KVR :: Mobile Apps and Hardware » Tascam iU2 mobile interface [View Original Topic]
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Sascha Franck - Sat Jan 21, 2012 2:01 am

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Has been mentioned in another thread, but I think it defenitely deserves its own: The Tascam iU2.
For mobile musicians this could perhaps be a dream come true.

- Line I/O
- 2x XLR in
- Instrument in
- MIDI I/O
- S/PDIF out
- Dock connected (can as well power your iDevice)
- Also works as a standard computer audio interface

In other words: Just exactly what the doctor ordered. No more need to keep plugging various devices in and out. No more need to have two interfaces with you, should you have an iDevice and a laptop.

http://www.tascamcontractor.com/product/iu2/

Couldn't find anything about the price, yet. Anybody with some information?
Edit: It's supposed to be $149.
Also, for me the most crucial thing would be latency. But then, while not being the top players, AFAIR Tascams USB interfaces do relatively well in terms of latency.

- Sascha

Edit: I'm almost sold already...

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clonewar - Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:08 am

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Where did you see that it will power an iDevice? That's the one thing I'm waiting to find out about and if it's true then I'm sold too.

Also, one feature you left off is that it has a S/PDIF digital output. It looks like a nice little interface, and it doesn't lock you into landscape mode like the IODock.

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erikb1971 - Sat Jan 21, 2012 11:17 am

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but will it work on iphone 3gs?>

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kurrykid - Sat Jan 21, 2012 1:20 pm

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Here's a video on it being demoed:

http://www.soundonsound.com/news?NewsID=14685

HTH

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polaris20 - Sat Jan 21, 2012 1:25 pm

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For $150 I think it's definitely worth a shot.

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aMUSEd - Sat Jan 21, 2012 1:40 pm

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Looks awesome - on the list

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Sascha Franck - Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:28 pm

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I think it's said in that soundonsound video (which I could've posted, too...)



Yeah, sorry. Another excellent thing.



Good question - I'm still on a 3GS, too. But well, I'm looking for another provider anyway, it'll probably be Vodafone, and in that case I'm gonna get a 4S.

- Sascha

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clonewar - Sat Jan 21, 2012 8:22 pm

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I did see the SOS video, but he doesn't mention if it will charge the iPad. He says that the unit, including the phantom power mic pres, is powered by the iPad, but doesn't talk about the optional power adapter.

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Sascha Franck - Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:14 am

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http://www.tascam.de/iu2.html

This is in german, but it says that once there's a USB connection (either from a computer or a USB power adapter), your iDevice will be charged (first paragraph on the right).

Edit: Here's the english description:
http://www.tascam.de/en/iu2.html

As said, just what the doctor ordered. Forget about all those IKMM gimmicks and the likes.

- Sascha

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mbncp - Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:39 am

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It took a bit of time but finally some great solutions are coming up
If it does all it says + charging the ipad while on use, then I'm sold. (2x).

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polaris20 - Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:45 am

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If it charges the iPad while you use it that's great and all, but I rarely record for 10 hours, so not really an issue.

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Sascha Franck - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:08 pm

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Well, I'm sure that once you really start maxing your CPU, it'll not be 10 hours anymore. Perhaps even more like 3.
And then, once you need phantom power (which requires external power supplement), why not just charge your iPad as well? To me that's just a really nice, well thought-out feature.

- Sascha

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clonewar - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:16 pm

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That's what I was looking for, thanks for the link!

I agree, this looks like exactly what I've been waiting for. I think IKM really missed the boat with iRig Midi by not giving it at least stereo audio I/O. There's no way I want to use the headphone jack of the iPad if I'm going to use something like Sampletank iOS at a live gig. Plus, digital out means I can integrate it nicely in the studio using something like Animoog.

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polaris20 - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:17 pm

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I guess so. Really even currently using the Apogee JAM and a MIDI controller through the CCK the battery on the iPad lasts so long it doesn't really matter. Sure it's a nice feature, but not crucial, IMO.

