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Too much iPad choices (advice requested)
I’ve got an iPad Pro 10.5 with WiFi and cellular, 256 GB (2017). It’s running quite some apps (340+ Geezz….) including some that running relative big libraries (Gospelmusicians, SampleTron to name a few). With some other stuff like PDF’s, samples etc. I still got 140 GB left, that’s the situation for about four years. It’s still going strong but is showing some problems with its battery. When it’s not powered by a wall mount the battery can drain out relatively fast. I’m also anxious about my charger port that doesn’t seem to function all the time. It seems that’s it time to replace it for a newer iPad that could serve me for let’s say 5 or 6 years.
Since I’m aware that I cannot re-download every app that’s on my Pro 2017 model I’m planning to keep my old iPad. I’ve got quite a few Inter-App Audio apps and some classics like Rebirth, Boom 808/909, Lunar Delay that I don’t want to lose.
With all that said: which iPad to get right now in march 2023? The last day’s I have seen several video’s with opinions, read reviews and user experiences, searched with different terms but I’m stil on the fence when it comes to size. Every model has its pro’s and con’s that depend heavily on the purpose of the end user. Now I can understand that someone who is heavily into graphics processing will choose for the Pro 2022, 12.9 for its size, led screen and the Apple pen hover but what about audio, surfing and reading? The Pro 2021 (M1), 11, 256GB would already be an upgrade BUT I could afford the Pro 2022 (M1), 12.9, 256GB and would like to but is this rationally the best choice for now and in the future five years? Do you benefit from the size when using your music apps? For what it’s worth, I’ve also got a MacBook Air M1 and I also don’t need the cellular option.
Did you or are you planning to upgrade? I’m very interested in your decisions from an audio point of view (and perhaps a bit more rational then me). Since I couldn’t find a poll here on the forum I will include this. Thanks in advance…
- What would be your choice?26 votes
- iPad Pro 11, 2021, 256GB, M115.38%
- iPad Pro 12.9, 2021, 256GB, M115.38%
- iPad Air, 2022, 256GB, M215.38%
- iPad Pro 11, 2022, 256GB, M234.62%
- iPad Pro 12.9, 2022, 256GB, M211.54%
- Other (please specify in your post)7.69%
Comments
Try cleaning out the charging port? Dust bunnies like to hide in there and screw with the charging.
Also, check out getting the battery replaced. It’s a lot cheaper than a whole new iPad, and you won’t lose those legacy apps you love.
I have a 12.9 pro 2017 and I’m dithering between an air5 or a 5th Gen 12.9 so I will be watching the survey with interest
I’d maybe just save some money and get a 2020 iPad air. Pretty much all of iOS music relies on single core performance, and the difference between the 2020 air (2061 single core benchmark) and the 2022 (2221 benchmark) is pretty minor. The M2 11” iPad clocks in at 2472 benchmark. Most of the improvements in the past few years have been in multi-core and other aspects.
I generally don’t think the Pro is worth much extra money if you are using the iPad just for music. So if not the 2020 Air, the 2022 is a very solid choice. But if money is little object the latest pro is the most future proof. I own a 2020 Air and don't usually end up thinking about processing, though some more headroom would be nice. I'm personally waiting for the M3 chips whenever those come out, and maybe I'll upgrade to the latest Air then.
(btw, I'm pretty sure I can still download ReBirth and PPG Phonem on my iPad, so I think you'll be able to get most of your old apps?)
Well, I’m not losing them since I will still keep the one I’m using right now. If I’m correct this model is still relevant because of its power and headphone jack out (that could also serve as a CV out). It’s also not very profitable to put it into return when purchasing a new iPad.
There is some information to be found within this forum but it seems to be hidden in discussions with another character. The M1/M2 development seems quite a jump, especially for people with a 2017 device.
What’s your experience with a 12.9 ? What does it add for you and would 11 inch feel like a big step back?
Also I'd definitely go to an Apple store if you can and try handling a 12.9" iPad. Its been a few years, but last time I tried one out I found it too big/heavy to hold in my hand.
Regarding screen size, it really is a personal preference and I'd recommend trying the 12.9" model at a store, get a sense of the relative weight, etc. I had one but I greatly prefer my current 11" model.
