A Noob Asks: Apple Connector or Something Else?

[selowitch]

I want to do some basic multitrack recording using GarageBand on my iPad. I have a Invalid Link Removed amp that apparently features a built-in USB interface.

The question is, in the interests of spending my dollars efficiently, should I get the Apple Lightning to USB Connector for $39.00 or for just $20 more get a product from iRig or something and just forget about the interface built into the amp.

I'm just wondering if I'll get better results from the iRig or something similar.
Perhaps there's no good way to leverage the interface built into the amp unless I decide to use a PC or Mac instead of the iPad.

 

[silky smoove]

An adapter to your amp's built-in interface might work. An iRig HD (the ones that go in via the Lightning jack, not the older camera kit style ones that use the AUX jack), or similar type products (especially the ones from Apogee) are a sure thing. I'd avoid the adapter and get a purpose-built device.

 

[selowitch]

An adapter to your amp's built-in interface might work. An iRig HD (the ones that go in via the Lightning jack, not the older camera kit style ones that use the AUX jack), or similar type products (especially the ones from Apogee) are a sure thing. I'd avoid the adapter and get a purpose-built device.

That's fine, but it sounds like I don't get any benefit from amp's built-in interface that way.

 

[bholder]

The price you pay for going with Apple.

"The great thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from!"

 

[selowitch]

The price you pay for going with Apple.

Yeah, the superior interface and sublime user experience are such a drag. I had no idea I was such a fool!

 

[JKos]

It is going to depend on how the amp behaves as a USB audio interface. If it acts like a standard, no-driver required interface, it may just work connected to your iPad through the adapter.

A benefit of buying a separate interface is that you can use it for other purposes. For example, one with two mic/line/instrument inputs and you now have a stereo/dual mono interface for lots of things.

- John

 

[selowitch]

I am thinking of saving up for the Universal Audio Arrow Interface. I figure why spend $125 or so on the Apogee only to want something more robust later that costs $500?

 

[DirtDog]

That's fine, but it sounds like I don't get any benefit from amp's built-in interface that way.

Also, the only analog output you have on that amp is the 1/8" headphone out. Limits the possibilities, unfortunately.

 

[selowitch]

Also, the only analog output you have on that amp is the 1/8" headphone out. Limits the possibilities, unfortunately.

I could probably just go from the acoustic guitar's preamp to a DI box and therefrom to an interface and bypass the amp entirely. Yes, I would miss out on the effects and stuff, but that's not such a big deal.

 

[JKos]

Also, the only analog output you have on that amp is the 1/8" headphone out.

Spec's say it has two XLR outs, left and right.

- John

 

[JKos]

I could probably just go from the acoustic guitar's preamp to a DI box and therefrom to an interface

You probably don't need the DI if you get the right interface.

Does your amp not have an XLR out like it says on the Fender website?

- John

 

[selowitch]

Does your amp not have an XLR out like it says on the Fender website?

Yes, it has two XLR balanced outputs, one for each of the two channels.

 

[AndyPanda]

I'm a PC guy but I have an iPad I wanted to use for recording the bass to make some YouTube videos. I started out by running my backing track (drums or whatever) into my bass amp aux (post EQ/effects) so I'd get the backing track plus my live bass coming out of the XLR of the amp (built in DI) and from there into the iRig. That worked pretty well and gave me nice quality sound. I also had the option of turning the master volume off on the bass amp (doesn't mute the XLR) and listening thru headphones off the iRig.
I'm talking the cheap-o iRig that goes into the headphone jack of the iPad - worked fine for me.

That got a bit tedious for me (I'm unable to get comfortable with Apple's superior interface) so now I just run all the audio into my PC DAW so I have backing tracks on separate tracks from the Bass -- then I make the video with iPad using the built in mic (just a reference) while simultaneously recording the take in my DAW -- pull the video into my PC where I strip out the iPad mic audio and replace it with the audio my DAW recorded. It's a lot more flexible as I can listen to a click track while I'm playing but mute the click in the audio I put over the video.

 

[silky smoove]

That's fine, but it sounds like I don't get any benefit from amp's built-in interface that way.

What benefit would you be missing?

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

I would save for a dedicated interface. that UA looks sweet.

 

[DirtDog]

Spec's say it has two XLR outs, left and right.

- John

Oh, yes, that’s right...I was thinking something that would work with iRig. I stand corrected.

 

[crossthestyx]

Question: Why would you do multi-track recordings with Garageband on an ipod?!


Reaper (small yet very powerful) $60 bucks to license. Tons of youtube "how to's", and a great community worldwide. REAPER | Audio Production Without Limits

Best/cheap interface $149
Invalid Link Removed

Stop being cheap and buy a computer dude. lol.. "ipod".. too funny..

 

[DirtDog]

Question: Why would you do multi-track recordings with Garageband on an ipod?!


Reaper (small yet very powerful) $60 bucks to license. Tons of youtube "how to's", and a great community worldwide. REAPER | Audio Production Without Limits

Best/cheap interface $149
Invalid Link Removed

Stop being cheap and buy a computer dude. lol.. "ipod".. too funny..

Sounds like multiple solutions for a problem that may or may not exist for the OP.

All we know is his requirement to use GB on his iPad to record his acoustic guitar.

 

[selowitch]

Sounds like multiple solutions for a problem that may or may not exist for the OP.

All we know is his requirement to use GB on his iPad to record his acoustic guitar.

It's all useful information.
Yeah, right now I just want to record acoustic guitar and vocals, but I can foresee wanting to add drums or drum loops and bass eventually.
I hate my Windows PC so I might have to go and get myself a Mac with Thunderbolt 3. I figure I'll never wish I had more latency.

 

[Rockonjp76]

Can't you just get an adapter for the instrument cord, plug directly into the ipad and record that way?