Cheapest, usable iOS device for music apps for a noob :)

[Caroozo]

Hello!

I'm thinking about buying a new tablet for my needs. I'm semi-pro pianist, using mainly Windows and VSTi and I'm happy with it. But when it comes to tablet, things get harder. For now I'm using old Android-based 8" Heier tablet, mainly for iReal Pro and backtracks, but the ability to run plugins - as I do on my Windows notebook - is very interesting.

I tried to use Windows-based tablets, but due to lack of intuitive controls and Atom-based CPU, plugins like M1 or OP-X II Pro (only on some presets) were the best I could use (and after a lot of configuration through WASAPI etc). But the easiness of using dedicated apps on iPad from Korg and other manufacturers brings my attention to that kind of device.

Sometimes I just need to connect the keyboard I'm using to the device and get the sounds I want - carrying all the rig (notebook, power supply, cables, audio interface etc) can be problematic. It's great in studio or on the "serious" gig, but for smaller ones there's a need for small yet capable device. Busking... Playing in my student's house through his/her MIDI OUT... Jam Sessions... Heck, I even have M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 keyboard, so I can play outdoors . There's many situations where it can be very helpful. Long gone are the days I was carrying Kurzweil MicroPiano in the bag .

First of all - I'm TOTAL noob when it comes to Apple hardware. I'm using DOS/Windows since late 80's and don't want to migrate to MacOS. I want to use iOS-compatible device just for the music - as sound module, sheet book or for iReal Pro (which I use heavily on Android-based phone and tablet). I don't want the newest version, fancy hardware etc - just the device, capable of running "professional-grade" apps/plugins, with headphone/line-out.

1. DEVICE. What is the most basic device (money-wise) for this task? I understand that iPhone will not run many plugins and I need iPad? There are many used devices, but I'm worrying about battery (is it replaceable?), locked accounts (I know nothing about how it works) etc. Buying new one for the premium is out of question - I'd rather buy Core M 2in1 notebook or something similiar, powerful enough to run plugins I use. The cheaper - the better. I just want to run the less demanding plugins - or more demanding, if it's worth it (I don't even know what is possible on the iPad - I'm aware about KORG plugins only). But as I have already powerful notebook with Zoom UAC2 interface, and I'm using Roland Cloud, Omnisphere 2/Keyscape and such plugins, I don't need this that much).

2. MIDI. I understand that I need MIDI interface (like Midiplus iLink or something from iRig) - or it is better to use Bluetooth MIDI sender or something wireless? The less cables - the better, especially when playing in live situtation. If I connect MIDI interface, then I can't charge battery?

If someone kind enough can help me and explain what I need, what kind of plugins I can run on it and give me some advices, I'll be the most grateful .

[kovacs]

Are you asking what plugins you can run on iOS? Because the answer is "none" as far as I know. However, there are tons of synths, fx, DAWs etc built specifically for the iPhone and iPad.

With any Apple device, buying used can be a risky business. You need to now what you're looking for. Try to get something as new as possible. That said, any recent iPad will work. I do recommend getting an iPad as the iPhone screen is too small for serious work.

You will get very far with this:
https://www.apple.com/ipad-10.2/

There are numerous sound cards that work well with the iPad. Some will let you connect both your PC and your iPad at the same time. You may need an adapter. iPad works extremely well with MIDI in my experience.

[Caroozo]

I have Zoom UAC2 - it can work in Class Compilant Mode, which partially solve the problem of MIDI and/or decent audio interface. As for device, i want something inexpensive, just to try it out.

I need something portable to play "light" instruments on-the-go and to start from older device, just enough to run several less-demanding apps. If I like it, then buying more expensive, newer device is not a problem. I don't want to spend several hundreds.

I did fast research and find out that many apps still require low iOS - ver 8+ or 9+. Older iPads are supporting firmware up to 9+, so it's a good starting point I think. Many apps from AppStore don't support iPhone, so iPad is the way to go.

I know buying used hardware is risky, but when it comes to PC computer and notebooks, I have a skills and knowledge to disassemble them (for cleaning purposes or application of thermal paste) and configure them as I want, but I didn't even use Apple hardware and don't know what exactly is "risky" - I saw many locked devices and don't know how it exactly works - won't buy a paperclip ;]. It's better to be safe than sorry, so I'm asking there - I'm not afraid of buying used stuff, but prior to that I'd like to know which devices not to buy, and which ones are interesting.

[kovacs]

You can study the release history here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad#History

I wouldn't go too far back, you really get a lot more "bang for the buck" with more recent iPads. I guess a used iPad Air 2 would be the oldest "useful" choice, but you run the risk that they will no longer work with the latest iPadOS very soon.

I would recommend getting one with the most RAM you can find since then you wouldn't need to worry about space issues.

[festeringheap]

2. MIDI. I understand that I need MIDI interface (like Midiplus iLink or something from iRig) - or it is better to use Bluetooth MIDI sender or something wireless? The less cables - the better, especially when playing in live situtation. If I connect MIDI interface, then I can't charge battery?

