KVR Audio

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sat Dec 21, 2013 3:01 am

Kalamata Kid wrote:I plan to connect the iPad Air to my Windows 7 PC. My concern right now is about MIDI.

My current setup includes the MOTU Midi Express 128, Midi Patchbay which connects to the PC by USB cable. Seven of the eight Ports are used by the Express 128.

The iPad comes with a Lightning to USB cable adaptor. I assume that the USB is plugged into the iConnectMIDI. The iConnecMIDI then connects to the PC by USB cable. Correct?

My final question the iConnectMIDI will show up in the PC as Port 8 or 9 or by the label "iconnectMIDI". On the iPad side it will show up as Port One?

Thanks in advance

I read the iConnectMIDI2+ specs more carefully:

Supports 10 Ports of 16 Channels of MIDI I/O Per Port

I assume I will be able to assign the available ports 8, 9 or 10.
Correct?
How is this done?

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sat Dec 21, 2013 4:05 am

Hello,

It seems setup for the iConnectMIDI2+/iPad Air/PC is more complicated than first thought. Unfortunately I already purchased the iConnectMIDI+2 but then again I already have in my possession the iPAd Air so what choice do I have. Obviously I should have done more thorough research before I took the iPad plunge. Too late now.

I suppose when I get the iConnctMIDi+2 in my hands things may become more clear.

Asio for all?

Core MIDI only? What if the iPad App is not Core MIDI ready? Hope Lemur is.

Adaptors! No direct Lightning to iConnectMIDI+2 connection.

It will cost another $30 to keep your iPad charged. No way around it even thou the iPad Air came equipped with a cable and 120v/USB adaptor to do just that.The only alternative is to stop the music occasionally and charge the iPad with the included iPad accessory.

I am still studying the videos, FAQ's and Manual so there may more issues I have overlooked.

Please ignore my five previous posts. I connectMIDI has done a good job addressing the issues. If I head spent the hours studying all the information I would have never bought an iPad which I was going to use only as a midi controller.

Roc77 · Post by **Roc77** » Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:31 pm

Kalamata Kid wrote:Hello,

It seems setup for the iConnectMIDI2+/iPad Air/PC is more complicated than first thought. Unfortunately I already purchased the iConnectMIDI+2 but then again I already have in my possession the ipad Air so what choice do I have. Obviously I should have done more thorough research before I took the iPad plunge. Too late now.

Check below. this account won't post my links.

ThatKid · Post by **ThatKid** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 12:08 am

Your almost there, plus I recently went through a similar thing in terms of my set up. You will have to get the 30pin to lightning adapter. Get it from the apple store or from a certified apple dealer. The cheap ones on amazon and such won't work as apple updates its ios to eliminate them. The 30pin adapter comes in 2 flavors. I spent extra for the 30pin adapter with the small cord extension because I didn't want to risk the plug braking off if I did something careless. Plus it gives a little more slack to move around with, as the cord the comes with with the icm2 is a little heavy to me.

The asio for all is just another driver download that will give you another option in the audio/midi preferences of the software you use.

Now the good news. You are going to love having an ipad. For one, if you haven't gotten Lemur yet its now 50% off. I bought advantgarde's enchord lemur template about 2 months ago so he's still in business. I had it in my email within a couple of hours and it is amazing, though I can't figure out how to save my custom setups.

Now, he's not the only player in town though. Here's a lemur template for Chords from another wonderful designer. Its called reChorder, I'm getting this one too plus he's got a bunch mega dope templates for cubase, vst instruments...just have a look around his site.
http://www.artsunmuted.com/rc/rc.html

Lastly, if you haven't, please go to the app store and search synthesizer. Before I go on I must mention, buying synths for the ipad can be Very additive. And itunes tax adds up. Now some notable stand outs are:

Yonac Magellion: one of the dopest synths I've ever heard. Plus most synths come with on board scales and can be used to play and record vsts in your daw.
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag/magellan

Moog Animoog: the dopest programming experience I've ever had. Tablets allows allow us to program synths using the touch screen in an interactive way that was not possible before.
http://www.moogmusic.com/products/apps/animoog-0

Beep Street Sunrizer: Just puts many vsti synths to shame.
http://beepstreet.com/sunrizer

Waldorf Nave: Just all around bada$$
http://www.waldorf-music.info/en/products/nave.html

Camel Audio Alchemy
http://www.camelaudio.com/AlchemyMobile.php Pro sound and controller for the vst version.

Now, the icm2 allows you to record these synths into your daw, then use timestretch (cubase) to make them fit any project.

Chord app:
Laurent Colson Chordpolypad

App reviews, tips and info from friends:
http://discchord.com sales galore right now!
http://idesignsound.com

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 3:47 am

ThatKid wrote:Your almost there, plus I recently went through a similar thing in terms of my set up. You will have to get the 30pin to lightning adapter. Get it from the apple store or from a certified apple dealer. The cheap ones on amazon and such won't work as apple updates its ios to eliminate them. The 30pin adapter comes in 2 flavors. I spent extra for the 30pin adapter with the small cord extension because I didn't want to risk the plug braking off if I did something careless. Plus it gives a little more slack to move around with, as the cord the comes with with the icm2 is a little heavy to me.

