that build quality is an issue with the OP-Z. Some have problems, some not…
Thanks. I heard about the build issues. I'm prepared to return and replace if needed.
I'm not sure how the newer units are. I'd buy New with a warranty if you're concerned. I believe Perfect Circuit offers 2 Years free warranty with all their purchases.
The model cycles is the same or the sister interface but with an fm synth inside instead of a sampler basically! Which allows you to create your own sounds both melodic and drums both are good starting machines I would say! Depending on what you’re after! Bit for me the samples did not complement an iPad very much as it has so many great samplers and I would go for something with little synth possibilities and meditate with som knob tweaking!
Yes. I'm doing that. Definitely not buying on eBay or used.
Also the fact that MS don’t have an audio input makes it a little hard to work with as a sampler
@andowrites
A synthstrom deluge might be an option for you too. It can hold MANY lengthy samples as well as short one shots.
Ask @echoopera about his experience with it in comparison to the OP since he’s had almost every machine out there
. They are of comparable price if you are going to spend that much, and the new ones have an upgraded display.
Yes, I understand that. But I would be happy to transfer samples via my laptop over cable.
I looked that one up. It's not even close to my budget. I feel confident I have it down to my final 3.
You can totally do this. With the OP-Z connected to the iPad via USB-C, and headphones plugged into the OP-Z, you can
Because the OP-Z has a dedicated USB-C monitor “channel,” you can do this without feedback. You cannot resample the iPad audio live though—the OP-Z’s sampler only works when the transport isn’t running.
If you add in the OP-Z Line Module, you can also send individual tracks out to an analog FX loop, or get a stereo (or two mono) inputs from other gear.
It’s extremely versatile, and a good partner for the iPad. However, Drambo’s sequencer can get you a lot of the way there.
Also, I had the original Volca Sample for a while. I never got on with the sequencer, and the fact that it does’t record samples was a disappointment. But lots of folks dig it too.
If you are interested in a hardware sequencer, the OP-Z is hard to beat IMO. The people that love it REALLY love it.
Thanks @mistercharlie, that's really helpful. Yes, I had looked into the OP-Z Line Module too, but I wasn't sure if I would need/use it.
@andowrites The Line Module changed the OP-Z for me. Some uses.
Volca sample 2 is cool but it takes a lot of prep work
This is awesome news. If I could run to the cost of the module as well as the OP-Z at this point in time.
Tape FX on the OP-Z? Or external?
On the Z. It has a kind of pitch-shifting DJ-scratch-style tape that you can use live on internal tracks, and on external audio. It can also be sequenced 😀
Interesting…