Should I use an old-school multitracker or go modern with iPad setup?

RhythmDroid · 2024-01-26T18:13:30.888Z

I’ve got a very nice and productive setup going:

• Maschine+
• RME Fireface UCX (connected to Maschine+ over USB acting as multichannel i/o for hardware)
• My trusty hardware (Rytm, Circuit Mono Station, Korg Radias)
• Tascam DR40 stereo recorder (fed from RME main mix output)

So I’m recording everything stereo, but I’d really like to separate some hardware onto its own tracks for some light mixing and arrangement

There are two ways to go:

Run 8 channels of ADAT out of RME into a older, but ADAT capable digital multitrack like a Korg, Yamaha, or Tascam (I adore the tactility of these)

or

Run ADAT out of RME into very affordable Audient iD4 MKII and connect over USB-C to iPad and multitrack into there with something like Garageband

Requirements: the ability to SLAVE the multitrack recording device to incoming MIDI clock + transport…thus allowing Maschine+ to be the master (this allows it to do 1-bar countoffs in recording mode, which I really find useful)

FYI: the reason I’m insisting on ADAT is because all my hardware initially goes into the fantastic sounding and stable little RME Fireface and gets very beneficial processing (EQ, limiting, compression, gating, transient shaping) & often sampling by Maschine+. Being able to send multichannel audio out of Maschine to a multitrack recorder and not do another round of DA/AD conversion would require the ADAT out port…which the RME has. It’d be pretty sweet to just connect that single cable up to a trusty multitracker and have everything track right in and stay digital.

plragde · 2024-01-26T18:19:42.235Z

What software were you thinking of using on iPad?

Did you mean iD14? iD4 doesn’t look like it handles ADAT, but I have no experience with these.

RhythmDroid · 2024-01-26T18:22:42.060Z

iD4 just got updated to MKII which has 1 ADAT in and a USB-C out.
For the price it’s an incredible multichannel bridge into an iPad.

So, originally I was thinking “Garageband” cause then it’d be super easy to iCloud it over to my phone and listen to my jams while walking or going to work.

But then I learned that, AFAIK, Garageband doesn’t slave to MIDI clock or transport (Boooo!!). So, for something similar…I hear good things about Drambo, or maybe Logic. There are some 3rd party apps which can act as bridges for MIDI sync data as well (and this is something I want to explore, because if I’m not mistaken, my Maschine+ can do Ableton Link sync over bluetooth)

d4ydream · 2024-01-26T19:43:05.315Z

RhythmDroid:

There are some 3rd party apps which can act as bridges for MIDI sync data

They’re flakey at best. If AUM would support external MIDI sync, it’d be the best solution (and one of the best audio apps, period). Still one of those ‘must haves’ but sadly missing that critical feature.

I picked up, but never use, Cubasis 3. It’s basically Cubase on your iPad. You could track into Cubasis and use Audioshare to upload to a cloud storage provider. I’m fairly certain that I’ve got mine linked to Google Drive. I don’t really do fully production stuff on the iPad so I’m not often recording things. I’m mainly using Loopy Pro for looping/recording and as a digital mixer. I think there’s a linear time line view that might let you work with a more traditional, linear workflow. It’s bomber solid, super actively supported, and fairly easy to setup.

RhythmDroid · 2024-01-26T19:51:45.736Z

Thank you for the response and info. I just checked that Cubasis does not support being the slave, which is a bummer.

I avoid computers/tablets and music making as much as possible because the developers often overlook really obvious things that musicians want/need.

If only there was a hardware multitracker that could beam a project to my phone with WiFi and I could listen to it and adjust levels and arrangement on the go.

Mistercharlie · 2024-01-27T08:02:43.561Z

Maybe you need an iPad plus a midi DAW controller? Then you get the knobs-on experience, but end up with easy-to-edit stems, plus a whole ton of amazing and cheap FX.

Logic Pro for iPad is amazing, but its control surface support is poor. Definitely the deepest, fullest-featured daw on the iPad though.

RhythmDroid · 2024-01-28T16:39:25.051Z

Mistercharlie:

Maybe you need an iPad plus a midi DAW controller? Then you get the knobs-on experience, but end up with easy-to-edit stems, plus a whole ton of amazing and cheap FX.

Yes, I’m totally up for adding a tactile control surface to take care of some tablet-based DAW functions as necessary.

But I think even more important is to have a transparent tape recorder that is just always there and always slaving to my rig, and can render a mix that I can take with me with a minimum number of steps…

Mistercharlie · 2024-01-28T17:03:52.810Z

There’s not much quicker in hardware than AUM with a default template. Just tap to launch, and tap record. Plus way quicker to tweak if you need to make changes.

