KVR Audio

mrufino1 · Post by **mrufino1** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:03 pm

I'm looking at some midi interface options and have narrowed my search to 4. I've read the relavent threads and reviews, just wanted to solicit some opinions.

I use my ipad and iphone live with a novation xio and synthstation 25 in various configurations. At home I also have a roland alpha juno and a roland rd-100 digital piano. I'm primarily a bassist and use the live setup for synth bass, but am learning more piano at home. I have igrand, which sounds great, and my wife also was inspired to play piano again using it, but the digital piano does not work correctly with my $10 ebay generic midi usb cable, because the note off messages become note on messages when you lift up a key. With the alpha jun I can't use pitch bend either. The generic interface cannot handle complicated midi messages as I found out.

I recently got a $50 amazon gift card for playing a charity event and would like to use it towards this equipment. Enough back story, the 3 are:

1. irig midi- advantage is that it is small and needs no power, plus I can charge ipad. But, if I upgrade from ipad 2 at any point, it becomes less convenient. Can it handle more complicated midi streams?

2. m-audio midisport unp/ cck- I've heard this works, and is more future proof than something with a 30 pin connector, but how different is it than the generic cable?

3. tascam iu2- It would do what I need and more, I think- having the audio outs and 2 microphone inputs could be handy, but from reviews, it seems reliability is in question from some, as well as poor company support. It also seems discontinued.

4. iconnectmidi 2+- not out yet, but looks to be well built. The audio pass through is cool and it has a lot of connectivity (including no proprietary midi cables, just regular cables). Does it need to be powered or will the ipad power it? I know it should be out soon and there's no major rush, I'm just impatient.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

iPlogger · Post by **iPlogger** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:41 pm

My vote is for the iConnectMIDI. I have the current model and it is fantastic. Everything just works. I have multiple MIDI keyboard/racks, a USB controller, and the iPad all hooked up. Sometimes I also add in my laptop. They can now all talk to each other. I put off buying it for months trying all sorts of different ideas to get everything hooked up. It is a very solid, well-built device. And the free Port Manager app lets you define configurations and set various options on the device. It is required to be plugged in and the current model will not power the iPad.

If you just want one MIDI keyboard to control the iPad and that is it, then the iRig MIDI may be all you need. I have one, but used it for just a month or so until I got a USB keyboard and started using the CCK. It seemed solid. It is made for the 30-pin connector, but should work with the 30-pin to lightning connector should you upgrade your device.

ZenPunkHippy · Post by **ZenPunkHippy** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:53 pm

Wait for the new iConnectMIDI - the original is perfect for iOS MIDI control and useful for other tasks also. The new versions add some nice functionality, I will be upgrading to the 4+ as soon as it's released.

Built like a tank. Reliable. It's one of those rare devices that does what it says it will with no compromises.

Peace,
Andy.

mrufino1 · Post by **mrufino1** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:59 pm

Thanks, look like I just need to work on being patient, iconnect definitely seems like a device that will be around for the long haul. The 2+ looks like it will suit my needs best.