Alesis IO Dock

[Dogboy73]

just confirming that the lexicon omega interface works with the iPad ( latest iOS ) through the camera connection kit. There is no need for a hub. I got I used on eBay for $70.00. It has 2 phantom powered mics inputs, inserts, line ins, spdif in and out, supports 4 simultaneous outputs without monitoring or 2 in an 2 out with mixing capabilities. It has midi as well which is supported by the iPad.

Given that it works as a general audio interface, comes with cubase le and the pantheon lexicon reverb, I consider this a great iPad add- on. -Scotty

Interesting. Does the MIDI io work okay with the lexicon hooked up to the iPad?

[Sing4Joy]

What's the IO Dock like for monitoring? I noticed it doesn't have an option to select monitoring from record input and or software monitoring, is the latency low when recording audio?

The Alesis io Dock has a dedicated toggle switch at the back for "direct monitoring". This gives you zero-latency monitoring of what you are recording. Haven't yet tested it when adding new tracks to existing tracks, so can't say if there is any time lag.

[Dogboy73]

.... Found this on the Lexicon website. Good stuff;

http://www.lexiconpro.com/static.php?id=85

http://www.lexiconpro.com/images/misc/o ... ng-faq.pdf

Looks like this could be a better solution than the io dock!

[Sing4Joy]

...what apps does it work and not work with...?

simon

I've superficially tested the Alesis io Dock (and iPad 2) with:

- Meteor
- StudioTrack
- MultiTrack DAW
- StudioMini XL

The Dock works with all of these, though you can forget StudioMini XL (at least for the moment), since it lacks a landscape view, and simply cannot give you any joy when you have to screw your neck around to see/use it on the slanted, landscape-view io Dock.

For my particular use, i.e. simultaneous recording of two mono tracks (voc + guitar), the ONLY one of the above apps that is currently usable with the io Dock is MultiTrack DAW. [EDIT: On Aug. 22, 2011, just read a reply to my post at the forum for StudioTrack, and they said they will soon be implementing dual-mono recording, so be sure to check out StudioTrack, too.] Of course, you could use any of the others, too, but only if you're willing to first record a stereo track (with your two separate sources ending up L and R) and then split it later, but that is too much hassle for me, and prevents you from being able to apply effects and EQ to each track separately upon recording, if desired.

To get MultiTrack DAW to do the dual-mono thing, all you need to do is hit the small "arm" button, and up pops the big Arm button, below which is a rectangular box that allows you to sweep up or down and set the track to "Mono 1", and the next track to "Mono 2". This apparently only works with entirely empty (previously unrecorded) tracks, says the developer. It works perfectly, and I am overjoyed!

The very friendly and responsive developer of Meteor (very powerful!) didn't seem too interested in implementing dual-mono recording. He recommended the stereo-to-mono split (workaround).

StudioTrack is a very nice app with some killer effects, but doesn't support dual-mono recording to the best of my knowledge. [EDIT: As mentioned in the above edit, StudioTrack is going to implement this feature soon, so stay tuned for more!]

[Dogboy73]

The Dock works with all of these, though you can forget StudioMini XL (at least for the moment), since it lacks a landscape view, and simply cannot give you any joy when you have to screw your neck around to see/use it on the slanted, landscape-view io Dock.

Another reason why a landscape dock is not actually the way forward? Thinking about it a lot of my audio/music Apps work in portrait view. Not much good for use in the io dock. I'm thinking now an audio/MIDI breakout box, attached to the iPad dock connector, has got to be a better solution for the iPad. Who will be next to make such a device? Lord knows the ipad needs it. Fair play to Alesis for taking this on first. Close but no cigar. I might look into the Lexicon interface solution in the mean time.

