• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Help with ipad as a DAW. Headphone issue.

dave_bass5

dave_bass5

May 28, 2004
5,750
1,587
63
London, UK.
www.blowup.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
#1
I recently upgraded my 2017 iPad Pro to this years model. The lack of headphone out was never going to be an issue, until today.
I want to hook my Midi (USB) keyboard up as a controller for Cubasis or GB. Easy enough, i just a normal USB cable. Problem is, i now have to use the built in speakers of the ipad to monitor. Not ideal.
Ive got two USB C multi Hubs that get around this, with one big issue. Neither allows me to control the volume of the ipad playback. Its set at 100% and very loud.
I could use a small mixer but it’s starting to get complicated and a lot more wires than I think it should be.
Does anyone know of a hub that will allow volume adjustment on the ipad? Or any other cheap way of doing this?
 
#7
Thanks for the replies.
I have a Scarlet 2i4 interface that i can use, plus my Helix. Both work with my ipad. Ive not tried the midi side but both have midi in and through. I do want to record bass and guitar so I guess an interface would be better in the long run. At the moment I’m not using midi cables, just a normal USB cable, which works just as well. That’s why I’m using the Hub. All is working fine other than the audio out is too loud.
The question was really about using a USB hub, and keeping costs down. I can get a small mixer for £30 that will take the audio from the hub and let me control it, so I’d go that route rather than spend loads more on a USB interface. Its just that I’m trying got make this all portable and not need mains plugs and more wires etc.

The BT midi idea seems like the way forward and cuts out some of the cables. Yamaha do make one for this line of keyboard and its not too expensive.

Ive got a USB-C to USB-A adapter coming today. I’m wondering if plugging the headphones in to a USB port on the hub might work. Plugging the jack to USB-C adapter directly in to the ipad works fine. Its a long shot but one ill try before spending more money.
 
#8
DWBass said:
You need an audio interface. No way around it. Since you need midi, I suggest Presonus or Motu. Focusrite has some great units as well. I bought a Focusrite iTrack Solo (made for iPad use). It doesn't have midi though so I'll be upgrading to a unit that does incorporate midi.
Click to expand...
After my last post it struck me that i don’t know how to get the midi in to the ipad from the interface? I know you can have midi over USB (which is what I’m us using) but to me it looks like the midi chain is separate to the USB signal.
 
#9
dave_bass5 said:
After my last post it struck me that i don’t know how to get the midi in to the ipad from the interface? I know you can have midi over USB (which is what I’m us using) but to me it looks like the midi chain is separate to the USB signal.
Click to expand...
If your audio interface has midi ports on it, connect as usual and the interface connects via the USB/Lightning cable. I'm planning to upgrade to an interface with midi so I can connect a midi keyboard to it.
 
#10
Ah, I wasn’t aware of that. Just tried it and it does work fine. Thanks for pointing that out. I have actually found the ideal solution for now though. As I mentioned earlier all I needed was to use the headphones from a USB port rather than the dedicated headphone out on the hub. This will be prefect.
The reason I want to go this route is no need to plug anything in to the mains, and less cables to worry about. I’m just sitting on the bed playing, it’s not supposed to be a studio as such.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sascha Erni
#12
Doublesixes said:
I use iRig Pro with my iPad Pro (first gen which has audio input) but will be running similar situations if I upgrade to the latest 12.9
iRig pro does not include a USB C which is a real bummer. I'm disappointed that Apple has chucked the 3.5 mm jack which audio professionals really need.
Click to expand...
Its never bothered me about the missing headphone socket on any of my devices until this week, and it was a quick fix.
I’ve always read that headphone sockets were frowned apon on for serious high quality audio out anyway, what with the low cost DAC’s etc. I remember having one of the first iRigs and that was terrible.
The USB-C port on the latest iPads is a real boon though. It opens up a lot more possibilities. Obviously a slight change in workflow is needed, but its worth it IME.
As for your iRig, you could try a USB adapter. That should work, although you might run in ot the same issue as i did, with the headphone volume maxed out. Maybe go with the other lead and not the Lightnig one.
I have a iRig HD here so ill try it with mine if its any help (if i can find the leads).
 
#13
"As for your iRig, you could try a USB adapter. That should work, although you might run in ot the same issue as i did, with the headphone volume maxed out. Maybe go with the other lead and not the Lightnig one.
I have a iRig HD here so ill try it with mine if its any help (if i can find the leads)."

You are absolutely right, with the right connectors and accessories those shortcomings could be worked around but that adds to the operational cost. Another small issue with the iRig Pro in particular was the (overlooked by me) fact that it doesn't include a power supply ($40). That little device devours AA batteries like a kid feasting on candy after Halloween. I didn't realize when I bought the interface that the Lightning port doesn't provide power to the unit. My bad as this was an upgrade from the cheaper iRig 2 which just connects to the audio port.
 
#14
I’d say the adapter would lost you less than $5, but i agree, there are other issues with using the iRig.
Another reason to get a current iPad is that it will power some devices, although ive found with my Scarlett 2i4 i still need mains power.
YOu may find you can use a small hub and plug power in to that which should power the Iraq as well, but it sounds like its on its way outer now.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back