iPad & Recording

[PTProfessor]

Greetings from PTProfessor!

I am a big Apple fan and was wondering what an ideal set-up might be for leveraging my iPad in order to record my "acoustic/electric" guitar and vocals.

Of course I should probably begin with Garageband, but beyond that, will I need a two-channel device ( such as the iFocusrite iTrack Solo that I saw at the Apple store)? What other hardware should I consider as well? Should I just use my dynamic mic or could I find something more portable for use?

Last, wouldn't the large file size be a major drawback for using Garageband with my iPad?

[louparte]

Auria. (I use it)

Decent condenser mic. (I'm hearing good things about the CAD M179 @$120)

Yeah, the Focusrite iTrack sounds good.

[BarryR]

I use an Apogee MiC, http://apogeedigital.com/products/mic.php ..Works flawlessly with my IPAD and sounds phenomenal....

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by PTProfessor

...Last, wouldn't the large file size be a major drawback for using Garageband with my iPad?

Hi PTProf...

Recording and editing sound/music on an iPad is possible. Possible doesn't mean convenient, or easy. And I'm saying that compared to recording with a handheld device (such as a Zoom H4n, H2 etc), and editing on a computer.

High-rez recordings take up a lot of space, and once processed have to be moved and then erased to clear up space to record/edit more.

All my iPads have been 64GB; even so I decided early on I'd use other means to do remote recording and process audio, video and photos.

I use a Zoom H4n (love the look of the new H6 too) when I want to do serious remote recordings. I can use the H4n as my capture device (including full 48v phantom on AA batteries) and then transfer it to a proper DAW on a computer to edit later. And it can serve as a computer interface as well.

It has great internal mics, can take 2 XLR external mics, or ¼'' input.

Other than novelty, I have not been able to justify recording serious projects on the iPad. I prefer to use my wife's MacBook Air to edit both photos and music when we are on the road.

Doug Young has done some recordings (one in an airport in his lap while waiting to board), and I believe that was with the Apogee mic.

[PTProfessor]

Originally Posted by BarryR

I use an Apogee MiC, http://apogeedigital.com/products/mic.php ..Works flawlessly with my IPAD and sounds phenomenal....

A very intriguing mic.

Wouldn't my Blue Snowflake USB mic serve me just as well if I went the route of Garageband and the mic alone?

[PTProfessor]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi PTProf...

Recording and editing sound/music on an iPad is possible. Possible doesn't mean convenient, or easy. And I'm saying that compared to recording with a handheld device (such as a Zoom H4n, H2 etc), and editing on a computer.

High-rez recordings take up a lot of space, and once processed have to be moved and then erased to clear up space to record/edit more.

All my iPads have been 64GB; even so I decided early on I'd use other means to do remote recording and process audio, video and photos.

I use a Zoom H4n (love the look of the new H6 too) when I want to do serious remote recordings. I can use the H4n as my capture device (including full 48v phantom on AA batteries) and then transfer it to a proper DAW on a computer to edit later. And it can serve as a computer interface as well.

It has great internal mics, can take 2 XLR external mics, or ¼'' input.

Other than novelty, I have not been able to justify recording serious projects on the iPad. I prefer to use my wife's MacBook Air to edit both photos and music when we are on the road.

Doug Young has done some recordings (one in an airport in his lap while waiting to board), and I believe that was with the Apogee mic.

I saw Zoom products at the Martin Guitar Owner's Club gathering. Another viable solution. Interesting.

[BarryR]

Originally Posted by PTProfessor

A very intriguing mic.

Wouldn't my Blue Snowflake USB mic serve me just as well if I went the route of Garageband and the mic alone?

IPAD is not USB...!! Although you can use it on your laptop..

[PTProfessor]

Originally Posted by BarryR

IPAD is not USB...!! Although you can use it on your laptop..

Stet. I'm an idiot! It's the antihistamines.

[muscmp]

Originally Posted by PTProfessor

Stet. I'm an idiot! It's the antihistamines.

i believe there are adapters that will allow the usb mic to work with the ipad. here is a quick google search of the subject to get you started if you decide to go that route.

https://www.google.com/search?q=usb+...hrome&ie=UTF-8

play music!

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by BarryR

IPAD is not USB...!! Although you can use it on your laptop..

Hi Barry...

But they make a USB adapter which if the interface (or mic) is self powered often works with iPads.

It just cannot try to draw power from the iPad.

[BarryR]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi Barry...

But they make a USB adapter which if the interface (or mic) is self powered often works with iPads.

It just cannot try to draw power from the iPad.

I will look at my instruction booklet, but Im fairly certain, that I read somewhere, it will not function "Correctly" with an adapter...Ill check on it...In fact if I can find an adapter in my HUGE junk drawer, I'll try it so the op doesn't waste any money ......(I have a USB mic around here somewhere too, probably in the same drawer !!) BUt using my own rationale, thats is probably why I bought the Apogee one...

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by BarryR

I will look at my instruction booklet, but Im fairly certain, that I read somewhere, it will not function "Correctly" with an adapter...Ill check on it...In fact if I can find an adapter in my HUGE junk drawer, I'll try it so the op doesn't waste any money ......(I have a USB mic around here somewhere too, probably in the same drawer !!) BUt using my own rationale, thats is probably why I bought the Apogee one...

Hi Barry...

Not every self-powered usb device works with an iPad, but the ones which do are all self-powered.

I saw a list (unofficial) of mics and interfaces which do work with iPads.

I have an ART USB Dual Pre which works with it. It supplies full phantom, headphone circuit, and dual Neutrik inputs (XLR or ¼''). 9V battery or power supply. I put a Snark on it for size comparison.





It was $75. It also serves as an extension preamp/mixer with no tone controls.

[JoeCharter]

Although a bit more expensive, I use an Apogee Duet with my iPad and I'm very satisfied with it.

I use it with a pair of condenser microphones and Auria.

[snoopy64]

Three weeks ago I bought an iTrack Solo, a Shure SM 58 and a micro stand - I already own an iPad. I wanted to record my humble efforts on the guitar. Unfortunately the combination doesn't work together very well. I still not quite sure where the biggest "problem" is, but the level in GarageBand was way to low (doublechecked everything with different devices). As I dont want to "edit" anything, I returned the whole bundle yesterday and now I am thinking about buying a tascam d05.

[BarryR]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi Barry...

Not every self-powered usb device works with an iPad, but the ones which do are all self-powered.

I saw a list (unofficial) of mics and interfaces which do work with iPads.

I have an ART USB Dual Pre which works with it. It supplies full phantom, headphone circuit, and dual Neutrik inputs (XLR or ¼''). 9V battery or power supply. I put a Snark on it for size comparison.





It was $75. It also serves as an extension preamp/mixer with no tone controls.

Just for the curious it is the adapter for the lightning (IPAD/IPHONE) back to a 30 pin will not function correctly with the mic...I am sure you are right about the self powered ones...