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CLOSED: Attempting to connect Scarlett 2i2 4th gen to iPad Air
CLOSED: IT WAS A HARDWARE ISSUE.
I have an iPad Air A2324 that I am trying to connect to a Scarlett 2i2 4th generation audio interface by USB-C. The Scarlett is supposed to connect directly via USB-C. Both Focusrite and Sweetwater have assured me that I can connect in this manner:
Wall power -- USB-C -- powered USB-C port on Scarlett -- USB-C out from data port on Scarlett -- USB-C in on the iPad
But nothing has worked. I need to be talked off the ledge, which is I'm going to return the darn Scarlett and buy one of those overpriced all-in-one pieces of looping hardware. I decided not to do that when I tried Loopy and fell in love with it. But I have very little patience for fussing with tech in order to make music and I'm definitely near the end of my wire here.
Before we start: Yes, I updated firmware. Yes, all software is up-to-date. Yes, I rebooted, restarted, reinstalled over and over. Done that, let's move on.
With the help of my engineer software-guru spouse (you have used software he has contributed to, just so you know we're not just goofballs), here’s what we have done:
- USB-C cable (several different ones) direct from Scarlett to iPad
- Scarlett’s 5V DC connected to a wall wart via USB-C to add power boost, then connecting to iPad
- USB-C hub powering Scarlett and passing to iPad
The result when we do all of this is: nothing. No app shows the Scarlett as an option.
We have noticed unusual behavior with the iPad:
- A USB-C thumb drive loads perfectly
- USB-A headphones and keyboard plugged into an adapter mount immediately with both of our Android phones, but don’t mount on the iPad. But they do, of course, use an adapter so there's that. I don't have any other newer USB-C peripherals.
We’ve read that iPad USB is particularly picky about cables, so we’ve tried them all. All check out on other USB-C devices. And yes, I know that some USB-C cables are for data only and some for power. I'm on it.
Questions about the iPad Air:
- Do you think this is a hardware issue? Is there something wrong with the iPad?
- If not a hardware issue, any ideas for things we haven’t tried?
Finally, I inherited a very old iPad Pro, lightning, can't be updated past 12.something. Should I try it instead? If yes, is this the connector I need? https://www.apple.com/shop/product/mx5j3am/a/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter
Thanks for any wisdom or just random guesses that you can offer.
Comments
@sukiloop : Scarlett are popular iOS audio interfaces.
I would suggest taking your interface, cables, and iPad to an Apple Store and have them run a diagnostic on your iPad and ask them to let you connect the Scarlett to one of their iPads.
If there isn’t one nearby, do you know someone else with a usb-c based iPhone or iPad?
I have zero issues with my Scarlet 2i2 4th Gen with the 11" M1 iProPro using a regular USB-C to USB-C cable, no extra power needed?!
The 2i2 4th gen ships with Mass Storage Mode enabled (ie. the USB-Drive that pops up on the desktop when connected).
This can sometimes cause issues on the iPad so make sure it's disabled before connecting the 2i2 to the iPad.
(If I recall correctly hold down the 48v button, insert the usb cable, hold de button down until all the lights start flashing, hold the button until the lights stop flashing).
Thank you! I'll try that.
Try flipping around the usb c in the socket. I have seen that work. Also called flipping the polarity.
Have you tried the Scarlett on a computer or a phone ?
According to Focusrite, when I took it out of "easy start mode" when I first plugged it into my computer, this was taken care of but I did it anyway. No change.
Yes, it works perfectly with my laptop and both of our Android phones. Also works with my Android tablet, but the looping software made for that is really, truly dreadful!
I'm off to see a "genius" to tell me if it's a hardware problem.
I’ve never had any problems using my Scarlett 4i4 (3rd gen) with my iPad Pro. Yes, the 3rd gen Scarlett is also usb-c, but I’ve never tried plugging it directly in to my iPad, I’ve always used a USB hub.
I have the same and also have never tried plugin it thru usb C. I have Apple dongle with usb A.
Well, we can close this thread because the problem turns out to be my iPad's USB port, and my new "genius" friend says that they don't actually repair those. Off to buy a new one.
FYI: the Scarlett did exactly what it was supposed to do when we plugged it into another iOS device.
Just wanted to pop in and welcome you to the forum.
Wow this brought up a wild memory of a rabbit hole I fell down years back. Paraphrased from a rant to a friend:
“ Well, I recently got the 6th gen iPad Pro and wanted an audio interface. I’ve been so frustrated with my Razer Kraken gaming headset, specifically because it requires software to operate properly, that I thought “fuck it, I’m going audio engineer and I’ll run all my sound externally.” I went and got a mic, XLR cables, the USB-C lightning adapter for the iPad, etc. I wanted to record some guitar in Garage Band as well, so I tried out a dual input iRig for mic and electric guitar.
That worked well for the iPad, but the nightmare started when trying to get it to work with the PC in conjunction. Turns out not all USB-C ports are created equal, despite what every asshole on every PC forum wants to you believe.
I returned the iRig, and got the Clarette+ 2Pre. It’s an audio interface made by Focusrite, the same manufacturer as the Scarlett I mentioned earlier. The guys at Sam Ash swore up and down that the thing is universal. I take it home, and it turns out that it works well enough with the iPad unless you want to use any of the features locked behind the Focusrite software. To do that, you change the settings on PC through the software first, and then save those settings. A bit convoluted, but whatever.
I use the cables they provide, plug it into the PC after downloading the software and drivers, and the thing shuts my computer down. I reboot it, try another port, and get no results. I try a few of the other ports with nothing.
After a lot of research, I hunt down a story on the Clarette+ line. Turns out, a factory that manufactured the parts for the original Clarette line burned down. Instead of shutting down that product line, they repurposed a few cables from a different factory and rebranded it the Clarette+ with USB 3.0 capabilities.
Long story short, I connected that to my issue after I scanned a tiny QR code on one of the provided cables. Interesting, it took me to an Amazon page for a printer cable. Then I realized that what they did was take printer cables (which are the same as MIDI cables for musical interfaces), change the ends out from USB 2.0 pieces to USB-C, and include a wall charger to accommodate for the lack of power delivery provided by ports in the computer.
I more or less confirmed all of this with Focusrite’s customer service, returned the Clarette, got another iRig, and did a dissertation’s worth of research in terms of learning about USB-C along the way.”
Not sure if that’s really useful or relevant information these days, since that rant was from 2022.