Alesis Studio Dock for iPad

[olja]

Now this looks pretty nice, doesn't it?

http://www.alesis.com/studiodock

# The world's first pro audio dock for iPad
# Connect microphones and instruments including guitar, studio monitors, PA speakers, headphones, and MIDI controllers
# Universal device works with virtually every audio and MIDI app in the App Store; Core MIDI compliant
# Perform, craft, create and play back music in virtually any conceivable manner or location
# Video output for connection to TVs and projectors
# Inputs: two combo XLR-1/4" for use with audio gear, instruments, and computer audio
# Input channel gain controls and switchable phantom power for use with condenser microphones
# Guitar-direct switch for use with amplifier- and effects-modeling app
# Outputs: pair 1/4" and 1/4" headphone with separate volume controls
# Control: MIDI In, MIDI Out, USB MIDI, and assignable 1/4-inch footswitch input

[cuneytkarayalcin]

I think the Akai Synthstation 49 is better

[olja]

I think the Akai Synthstation 49 is better

I saw that too, but it doesn't have audio in, and is quite big. This seems like a really portable audio and MIDI interface for the iPad that could be a real hit I think. But yes, this and the synthstation 49 could change a lot for the iPad as a more professional music making device.

[aMUSEd]

I think the Akai Synthstation 49 is better

I don't think that one has audio ins though - plus tiny keyboard - this one lets you connect your own

[cuneytkarayalcin]

" this and the synthstation 49 could change a lot for the iPad as a more professional music making device."

Yeah, that's the deal for me. Now I REALLY need an iPad

[musicman100]

yuo know its just a matter of time until some one marries the Alesis and Akai features and adds audio input .

Just me, but I don't need total portability, but an integrated keyboard plus power and I/Os is my cup of tea. If i am either home or on stage I have access to AC power, so at home its a wonderful scratch idea tool or on stage an aux "keyboard"..

I am going to wait for the next gen that has it all in one box, and you know it WILL happen

[olja]

yuo know its just a matter of time until some one marries the Alesis and Akai features and adds audio input .

Just me, but I don't need total portability, but an integrated keyboard plus power and I/Os is my cup of tea. If i am either home or on stage I have access to AC power, so at home its a wonderful scratch idea tool or on stage an aux "keyboard"..

I am going to wait for the next gen that has it all in one box, and you know it WILL happen

I agree, can't see why AKAI missed out on the audio input. That would kill the competition. The ideal would be a a combination of the 2, the AKAI keyboard with pads and then a detachable audiodock with all the connections that would be more portable when you don't need the keyboard. And this dock should be tiltable as well so you can use the gyroscope functions on the iPad. That would be so nice.

Mm and in the future some kind of Kinect/Mimesign technology so you can control functions with gestures.


Still, must be hard for all the other interfaces now, i was thinking of getting both an iRig and iMic, a CCK-kit and a TV-out-adapter, but the studiodock has all this plus much more flexibility. Just hope it's gonna be reasonably priced..

[Dogboy73]

Looks good this. But are their many apps that have audio recording capability? I'm i9nterested in an ipad but are they worth getting with something like this? When is the ipad 2 likely to appear?

[polaris20]

I think the Akai Synthstation 49 is better

Why? That's just a cheap crappy keyboard that docks to the iPad. This is a full recording/MIDI solution. I can't see why you'd possibly want the Akai over this.

[Dogboy73]

I've decided Alesis may be jumping the gun a little here. Ipad 2 is apparently just around the corner (or at least the announcement will be) & there are really not that many apps that would warrant this sort of thing at the moment. I'm sure this will change but it depends on both things moving forward - the apps have to be made & made to support this type of device I guess. Then ipad 2 comes out & suddenly its obsolete before it gets off the ground! Not sure how this sort of thing could ever really work that well. Same for the Akai keyboard. Ipad 2 comes out it's obsolete. Seems daft to me.

[adydub]

I've been waiting for something like this! I am buying one as soon as it's available (assuming the pricing isn't crazy)!

[adydub]

I've decided Alesis may be jumping the gun a little here. Ipad 2 is apparently just around the corner (or at least the announcement will be) & there are really not that many apps that would warrant this sort of thing at the moment. I'm sure this will change but it depends on both things moving forward - the apps have to be made & made to support this type of device I guess. Then ipad 2 comes out & suddenly its obsolete before it gets off the ground! Not sure how this sort of thing could ever really work that well. Same for the Akai keyboard. Ipad 2 comes out it's obsolete. Seems daft to me.

The a/v connections via the apple dock will remain the same between versions, and core midi isn't going anywhere, so it should be reasonably future proof - also consider that apple release specs on dimensions and socketry to 3rd party accessory makers well in advance of any public product announcements, so it's unlikely alesis won't already have this info for the iPad '2'

There's already enough apps I currently find useful to seriously want this.

[Dogboy73]

Consider that apple release specs on dimensions and socketry to 3rd party accessory makers well in advance of any public product announcements, so it's unlikely alesis won't already have this info for the iPad '2'

That's good to hear. So you think ipad 2 will be exactly the same size as the current ipad? Otherwise how will it fit into the studio dock?

There's already enough apps I currently find useful to seriously want this.

Really? That's also good to hear. Would you mind listing some on here as I can't seem to find many. I've looked on YouTube & tried to look in the app store but apart from a few good things (Electribe, i-MS20 & one or two others) all I've found is novelty looking music apps. I'd like to see what else is out there that's more serious & really worth considering.

[polaris20]

Consider that apple release specs on dimensions and socketry to 3rd party accessory makers well in advance of any public product announcements, so it's unlikely alesis won't already have this info for the iPad '2'

That's good to hear. So you think ipad 2 will be exactly the same size as the current ipad? Otherwise how will it fit into the studio dock?

There's already enough apps I currently find useful to seriously want this.

Really? That's also good to hear. Would you mind listing some on here as I can't seem to find many. I've looked on YouTube & tried to look in the app store but apart from a few good things (Electribe, i-MS20 & one or two others) all I've found is novelty looking music apps. I'd like to see what else is out there that's more serious & really worth considering.

Any app with a stereo output and/or stereo input, such as Multitrack DAW, Looptastic HD, StudioTrack, etc should work fine. Multitrack DAW alone is worth it to me. It's a great app.

[siriusbliss]

I checked it out at NAMM.
Alesis did a good job with it.

Greg