The asio for all is just another driver download that will give you another option in the audio/midi preferences of the software you use.

Now the good news. You are going to love having an ipad. For one, if you haven't gotten Lemur yet its now 50% off. I bought advantgarde's enchord lemur template about 2 months ago so he's still in business. I had it in my email within a couple of hours and it is amazing, though I can't figure out how to save my custom setups.

Now, he's not the only player in town though. Here's a lemur template for Chords from another wonderful designer. Its called reChorder, I'm getting this one too plus he's got a bunch mega dope templates for cubase, vst instruments...just have a look around his site.
http://www.artsunmuted.com/rc/rc.html

Lastly, if you haven't, please go to the app store and search synthesizer. Before I go on I must mention, buying synths for the ipad can be Very additive. And itunes tax adds up. Now some notable stand outs are:

Yonac Magellion: one of the dopest synths I've ever heard. Plus most synths come with on board scales and can be used to play and record vsts in your daw.
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag/magellan

Moog Animoog: the dopest programming experience I've ever had. Tablets allows allow us to program synths using the touch screen in an interactive way that was not possible before.
http://www.moogmusic.com/products/apps/animoog-0

Beep Street Sunrizer: Just puts many vsti synths to shame.
http://beepstreet.com/sunrizer

Waldorf Nave: Just all around bada$$
http://www.waldorf-music.info/en/products/nave.html

Camel Audio Alchemy
http://www.camelaudio.com/AlchemyMobile.php Pro sound and controller for the vst version.

Now, the icm2 allows you to record these synths into your daw, then use timestretch (cubase) to make them fit any project.

Chord app:
Laurent Colson Chordpolypad

App reviews, tips and info from friends:
http://discchord.com sales galore right now!
http://idesignsound.com

Roc77,

Thanks for the encouraging comments. By the time I got to the end of your post I was drooling (or something similar to that):D

I just received notice that the iConnectmIDI+2 has been shipped.
When I purchased the iPad Air from apple I received a $75 gift card so my money will go to the purchase of 30pin to lightning adapter. Is this it "Lightning to 30 pin Adapter (0.2 m)"? http://www.apple.com/ipad/accessories/#camera-adapters $39 (crazy!). Now what to get for the remaining $36 or so?

The 30pin adaptor plugs into the provided 5 ft 30-pin to iConnectivity USB (B) inline connection cable. This is the penalty for having an iPad with a lightning port. I am beginning to finally understand things. I got into this thinking it was very simple and need not be concerned about reading all the details. Was I wrong! You can see by the many silly posts I made.

I became aware of the Lemur 50% discount a few days ago and it is on my calendar to purchase by the deadline. But thanks for the reminded and perhaps others that read our posts will become aware of this generous offer.

BTW a major part of my decision to get the iPad was to get enChord and similar apps. Too bad the chap at http://www.avantgardesound.com/ has stopped communicating about his version two release. Wow, the reCHORDER looks like it could be useful and fun to use. Since we are this subject which do you prefer the enChord or the reCHORDER?

I already purchased the Animoog 2.1.1 and the Sunrizer synth at a discount. Hard to pass up discounted items with a big discount. I also got:
Chordion and
Arpeggionome Pro with discounts.

Thanks for the suggestions and for providing the links. I will keep them in mind. After I play with the apps on top of my list I will consider your choices.

iPlogger · Post by **iPlogger** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 4:41 am

There is another option. I highly recommend the lightning to USB camera adapter for $29. Then buy a USB-A to USB-B cable (like what a printer uses) and plug that into the cable and iConnectMIDI. The camera kit is much more useful than the 30-pin converter. You can hook up USB keyboards (both music and typing) as well as a USB camera to download photos. But I still recommend doing your research. I have the original iConnectMIDI, not the iConnectMIDI 2+ which has different USB connections.

Connections on the iPad are probably one of the overlooked things by people. I have spent a lot of time researching what works and what cables are needed when I want to connect things. It does take some extra research and it sounds like you are already doing it. I even brought in my iPad and connected it to a USB keyboard two years ago when I got my first USB keyboard. Just wanted to double check I had the right connections. It worked great and the sales person was impressed the keyboard was controlling the iPad. Knob tweaks all working, too.

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 5:30 am

iPlogger wrote:There is another option. I highly recommend the lightning to USB camera adapter for $29. Then buy a USB-A to USB-B cable (like what a printer uses) and plug that into the cable and iConnectMIDI. The camera kit is much more useful than the 30-pin converter. You can hook up USB keyboards (both music and typing) as well as a USB camera to download photos. But I still recommend doing your research. I have the original iConnectMIDI, not the iConnectMIDI 2+ which has different USB connections.