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clonewar - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:19 pm

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Charging the iPad is critical for me because I'm looking to start using it in live gigs. No way I'm going to spend the whole time worrying about how much power the iPad has left..

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polaris20 - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:25 pm

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How long are your gigs? I've tested the iPad for battery life. It's ran a movie non-stop for 12 hours, and I worked on it all day (with the BT on and with a keyboard) for 10 hours, using the wireless constantly. My point is yeah, battery charging is great, but not crucial for me in my opinion.

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Mushy Mushy - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:33 pm

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Will this record at 24/48?
I can't find this info anywhere

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aMUSEd - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:40 pm

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Any idea on price?

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Sascha Franck - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:47 pm

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Exactly.
I think IKMM missed the boat in many aspects. Instead of one trick ponys, people want "one size fits all" things, especially when working mobile. In case the quality is right (basically sound and latency), with the iU2 you get iRig STOMP, iRig MIDI, iRig MIC in one unit. With stereo ins, line in, digital out, dock connection, iDevice charging and direct monitoring. Guess IKMM will have a tough time digesting that, as (well, as said, in case the quality is on par) they can already just cut down their prospected production by at least 50%, probably even way more. I mean, which sane person would buy iRig MIDI anymore? You need a decent audio output anyway, and as you say, the headphone out certainly doesn't qualify for that (plus, it sits at the opposite side of the unit).

I for one will wait for the first user reports, but basically this is just what I want.

- Sascha

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Sascha Franck - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:48 pm

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Would that be crucial for you? I would like 24bit but don't give a damn about 48kHz. And I could as well just live with 16/44.1.



$149.

- Sascha

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Mushy Mushy - Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:53 pm

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Could probably live without 48kHz but I want 24bit. I would use it to record my DAW via analogue mixer.

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mbncp - Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:20 pm

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With a single device it's fairly simple to manage but when you have 3-4, dealing with the battery becomes a nightmare. Most of my apps stay on so I don't have to unlock them all the time, and it's easy to forget them over a long period and when you need them it sucks to have to wait for them to charge. That's something I like about the io dock, I can always count on it.

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kpsychedelic - Sun Jan 22, 2012 10:33 pm

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Is it weird that I feel a bit turned on?

Jesus, that seems like an awesome piece of gear. For $150 count me in. I was thinking of the GuitarJack 2 (or whatever) but this could pretty much rock on pretty hard.
Let's just wait for it to be released soon.

Thanks so much for the heads up Sascha.



You know, some guy made a stress test, a very well done one to be honest, and the conclusion was, iOS handles memory pretty well so that killing apps becomes unnecessary.

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erikb1971 - Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:32 am

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Be aware though that it might not work will all apps at least on iphone 3gs. I tested a few things on saturday in the local music shop, but for instance, the alesis io dock does not work with ampkit or amplitude. Nor does it work with the line 6 pod softwar5e (If I remember correctly). The mic/headphone socket on the 3gs works with most software.

I think what is going on is that software that is supposed to work with the mic input socket does not take into consideration the digital input. And software that works with the digital input seems to be quite picky with what interface is used.

A nice little cheap solotion that works with most apps and works on both iphone 3 & 4 could be:

http://tascam.com/product/ixz/

Just mono though....

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Sascha Franck - Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:54 am

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Well, in case developers don't want to follow the Core Audio (or whatever iOS) specs, it's their fault and I'll rather look for another app. It is all too clear that apps *can* work with both the headphone connection and the dock connection. There's many apps doing so without problems.
If a company such as IKMM decides to not support the way more professional dock connection inside Amplitube, probably because they want to sell their own hardware - well, more power to them. But I'm sure that they will lose customers that way.