[Scotty]

Yes indeed. Midi in/ out and audio in and out simultaneously.

just confirming that the lexicon omega interface works with the iPad ( latest iOS ) through the camera connection kit. There is no need for a hub. I got I used on eBay for $70.00. It has 2 phantom powered mics inputs, inserts, line ins, spdif in and out, supports 4 simultaneous outputs without monitoring or 2 in an 2 out with mixing capabilities. It has midi as well which is supported by the iPad.

Given that it works as a general audio interface, comes with cubase le and the pantheon lexicon reverb, I consider this a great iPad add- on. -Scotty

Interesting. Does the MIDI io work okay with the lexicon hooked up to the iPad?

[Dogboy73]

Yes indeed. Midi in/ out and audio in and out simultaneously.

Cool. I might try this instead of the IO Dock. Hearing to many bad things about MIDI performance with the IO Dock. Not good.

[Sing4Joy]

Another reason why a landscape dock is not actually the way forward? Thinking about it a lot of my audio/music Apps work in portrait view. Not much good for use in the io dock.

Re apps in portrait-only view:
Might it be that several of those apps are (so far) only for the iPhone? Hard to imagine an iPad app that doesn't try to use the larger screen to best advantage. Maybe the app makers even have iPad versions of the same apps, or will soon be releasing them?

At any rate, working in landscape mode is superior for me whenever there is a need to type anything (as in naming tracks). The keyboard is much easier to use. Also better when you want to work with several tracks in mixer view, edit a WAV file, etc.

- Re Lexicon Omega vs. Alesis io Dock:
In terms of recording quality (24 vs. 18 bit), you're right about the Omega being better than the io Dock - at least if you can hear the difference, or even care for the kind of projects you're recording with the iPad (e.g. scratchpad ideas or demos).

In terms of convenience, however, the Omega falls short in one major point: It can't charge the iPad as you work! So if you start a session with a low charge, you might end up having to stop the session prematurely. This can be a huge annoyance factor, since you are forced to check your charge before starting, and to actually wait for the iPad to be chargd up a bit before you can begin. This is precisely the kind of inconvenience I want to be avoiding by using the iPad instead of a laptop + M-Audio 1814. Everything should be ready to ride, with no waiting or hurdles. Slide in the iPad, switch on the io Dock, and away you go. I think this is where the Alesis excels. In fact, I suspect companies like Lexicon will now be scrambling behind the scenes to create a similar "all-in-one" solution, maybe with better this and that, e.g. 24 bit and a few bells and whistles like true USB file transfer. Maybe they will even figure out a way to "fool" the iPad into recording 4 tracks at once? That would at least justify their spec sheet's mention of "up to 4" tracks at once, which is at this point borders on calculated deception since the iPad won't support that, and the spec sheet is specifically targeted at iPad users.

And for those who like the Omega and don't care about charging their iPad while working, then Lexicon isn't the only contender. The Zoom H4N, for instance, works just fine with the iPad 2 as long as you use a suitable USB hub like the [EDIT] Belkin F5U404-BLK, which is a very compact 4-port (powered) unit. [Sorry that my previous post referred to this hub being mentioned elsewhere on the forum. It was a different forum!]

Some folks might also want to consider the footprint of the Omega (or the Zoom H4n plus hub) on their desk vs. that of the io Dock, in which the iPad neatly "disappears" inside, and even rests at a convenient angle for working.

Food for thought on ANY breakout solution involving a USB cable instead of a dock: That little cable might just decide to slip out or slightly lose contact with the iPad in the middle of an important session, esp. if you move the iPad around a bit to make room for your pizza or whatever. And what about having the USB cable smack dab in front of you if working in portrait mode and wanting the iPad's home button close to you instead of way at the back? In terms of ergonomics, the io dock has done a lot right for a first-time product, and will hopefully set a trend for competitors to improve on.

[Scotty]

You've made some good points but I am not convinced entirely with your thinking around the breakout boxes.

