Amplitube iRig

[shanecgriffo]

Saw it there first, comments are moderated. The gist is that that's exactly why we recommend (or specify actually) that this is only to be turned on when using low-impedence headphones with a mic (like the iPhone earbuds). Thanks!

Sorry Peter perhaps I misunderstood your reply. I understand why the facility is part of the product, but is the phase issue part of the design? I hope not because wen you plug it into any stereo input the sound is wrong.

So again, the question is 'is the phase issue a design flaw or intentional?'

is that even with the 'no feedback' button switched off in settings?
i notice with it on there is some sort of phase issue maybe, but i guess it's needed for the feedback suppression.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Saw it there first, comments are moderated. The gist is that that's exactly why we recommend (or specify actually) that this is only to be turned on when using low-impedence headphones with a mic (like the iPhone earbuds). Thanks!

Sorry Peter perhaps I misunderstood your reply. I understand why the facility is part of the product, but is the phase issue part of the design? I hope not because wen you plug it into any stereo input the sound is wrong.

So again, the question is 'is the phase issue a design flaw or intentional?'

I don't know how detailed the developers will get but again this is only something that you'd notice when plugging something other than earbuds w/ microphone in the output while the NO FEEDBACK option is on (which is not the recommended setup specified in the documentation and our FAQ). I'm sure it is done with much more than phase specifically, but if you switch it off and use the correct cables/connectors to something other than earbuds with a mic you will get the correct and optimal results. If you'd like a direct answer from the engineers with perhaps more detail, please try by asking at http://bit.ly/irigsupport - Thanks!

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

So again, the question is 'is the phase issue a design flaw or intentional?'

Just to be direct since you did specify the question, the answer is: Neither. There is no "phase issue" so the correct answer is neither. Thanks!

[shanecgriffo]

Saw it there first, comments are moderated. The gist is that that's exactly why we recommend (or specify actually) that this is only to be turned on when using low-impedence headphones with a mic (like the iPhone earbuds). Thanks!

Sorry Peter perhaps I misunderstood your reply. I understand why the facility is part of the product, but is the phase issue part of the design? I hope not because wen you plug it into any stereo input the sound is wrong.

So again, the question is 'is the phase issue a design flaw or intentional?'

I don't know how detailed the developers will get but again this is only something that you'd notice when plugging something other than earbuds w/ microphone in the output while the NO FEEDBACK option is on (which is not the recommended setup specified in the documentation and our FAQ). I'm sure it is done with much more than phase specifically, but if you switch it off and use the correct cables/connectors to something other than earbuds with a mic you will get the correct and optimal results. If you'd like a direct answer from the engineers with perhaps more detail, please try by asking at http://bit.ly/irigsupport - Thanks!

mine seems to default to the 'no feedback' option switched on when i open it and it is a bit annoying as i sometimes forget to change it then realize later "oh yeah it could have sounded better!"

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Yes, I don't know if that can be an option (since you could really hurt your ears if it didn't err on the side of safety) but the recommendation/verbiage may likely change to make it all more clear. We'll also have an evolving FAQ since we're really seeing a lot of the same questions pop up as more people use the iRig

[RussUK]

Saw it there first, comments are moderated. The gist is that that's exactly why we recommend (or specify actually) that this is only to be turned on when using low-impedence headphones with a mic (like the iPhone earbuds). Thanks!

Sorry Peter perhaps I misunderstood your reply. I understand why the facility is part of the product, but is the phase issue part of the design? I hope not because wen you plug it into any stereo input the sound is wrong.

So again, the question is 'is the phase issue a design flaw or intentional?'

IK have since responded to this question on my blog in the following way:

'Correct, when used as intended (only for earbuds with mic to prevent feedback) the NO FEEDBACK setting does exactly as intended and is not really much of an "issue" is it? Thanks!'
July 23, 2010 | IK Multimedia

I then responded with this...
'As there is no documentation explaining this side effect of using this option, then in the absence of users being psychic there is the possibility that some users would think that it is a fault.

A simple explanation would prevent this, although so far what you have done is not given an express explanation of the limitations of this but instead insisted that it is shown in the instructions - it is not, they say 'NEVER turn "NO FEEDBACK" option OFF in the Amplitube app SETUP page when using headphones or earbuds, to avoid possible feedback. '

This is advice to leave it on in headphones.

No advice is given about the effect of the system when applied. Many users who take issues such as phase seriously will think there is a fault. It is a brilliant product, but when a pro user hears phase problems their immediate thought is that there is either a wiring issue or a fault with the product. Please update your advice.