Anyway, I think now that we are finally seeing some really decent devices, app developers simply will have to support dock connected hardware. The dock may have a lot of disadvantages over other solutions (proprietary format and so), but for digital audio (and video as well) it's one of the things that make iDevices stand out (along with the Core Audio protocol).

- Sascha

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erikb1971 - Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:10 am

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true

On the other hand.. do you know a decent guitar amp moddeling app that works with the core audio?

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Sascha Franck - Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:41 am

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Garageband has quite some excellent amp models. And it's dirt cheap.

- Sascha

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kpsychedelic - Mon Jan 23, 2012 3:38 am

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I'm all with Sascha, regarding the use of the Dock vs the Mic in...
Also it has been kinda proven that the Dock provides more of a pristine sound quality (GuitarJack 2 as I mentioned before).

This little friend may be a small contender, but with firm steps to the Alesis IO Dock, which is more robust in terms of inputs IIRC, but it's obviously bulky as hell.

We'll need to wait for the reviews to check on different factors like build quality. I know not why but I have this stigma that Tascam products are not regarded as of very good quality? (But I think the Izx or whatever from them has proven to be a good contender for the sub $50 USD iOS audio interfaces market).

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Sascha Franck - Mon Jan 23, 2012 3:53 am

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Yeah well, mixed feelings about Tascam over here as well (hence no blind ordering). Their multitrackers were built well, but the smaller audio interfaces seemed to be somewhat flakey in terms of build quality. And when I look at those mini switches at the bottom (which you can see in the video), it doesn't give me an exact impression of sturdiness or so...

- Sascha

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J.C - Mon Jan 23, 2012 4:04 am

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I'm almost sold, can't wait the first reviews...

Well done Tascam!!

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polaris20 - Mon Jan 23, 2012 6:49 am

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Are you sure the io Dock doesn't work with Ampkit? Because the Apogee JAM works great with AmpKit, and it too is dock connecting. The Line 6 stuff is stupid, because they're artificially locking it down to their device. Doesn't matter, because it's their old modeling algorithms anyway. AmpKit (IMHO) sounds better.

EDIT

In this thread:

http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/printview.php?t=324432&start=0

Someone says the IO Dock works fine with AmpKit. None of these dock-connecting devices will ever work with Amplitube though, at least not until IK stops thinkomg that no one will ever want to use a device besides theirs.

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Sascha Franck - Mon Jan 23, 2012 11:27 am

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Fortunately there's quite some others but Amplitube. But I guess IKMM will deliver dock compatibility in an update. That way they can at least continue selling Amplitube. I fail to see how in the more or less near future anyone would like to use the inferior headphone I/O when there's docked alternatives, so IKMM should try to save their software portion of the iOS market.

- Sascha

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JavaJ - Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:55 pm

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Looks alright- although if you have everything plugged in- it definately won't win any beauty contests. On it's own it's decent looking. Too bad they went with minature inputs (so you need dong'es to get everything into it versus plugging direct.

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Sascha Franck - Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:02 pm

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I completely agree. I mean, sure, mobile also means small for many people, but even if that thing was double the size, it'd probably still fit in my gigbag or whatever.

- Sascha

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polaris20 - Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:43 pm

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The Tascam 122/122L/144 etc weren't all that big to begin with. I've still got a 122 sitting here somewhere, and it's pretty reasonable.

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JavaJ - Tue Jan 24, 2012 11:58 am

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Throwing this out there- but when I read about all the patents Apple is getting (or submitting)- I do think the dock connector will be replaced with a smaller plug (maybe Thunderbolt). It might happen with the iPad 3- might not- or maybe it will be a mag connector. Regardless, I think we have to go into the iOS peripheral world with an understanding that anything we purchase could have a short lifespan. If they do go with a mag connector- that would worry me as it would be very easy to disconnect your audio interface versus the dock connector we have now.

