Focusrite iTrack Dock

Started by Elantric, January 17, 2014, 03:46:05 PM

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Elantric

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2014/01/focusrite-itrack-dock-serious-lightning-ipad-accessory-recording-music/


iTrack Dock Owners Manual
https://d2zjg0qo565n2.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/focusrite/downloads/20358/itrack-dock-user-guideen.pdf


Focusrite iTrack Dock is a Serious Lightning iPad Accessory for Recording Music

The iPad could change recording. But first, you have to change the iPad.

Docks once reached fever-like proportions in hardware manufacture. Among those, one stood out: I've seen the Alesis iO Dock see iPads get more serious studio use, thanks to convenient access to audio and MIDI. (And that, in turn, is something you often don't get when connecting hardware directly.)

Then, Apple switched connectors to the new Lightning Connector – and the hardware world fell silent.

Now, Focusrite steps in to fill the void. (We'll see if Alesis is doing the same.)

And if many docks are dubious purchases, the Focusrite piece promises a stunning amount of functionality. The iTrack Dock does things that you can't when you simply plug in accessories to your iPad. It can charge and connect and power at the same time (rather than sapping your battery as you work). It can do I/O, including – remarkably – even USB. (That perhaps makes more sense than just MIDI DIN ports, since it would work with both USB MIDI- and, via an additional interface, MIDI DIN-equipped hardware.)

Features:

    Dual Focusrite mic pres, 24-bit 96kHz operation and 105 dB+ dynamic range
    Two balanced line inputs, one instrument input, two mic inputs
    Independent stereo monitor and headphone outs, with zero-latency monitoring for recording
    Dedicated gain controls with colored feedback.
    USB

Naturally, it also couples with Focusrite's own Tape app for recording.
Cost: MSRP: US$249.99 / $199.99 street. (No European pricing available yet)
Coming early this year.





Oddly, this could make the iPad more desirable – as a kind of simple, distraction-free recording device that can even top a computer.

Elantric

#1
At least it does charge the ipad during use, and on the rear it appears to have an input for the Fishman Tripleplay (see USB MIDI port)



But Id rather use this more powerful 100% battery powered rig below !! (click link below)
Use Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 + Fishman Tripleplay with iPad on Battery Power
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10323.msg74428#msg74428


I wrote and told Focusrite in UK about my success with interfacing the Scarlett 2i4 with iPad, but zero response - ;) 

I also posted a URL link to my Scarlett 2i4 with iPad "How To" thread  at PeterKirn's CreateDigitalMusic site here -
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2014/01/focusrite-itrack-dock-serious-lightning-ipad-accessory-recording-music/

But it was deleted 15 minutes after posting - so I might have ruffled some feathers!

And deleted again when I attempted to post a reply a 2nd time over there just now - so its no mistake, someone does not want our info out there.
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2014/01/focusrite-itrack-dock-serious-lightning-ipad-accessory-recording-music/

DF400

I just purchased the Scarlett 2i4 and have been very impressed. Although, the new iTrack Dock addition looks tempting. The added USB interface and charging capability are nice. Although it appears that it only has two actual channel inputs - just uses separate input jacks instead or a XLR/TRS combo with pad option. Also, the USB is great, but now would need an additional interface for traditional midi options.

