KVR Audio

rachmiel · Post by **rachmiel** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 2:32 pm

Okay, I'll try again ... simpler this time. :-)

I'm looking for a USB audio interface for my iPad 3. Something with clean sound and reliable enough for live performance, but not too $$. Goal: use iPad as vocal processor for live mic input.

Questions:

Do I have to go with an iOS-specific USB audio interface, or can I use any good USB audio interface?

The mic signal will be coming from a mixer that has phantom power, so I guess that means the interface doesn't need a preamp, right?

Recommendations?

Thanks,

rachMiel

DrApostropheX · Post by **DrApostropheX** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 3:52 pm

In theory, any class-compliant (i.e. no special, device-specific drivers) USB audio interface will work, so it just comes down to the features you personally find valuable (like will you need to record more than two channels at once, do high-quality preamps matter, etc.).

Though some class-compliant USB interfaces will require a powered USB hub if they require more power than the iPad can provide and if they don't provide their own power via batteries or wall-wart. Some USB interfaces with their own power (like my Zoom H4n) still require a USB hub, just to make it play nice with the iPad. And some USB interfaces with their own power (like my ART Dual Tube Pre) can work off of iPad power, oddly enough. So expect to need a powered USB hub if you're getting an interface without its own power.

Both the Harmonic Dog forums and the Auria forums have lists of USB interfaces which work, so those lists are pretty good places to start:

http://forum.harmonicdog.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6

http://d4.drumagog.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=9255

But if you happen to have any USB audio interfaces laying around, it's worth giving those a try first (with and without a USB hub) because you never know what might work.

rachmiel · Post by **rachmiel** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 4:31 pm

This is just what I need. I and my iPad thank you very much, Dr. A!

DrApostropheX · Post by **DrApostropheX** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 5:28 pm

No problem! If you're using the Camera Connection Kit (CCK), you're going to want to pick up one of these, too:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PBBSWO

It's a dock extender cable. One end of the cable clips securely into the dock connector of your iPad and you plug the CCK into the other end, and then plug your USB cable into the CCK as per usual.

The advantage of using the cable is that not only is it longer, but I've noticed that the connection from the CCK to the iPad is pretty flimsy and any tug on the USB cable can unseat it (or if you have a Griffin Survivor case like I do, the port cover can bear down on the CCK a bit). This cable actually squeeze-clips into the iPad's dock connector so it's very secure, and then you can put the CCK someplace safe on your desk or wherever.

Plus it's only like $7.

Keebo · Post by **Keebo** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 5:46 pm

You gotta love the description on that dock extender:

"Product Dimensions: 5 x 6 x 5.5 inches"

And elsewhere:

"Length: 2-Feet. (61cm)"

I'm hoping the latter is correct as I have been meaning to get one of these myself.

DrApostropheX · Post by **DrApostropheX** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 6:20 pm

The length is definitely around 2-ft.

The little pouch it comes in is about 5" x 6". I have two of the cables now. They're quite handy.

USB audio interface for iPad 3