Connections on the iPad are probably one of the overlooked things by people. I have spent a lot of time researching what works and what cables are needed when I want to connect things. It does take some extra research and it sounds like you are already doing it. I even brought in my iPad and connected it to a USB keyboard two years ago when I got my first USB keyboard. Just wanted to double check I had the right connections. It worked great and the sales person was impressed the keyboard was controlling the iPad. Knob tweaks all working, too.

Hello iPlogger,

What you say seems like a great idea however:
http://www.iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI2plus/faq
A: Until we can supply our own Lightning equipped connection cables, the Apple 30-pin to lightning adaptor will indeed work with our 30-pin connection cable.
The Camera connector wil NOT work with our unit.

I have spent hours on this project. I had thought that apple puts the user first but it does not seem to be the case. This is my first experience with Apple and so far am disappointed at them.

ThatKid · Post by **ThatKid** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 6:04 am

Alright cool your up on things pretty good then.

Lightning to 30 pin Adapter (0.2 m)"?

Yes, that's the one I got. The icm2 has two cords one for the ipad (30 pin adpt) and the other one for the computer (USB-A to USB-B cable). Make sure to use the iconfig software assistant, its an app from a connectivity and makes getting audio and midi out of the ipad easier.

Haven't gotten rechorder yet but enchord works like it does in his vids. I feel like a can never have 2 many apps like these.

Cheers!

iPlogger · Post by **iPlogger** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 6:36 am

That's too bad. I guess be safe and do what you are suggesting as you know it will work.

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 7:41 am

I just order the Lightning to 30 pin Adapter (0.2 m). I order online very often but really had a hard time on the Apple site. I HATE APPLE but LOVE the apps.

As soon as these apps are available on the Windows touch Screen I will dump the iPad immediately.

I have $33.27 available on the Apple Gift Card. Any suggestions what to get? I am willing to spend up to $40.

And a final note:
Why does Apple sell a simple Lightning to 30 pin Adapter for $39?
Answer: Because they can!

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 7:47 am

Roc77,

Since you have both the reCHORDER http://www.artsunmuted.com/rc/rc.html
and the enChord http://www.avantgardesound.com/
which do you use more or like more?

Are there any other comparable apps?

BiancaNeve · Post by **BiancaNeve** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 8:19 am

Kalamata Kid wrote:
And a final note:
Why does Apple sell a simple Lightning to 30 pin Adapter for $39?
Answer: Because they can!

"Stuff has just had a chat with Apple about the steep price of that Lightning connector and it's been revealed to us why. As you may have noticed the Lightning port is purely digital, but the old 30-pin connection in your car or on your speaker dock uses an analogue signal. Apple's Lightning to 30-pin Adapter has its own DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) allowing the iPhone 5's digital signal to be understood by your analogue dock - which isn't a cheap or simple piece of kit.

With the cheapest DAC on What Hi-Fi starting at £150 and topping out around the £500 mark, the £25 price and compact body suddenly don't seem so bad. Of course if you just want to charge your iPhone 5, or attach via USB, there's a Lightning to Micro USB Adapter for just £15, but that may not help much with your Apple speaker dock."

And on another note when I wanted an extra cable for the old iconnect midi I connectivity were charging $15 (for a 30 pin to their custom connection) so don't expect their lightning cable to be especially cheap when they they release it.

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 3:46 pm

BiancaNeve wrote:"Stuff has just had a chat with Apple about the steep price of that Lightning connector and it's been revealed to us why. As you may have noticed the Lightning port is purely digital, but the old 30-pin connection in your car or on your speaker dock uses an analogue signal. Apple's Lightning to 30-pin Adapter has its own DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) allowing the iPhone 5's digital signal to be understood by your analogue dock - which isn't a cheap or simple piece of kit.

With the cheapest DAC on What Hi-Fi starting at £150 and topping out around the £500 mark, the £25 price and compact body suddenly don't seem so bad. Of course if you just want to charge your iPhone 5, or attach via USB, there's a Lightning to Micro USB Adapter for just £15, but that may not help much with your Apple speaker dock."

And on another note when I wanted an extra cable for the old iconnect midi I connectivity were charging $15 (for a 30 pin to their custom connection) so don't expect their lightning cable to be especially cheap when they they release it.

Thanks of the explanation. So there is a DAC and then an ADC. I am sure good reasons why it is done this way.

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 9:04 pm

Got the iConnectMIDI2+ and the overpriced transformer

. The iConnentMIDI2+

is very solid built and the firmware is very flexible. Don’t waste your time like me looking for an alternative.

So far so good though I do not have the audio communicating yet.

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Sat Feb 08, 2014 7:14 am

I still have not been able to get the audio to work. I will keep on trying. The reason I bought it was primarily for the Midi and so the audio is a bonus.

One really thoughtful feature the IconnectMIDI2+ has is the threaded bottom. I used it to bolt to secure it down on the shelf next to MOTU Midi Express.

Also to let you know this unit has a solid built feel! When you touch it you will understand. Not Cheap plastic.