Placing the IO dock on your desk with two mic cables, guitar cable along with the speaker cables places the mess of cables too close to your workspace. At least in my application. Having a 6 foot usb cable which allows me to place the Lexicon Omega out of the way and all of the cables are attached to it. To get an extended charge I have a $50.00 battery pack that gives me about 20 total hours of charge time when combined and it can be charged separtately from the IPAD so that it is charging while the IPAD is consuming the internal charge. The lexicon has excellent mic pres as documented on their website and tested in my studio. The stereo ouputs are assignable to S/PDIF when attached to the IPAD THE lexicon allows the mixing of 8 inputs to 2 or 4 ouputs.

Once detached from the IPAD you have a solid interface which can be used on any computer. When APPLE comes out with IpadX and the profile changes yet again you won't be left out in the cold as long as the dock connector stays the same.

To be fair, you need to purchase a camera connnection kit which costs about $30.00 to connect the Lexicon to the IPAD. Comments about the reliability of connection itself are fair. If your USB cable is taut a quick pull will separate the connector. Keep some slack on the cable and you'll be fine.

The lexicion Omegas can be had for $150.00 new on EBAY with a Cubase LE and the Pantheon Reverb plug-in. I got mine used for $77 including shipping. For me it is a no brainer. I almost purchased the IO dock but considered its cost and very limited flexibility as a general interface and took a pass. The IO dock is nicer to look at, but I'd go for the Lexicon for a longer term relationship.

Regarding Core Audio and Core Midi: Core Audio appear to support multiple inputs and outputs. I have a tomtop 4 in 4 out midi interface which I tested through the camera connection kit. . Several of my music apps can select which of the 4 available midi inputs or ouput to send or receive on. Also Garage Band allows you to select which of the 4 avaialble Lexicon ouputs to record from. This is encouraging as it tells me core audio and midi can see multiple inputs and outputs. The apps need to be written to take advantage of the possibilities. - Scotty


.

Another reason why a landscape dock is not actually the way forward? Thinking about it a lot of my audio/music Apps work in portrait view. Not much good for use in the io dock.

Re apps in portrait-only view:
Might it be that several of those apps are (so far) only for the iPhone? Hard to imagine an iPad app that doesn't try to use the larger screen to best advantage. Maybe the app makers even have iPad versions of the same apps, or will soon be releasing them?

At any rate, working in landscape mode is superior for me whenever there is a need to type anything (as in naming tracks). The keyboard is much easier to use. Also better when you want to work with several tracks in mixer view, edit a WAV file, etc.

- Re Lexicon Omega vs. Alesis io Dock:
In terms of recording quality (24 vs. 18 bit), you're right about the Omega being better than the io Dock - at least if you can hear the difference, or even care for the kind of projects you're recording with the iPad (e.g. scratchpad ideas or demos).

In terms of convenience, however, the Omega falls short in one major point: It can't charge the iPad as you work! So if you start a session with a low charge, you might end up having to stop the session prematurely. This can be a huge annoyance factor, since you are forced to check your charge before starting, and to actually wait for the iPad to be chargd up a bit before you can begin. This is precisely the kind of inconvenience I want to be avoiding by using the iPad instead of a laptop + M-Audio 1814. Everything should be ready to ride, with no waiting or hurdles. Slide in the iPad, switch on the io Dock, and away you go. I think this is where the Alesis excels. In fact, I suspect companies like Lexicon will now be scrambling behind the scenes to create a similar "all-in-one" solution, maybe with better this and that, e.g. 24 bit and a few bells and whistles like true USB file transfer. Maybe they will even figure out a way to "fool" the iPad into recording 4 tracks at once? That would at least justify their spec sheet's mention of "up to 4" tracks at once, which is at this point borders on calculated deception since the iPad won't support that, and the spec sheet is specifically targeted at iPad users.

And for those who like the Omega and don't care about charging their iPad while working, then Lexicon isn't the only contender. The Zoom H4N, for instance, works just fine with the iPad 2 as long as you use a suitable USB hub like the [EDIT] Belkin F5U404-BLK, which is a very compact 4-port (powered) unit. [Sorry that my previous post referred to this hub being mentioned elsewhere on the forum. It was a different forum!]