So back to this device- I think the dock cable is hardwired into the unit. That is likely a bad idea if it is the case. At least with something like the Apogee Jam- they were smart and made the cable removeable (and included a standard USB cable to plug into their propriety jack to allow it to work on a Mac). I would assume then that if Apple did change the dock connector, Apogee could simply offer a replacement cable.
Tascam should consider this (or maybe they want to give a reason for users to spend another $150 next year- not sure about their mentality).

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sonicflux - Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:35 pm

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Excellent points. I'm extremely wary of buying something with hardwired dock connector. Once Apple changes the configuration of that port, your device is history.

It amazes me that so many companies are making units like the Alesis IO dock that require the iPad to be inserted into it. If Apple changes the iPad, that inventory will be hard to move.

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Dogboy73 - Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:41 pm

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I thought the iU2 also worked with a PC/Mac? If so then surely the Apple dock connector lead must be removeable?


Alesis almost scored a spectacular own goal with the IO Dock when, about a week or two after it was announced, Apple announced the new, thinner iPad 2! If they had changed the shape anymore than they did suddenly the IO Dock would have had a very limited appeal!! As it was they had to rush out a plastic adapter to clip into the unit. Initial IO Docks shipped without this as it caught Alesis somewhat off guard. iPad 2 owners who bought the IO Dock were understandibly less than impressed with this.

Again if it was simply a device hooked up via the dock connector and a cable then Apple could have made the iPad 2 round! It wouldn't have made any difference to the IO dock/interface in that case. I'd be surprised if Apple drop the dock connector. It's remained unchanged since the first iPhone as far as I'm aware. If they did change it then suddenly ALL devices stop being compatible including chargers, Apples own connection devices & any third party devices that use the dock connector. In the process pissing off about 90% of iOS users!!

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JavaJ - Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:30 pm

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Check this out then.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/04/07/new-apple-dock-connector-patent-hints-at-usb-3-0-thunderbolt-support/

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kpsychedelic - Tue Jan 24, 2012 11:49 pm

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Ohhh shizzle!
Well let's wait till the iPad 3 hits the stores (As for myself I've been saving for it, no point IMO to get the 2 now), and hopefully the Dock will be there :p

And if not, then hopefully Tascam could release a cable that plugs into the new "hole"? As someone said earlier and it's right on, the iU2 HAS an USB (mini) connector.

But yeah, it is true, one has to be careful with Apple, but for the joy that toy would gimme for a year or two in case the Dock connector is ditched on future hardware (and that would be, shall I consider getting the iPad 4 next year, and I doubt it, I'd wait till iPad 5), I think right now I'd pay the $150 USD.

BUT, I cannot deny Imma sleep a bit less comfortable now with this information I hadn't seen, "thanks JavaJ"

Now on a more serious note, life is now and if sometimes we get too far thinking about new stuff to come in the gadget world, hardware changes etc, then we'd get nuts always holding back waiting for the next big thing, that now seems to be released every month.

And on a final not, I'm more among the lines of:



Would Apple dare to piss us off so much?

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Sascha Franck - Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:47 am

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Theoretically, that could be amazing and finally put Apples iDevices in a completely different league, given that two things happen as well:
- There needs to be an adapter so people could continue using older devices using the current dock format (ok, guess that won't work for the "integrating" things such as the Alesis I/O).
- iOS needs to be "opened up" a bit more, so people could indeed access external drives and whatever other hardware more easily.

In case an iPad really comes with TB and a somewhat drastically updated iOS, it could indeed replace quite some laptops (in reference to the other thread...), given the computing power is more or less up to date. With TB, companies could build "complete" docking stations for stationary use, containing, say, connections for keyboards, mice, external drives, interfaces and monitors. You'd just connect your iPad and have an almost full desktop machine (that obviously could still take advance of the touchscreen) but you could still take it with you on the road.
If that is really going to take off, even I could be tempted.

- Sascha

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dixie237 - Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:49 am

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Hi all,
This unit is definately leading the way. The spdif out is gonna change the ipad from toy to serious audio kit.