Separately, of the apps you mentioned you should at least be able to download Rebirth from your purchased list in a new device.
Last thought: a lot of this depends on what latency you need with your iPad. If you want to run a complex-ish project at 128 buffer, the beefiest iPad might be required to make that even possible. I usually run at 512 or even 1024 because I'm not doing live instrumentation.
First of all: thanks for your time and insight. I went to several stores to get a feel of the Air, Pro 11 and Pro 12.9. The weight of the 12.9 I didn’t find a problem, I mostly think of the benefit in space on the screen especially for apps with tinier knobs and buttons and bigger keys within the apps. From the other hand: the keyboard pad is also wider and perhaps will make it more difficult to type text. The Air and Pro 11 don’t differ a lot in price so that would be a reason for me to spend a little bit more if I would opt for that.
The fact that most apps currently only use single core performance I find a bit irrelevant. That’s a subject that could change and when upgrading I would like to benefit from that in the future.
I'm not an expert about this like other folks on this forum (e.g. app developers). But my understanding is due to the nature of audio being so timing dependent its unlikely that we'll get major enhancements with multicore. Maybe more UI work can be moved to other cores, and maybe synths that don't go through the same mastering. I'd be curious to here the thoughts of others on this.
Thanks Grandbear, besides the weight of the 12.9 could you tell me something about the difference when using apps? Is it easier on the 12.9 or do you think it’s something that’s not even relevant? I’m still open minded with regards to screensize but would like to hear some pro’s and con’s from an audio/synth point of view.
And it’s great that Rebirth is still there, it’s a real classic.
I generally find that apps that have been designed to work on iPad from scratch are fine but things that have been ported from pc often benefit a LOT from the larger 12.9 screen.
But the 12.9 does some times feel heavy
I don’t have anything between 9.7 and 12.9 though maybe 11 might be a sweet spot?
Exactly.
Other aspects:
I think the Mini-LED screen of the 12.9 M1 and M2 is also something to consider: it's an outstandingly good screen.
My 2017 is 10.5 and I carry it in a quite bulky Otterbox case. When lying on the couch I can hold it in my hand and can let my two thumbs touch each other, that’s something that wouldn’t be possible with a 12.9 (although it could in portrait mode). The 12.9 seems to be made for lying flat on a table as in using it for photo editing or drawing. For use with audio I can imagine the 12.9 lying flat or slightly tilted as a performance space. And I’m also keeping this 10.5 model so the next purchase would be an extra. My ultimate goal is having a (powerful) system and to create performance spaces within AUM, Drambo and Loopy Pro with a nudge to the old electronic studio’s from the 50’s.
I’m aware of the difference in speakers, I went up from a standard iPad to a Pro 2017 that also has extra speakers. Not great but still a plus. Has ProMotion to do with the refreshing rate of the screen? If so, I hate that since I’m used to it…..And the M1 vs M2 thing: M1 is super and good enough, if I could get an M2 for a nice price I would go for that.
I tend to work on one app/a single plugin at a time, with an external keyboard, so I generally have the full screen available for it. It does make a difference when targeting certain UI elements but not enough of an advantage in comparison to the added weight for me right now. I have pretty good vision but I expect it to worsen as years pass, so I may change my assessment in 5 years. As @BiancaNeve mentioned, certain desktop ports (FabFilter is a prime example) do suffer more from a reduced screen size.
Good point, the 12.9 I had didn't have Mini-LED. My gut reaction is "meh, it's surely a small difference", but I distinctly remember thinking the same about Retina screens and then actually seeing what difference that made
Also on the iPad Air 2020. Got it for exactly the above reasons, it is fast when used with most apps (single core) and with 4 GB of RAM I rarely have any issues. If the headroom is not enough like running a bunch of heavy synth apps in my DAW, I can always freeze or bounce, record it as a sample audio file or just use another lighter synth. A mix usually can’t handle too many advanced sounds anyway…
👍
/DMfan🇸🇪
Buy the iPad you currently can afford. I would suggest for more storage. Although you use only 110 GB at the moment from the 256 GB, if you want to last your new iPad for at least 5 years, I would seriously consider more storage space. Sure you don’t need it right now, but 5 to 6 years is a long time and there are coming new apps that will chunk away many GBs. Or you can wait for the iPad Pro M3. The M3 chip releases this year on the new Apple MacBook Air 13” and 15” (first time an MBA gets 15”) and in the new iMac. In Spring 2024, iPad Pro 7th gen will be announced and released and has the M3 chip. It also gets an OLED screen. Mini LED isn’t that great. It has blooming issues. Meanwhile you can replace the battery for your 2017 Pro and clean the charger port (carefully) so that all dust is removed. If I’m honest, I would suggest an iPad Pro 11” M1 with 1 TB storage (has double the RAM, ie 16 GB instead of 8 on lower storage models). You can get these for a good deal if you do some searching on the web. It’s your money so in the end you yourself can decide what you can buy. Let us know if you made a purchase, I’m curious what you will buy! Cheers.
