iPad interface that charges?

Started by utensil, June 12, 2014, 03:38:28 AM

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utensil

Not sure if any other thread for this if so sorry,

anyone come across a way to charge an iPad/iphone while using an audio interface to the lightning port, any DIY methods. I have an external portable battery which charges my iPhone but would like to also use an Irig HD at the same time. My iPad has sufficient battery power but still it would be nice to not Have to pre-charge it which takes quite long in itself.

I was thinking of some way of splicing together the cables of a lightning sync cable and lightning to usb adapter but don't know much about how these work.

Elantric

#1
Current list is here
http://auriaapp.com/Support/auria-audio-interfaces


Not possible for mere mortals due to the requirement for an Apple mFI Hardware ID IC chip to tell the iPad/iPhone that the attached hardware has been reviewed by Apple and complies with the Apple mFI (Made for IOS Device)  Specification.
https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/


I should point out I tried a Lightning version of this USBHub  - with the goal of providing a shortcut and lower cost and possibly hack to charge the iPad (no Apple CCK required)!

this one:
http://m.dckina.com/mobile.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1555


It actually worked - but eventually every  3 -5 minutes I would experience temporary USB data connection loss  - and random audio drop outs which took 5 seconds for the audio to make a new USB data connection again  - so its not recommended. Since this USB Hub Includes a non qualified Lightning port I suspect the culprit is the Apple mFI qualified External Hardware check routine in latest IOS 7. but this is only a  theory. The latest Apple mFI spec requires the third party vendors to use apple supplied mFI verification ICs in their hardware designs - and this Lightning 4 port HUB does not have one.

https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/



Before you say " thats a stupid hurdle that Apple imposes on creative folks"  - remember in 2014 has more Cash than many countries, and anything that charges the iPad incorrectly might possibly lead to an explosion, and lawsuits and loss of revenue to Apple - thus the tighter control Apple imposes on "official" hardware.
http://www.ibtimes.com/apple-ipad-air-explodes-why-burst-flames-was-likely-charger-issue-not-ipad-problem-1464474

Remember the general public ( and many musicians who have been living under a rock) still are unaware that an Apple product marketed as "Apple USB Camera Adapter" allows USB Class Complaint AUDIO/MIDI hardware to connect to your iphone5/iPad  - and Apple intends to "maintain the "fog" about this opportunity for creative Audio /MIDI expansion for iPads.

The Griffin Studio Connect HD will be available soon, and this is the only one i would consider today  - since it supports 24 bit Audio I/O and MIDI I/O and has a USB Host Ports for Fishman Tripleplay .

It should be available soon.

http://store.griffintechnology.com/studioconnect-hd




and

iConnectAudio4+ (Due in a few months)
http://www.iconnectivity.com/iConnectAudio4plus



Note Both above products are delayed for release due to the requirement for each company to obtain CE EMC, and FCC Class B compliance,  as well as  Apple mFI Compliance.  Since these use a direct Lightning Cable connection they must be  "Apple mFI Approved"
https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/

IF you must charge the iPad at live gigs - this will require an AC Power Adapter and this leads to Noise and Hum.
So I bypass that and use a large Battery - my #1 Audio /MIDI Setup for iPad is here:
Use Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 + Fishman Tripleplay with iPad on Battery Power
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9581.0

Elantric


Elantric

#3
Griffin has announced the StudioConnect HD has been cancelled

If you really need to Charge your iPad , and use third party USB MIDI gear and need  24 bit Audio, look for the iConnectAudio 4+ which due to start shipping in March 2015
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10419.0

Edit - still prefer the Focusrite i-track Dock for its cleaner preamps

IK Mulitimedia released the PowerBridge to charge Ipad during use   but you cant use a USB Hub with it
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpowerbridge/



Elantric

This can charge iPad / iPhone while using at gig 

iConnectivity iConnectAudio4+ (now shipping)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10419.0

https://iconnectivity.com/



ccyang

#5
Hi there,

Here's another cheaper option just released from Steinberg, UR242, with charging ability.
http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/audio_interfaces/ur_series/models/ur242.html

I've followed on this thread for a while, and thanks for you guys sharing.
Cheers.

Elantric

#6
Here is the Manual for the Steinberg UR242
http://download.steinberg.net/downloads_hardware/UR242/UR242_documentation/Manual/ur242_en_om_a0.pdf

The UR-242 is a USB Class Compliant interface -  so yes it is compatible with an iPad+CCK (CCK = Apple USB Camera Connection Kit)

But after reading the Manual,  I'm not seeing any mention about the UR242's capability to "charge the connected iPad" during use.
QuoteThe UR242 features 192 kHz audio quality, USB 2.0 connectivity, MIDI input and output alongside two combo inputs with D-PRE microphone preamps and PAD switch, two additional line inputs and two balanced line outputs. On top of this the UR242 features DSP-powered latency-free monitoring with effects and connectivity with the iPad via the Apple Camera Connection Kit / Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.
https://www.steinberg.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=157&sid=f0ae24f7a90d2cc7fcfcad53373a6391


Audio Interfaces that can charge the connected Ipad during use at the gig is a very rare feature !