Couple of things that id like to see. Digital in, spdif again seems logical.

Secondly Apple must surely open the output availablity multiple stereo outs, starting with at least 2 for DJ apps. Again once this happens the Ipad stops being a DJ toy and becomes a serious tool.

UK prices for this...I have seen £159 !!!! avail 9 march..no straigh conversion from $ to £ there then.

D

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sonicflux - Wed Jan 25, 2012 6:53 am

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I believe the iU2 dock cable is hard wired. They show a compartment on on bottom where you can stuff the dock connector when it's not in use. I'm not sure why they chose to go this route rather than having a 2nd USB port and supplying a USB to dock cable.

Didn't Sonoma Wire Works get screwed by Apple with their first model of the GuitarJack? Shortly after they released it, the iPad2 came out, and their GuitarJack didn't work on it. I belive it was due to a change in the pinout of the dock. Now they're stuck blowing them out for $50.


I bought the Apogee Jam mainly because it is future proof. It will always be able to connect to Apple products. Now I'm looking for the same thing in a multitrack recording interface.

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Dogboy73 - Wed Jan 25, 2012 7:33 am

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Yes that does seem a bit daft! Surely easier to have a cable that can be detached, as with most interfaces, rather than stuffing a cable into the device when it's redundant?! Bad design that. But this still looks very good on paper if you want an interface to use with an iPad1/iPad2

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kpsychedelic - Wed Jan 25, 2012 10:23 am

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Maybe it's just a prototype (although seems not likely as these are the official pics) or plain old photoshop, but I see nothing that makes me think the Dock cable is not detachable... (Except for the picture where they show the included cables and the Dock one is nowhere to be seen which might imply it's just glued there).

Image 1
Image 2

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sonicflux - Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:12 am

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You didn't look at enough pictures.

Here's the bottom.


The dock cable clearly isn't plugged into a jack of any kind. That little door is where you stash it when it's not being used.

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mod4 - Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:20 am

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It looks good but it will never work without power whats the ipad usb rating about 10mA this thing is bound to use 200-500mA will have to connect a usb battery to device but still a great product for all i devices.

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JavaJ - Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:45 am

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Glad I can stir the pot about the whole dock connector thing hahaha.

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sonicflux - Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:04 pm

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If you're out of periods, you can take some from my girlfriend.

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JavaJ - Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:12 pm

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Thank you for my daily spit out my coffe moment- much appreciated!

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kpsychedelic - Wed Jan 25, 2012 9:26 pm

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No, I did see them all obviously, but since the dock cable is not present in the other two...
Maybe I have to check that NAMM video again to understand the hiding of the cable you talk about.

Well in any case, this seems like a great product, despite a couple of drawbacks as described in this topic.

The question that pops in my mind though is, if any other interface, in the same price range would perform similarly as this one, via the Camera Connection Kit.

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Sascha Franck - Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:43 am

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Certainly a valid question, but:
- AFAICS the CCK doesn't offer any iPad charging.
- It's iPad only (even if I seem to remember people talking about how it'd work on an iPhone).
- One more thing you need to daisy-chain in what is a rather fragile connection route anyway.

Even if other class compliant USB interfaces would work that way, in this case, I think I'd still go for a dedicated solution.

- Sascha

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polaris20 - Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:45 am

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Correct, there's no way to charge the iPad with the CCK attached.

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kpsychedelic - Thu Jan 26, 2012 8:03 am

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Oh rite, true, true.
I didn't think of that and surely is a bit of a deal breaker.

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hermgreider - Thu Jan 26, 2012 9:14 am

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Any idea if this does USB MIDI? That is, connect a USB keyboard to the iPad through this? My older Yamaha KB stopped working with the CCK in iOS5. That is one limitation with the Alesis iODock. It's USB MIDI is host computer only.