I have seen quite a few host developers indicate that they plan to implement multi-core support. There were changes to the OS a while back to make this possible. Cubasis has implemented it.
Since OP is looking down the road, multi-core support may be worth thinking about.
I just upgraded from an almost similar model. IMHOP the 12" M2 was too expensive and likely to be too unwieldy for my use - esp since I got used the the 10.5". That being said the extra screen real estate and the clarity of the new screen on the 11" M2 is superb and makes me feel like I'm almost using a 12"
TL;DR
iPad Pro 10.5 with WiFi 128 GB (2017) model now upgraded to --> iPad Pro 11 M2 WiFi 128 GB 2023 ( my storage needs are taken care of by offloading, imazing, and external drives )
I have 1st and 4th gen 12.9" models (among others) and that extra screen size is really great when playing instruments on the iPad screen. That said, I do that less often than I thought I would (opting for using MIDI controllers instead) and I'm pretty sure I would "downgrade" to the 11" Pro version at this point just because of how unwieldy the device is to hold. Like you stated @Bietfriek the 12.9" is better used sitting on a table/desk in front of you than in your hands. I didn't think it was that big of a deal and felt that I could handle it, but I suspect it's actually caused me some muscle strains in my hands and shoulder when trying to hold and work with it for extended periods of time. Yes, I'm weak.
I agree with the suggestion to get more storage than you think you will need. I require 512GB now although could perhaps get by on 256GB with some discipline and dropping off many lesser used apps.
Ah right! Reading this post on the Cubasis forum, it sounds like they handle the multi-core timing dependent by doing the track processing before the mastering, and accepting that this adds latency. In other words, Cubasis adds another 16-32ms latency and uses the multiple cores on individual tracks before mastering. Useful stuff, though I could also see it being a problem when performing.
In a few years the situation may well be different. OP is looking for something to last the next several years. If I could afford a device that will be a good multi-core host if/when the OS improves audio threading I'd want a device capable of that.
I’m currently dithering about an upgrade, in my case from a 2018 iPad 6th gen, 128GB. Prime motivators are that the battery is showing signs of not being as good as it once was (it gets hammered, I use the thing nearly all day, and most days have to top up the charge), and lack of storage. This post is intended to show my thought process, in case it helps.
If I installed everything on a 256 it’d be three quarters full before I start (due to currently using offloading and iCloud to keep enough free space), so I’m looking at 512 minimum. I am also doing a lot more music these days, and dabbling in video, which just eats space. And currently I’m avoiding sample based apps due to lack of space: it would be nice to have room to breathe on that front.
Current favourite is the 11” Pro M2 with 1TB, partly so I have a lot of spare storage, partly to get the extra RAM, which gives me headroom for more RAM intensive apps, eg for video. This device will have to last for several years, so it needs a little future proofing.
I’ve ruled out the 12.9, as it seems to be a) heavy - I use my iPad for general browsing etc on my lap, and b) possibly more fragile/prone to damage - I take it away from home regularly, and it gets packed in a padded bag, but I think the 11 will be more robust.
Other considerations:
I could save a chunk of money by going for 512, but then there’s less RAM and less storage space for future app expansion/video editing etc. But that difference is the source of my current dithering. Either way, it’s a huge investment, but as I use the thing nearly all day, every day, it won’t be unused.
+1
Clean the jack on your lightning cable as well - it is hypersensitive to dust and dirt. If you ever get “Not Charging” while plugged in to charger as I have several times, cleaning the jack usually works.