If you want to take exception to users wanting answers to real questions, or for that matter blogs or other sites with readers looking for answers, then that is sad. A great product no doubt, but you would have looked far better had you simply explained this rather than try and make out that users are stupid for asking.

[polaris20]

Mine's working perfectly fine, but I'm assuming that's because I'm either using Audio Technica studio headphones, or Sony over ear headphones with no mic. I'm on an iPad too, btw.

[george62]

Mine's working perfectly fine, but I'm assuming that's because I'm either using Audio Technica studio headphones, or Sony over ear headphones with no mic. I'm on an iPad too, btw.

polaris,
this is interesting. could mean that the ipad version differs. the iphone version is out of phase indeed when NO FEEDBACK option is active. it is irrelevant which headphones you use as long as their stereo and functional. if you were using mono headphones the signal would be much weaker after passing through the NO FEEDBACK algorithm. it is actually a precaution that had to implemented - i personally experienced some heavy feedback using the stomp boxes. there'd be legal issues galore if it hadn't.

but i have to agree with RussUK: if that was the answer from tech support (not on your blog though...) it's very dubious. there is probably no other way to prevent feedback but bringing the channels out of phase. it is still a design ISSUE. an honest reply admitting to that would have been the professional way to deal with a customer who's perfectly right BTW.

best regards
george

[polaris20]

Mine's working perfectly fine, but I'm assuming that's because I'm either using Audio Technica studio headphones, or Sony over ear headphones with no mic. I'm on an iPad too, btw.

polaris,
this is interesting. could mean that the ipad version differs. the iphone version is out of phase indeed when NO FEEDBACK option is active. it is irrelevant which headphones you use as long as their stereo and functional. if you were using mono headphones the signal would be much weaker after passing through the NO FEEDBACK algorithm. it is actually a precaution that had to implemented - i personally experienced some heavy feedback using the stomp boxes. there'd be legal issues galore if it hadn't.

but i have to agree with RussUK: if that was the answer from tech support (not on your blog though...) it's very dubious. there is probably no other way to prevent feedback but bringing the channels out of phase. it is still a design ISSUE. an honest reply admitting to that would have been the professional way to deal with a customer who's perfectly right BTW.

best regards
george

I can't confirm whether or not it's an iPad version vs. iPhone version, since my iPod touch is only 1st gen and thus won't work with that software (or nearly any other audio-related app) unfortunately. I know for sure the No Feedback thing is checked, and it's not out of phase. I guess I'm not much help!

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

The advice is indeed to leave it on for headphones which doesn't exactly say "don't leave it on, turn it off otherwise" so the advice to change the advice/verbiage is taken. I believe that is stated somewhere, but I don't see it here so I'll say it here. No intention of avoiding an issue and nobody called any customers anything or even meant to imply anything. I suppose tone (no pun intended) is not as clear in text. Seems more a misunderstanding than anything else and now a change should be affected which is a good solution, even if it is a change in verbiage to make it more clear how to better use the device and app together. This is 1.0 so improvements like this are definitely welcome.

[redshift factor]

I just got my iRig a couple days ago, and I haven't noticed any phase issue with the No Feedback option on, so far. There is a very subtle dampening I can detect, which is to be expected. I'm on an iPhone 3GS with stock headphones.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

I just got my iRig a couple days ago, and I haven't noticed any phase issue with the No Feedback option on, so far. There is a very subtle dampening I can detect, which is to be expected. I'm on an iPhone 3GS with stock headphones.

That's the typical scenario for me too for less annoyance to others in the house, though while I'm working (and yes, I was told "it is your job" when I said I do play it daily) I run it out to an old set of Logitech iPod speakers which really sound good too.

Reminds me - note to those using iOS4 you really need to try disabling that volume limiter as it now applies to ALL apps not just iPod/iTunes, so you get the best level out.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

1.0.1 AmpliTube For iPhone update is available

- general reliability improvements
- improved usability with cycling gear selection
- iPhone 4 compatible

Also, please update and update reviews/ratings (or review/rate if you have not already done so: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amplitub ... 24000?mt=8

[echopark]

1.0.1 AmpliTube For iPhone update is available

Oh yes, still does not work on my 3G.

Still the same issue: Select a preset, then press preset again and the app
close after some seconds.

I paid 15 Euro for something that doesn't work on a 3G !

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

1.0.1 AmpliTube For iPhone update is available

Oh yes, still does not work on my 3G.

Still the same issue: Select a preset, then press preset again and the app
close after some seconds.

I paid 15 Euro for something that doesn't work on a 3G !

We tested on 3G, so it can definitely be made to work on a 3G. Did you report this to support at http://bit.ly/irigsupport ? If it is not fixable by doing something that they suggest they'll verify and move on to the devs for fixing.