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Sascha Franck - Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:45 pm

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I don't think it'll host USB MIDI keyboards. Otherwise Tascam would've certainly mentioned it on their site(s).
And well, yes, I agree, that'd make it even better.

Anyway, all you need to make it happen is either a second USB power adapter and a MIDI cable or perhaps just a (passive) USB hub and a MIDI cable. Well, unless your Yamaha has no MIDI out, that is (but I'd bet it has).

- Sascha

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hermgreider - Fri Jan 27, 2012 11:13 am

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Yes, you are correct. The Yamaha should work fine over MIDI cable. A MIDI extension cable is a little bulky, but I'm being too picky.

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Sascha Franck - Fri Jan 27, 2012 12:47 pm

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Why does it have to be an extension cable? A normal MIDI cable would just be fine.

- Sascha

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pquenin - Fri Jan 27, 2012 1:53 pm

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No asio driver for the PC ? so, it's useless...
159 $ for just the iPad is a bit too much...

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martygras - Fri Jan 27, 2012 2:14 pm

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It's class compliant so that should remove some worry.

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raintalk - Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:30 am

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That is a deal killer.

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raintalk - Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:31 am

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How does that help?

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Dogboy73 - Mon Jan 30, 2012 11:47 am

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It won't need any drivers to run on Windows. Though without ASIO how would the performance be?

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sonicflux - Mon Jan 30, 2012 12:08 pm

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Wouldn't you be able to use ASIO4ALL as a solution making this a non-issue?

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Sascha Franck - Mon Jan 30, 2012 1:59 pm

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Fwiw, who exactly says that there's no ASIO drivers for Windows?

- Sascha

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sonicflux - Mon Jan 30, 2012 2:13 pm

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Excellent point. If you look at the picture of the bottom of the unit, there is a switch that toggles between iOS and Computer modes. It would stand to reason that iOS mode is class compliant and Computer mode would involve drivers. Plus, they would be silly not to make ASIO drivers available.

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knockman - Mon Jan 30, 2012 3:32 pm

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No dedicated ASIO drivers:

http://tascam.com/content/downloads/products/724/e_iu2_om_va.pdf

Personally, I'd be buying something like this with iOS use in mind. If it functioned well on my PC, perhaps with ASIO4ALL, then that would be a nice bonus. If not, it wouldn't be a deal breaker.

EDIT: Of course, if it didn't work robustly on an iOS device, that would be deal breaker. After some initial issues with my iM2 (now OK) I'm a little wary of plunging in. I'll be waiting for some reviews

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Sascha Franck - Mon Jan 30, 2012 6:18 pm

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Oh well, that's pretty bad then, at least for all Windows folks. Sure, ASIO4All might work, but I'd rather not bet on it.
In addition, I'd really like to know what the lowest possible latency under either OS would be.

- Sascha

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raintalk - Mon Jan 30, 2012 11:12 pm

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Maybe Tascam is lucky and they can get it work. We will see.
It's too bad standard windows drivers suck, but they do.
Maybe it is the applications that suck with utilizing windows drivers.
Either way Microsoft should buy ASIO4ALL and work it out as a standard driver feature. And ship it with Windows.

I wouldn't mind having a single interface I could use with Windows or iOS. The Tascam looks like the perfect size, price, and features except no ASIO
Bummer

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kpsychedelic - Tue Jan 31, 2012 9:21 pm

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But will it melt? No, I mean, what's the release date for this thing, so much talking made me a bit hungry, but obviously the first guinea pigs will come out with good reviews to remove all assumptions.

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Dogboy73 - Mon Feb 06, 2012 2:58 am

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Is there a release date yet?

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knockman - Mon Feb 06, 2012 5:20 am

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late February here in Japan - though I'll hold off further purchasing consideration until some reviews come in.

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Dogboy73 - Mon Feb 06, 2012 7:05 am

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Same here but it's looking pretty good to me so far. This is the interface I want so hopefully it turns out to be the real deal.

