Tascam iU2 mobile interface

[polaris20]

Be aware though that it might not work will all apps at least on iphone 3gs. I tested a few things on saturday in the local music shop, but for instance, the alesis io dock does not work with ampkit or amplitude. Nor does it work with the line 6 pod softwar5e (If I remember correctly). The mic/headphone socket on the 3gs works with most software.

I think what is going on is that software that is supposed to work with the mic input socket does not take into consideration the digital input. And software that works with the digital input seems to be quite picky with what interface is used.

A nice little cheap solotion that works with most apps and works on both iphone 3 & 4 could be:

http://tascam.com/product/ixz/

Just mono though....

Are you sure the io Dock doesn't work with Ampkit? Because the Apogee JAM works great with AmpKit, and it too is dock connecting. The Line 6 stuff is stupid, because they're artificially locking it down to their device. Doesn't matter, because it's their old modeling algorithms anyway. AmpKit (IMHO) sounds better.

EDIT

In this thread:

http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/printview ... 32&start=0

Someone says the IO Dock works fine with AmpKit. None of these dock-connecting devices will ever work with Amplitube though, at least not until IK stops thinkomg that no one will ever want to use a device besides theirs.

[Sascha Franck]

None of these dock-connecting devices will ever work with Amplitube though, at least not until IK stops thinkomg that no one will ever want to use a device besides theirs.

Fortunately there's quite some others but Amplitube. But I guess IKMM will deliver dock compatibility in an update. That way they can at least continue selling Amplitube. I fail to see how in the more or less near future anyone would like to use the inferior headphone I/O when there's docked alternatives, so IKMM should try to save their software portion of the iOS market.

- Sascha

[JavaJ]

Looks alright- although if you have everything plugged in- it definately won't win any beauty contests. On it's own it's decent looking. Too bad they went with minature inputs (so you need dong'es to get everything into it versus plugging direct.

[Sascha Franck]

Looks alright- although if you have everything plugged in- it definately won't win any beauty contests. On it's own it's decent looking. Too bad they went with minature inputs (so you need dong'es to get everything into it versus plugging direct.

I completely agree. I mean, sure, mobile also means small for many people, but even if that thing was double the size, it'd probably still fit in my gigbag or whatever.

- Sascha

[polaris20]

Looks alright- although if you have everything plugged in- it definately won't win any beauty contests. On it's own it's decent looking. Too bad they went with minature inputs (so you need dong'es to get everything into it versus plugging direct.

I completely agree. I mean, sure, mobile also means small for many people, but even if that thing was double the size, it'd probably still fit in my gigbag or whatever.

- Sascha

The Tascam 122/122L/144 etc weren't all that big to begin with. I've still got a 122 sitting here somewhere, and it's pretty reasonable.

[JavaJ]

Throwing this out there- but when I read about all the patents Apple is getting (or submitting)- I do think the dock connector will be replaced with a smaller plug (maybe Thunderbolt). It might happen with the iPad 3- might not- or maybe it will be a mag connector. Regardless, I think we have to go into the iOS peripheral world with an understanding that anything we purchase could have a short lifespan. If they do go with a mag connector- that would worry me as it would be very easy to disconnect your audio interface versus the dock connector we have now.

So back to this device- I think the dock cable is hardwired into the unit. That is likely a bad idea if it is the case. At least with something like the Apogee Jam- they were smart and made the cable removeable (and included a standard USB cable to plug into their propriety jack to allow it to work on a Mac). I would assume then that if Apple did change the dock connector, Apogee could simply offer a replacement cable.
Tascam should consider this (or maybe they want to give a reason for users to spend another $150 next year- not sure about their mentality).

[sonicflux]

Excellent points. I'm extremely wary of buying something with hardwired dock connector. Once Apple changes the configuration of that port, your device is history.

It amazes me that so many companies are making units like the Alesis IO dock that require the iPad to be inserted into it. If Apple changes the iPad, that inventory will be hard to move.

[Dogboy73]

Excellent points. I'm extremely wary of buying something with hardwired dock connector. Once Apple changes the configuration of that port, your device is history.

I thought the iU2 also worked with a PC/Mac? If so then surely the Apple dock connector lead must be removeable?

It amazes me that so many companies are making units like the Alesis IO dock that require the iPad to be inserted into it. If Apple changes the iPad, that inventory will be hard to move.

Alesis almost scored a spectacular own goal with the IO Dock when, about a week or two after it was announced, Apple announced the new, thinner iPad 2! If they had changed the shape anymore than they did suddenly the IO Dock would have had a very limited appeal!! As it was they had to rush out a plastic adapter to clip into the unit. Initial IO Docks shipped without this as it caught Alesis somewhat off guard. iPad 2 owners who bought the IO Dock were understandibly less than impressed with this.