Some folks might also want to consider the footprint of the Omega (or the Zoom H4n plus hub) on their desk vs. that of the io Dock, in which the iPad neatly "disappears" inside, and even rests at a convenient angle for working.

Food for thought on ANY breakout solution involving a USB cable instead of a dock: That little cable might just decide to slip out or slightly lose contact with the iPad in the middle of an important session, esp. if you move the iPad around a bit to make room for your pizza or whatever. And what about having the USB cable smack dab in front of you if working in portrait mode and wanting the iPad's home button close to you instead of way at the back? In terms of ergonomics, the io dock has done a lot right for a first-time product, and will hopefully set a trend for competitors to improve on.

[Dogboy73]

Some good points about the IO dock V the Omega solution. But at the end of the day I keep reading stuff about MIDI not working very well on the IO dock. Until that changes it's not really an option for me at the moment because that's one of the main things I want it for next to the better audio output + input. Speaking of MIDI anyone seen Genome MIDI for iPad? (out today I think).

[ObiWonder]

iRig MIDI is now available for pre order too if your not happy with its Midi http://www.ikmultimedia.com/MainPhp.htm ... hp&Id=3256

[Sing4Joy]

@Scotty:
Very valuable input, thanks. You've shown me a few new angles on this.
- The cable mess issue is subjective and depends on your desktop setup. I use a little wheeled set of drawers, so the mic and other cables connected to the iO Dock just fall down the backside, completely out of the way. But those who have the Dock on their regular desk and pull it all the way forward are indeed going to have more cables to look at with the iO Dock than with the Omega. In that sense, the Omega is a better choice as long as you can live with the battery life issue.
- Another good point of yours: The quality mic preamps on the Omega. While those on the iO Dock are fine, they probably aren't a match for those on the Omega.
- The "general use" benefits of the Omega are also convincing. Might make the purchase less prone to obselesence.
- For Midi users (which I am not), I guess the Omega wins hands-down.

I'm still not fond of the Omega's lack of ability to charge the iPad, but maybe I'll order up one anyhow and give it a spin, just to see if quality and flexibility will win out over convenience.

[Dogboy73]

I'm still not fond of the Omega's lack of ability to charge the iPad, but maybe I'll order up one anyhow and give it a spin, just to see if quality and flexibility will win out over convenience.

That's the only bad point as far as I can see. Sounds like the best opttion out there at the moment apart from the charging thing. I'm still interested to see what else appears on the iPad audio/MIDI interface front.

[Sing4Joy]

Worth mentioning:
Despite all the apparent virtues of the Omega, you should be aware of the fact that it only has USB 1.1 (!). This fact is confirmed at http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=6#specs
So if having USB 2.0 is of importance to you, you might want to wait till Lexicon comes up with an updated successor for the Omega...or maybe even a solution tailor-made for the iPad.
Knowing that Omega is kind of dated with its old USB port makes me think even more that Lexicon is just using the current wave of iPad proliferation to unload an old (albeit still well-engineered) piece of equipment without any extra effort.

[EDIT]
One more thing worth mentioning:
Just read an (old) review on the Omega and the author pointed out another drawback (correct me/him if this is wrong):
The headphone output has no dedicated volume control! This one fact might have just killed my interest in the unit, since who wants to keep readjusting levels between listening to input signals + playback via headphones and then listening to the results of each session on a speaker system. Failure to remember to reset levels in each direction might lead to either a) burst eardums or b) signals too weak to hear properly while recording, forcing you to start the recording all over again.

[Dogboy73]

Oh dear. A knock down for the Lexicon! I hope a really decent IO solution appears soon because I need this yesterday;

http://www.whitenoiseaudio.com/apps/gen ... sequencer/