Elantric

#3


http://us.focusrite.com/ipad-audio-interfaces

http://us.focusrite.com/ipad-audio-interfaces/itrack-dock#overview

Technical Specifications
Analogue Input Performance - Mic
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2 dB (minimum gain)
THD+N < -99dB (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 20Hz/20kHz bandpass filter)
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) < -125dBu CCIR-RMS (measured at maximum gain with 150 ohm termination)
Gain Range -4dB to +46dB (dBFS / dBu) ±1dB
Max Input Level >+4dBu (at 1% THD)
Analogue Input Performance - Line
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2dB (minimum gain)
THD+N < -98dB (min gain, -1dBFS at output and 20Hz/20kHz bandpass filter)
Noise (NiPoS) <-104 dBFS CCIR-RMS (measured at min. gain with 50 ohm termination)
Gain Range -22dB to +28dB (dBFS / dBu) ±1dB
Max Input Level >+21dBu (at 1% THD)
Analogue Input Performance - Instrument
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2dB (minimum gain)
THD+N <-90dB (min gain, measured at Max Input Level -1dB, 20Hz/20kHz bandpass filter)
Noise <-104dBu CCIR-RMS (measured at min. gain)
Gain Range -16dB to +34dB (dBFS / dBu) ±1dB
Max Input Level >+14dBu (at 1% THD)
Analogue Output Performance
Nominal Output Level 0dBFS = >+10dBu, balanced
0dBFS = >+4bBu, unbalanced
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
THD+N < -100dB, balanced (0dBFS input 20Hz/20kHz bandpass filter)
Digital Performance
Clock sources Internal clock only
D-A Dynamic Range 105dB 'A-weighted' (all outputs). Converter chipset D-A dynamic range 114dB
Supported sample rates 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 96 KHz
24 Bit
Input Metering
Ring LED lit Green Signal present (-24 dBFS)
Ring LED lit Red Signal overload (0dBFS), peak held for approximately 1 second
Weight and Dimensions
Height 64mm Width 280mm
Depth 168 Weight 0.7 Kg


tomtheguitarguy

Hopefully the USB Midi will also act as a hub and you can connect a USB hub to it so you can use the Fishman Tripleplay as well as a 5pin to USB midi adapter.

I for one am just glad that there is a unit out there (or at least coming in June) that has a USB Midi input that doesn't cost $650  (Apogee Duet for iOS/Mac)...

Looks like the New Focusrite iTrack Studio Dock will be a good one! Midi USB - so we'll be able to run amp sims and the Fishman TriplePlay!!!
Just saw it at NAMM and I can't wait: Out in June...

http://us.focusrite.com/ipad-audio-interfaces/itrack-dock#overview
http://www.tomtheguitarguy.com ~ http://www.tomcatsband.com
CIJ Blue Floral w/ McVay G Bender
G & L Will Ray Signature ASAT w/ Hipshot B Bender
JTV-69 James Tyler Variax
Fishman TriplePlay ~ Roland GR-55
Dr. Z RxES 2x12
Quilter MicroPro200 10" ~ Quilter Aviator 8" ~ Quilter Steelaire
Bose L1 Classic

tomtheguitarguy

So the iTrack Dock will come out in June and then the Griffin in September.  Will be a great opportunity to test both.

But I hate the wait....
http://www.tomtheguitarguy.com ~ http://www.tomcatsband.com
CIJ Blue Floral w/ McVay G Bender
G & L Will Ray Signature ASAT w/ Hipshot B Bender
JTV-69 James Tyler Variax
Fishman TriplePlay ~ Roland GR-55
Dr. Z RxES 2x12
Quilter MicroPro200 10" ~ Quilter Aviator 8" ~ Quilter Steelaire
Bose L1 Classic

tomtheguitarguy

Well, I received my Focusrite iTrack Dock today and had some high hopes...

But unfortunately, it doesn't connect to my iPad Mini w/ Retina Display (running iOS7).  It shows "not charging" when I connect, and no audio input/outputs are routed to/from the iPad - I try to play an mp3 and I only get sound from the internal speaker.  I plugged my Breedlove A/E into input 1, got the halos lighting up, but no signal to Garageband...

Going to exchange it for a (hopefully) working one and will update.