I have sometimes had charging issues when others have borrowed my charger, so make sure you clean the cable when you get it backl You don’t know what kind of guk they have in their lightning port.
I have the exact same unit as you, and apart from battery it is still in excellent working order, so it is worth keeping it going as long as you can, especially since you have legacy apps installed.
Whichever iPad you choose, I'd make sure it has at least 512gb storage space if not 1TB.
I'd go for a 2nd hand M1 with 1TB of space so you get the extra ram. 256GB is nowhere near enough space to keep yourself covered for another 6 years.
I can open a hell of a lot more apps in AUM on my 5th gen 2tb Pro than I could on my 3rd gen Pro, despite AUM currently not utilising multicore.
Personally I love the size of the 12.9 ipad. I hate working on my 10.5 inch Pro now. I no longer use a laptop so my ipad gets used for a lot of things. The speakers on the 12.9 Pro M1 are insanely good, makes things like watching YouTube when I'm out and about a real pleasure.
I got one of these to use as my keyboard:
https://www.amazon.com/HOU-Magnetic-Generation-Multi-Touch-Backlight/dp/B0B4JPFMMC
This is a vastly superior typing experience to the smart keyboard and I love that it is back-lit. I can work much faster when doing any extended typing on this than on the smart keyboard. It's much cheaper than the apple magic keyboard, but looks pretty much identical. Love the trackpad. The only major difference is that the USB C port on this is only for charging the keyboard, not for charging the iPad. I can sit on my bed, knees up, with this on my lap and type etc very comfortably.
Thanks everyone for their advice and vote. Although some people give the advice to invest in more memory, right now I’m gearing more and more towards the Pro 2022, 11 inch with 256GB/8GB and I will explain why.
I’m a (not ambitious) hobbyist and not even a musician. I like to play with sounds myself, not planning to release something. Simply enjoying the bleeps, blops and beats. Besides that just got an unhealthy dose of interest in synths and old electronic (tape) music. My iPad isn’t my main piece of gear, I also run Bitwig on an MacBook Air M1 with lots of other software and got a few synths (Moog Sound Studio 3, Grandmother, O-Coast, Lyra-8, TR-8S, Sherman Filterbank, TD-3). The iPad is there for travel, lazy couch moments, surfing, Airdropping sounds from and to my other stuff, reading PDF’s etc.
About the size
Yesterday evening I went back to a store that has the 11 and 12.9. Because of the size I noticed that I had to change my grip on the 12.9 to get to the top of the screen. When turning from landscape to portrait it also felt different due to its size. I don’t think it’s nice to use the 12.9 as a reading device. As I mentioned earlier, I think the 12.9 has more added value when lying flat or slightly tilted in a Audio or graphic studio and/or on stage. The 10.5 I take everywhere in the house in one hand between two fingers: homestudio, bedroom, couch, I even take it with me on long holidays and short trips. If I would go for the 12.9 I doubt I will carry it that much so that would be a reason to go for the 11 inch.
About the memory
Yes, if I could I would buy a 1 or 2TB with 16GB RAM. The thing is…here in the Netherlands we pay:
€ 1199,45 for a Pro 2022, 11 inch, 256GB, 8GB RAM
€ 1449,45 for a Pro 2022, 11 inch, 512GB, 8GB RAM
€ 1949,45 for a Pro 2022, 11 inch, 1TB, 16GB RAM
Even the 2021 model is substantially higher in price.
That’s a whopping € 800 extra to benefit from 1TB and 16GB while I come from 256GB and 4GB RAM. As i’m keeping my current iPad, not every app will be transferred to the newer one leaving me with more space left (barely use half of the 256 right now). And if I’m correct some apps like those from Gospelmusicians allow you to store files on an external SSD. An external 1 or 2TB SSD could also be used with other devices and is way cheaper than the internal iPad upgrade. That leaves me with the 8 -> 16GB RAM. I’m happy with 4GB and cannot imagine that I would even need 8GB. And even IF that would become a problem within three years, then I just have to wait.
Pricing
Found an iPad Pro 2022 11, 256GB for € 120 less then advertised elsewhere and I’ve got a girlfriend.