Find the Audio Interfaces that do charge IPad here:
http://www.wavemachinelabs.com/Support/auria-audio-interfaces


iConnectivity iConnectAudio4+ (now shipping)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10419.0

IK Mulitimedia iRig HD, iRig PRO with IK PowerBridge to charge Ipad during use.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpowerbridge/

Focusrite iTrack Dock
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=post;msg=74766;topic=10364.0

Apogee Quartet
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov12/articles/apogee-quartet.htm

I don't recommend Alesis or Behringer IDocks / IS202 - as the iPad only sees those as 16 bit interfaces, and my focus of using BIAS, BIAS FX suffers if the interface is not a true 24 bits.

ccyang

Thanks for your instant reply!
I think I misunderstood about the description of "5V phone battery input to power iPad and interface"
in the Sweetwater page: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UR24
and their video:

so it might means the extra power can only prevent from iPad power drain or is just a requirement to activate the interface ???

Quote from: Elantric on May 13, 2015, 04:12:08 PM
Here is the Manual for the Steinberg UR242
http://download.steinberg.net/downloads_hardware/UR242/UR242_documentation/Manual/ur242_en_om_a0.pdf

The UR-242 is a USB Class Compliant interface -  so yes it is compatible with an iPad+CCK (CCK = Apple USB Camera Connection Kit)

But after reading the Manual,  I'm not seeing any mention about the UR242's capability to "charge the connected iPad" during use. https://www.steinberg.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=157&sid=f0ae24f7a90d2cc7fcfcad53373a6391


Audio Interfaces that can charge the connected Ipad during use at the gig is a very rare feature !

Find the Audio Interfaces that do charge IPad here:
http://www.wavemachinelabs.com/Support/auria-audio-interfaces


iConnectivity iConnectAudio4+ (now shipping)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10419.0

IK Mulitimedia iRig HD, iRig PRO with IK PowerBridge to charge Ipad during use.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpowerbridge/

Focusrite iTrack Dock
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=post;msg=74766;topic=10364.0

Apogee Quartet
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov12/articles/apogee-quartet.htm

I don't recommend Alesis or Behringer IDocks / IS202 - as the iPad only sees those as 16 bit interfaces, and my focus of using BIAS, BIAS FX suffers if the interface is not a true 24 bits.

Elantric

#8
Quotethe description of "5V phone battery input to power iPad and interface"
in the Sweetwater page: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UR24

---

Listen again to the UR242 description in YouTube video
their video: ! No longer available

Connect the iPad using USB cable and Apple USB Camera Adapter

Any Audio interface that must use the Apple USB Camera Adapter  type connection will never charge the iPad.

( I know because I  have co-designed many iPad interfaces that are mFI compliant and do charge iPad over a Lightning Port during use )

http://www.studiosixdigital.com
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=82.0


Here is the Manual for the Steinberg UR242
http://download.steinberg.net/downloads_hardware/UR242/UR242_documentation/Manual/ur242_en_om_a0.pdf


--
BTW  - Its not the first time Sweetwater has been wrong

Case in point was the wrong info that they posted in early 2013 that the Fishman Tripleplay was a wireless audio interface and let you wirelessly record guitar Audio to iPad 
http://web.archive.org/web/20130218233600/http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TriplePlayPU/

         

Elantric

#9
** UPDATE **

Apple released a new USB Host adapter




https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=17658.msg126385#msg126385

The Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter supports standard photo formats, including JPEG and RAW, along with SD and HD video formats, including H.264 and MPEG-4. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro transfers data at USB 3 speeds, while the 9.7-inch iPad Pro uses USB 2.

The big news is this new adapter allows the Apple iPad Power supply to charge the iPad during use with third party USB Class compliant Audio / MIDI interfaces

I Ordered one and it works great!

Of course I expect it to be like many recent Apple Accessories, and only work with latest IOS 9 or newer. (Confirmed)
http://9to5mac.com/2015/12/22/iphone-lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter/

HoosierMan

It appears this will not work with the iPhone.  Maybe someday Apple will release an updated version that is also compatible with iPhone.

Compatibility:

iPad Models
iPad with Retina display
iPad mini
iPad mini 2
iPad Air
iPad Air 2
iPad mini 3
iPad mini 4
iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch)

Elantric

#11
Not the first time Apple has "omissions"

This works with my iPhone 6 Plus - but it must be on IOS 9 or newer

I'm now using IOS 9.3.1



Read full thread here

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=17658.0
QuoteOk better news

Anything that worked before with older Lightning USB Camera Adapter still works with the new USB 3 version, with benefit that the new Lightning USB3 adapter allows the iPad  / iPhone 6 Plus to be charging during use. 