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kpsychedelic - Wed Feb 08, 2012 8:14 pm

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It's on Amazon now.
Although I order a lot from there, I don't really keep up to date to pre-release gotchas and tidbits... so it says "Temporarily out of stock", you probably guys know what that means for pre-release items more than I do.
$149.99 USD.

ZZSounds lists it as "More expected Feb 16".

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Dogboy73 - Thu Feb 09, 2012 3:50 am

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Good stuff. On the advent of the first reliable review of this thing, that shows it to live up to expectations, I'm ordering one. Anyone want to buy an IK iRig MIDI? Sorry, IK. But you've really missed a trick here (along with lots of other people knocking out iOS hardware I have to say).

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echologist - Sun Feb 19, 2012 11:10 am

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looks like these are only hitting stores march 25th

wonder if they're first waiting for apple to release IOS 5.1?

oh well, mine on order from same day music anyway

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Michaelogoe - Mon Apr 09, 2012 4:50 am

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*BUMP* So it's the 9 April 2012. Still no signs of any user reviews or anything? I'm too low on $ to spend at the mo, but would really like to replace my iRig + iRig midi for 1 port based solution... Anyone

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echologist - Mon Apr 09, 2012 5:01 am

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expecting mine tomorrow. will post my findings asap

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Michaelogoe - Mon Apr 09, 2012 5:09 am

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Great! Thumbs pressed so it goes well

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Storms - Mon Apr 09, 2012 1:13 pm

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I think this device is too cheaply made to be reliable or have good sound quality.

Here is my iPad studio setup - it works pretty damn good:

Windows Laptop running Ableton Live -> Tascam US-800 (picked up on eBay for $99, 5ms latency ASIO)

iPad 3 -> Another Tascam US-800 connected via SPDIF to the other US-800.

MIDI in/out connected between the 2 US-800s.

I have an NI Maschine on the same computer with my MIDI keyboard connected to it's MIDI in/out.

This setup is awesome - I can record MIDI in on Ableton through Maschine or the MIDI keyboard. I can send MIDI out to the iPad and record pristine 44khz/16 bit audio directly into Live. I can also use the iPad as a MIDI controller for soft synths and VSTs with TouchOSC or Lemur.

With this setup, I can load Sunrizer or any other synth and control it just like a real outboard MIDI synth and bounce it down to digital audio with no loss whenever I feel like it. I can run more than one synth at a time and put each one on a different MIDI channel. It's really awesome.

Tascam US-800s are dirt cheap on eBay. Their 64-bit Windows 7 drivers suck, however, and if you try to use it as a non-ASIO sound card the memory leaks will kill your system. However, if your laptop or computer has another built in sound card for Windows system sounds, and you only use the US-800 for ASIO, it works fine. It's got a ton of inputs and outputs, and you can even route separate outputs to dual headphone jacks for live monitoring and click tracks. Outboard effects loops, everything is possible with this.

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satchnut - Mon Apr 09, 2012 1:32 pm

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How are you connecting the US-800 to the iPad?

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Storms - Mon Apr 09, 2012 3:29 pm

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Camera connection kit. The US-800 is class compliant MIDI and Audio. It also works in Multitrack DAW with 8 inputs and 6 outputs. You can run an outboard effects loop.

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DrApostropheX - Mon Apr 09, 2012 3:38 pm

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Yeah, but can it charge the iPad whilst it's plugged in?

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Storms - Mon Apr 09, 2012 3:48 pm

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No, but the new iPad gets roughly 12 hours of running time in most synth apps. They beefed up the battery to give you 10 hours playing 3d games, but synth apps and other 2d apps don't take nearly as much juice.

I've yet to finish a 4 hour studio jam session with less than 70% or so, and I have the screen lock disabled. 10-12 hours is more than enough time.

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sonicflux - Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:07 am

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I don't understand your reasoning. You don't say that you have tried the IU2, but you state it's too cheaply made. In your next breath, you extoll the virtues of the even cheaper US800. Using that standard, the US800 should be worse than the IU2.