Not sure how many channels your RME has, but unless you want to mix down to stereo, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding a multitrack recorder with midi sync.

Not trying to push the iPad on you, but it’s definitely worth considering. It can be a bit annoying for more complex stuff, but for straight recording it should be very easy and reliable.

RhythmDroid · 2024-01-28T18:49:10.992Z

Actually the fact that both Cubasis and Logic for iPad both feature Ableton Link may be the dealmaker here.

Maschine+ works with Link as well. So as long as my iPad-as-multitrack-tape-recorder can slave to a Link signal, I think we’re good to go! Looking forward to testing this out tonight if I’m not absolutely exhausted!

Mistercharlie · 2024-01-28T19:23:01.416Z

AUM works with Link too, if you just want to have a plain multitrack recorder template.

I do love Logic Pro for the iPad too

redstevo · 2024-01-28T22:01:06.574Z

I would vote for the multitracked route - and add Akai dps 16 or 24 to your list. Personally I find the iPad too fiddly and not a focused experience- the Akais are capable of pro mixes

darenager · 2024-01-28T22:34:51.720Z

Oldschool multitracker, no touchscreen hassles, no notifications, get lost in music, feels so alive

reeloy · 2024-01-28T23:35:47.458Z

…keep it oldschool…go for tactile instead of touch 'n swipe…

but congrats for finally thinking of recording beyond one final stereo stem…

meanwhile, touchtouchpads will become obsolete and talking to ur gear, what to do next, will be the next level fresh daisy…

Suspect_Frequency · 2024-01-28T23:56:44.424Z

Knobs and sliders are so stupid. Imagine having to put a physical control corresponding to each feature on a piece of gear instead of having a touch interface that can change as needed.

And the finger cramps and sharp textured knobs - people that are into that crap were probably born in the 1900’s and still have a Facebook account. Total geezers.

Switchmode · 2024-01-29T00:21:58.094Z

If you’re just looking for something to get lightpipe in and out of an iPad (and have another device for managing MIDI sync) then here’s another affordable option. It’s a class compliant USB interface with 8 channels of ADAT I/O. I’ve got their older USBStreamer (which appears just about identical to this one) and it works a treat for getting 8 channels of digital audio in and out of an iPad:

https://www.minidsp.com/products/usb-audio-interface/mchstreamer-box

RhythmDroid · 2024-01-29T02:08:06.232Z

Suspect_Frequency:

Knobs and sliders are so stupid. Imagine having to put a physical control corresponding to each feature on a piece of gear instead of having a touch interface that can change as needed.

And the finger cramps and sharp textured knobs - people that are into that crap were probably born in the 1900’s and still have a Facebook account. Total geezers.

RhythmDroid · 2024-01-29T02:12:30.502Z

Switchmode:

If you’re just looking for something to get lightpipe in and out of an iPad (and have another device for managing MIDI sync) then here’s another affordable option. It’s a class compliant USB interface with 8 channels of ADAT I/O. I’ve got their older USBStreamer (which appears just about identical to this one) and it works a treat for getting 8 channels of digital audio in and out of an iPad:

https://www.minidsp.com/products/usb-audio-interface/mchstreamer-box

Very very cool. And it works with iOS devices! Thank you for sharing.
The thing is that, for just a bit more, an Audient iD4 MKII can give you some extra analog i/o should you need it, and a nice big fat knob for monitor level control…so I’m still leaning towards that…but I am thoroughly impressed with the product you shared above. = )

HoldMyBeer · 2024-01-29T05:04:12.740Z

Yes.

RhythmDroid · 2024-02-02T02:36:37.118Z

I’ve decided.

I’m going hardware.

I eliminated many, many choices–because of my need for an ADAT input receiving 8 direct digital channels from my trusty old Black Lion Audio modded RME UCX MKI interface, which combines analog inputs and receives 8-channels over USB from Maschine Plus.

The top choices were either a very cheap Fostex FD8 or not so cheap Yamaha AW2400.

I went with the Yamaha because its way more advanced with editing, bigger screen, better FX engine, USB file xfer, etc etc. I’ve used an AW16G in the past and loved it. Pristine sound. I can then let go of my Tascam DR40 and Yamaha SPX990 to offset this ridiculous extravagance.

Now to find one of these things at a reasonable price!!

yamaha-aw2400-2499099-7718013733648×2736 1.93 MB

Just look at them chonky gorgeous 909 style transport controls

2634299-35006980851024×767 222 KB

JES · 2024-02-02T03:05:08.238Z

I use AUM with a Fireface UCX. Love the combination.