Anyone else received one yet?

http://www.tomtheguitarguy.com ~ http://www.tomcatsband.com
CIJ Blue Floral w/ McVay G Bender
G & L Will Ray Signature ASAT w/ Hipshot B Bender
JTV-69 James Tyler Variax
Fishman TriplePlay ~ Roland GR-55
Dr. Z RxES 2x12
Quilter MicroPro200 10" ~ Quilter Aviator 8" ~ Quilter Steelaire
Bose L1 Classic

Tonemasterus

Maybe a dumb question but did you go into privacy and make sure the device has access to your microphone and inputs?  Just a thought.  A lot of access has changed in IOS7.

tomtheguitarguy

Quote from: Tonemasterus on June 21, 2014, 12:17:24 PM
Maybe a dumb question but did you go into privacy and make sure the device has access to your microphone and inputs?  Just a thought.  A lot of access has changed in IOS7.

No option to do that with the dock.  The apps have permission - all works great with my iRig Pro.  The iPad doesn't recognize the dock as a power source to charge...
http://www.tomtheguitarguy.com ~ http://www.tomcatsband.com
CIJ Blue Floral w/ McVay G Bender
G & L Will Ray Signature ASAT w/ Hipshot B Bender
JTV-69 James Tyler Variax
Fishman TriplePlay ~ Roland GR-55
Dr. Z RxES 2x12
Quilter MicroPro200 10" ~ Quilter Aviator 8" ~ Quilter Steelaire
Bose L1 Classic

tomtheguitarguy

It was definitely a defective unit.  Got to GC and exchanged it, the new one charged the iPad with no issues so I took it home.

Works great as an audio interface - love that it will charge the iPad while doing all this recording - something I missed while using the iRig Pro.

The pros...

The USB Midi works well with the Fishman Tripleplay (my most important requirement) - although I had to make sure that the unit was powered on and my iPad was active before plugging in the FTP USB dongle for it to work.  A quick observation - the USB port on the iTrack Dock is upside down, so when you plug in the dongle, the LED light is on the bottom so you can't see it - not sure why Focusrite did that...  But once I verified the steady LED light on the dongle signaling the pairing, it worked flawlessly with SampleTank and Garageband (note self:  make sure you've closed Sampletank if you're wanting to use the midi instruments in Garageband :)  )

The cons...

The USB Midi works only with one midi controller - you can not use it with a hub - powered or not (at least I wasn't able to get it to work with my plugable USB hub).

It was also not compatible with the Logidy 3 button midi Foot controller - so I guess I'm going to be using an AirTurn, iRig Blueboard, or Positive Grid Bluetooth Footswitch for scrolling, start/stop, etc in OnSong...

It doesn't have any 5 pin midi connectors, and I don't have a class compliant USB midi cable to test, but perhaps I'll pick one up just to goof around with my old 49 key controller.

Later, I may dust off my FCB-1010 and see how that works...

Otherwise, I'm happy.  Will be checking out the new Griffin Studio HD when it arrives too - but that won't be until September. 

Between the iTrack Dock and the iRig Pro (and the plugable USB hub and lithium ion batter), I'm pretty well stocked and stoked with my iPad Recording Studio setup.

Hope this helps...

Tom the Guitar Guy
http://www.tomtheguitarguy.com ~ http://www.tomcatsband.com
CIJ Blue Floral w/ McVay G Bender
G & L Will Ray Signature ASAT w/ Hipshot B Bender
JTV-69 James Tyler Variax
Fishman TriplePlay ~ Roland GR-55
Dr. Z RxES 2x12
Quilter MicroPro200 10" ~ Quilter Aviator 8" ~ Quilter Steelaire
Bose L1 Classic

Elantric

Thanks for posting what works and what doesn't with the Focusrite Itrack.


myksara

Seems interesting especially with the ftp working.
but I didn't like the design which fits the mini I think.
Ipad air sides come out as shown in the images and I think that's a design flaw overlooked.
instead it should have been made to fit the ipad air (like the behringer is202 which fits the ipad 2)
Guitars: Ibanez Prestige S5470, Ibanez Jem 7v, Ibanez JS2410, PRS SE Custom24, Cort  Ltd G16, Ibanez RG370Ahmz,
MultiFX: Roland GR55, Zoom 1on, BOSS GT00
Loopers: Digitech trio+, Line 6 JM4
MIDI:, MAudio Axiom24 keyboard, Alesis IO Dock with iPad air 2

tomtheguitarguy

Quote from: myksara on June 22, 2014, 12:10:55 AM
Seems interesting especially with the ftp working.
but I didn't like the design which fits the mini I think.
Ipad air sides come out as shown in the images and I think that's a design flaw overlooked.
instead it should have been made to fit the ipad air (like the behringer is202 which fits the ipad 2)