Care to elaborate?

The other benefit of the IU2 is that it doesn't require an external power supply. I don't like the fact that the dock connector cable is hard wired to the unit, though.

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DrApostropheX - Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:29 am

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Yeah, I'm not thrilled by that either. Is it really hardwired, or is there a port inside that little compartment. It's not a dealbreaker, but if that cable ever breaks or gets worn...

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sonicflux - Tue Apr 10, 2012 5:31 am

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The first (and only, for the time being) review on Amazon confirms that the dock cable is attached. Honestly, it probably wouldn't be much of a problem to replace if it broke, but I feel it is a questionable design decision.

Of course, they could have gone the route of Apogee and had a propriatary jack for the dock cable, and then sold replacements with a huge markup. That wouldn't have pleased me much, either.

If it gets decent reveiws on audio quality, I'll be getting one just for the portability and versatility.

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polaris20 - Tue Apr 10, 2012 1:38 pm

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Why would you possibly make this statement when you've never even used it? That's like me saying. "the Line 6 James Tyler Variax guitars aren't very well made since they're made in Korea, and the models aren't at all like the originals" when I've never even played one.

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Storms - Tue Apr 10, 2012 5:03 pm

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Just looking at the switches on the bottom of the unit, and like you mentioned, the dock connector being hardwired. No power supply, relying on bus power. I'm sure the AD/DA converters are not the best.

The US-800 might not be the best interface, but it does have 96khz/24-bit support, phantom power, and decent pre. It's light years ahead of the IU2 in basic functionality and quality. I mean, you're comparing an interface that's $369.99 retail vs. a $149.99 retail interface. There's bound to be some upgraded circuitry in there.

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echologist - Tue Apr 10, 2012 6:19 pm

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAYv1okaFOc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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kpsychedelic - Tue Apr 10, 2012 10:12 pm

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Hey Brendon, thanks for posting the video.
Pretty neat setup.

So what are your impressions so far on the little gadget (it's not as small as I expected it haha, not that I cared to check the measurements before, that is).

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echologist - Wed Apr 11, 2012 4:13 am

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my impressions of the IU2 are:

1. sounds good
2. midi implementation superb
3. docking cable ridiculously short. about a foot in length.

glad I sent back the IOdock and waited for this.

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echologist - Wed Apr 11, 2012 4:41 am

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OK, am taking back my positive feedback. this morning I plugged my device into the ipad and get a "device not supported" message.

HMMMM.... just wrote tascam tech support.

will keep u posted

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echologist - Wed Apr 11, 2012 4:56 am

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OK, seems the unit is sensitive to what devices u plug the usb charging cable into. the unit seems to function fine on its own. gonna order the Tascam PS-P515U AC to USB Power Adapter

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J.C - Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:27 am

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So it can't be powered by your iPad?

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echologist - Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:28 am

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yes, the ipad powers it just fine

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sonicflux - Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:35 am

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Then could you explain why you were powering it via usb?

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echologist - Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:37 am

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wasnt powering it via usb, was trying to see if I could charge the ipad via usb

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DrApostropheX - Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:41 am

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That's a big selling point for me, to save wear on the iPad's docking connector more than anything else (all that cable tugging and swapping can't be good for it). I just got a 2.1 amp AC to USB charger which could charge two iPads simultaneously (if I had two iPads) so hopefully that's beefy enough for the IU2 (someday!).

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jjmcjj - Wed Apr 11, 2012 6:49 am

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One of the reviews on Amazon ripped this product due to poor build quality:



I wonder if it's really that bad? I have the Tascam IXZ and it's limited, but reasonably well made. That said, if the build quality of the IU2 is similar to the IXZ, I would be disappointed, given the $100+ price difference between them.

edit: removed link due to low-post count restriction--search Amazon if you're curious.

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