So far these all work

Fender Slide (Audio)
Fender FTP Strat (Audio) and FTP Dongle (MIDI)
Roland US-22 Duo Capture EX (Audio and MIDI)
Roland UM One MK2 (MIDI)

Sadly the Focusrite Scarlet 2i4 still requires the special USB Power Y cord and additional power supply. https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9581.msg74428#msg74428

HoosierMan

Awesome....I'll order one up today and give it a try with my old iPhone 5 that's running IOS 9.3.1. 

Elantric

It should work  - but report your experience, with iPhone 5

This new adapter is in stock at most Apple stores in USA , and they do have a return policy.

HoosierMan

I'll be going to the Apple store tonight to pick one up.  Stand by for a report.

HoosierMan

Got one!  Hooked it up to my iPhone 5 running IOS 9.3.1 and it works like a champ.  BTW, I also recently purchased a Turbosound iNSPIRE iP 1000 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IP1000.  With this I can stream Bluetooth audio from my iPhone to the iP 1000.  I'm hoping to get out and perform with it in the not too distant future, a future that got slightly delayed when I broke my thumb last week. 


HoosierMan

Update:  I discovered that if the iPhone goes to sleep when you wake it the USB/MIDI connection to the GR-55 does not work anymore.  I have to unplug the adapter from the iPhone and plug it back in again to get the MIDI connection established again.

Elantric

QuoteUpdate:  I discovered that if the iPhone goes to sleep when you wake it the USB/MIDI connection to the GR-55 does not work anymore.  I have to unplug the adapter from the iPhone and plug it back in again to get the MIDI connection established again.

At gigs i disable "Auto-Lock" sleep Mode on my IOS devices  - and set to "Never"

HoosierMan

Thanks, and yes I figured out to do the same thing.

pacemaker1000

#19
Since wanting one of these it becomes apparent that it's a minefield and not many interfaces actually do
Nothing complicated as just using it for a guitar with amp sims.
But one that charges? That's the problem, I'm wondering whether it's because it causes interference?
Hardly any use a standard USB connection so inserting an inline charger is out.
I'm learning but what I thought would be easy is quite the opposite
I bought a basic sonic port to play with and  UT as I don't like the included software it seems a waste plus I have learned the iPad soon dies without power.
Thanks


lumena

I would probably just buy this adapter.
(actually did so that I don't have to charge when I use the Moog Model 15 app with tripleplay)

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W2AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter?fnode=91

Usb 3 standard plug with pass through for power. $40. Then all you have already will work.

Elantric

#22
QuoteI would probably just buy this adapter.
(actually did so that I don't have to charge when I use the Moog Model 15 app with tripleplay)

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W2AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter?fnode=91

Usb 3 standard plug with pass through for power. $40. Then all you have already will work.

Already listed here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11501.msg127373#msg127373


pacemakers1000's inbox is full -
QuoteUnfortunately I order the istudio before your reply so might as well give it a go.
After resetting the iPad I managed to get Jamup working but nothing else. Tried Tonebridge and mobile Pod. Getting the guitar dry sound and can hear the patches clicking in. It's like the signal is not routing through the apps.
Any ideas?

Thanks again

Alan

I know Mobile Pod will not work with non Line-6 interfaces unless you purchase it

Read the manuals is the best I can suggest


Elantric

#23
pacemakers1000's inbox is full -
QuoteGriffin studio connect. 24 bit? Any good?

its only 16 bit

Use search

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=212.0

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11501.0

lifereinspired

#24
Hi!

Looking to get my spouse an iOS interface for his electric/acoustic guitar. Don't want to buy more than we need but want to be sure it has what's necessary. From what I can tell the important factors are:

*Lightning interface (for actual D/A conversion rather than analog input via headphone jack)

*Headphone jack on interface unit (since there's a good chance Apple will kill headphone jack on iPad eventually & I don't want the interface to be unusable at that point)

*Ability to charge iPad while interface unit is in use

*Ability to use with multiple apps (I think they pretty much all do this from what I've learned)

*Cross-platform capabilities (iOS & Windows, w/ Android a plus)

*Additional capabilities (recording from mic, MIDI, etc)

I'm having trouble finding good info comparing different D/A interfaces. I've seen a couple of YouTube videos doing an A/B test with audio but other then iRid 2 vs iRig HD (where it was obvious that the HD was better), & iRig HD vs Apogee Jam (which they were very similar) I just can't find good data comparing them & telling what to expect.

I'm interested in the iRig Pro (not I/O, just the first version) as it seems to have most of the features I'm looking for but right now, I can find on sale or used for our a bit less $$$ than the newer Pro I/O. The one person I spoke with on the phone at a local music store said they felt the new & previous iRig versions would mostly be the same but from their demeanor, I'm not sure they really know all that much about D/A interfaces. What are your thoughts? Is there Line 6 (or something else) much better? Or something else entirely? Are most of the negative reviews because people were expecting full versions of software that didn't come with it? Can the Line 6 or similar actually charge the iPad while in use?

Thanks so much in advance! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. :)