Advice on some possible setup changes to an iOS/iPad hub for hardware

JES · 2022-11-05T16:16:22.153Z

Greetings. Right now I’ve got a hardware setup centred around a Bluebox and a MioXM MIDI router. I have a single switch that turns on my studio so if I want to play or record for 15 minutes it’s easy.

It includes a few hardware synths, a Linnstrument, and Eurorack. The Bluebox mixer and records, and the MioXM routes MIDI. The whole thing turns on and off with a single switch.

It works when it works, but I am considering ditching it for a setup with an iPad and an audio interface and a USB hub, running AUM as the mixer, audio recorder, and MIDI hub. I already own an iPad.

My issues right now are: I find the Bluebox great but fiddly in two ways: 1) the touchscreen is a bit small and it’s hard to jump around parameters and 2) to get audio into the computer I have to eject the microSD card and put it in my computer, and it’s often glitchy. Airdrop is a breeze. 3) the MioXm is hard to troubleshoot. And it requires proprietary software to run. When it works it’s fantastic, but I had a glitch, couldn’t get it working right, tried to load up Auracle and found that it wasn’t being recognized.

Now, obviously an iOS device ALSO requires proprietary software but AUM has a good track record at this point and I tend to do software updates slowly. there’s also a large user base that can help me with problems. I find it much easier to set up templates and controls in AUM. If I need to adjust the reverb on a track it’s not 3 presses away. I know iOS audio well though I don’t use iPad software all that much for music.

The idea would be have everything set up, plug in the iPad to the USB hub, and launch AUM, and then go to it. I should be up and running in about a minute from wanting to record to recording.

BUT here are my doubts.

I would want a 12-16 input audio interface that is class compliant and runs natively on IOS without needed proprietary drivers. Bonus if it’s DC-coupled. Is there such a thing?
Am I deluding myself that this would be less of a hassle?

Anyone tried something like this?

Thanks.

CCMP · 2022-11-05T18:27:34.875Z

This says Tascam Model 12 or Model 16 to me. The ins you need and class complaint. And has a bunch of other benefits up it’s sleeve. (Like being able to route/mix your ins and outs and record them, and record the mix).
No. I think iOS is a great route now, and a really powerful one.

Mistercharlie · 2022-11-05T19:04:18.629Z

This sounds like a great idea. AUM is hard to beat on any platform, plus you get to use all those great iOS effects.

I prefer Ableton for tracking and arranging, but have used the iPad for music for years, and it can be amazing.

It has its own oddities and problems. Sometimes all AUv3s disappear from host apps like AUM and it requires a reboot to get them back. But if AUM clicks with you you’ll probably love it.

JES · 2022-11-07T16:47:12.297Z

Thanks everyone. I spent 5 hours rewiring yesterday and am very satisfied with the results. I need to figure out the MIDI hub part of it but it looks very powerful. I just need a bigger USB hub.

iguai · 2022-11-07T21:49:56.622Z

The MioXM will work just fine with iPad