Again if it was simply a device hooked up via the dock connector and a cable then Apple could have made the iPad 2 round! It wouldn't have made any difference to the IO dock/interface in that case. I'd be surprised if Apple drop the dock connector. It's remained unchanged since the first iPhone as far as I'm aware. If they did change it then suddenly ALL devices stop being compatible including chargers, Apples own connection devices & any third party devices that use the dock connector. In the process pissing off about 90% of iOS users!!

[JavaJ]

Check this out then.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/04/07 ... t-support/

[kpsychedelic]

Ohhh shizzle!
Well let's wait till the iPad 3 hits the stores (As for myself I've been saving for it, no point IMO to get the 2 now), and hopefully the Dock will be there :p

And if not, then hopefully Tascam could release a cable that plugs into the new "hole"? As someone said earlier and it's right on, the iU2 HAS an USB (mini) connector.

But yeah, it is true, one has to be careful with Apple, but for the joy that toy would gimme for a year or two in case the Dock connector is ditched on future hardware (and that would be, shall I consider getting the iPad 4 next year, and I doubt it, I'd wait till iPad 5), I think right now I'd pay the $150 USD.

BUT, I cannot deny Imma sleep a bit less comfortable now with this information I hadn't seen, "thanks JavaJ"

Now on a more serious note, life is now and if sometimes we get too far thinking about new stuff to come in the gadget world, hardware changes etc, then we'd get nuts always holding back waiting for the next big thing, that now seems to be released every month.

And on a final not, I'm more among the lines of:

It's remained unchanged since the first iPhone as far as I'm aware. If they did change it then suddenly ALL devices stop being compatible including chargers, Apples own connection devices & any third party devices that use the dock connector. In the process pissing off about 90% of iOS users!!

Would Apple dare to piss us off so much?

[Sascha Franck]

Check this out then.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/04/07 ... t-support/

Theoretically, that could be amazing and finally put Apples iDevices in a completely different league, given that two things happen as well:
- There needs to be an adapter so people could continue using older devices using the current dock format (ok, guess that won't work for the "integrating" things such as the Alesis I/O).
- iOS needs to be "opened up" a bit more, so people could indeed access external drives and whatever other hardware more easily.

In case an iPad really comes with TB and a somewhat drastically updated iOS, it could indeed replace quite some laptops (in reference to the other thread...), given the computing power is more or less up to date. With TB, companies could build "complete" docking stations for stationary use, containing, say, connections for keyboards, mice, external drives, interfaces and monitors. You'd just connect your iPad and have an almost full desktop machine (that obviously could still take advance of the touchscreen) but you could still take it with you on the road.
If that is really going to take off, even I could be tempted.

- Sascha

[dixie237]

Hi all,
This unit is definately leading the way. The spdif out is gonna change the ipad from toy to serious audio kit.

Couple of things that id like to see. Digital in, spdif again seems logical.

Secondly Apple must surely open the output availablity multiple stereo outs, starting with at least 2 for DJ apps. Again once this happens the Ipad stops being a DJ toy and becomes a serious tool.

UK prices for this...I have seen £159 !!!! avail 9 march..no straigh conversion from $ to £ there then.

D

[sonicflux]

I thought the iU2 also worked with a PC/Mac? If so then surely the Apple dock connector lead must be removeable?

I believe the iU2 dock cable is hard wired. They show a compartment on on bottom where you can stuff the dock connector when it's not in use. I'm not sure why they chose to go this route rather than having a 2nd USB port and supplying a USB to dock cable.

Didn't Sonoma Wire Works get screwed by Apple with their first model of the GuitarJack? Shortly after they released it, the iPad2 came out, and their GuitarJack didn't work on it. I belive it was due to a change in the pinout of the dock. Now they're stuck blowing them out for $50.

I bought the Apogee Jam mainly because it is future proof. It will always be able to connect to Apple products. Now I'm looking for the same thing in a multitrack recording interface.

[Dogboy73]

I thought the iU2 also worked with a PC/Mac? If so then surely the Apple dock connector lead must be removeable?

I believe the iU2 dock cable is hard wired. They show a compartment on on bottom where you can stuff the dock connector when it's not in use. I'm not sure why they chose to go this route rather than having a 2nd USB port and supplying a USB to dock cable.

Yes that does seem a bit daft! Surely easier to have a cable that can be detached, as with most interfaces, rather than stuffing a cable into the device when it's redundant?! Bad design that. But this still looks very good on paper if you want an interface to use with an iPad1/iPad2

[kpsychedelic]

Surely easier to have a cable that can be detached, as with most interfaces

Maybe it's just a prototype (although seems not likely as these are the official pics) or plain old photoshop, but I see nothing that makes me think the Dock cable is not detachable... (Except for the picture where they show the included cables and the Dock one is nowhere to be seen which might imply it's just glued there).

Image 1
Image 2