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iPad and modular - help wanted
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to really try to get to grips with my modest modular rig, and in particular, connect iPad to it, via ES-9, so that I can use apps like MuseBud and Bleass Arpeggiator (both of which have brought immense pleasure in the last few weeks) to trigger my modular rig.
Ideally, I’d like to find someone who might be up for a couple of 1-2-1 zoom sessions or similar. Obviously I’d be happy to pay for these.
Mods - apologies if this isn’t allowed ( discussing payment for services) - feel free to edit this
A good start might be a simple explanation of your set up, if you are regularly using iPad in conjunction with modular….
Thanks folks!
Comments
You should find a ton of discussion, and perhaps some people to contact in this thread on the Beepstreet forum.
Thanks @wim
I can’t even register to join this forum, because I have no idea what the answer to this question is: “what plug in format do Combustor, drambo and Zeeon have in common?” ….and I can’t sign up without answering the question.
I think this speaks volumes….☺️
I have a hardware modular and have more-or-less designed my rig around integrating the iPad into it. I'm hardly an expert but I might be able to answer questions.
I think the MOTU Ultralite series is ideal for modular users because they are DC coupled, allowing you to use their outputs as CV sources from iPad apps. They also can handle the hot signals from the modular. A key issue that you may encounter is how to handle those hot signals. Solutions range from having a simple mixer at the end of your modular's signal chain to a dedicated 1/8" to 1/4" output module to having a bank of VCAs, etc. I use a nw2s::io module to handle audio to/from the modular and it has been great for keeping the studio tidy (snakes in the back going to a patchbay). Not sure they are available anymore.
MIDI-to-CV is important for controlling the modular from the iPad. Unless you have specific reasons to need it, I would not waste money or rack space on a module to handle these duties.
Although I mentioned MOTU, I'm using a Tascam Model 16 as my audio interface because I love hardware mixers. I'm able to get all the channels in AUM and can add effects to the iPad and send audio back to the modular if I want to. Tons of fun.
@Kashi pm sent 😊
In my experience the Korg SQ-1 sequencer can act as a very useful MIDI to CV interface. I sometimes use it with my semi modular synths. You get the SQ-1 used for less than £100. And the box gives you:
It’s great, and I’ve been happily using it for that for ages. But if you’re on iPadOS 17.2 it no longer works, for me anyway. Everything is fine on 16, but 17 seems to have messed up MIDI out routing from the iPad royally. See this thread:
https://forum.audiob.us/discussion/58656/usb-midi-problems-on-ipados-17-m2-ipad-pro
I intend to update that thread if anything changes. Much finger crossing on my part that 17.3 fixes it.
For interfaces, I can second MOTU. I use an M4, which has 4 ins and 4 outs, so I can use outputs 3 and 4 for CV. One thing I haven’t been able to do is get the calibration tools in MiRack to work for accurate pitch CV - hence I bought the SQ-1! If anyone has got either the Nysthi or ES calibration modules to work, I’d appreciate a walk through.
@Kashi Not sure my rig counts as modular, but it’s Eurorack compatible, though on the instruments that have line/instrument level outputs I use them rather than the Eurorack level VCA outs. I guess the Moog semi-modulars count as huge Eurorack modules, though, likewise Mavis. I have a couple of Eurorack compatible drone synths, too. Whatever, I’m happy help if I can, though I’m not really up for doing tutorials.
(Just for clarity, by Eurorack compatible I mean the voltages, and you can patch in and out of Eurorack gear, though the drone synths wouldn’t be mountable in a standard rack.)
Gravitas here.
Contact me if you're interested in learning how to interface iPad with Modular.
I mainly use dRambo as Host however I also use MiRack quite often.
My rig is a fusion of modular, semi-modular and digital.
This is what my rig looks like currently.
The equipment list is in the thread linked.
I can do Zoom or FaceTime.
Maybe try:
The issue with the M4 and CV is that the M4 doesn't output
the full CV range so you have to use a CV amplifier for example,
Module Amplification amount
Doepfer A-183-3 1x, 2x, 4x
Animodule Line_amp 3x
Beep Boop Electronics Euro x 10 Line 10x
I've also designed a pitch calibrator in dRambo which I use to tune
either oscillators or self oscillating filters by hand and it's pitch perfect once done.
Just so you know the M4 headphone output gives out a signal
at 9.2v which can cover most uses in regards to pitch.
I had wondered if it didn’t have the full range, as the calibrators seemed to get stuck part way through, so thank you for confirming that. And for the tip re the headphone socket - I wouldn’t have thought of that, though I often use phones for monitoring, so I may not use it for CV.