Actually, with the way it is designed, it is a lot easier to disconnect the larger iPad Air or iPad 4 because of the overhang.  With the iPad mini, there is no place to really grab so you can slide it out easily...  Not quite a design flaw if you ask me...
http://www.tomtheguitarguy.com ~ http://www.tomcatsband.com
CIJ Blue Floral w/ McVay G Bender
G & L Will Ray Signature ASAT w/ Hipshot B Bender
JTV-69 James Tyler Variax
Fishman TriplePlay ~ Roland GR-55
Dr. Z RxES 2x12
Quilter MicroPro200 10" ~ Quilter Aviator 8" ~ Quilter Steelaire
Bose L1 Classic

Bill Ruppert

#13
This looks so cool AND I love Focusrite pre's. Always have!
BUT I have an Otterbox on my pad. I must as it would be dead with out it due to moving around.
I wish it would fit that with the case...
Everyone should watch this video! That Gavin singer is so top notch !!!!!!!!!!!!
I would kill to have that voice.

Quote from:  Elantric
http://www.hellomusic.com/items/itrack-dock-for-recording-on-ipad



oleijon

Hi guys.

I was wondering. It says comapatible with iPads, but is it something that actually prevents it from working with an iPhone lightning besides the physical layout of the dock?

oleijon

Quote from: oleijon on August 31, 2014, 01:20:37 AM
Hi guys.

I was wondering. It says comapatible with iPads, but is it something that actually prevents it from working with an iPhone lightning besides the physical layout of the dock?

Hi again.
I´m gonna answer my own question in case someone else is interested. It is actually compatible with iPhone as well.

Original answer from Focusrite Tech Support:
QuoteNo, besides the actual layout of the dock there is nothing that will stop it working with any IOS device with a lightning connector, including an iPhone.

sean_b

#16
Hi all. Any focusrite itrack dock and gr55 users out there could help me with a question?  I am trying to record the midi USB from gr55 to GarageBand on iPad Air through the focusrite. I can't get any thing other than the audio signal. I can use the recorded part ok but would like it as the midi signal/recording. Can I do this. Cheers Sean b

admin

Quote
Hi all. Any focusrite itrack dock and gr55 users out there could help me with a question?  I am trying to record the midi USB from gr55 to GarageBand on iPad Air through the focusrite. I can't get any thing other than the audio signal. I can use the recorded part ok but would like it as the midi signal/recording. Can I do this. Cheers Sean b

The GR-55 is not USB class compliant, so you will need a USB <> MIDI I/O cable -

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8393.0


Elantric

#18
After my Hum City disaster running Focusrite iTrack Dock on its supplied AC Power supply, 
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10323.msg110125#msg110125

I decided to re-try the Focusrite iTrack Dock - this time with 12VDC Battery Power. My PowerAdd Pilot Pro 32000mAH External recharge-able Battery Pack running at 12VDC.
  This works very well. I connected My Guitar into the Ch#1 Hi-Z Instrument Input, and set the top mounted Ch#1 Input Level Midway up.