Well, it’s definitive since I just placed an order for an iPad Pro 2022 (M2), 11 inch with 256GB /8GB. I gave my reasons for this decision in my other post above. On top of those reasons I will write down my thoughts on the proces to hopefully help others with their decision making. It’s quite some long read so be warned. Thanks to all who responded, voted and/or only read this thread. I hope it was helpful and could help others too.
I’m a guy that prefer the best of the best BUT that also comes with a lot of irrational decisions. So sometimes I need other people to get my feet back on the ground. Off course I get excited when I see that 12.9 and sure I would like 1 to 2TB and 16GB RAM but that’s € 2300 compared to € 1089 for someone who just likes to bleep, blop and drop a beat once in a while. Then I have a girlfriend who is a bit more rational and tells me to keep it under a certain price point haha (I’m glad she’s there and not fully aware of the Behringer synths based on other stuff 😇). I’m blessed that I could even afford a Pro 2022, lots of people are not in that situation.
What could happen is that I run out of memory. If that’s the case (with samples or other files not apps) there are a lot of alternatives. You could get an external SSD ranging from 1 to 4TB within a price range of € 100 up until € 400. Yes that’s external and not internal but that same disk could also be easily hooked up onto my MacBook Air. I would be quite disappointed when two years after this date I’m confronted with the fact that I barely touch half of the available 256GB as I do now, that would be very nasty and € 300+ is a lot of money.
Yesterday I played with some apps that have relatively small knobs and double functions (e.g. Fabfilter, Toneboosters). I was already using these and to be honest it didn’t bother me that much, it was never at a level that leads to frustration. That is with my current 10.5 and the 11 is slightly bigger. The overall experience should never be worse, maybe even a tad better although I doubt it will be that significant.
I have quite some room left and am thinking to only install apps that I actually use. With 340+ on my Pro 2017, 256GB there are lots of apps that I haven’t used in a long, long time and are just occupying data. Since I’m keeping my Pro 2017 I will use that device “as is”.
It’s still quite some update from my Pro 2017 that served/serves me well for years, I never felt the urge to get a larger screen. I know that the Pro 2022 is overpowered with its M2 processor but unless something happens to Apple I’m pretty much safe with updates for the following 4-6 years. The absence of a headphone jack is a bummer but in life shit happens. Adapt, improvise and overcome.
My MacBook Air running BitWig is hooked up onto an MOTU Ultralite MK3 Hybrid and all my hardware is running to that. Sounds I’ve made are sometimes bounced to iPad for further playing, sequencing and processing. The same goes for the iPad, I play, sequence, process, bounce to MacBook to play over there with VST’s and/or my hardware. I always liked the fact that I could carry a mobile studio with me anywhere, with the purchase of a 12.9 I would step away from that kind of mobility and it would become more of a “studio tool/piece”.
Some questions for reflection (my personal answers cursive between brackets):
Do you need it or do you want it? (Hell yes I want it. Do I truly need it? No, I’m an almost mid 40’s hobbyist that loves sounds that most people dislike).
What’s the worse that could happen? How would you go around it? (That I run out of memory. I could invest an external SSD Drive and be more selective in what I actually use. I also still have a Pro 2017 where I store and can use my “legacy apps”. As long as possible I would also download new purchases to the Pro 2017).
Is it worth it? Can you spend the money? (I.M.O. the 1TB and 2TB versions are not worth it for me. If I was some kind of graphics professional or had some sort of audio studio that earned me some money then yes/maybe. I could spend some money but not for the 1TB and 2TB versions. I personally find the risk for a bad taste afterwards to high).
Do you truly benefit from size? (I’m already happy with my Pro 2017, 10.5 and the 11 keeps it mobile. We like to travel and I take my Pro 2017 everywhere. It fits in my handy shoulder bag and gets quite some use when surfing the web).
Sweet! Enjoy it
In terms of CPU power for audio apps there is near to zero difference between M1 and M2 CPUs so buying iPad with M2 makes not much sense .. Also until large amount of apps will be not rewrited to support multicore (which i strongly doupt happens in next few years), this will not change anytime soon so i think it's pretty safe to stay with M1 CPU for time to come.. Considering that, i think iPad AIR 2022 M1 with 256GB storage is way better choice than iPad Pro 2022 M2/256GB storage (they both have 8 gigs of RAM)