The SQ-1 was a really neat solution, hence my annoyance regarding iPadOS 17! If 17.3 doesn’t have a fix, I may resort to an adapter so I can use the SQ-1 with a 5-pin MIDI connector.
I’ll have a look at those modules: thank you for the recommendations.
I had a similar issue with MiRack and calibrating until
I got the aforementioned modules necessary to amplify the signal properly.
The calibrators have a fixed range so if the CV signal going out
doesn't have enough voltage to hit the top value (freq)
that it needs for calibrating it will get stuck.
My preference was for Tunathor however Tunathor
is quite processor intensive and the notes tend to glide.
I had fun figuring this out because I ended up designing a CV tuner in dRambo.
It was quite a challenge, designing the tuner that is,
however it was worth it as I can now perfectly tune
my external semi-modular synths and self oscillating filters.
Aside note, I did not realise how much the tuning on analog gear drifted.
In regards to iOS 17.3 thanks for the heads up.
I noticed that thread and I'm steering clear of updating until there is a fix.
My current system works stably.
No problem.
Hey all! Thanks so much for engaging with this.
Will have more time later today to digest this info , and reach out to those who have kindly responded. Cheers!
Thanks @wim . The top one worked, after multiple attempts (?!)
I am using this for a MIDI CV conversion.
https://doepfer.de/Dark_Link_e.htm
It is very easy to set up and quite useful
an old iPad2 (year 2012) with a Tascam iU2 audio/MIDI interface serves as an effect device for my Eurorack modular. The MIDI output is also good for using sequencer apps. For MIDI I use MIDI/CV interfaces or modules.
With an ES-9 you should be able to do both, audio and MIDI, with this interface module alone. I’m sure that the Expert Sleepers forum, and YT provide plenty of information regarding integration with iPad. I always wanted an ES-9 since it came out. But I already own the interfaces I need.
Sure - you're absolutely right, but I've found a fair amount of conflicting information when I use these resources. Just as an example, who in this thread is using "Covariant"? I was led to believe it was absolutely essential for facilitating communication between ipad and modular - but then I've read lots of things where it doesn't get a mention...
You don’t necessarily need covariant if you’re using Drambo as it has an external instrument interface but if you are using an es-5 expander, you will need that or mirack to route signals to the expanders.
I actually prefer to use covariant than the Drambo interface because it has built in calibration which just makes it easier to keep all of your oscillators in tune and takes care of any dev offset present in the interface.
If you still need a 1-2-1 drop me a DM and I might have some time this weekend to help you get started.
Are you looking to sequence with the iPad or use it for mixing/effects etc?
Great - thanks @ronnieb - yep will DM you.
Ideally, I'd like to use the ipad to do both those things - is that feasible? Use, say, Musebud to trigger sounds, and then feed the audio back into ipad so I can add fx? No biggy if not; I can just send the output into my laptop, or my little zoom R8 and then import that audio into ipad for processing
@Kashi : also have a look at my WoodSynth which has CV out (even to an AC coupled interface)
best,
Woodman
http://www.woodmansimmaculatemaplesyrupstudio.be
Will this work with Moog Mother-32/DFAM 1V/OCT -5V/+5V ?
I would be surprised if it didn’t.
Most CV capable apps conform to the 1v/oct standard and then
after that it’s all about scaling it accurately in the real world.
@OscarSouth : I can always put you on the TestFlight list if you want to check it out. Just send me your email address.
best,
Woodman
Do you mind doing the same for me?
@Gravitas : no problem, just need your email address.
btw, WoodSynth CV out has a calibration function so it does not even matter if the modular is 1V/oct.
Woodman
Done
Cool, I look forward to testing that.
I use an ipad with my modular, both as a sequencing/mod source and audio processor. Works well for my needs.
I have an ES-9 but at the moment I only use it for Audio i/o. For pitch CV I found that I already had several MID-CV converters that I didn't even realise.
An old Arturia Beatstep (not pro) that I never used provides CV and gate outputs that track perfectly. Just send it MIDI and no need for calibration.
Same for:
So I have loads of sequencing power from the ipad with these devices connected via USB (and DIN for 0-coast), all tracking perfectly, and without need to deal with ES-9 calibration issues.
Thanks for your input! I too have a keystep, and a 0-coast.
The reason for my initial post was to get someone to help me configure all this....because I just really struggle with it all. Reading explanations just doesn't work with my brain. I need to someone there to say,, "ok, plug this into that..." ! Once I've got it set up I can then leave it and play.
Thanks again @stim !