The Focusrite iTrack Dock 1/4" TRS Stereo Monitor Outputs connected with two 1/4" TS cables into the Stereo Line Inputs on my Battery powered Roland Cube Street EX.
I've been playing with PG BIAS FX on my iPad AIR for 2 hours - love this app, love the tones - this setup has become very robust and still the best sounding amps and FX - even got a good Surf sound - very authentically modeled FX. This setup now  Works much better compared to running the same iPad interface on AC Power supply. I'll add a KMI SoftStep II MIDI Floor controller

The  Focusrite iTrack Dock has much Higher Output drive  / Lower Noise  characteristics compared to the iConnectAudio4+
And I only needed the stock DC Supply cable that came with the Poweradd Pilot Pro
http://www.amazon.com/Poweradd-Pilot-Pro-Multi-Voltage-Compatible/dp/B00DN0KBXU/ref=sr_1_47?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1435738978&sr=1-47&refinements=p_4%3APoweradd

Played for 2 hours and battery only drained 10%


Elantric

#19
Quoteso I was happy until I connected my Logidy UMI-3 Footswitch (which is usb class compliant)

Here is the list so far of what I have tested with the Focusrite iTrack Dock rear MIDI USB Host Port.

Note:

* * You must do things in a specific order! * * 

1 ) Unplug everything

2 ) Power up IPad

3 ) Connect IPad to iTrack Dock

4 ) Power up iTrack Dock

5 ) Connect MIDI device USB Class Compliant device. (Supports only One device) 


TESTED DEVICES


* Fishman Tripleplay USB Receiver: WORKS! - in the IOS Synth ( I tested bs-16) under MIDI Devices the  iTrack Dock shows as two MIDI Inputs and TWO MIDI Outputs - I used MIDI Input 1 and TriplePlay worked great   

* KMI SoftStep2 MIDI Footcontroller - WORKS!

* Livid Instruments Guitar Wing - WORKS!

* Roland UM-ONE mk2 USB MIDI Interface  - WORKS!

* Logidy UMI-3 MIDI Footcontroller - Not Functional

* Line-6 FBV MKII MIDI Footcontroller - Not Functional

* Korg NanoKontrol ( 1st released version) - Not Functional

* USB Powered HUB: Does NOT work, which prevents  expansion of connecting  multiple MIDI USB Class Compliant devices.

* USB NON-Powered HUB: Does NOT work, which prevents  expansion of connecting  multiple MIDI USB Class Compliant devices.
 


Headless68

this is very interesting as my research on Loopers was leading me to using iPad Mini + iTrack Dock + Icon G-Board in the USB on the itrack to control Loopy HD
Do you have an Icon G-board to test this ? (or has anyone else already tried this ?

Thanks
Headless

Elantric

#21
No Icon G-Board here

But the Roland UM-ONE mk2 USB MIDI Interface works , so any decent 5pin DIN MIDI Controller can work with iTrack Dock. An old POD XTLIVE , HD500 with latest firmware makes an excellent MIDI Controller

It's important to observe that the iTrack iDock USB Host port has very little available supply current. Older USB Class compliant gear draw too much Inrush current when connected, and this makes them Not Functional.  I'll play with using my USB Power Y Cable and a separate power source and try to get Lodgidy UMI-3 working.

But despite my terrible prior experience with the old SoftStep, the latest KMI SoftStep2 with its faster CPU and all LED illumination  is a joy to use, works far superior compared to the old Softstep, and finally I can use it near mag pickups and be free of the radiated Backlight EMF hum.

supernicd

I have also tested it with the M-Audio MIDISport Uno - works!

I notice that the MIDISport 2x2 and 4x4 Anniversary Edition models (the newer ones) are class compliant.  I wonder if they would work as well.  That would open up lot more 5-pin MIDI devices that could be used with the iTrack.
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------

Elantric

For latest Positive Grid BIAS FX (IOS) - This is working very well for me.

* Apple iPad AIR 128GB

* Focusrite ITrack Dock (With AC Power conditioner or Battery Power)

* KMI SoftStep2 MIDI Footcontroller



Still debugging MIDI Control , but the tones are astounding.




Headless68

Just checking - so if the class compliant version of the midi sport 2x2 works does that mean I could actually run 2 midi in's (one pitch to midi and one foot controller) into the itrack dock or would it treat it like usb hub and reject it ?

Headless