If you buy this:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W ... ra-adapter

you can plug your USB midi keyboard into it and play your synth/piano/whatever
you can charge at the same time, if needed
you can also plug in various USB sticks, hard drives, mice as well (iOS 13 needed)

[kfraser]

I use an iPad mini2, which is not exactly new anymore, and I can run Korg Module Pro (which is great) on it with no problem at all. Also running Ravenscroft275 piano and Galileo organ. All of these run well. I have iOS 12.4.6 which is not the latest iOS. 32GB of RAM, which I consider the minimum. If you are only running music apps, my opinion is that you don't need to keep the OS constantly up-to-date. Some midi interfaces will allow you to charge the iPad while you use it, others don't. I use Korg plugKey which is a combined audio and midi interface which allows iPad charging. Be aware it's only midi in and audio out, but it sounds great (IMO). I have used the same apps on an older fourth generation iPad running iOS 10 but the latest upgrade to Korg Module won't run on that. Also, it had reduced polyphony with Ravenscroft 275, so I wouldn't recommend anything that old. My iPad mini2 battery is still doing very well and I've been using it for almost 5 years. It is possible to get new batteries for older iPads but I personally wouldn't do it myself. The potential problem buying used, as you alluded to, is if the first owner won't, or doesn't know how, to properly prepare it for sale. The steps that the seller should take are listed here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201351

[Caroozo]

Thanks for the help! So it seems iPad Mini 2 should be just enough to use it properly - cheap, yet capable . Can You tell me if 16GB version is usable? I mean, I want to use it only on music apps (so I don't want to be up to date with the OS at all). I already use Android KitKat tablet so there's no problem with the older devices without support . But not being able to install some great apps 'cause lack of 200MB of space can be problematic . So better safe than sorry. But maybe - 16 GB is just enough?

As I see, 3rd parties replacement batteries for iPad Mini 2 are quite cheap (starting from 20$+). The units starts sub-100$ for used ones (but 16GB variants). So it's great entry-point from my point of view .

One last question - is there any way to play MIDI remotely through WiFi/BT on iPad?

[kovacs]

One last question - is there any way to play MIDI remotely through WiFi/BT on iPad?

How to Use Your iPad as a Wireless MIDI Controller
https://www.lifewire.com/use-ipad-for-w ... er-1994720

[Caroozo]

One last question - is there any way to play MIDI remotely through WiFi/BT on iPad?

How to Use Your iPad as a Wireless MIDI Controller
https://www.lifewire.com/use-ipad-for-w ... er-1994720

Thanks, but I wanted to know about a way to connect MIDI OUT from real instrument to iPad, not from DAW . There are wireless adapters (unfortunately I don't have MIDI over BT in any of my instruments).

[zacha]

Thanks for the help! So it seems iPad Mini 2 should be just enough to use it properly - cheap, yet capable . Can You tell me if 16GB version is usable?

I wouldn’t go any lower than 32GB for an iPad running a current iOS version (which includes the Mini 2 and the Air 2) or you’ll spend most of your time managing the storage of the device. If you can get as high as 64GB, even better.

[george]

Considering the benchmarks from https://browser.geekbench.com/ios-benchmarks I think iPad 5th generation or iPad Pro (9.7-inch) may be your safest bets.

[lnikj]

Thanks for the help! So it seems iPad Mini 2 should be just enough to use it properly - cheap, yet capable .

I have an iPad Mini and and iPad Pro and I find the Mini no fun to use at all for audio. Many UIs are too small. What you will rapidly discover is that making precise knob adjustments on a touch screen is challenging, and I appreciate bigger controls.

[mindnoise]

iPad Mini, is no fun at all UI-wise unless you want to use Zoom-feature all the time.

Other than that, anyhting that can run iPadOS 13 aka any iPad from 2017 on with at least 32GB of Storage, better 64GB. Unless you are exclusively doing live performance and MIDI.

I had 3 iOS-devices with 16GB (2 pads, 1phone) over time and they are no fun at all, since the iOS already takes 3 to 5 GB from that, you constantly run into storage-space problems, even with mild uasge.

As for Audio MIDI
Of course ONLY the original Apple Lightning USB3-Adapter mentioned above, if you buy an iPad with Lightning connector - this is crucial! For USB-C-Ipad you can skip that but a self-powered USB-Hub is recommended or an interface with it's own power supply.

Any USB-hub (preferably self-powered) will do as will _any_ USB-Class-Complient Audio and MIDI Interface you already have. I would NEVER trust a Wireless-Connection in a live situation. Paring, connection and latency-problems will arise a hundredfold compared to a cable connection.

my 2 cents.

[Scotty]

Consider a refurbished (as new) Ipad 6 direct from Apple. It has a very good CPU. If unavailable a refurbed 7 would be even better but more expensive. Stretch your budget to the most memory you can afford. You'll eventually use it. Ipad 4s and lower will not run the latest OS or a large number of audio apps as they do not support 64bit. I am not sure about the Minis and the Airs but that screen size would not be a good fit for me.

[elxsound]

The latest iPad Air has the same specs as the iPad Mini and would be the best choice if you're not choosing the Pro versions. The specs are better than the regular iPad with the A10 Fusion chip (not Air/Pro or Mini).

As others have mentioned about screen size with the Mini, I'd go with the Air since both are priced about the same. I have the 12.9" Pro after not liking the screen size of the 11" Pro. So yeah, size matters.

For shopping, I'd pay attention to the chip (for knowing which is the latest). On Amazon as an example, they're listing an old model as the "latest" model.

The latest model has an "A12 Bionic chip." As a point of reference... the current iPhone has an A13 Bionic chip. There's likely a new iPhone around the corner that will likely reveal a newer chip, and in turn you can likely expect the A13 to be in the next iPads *if* they do a product refresh.

Because Apple does eventually deprecate old models with new OS releases... I would not choose anything less than an iPad that has the A12 Bionic chip. Then its just a matter of searching for a good deal, and there should be some decent deals with the coming US holiday.

https://www.apple.com/ipad-air/specs/