Alesis iO Dock for iPad, anyone using one one?

[drewiv]

I'm looking for a simple way to record amp clips, rehearsals, noodling, etc. I just ordered an iPad (3rd Gen) and was curious about the iO Dock from Alesis. A friend of mine pointed me in this direction, he is interested in it, but hasn't tried one out. I was hoping someone around here has tried one and could give a brief overview and a OR . Again, I'm not looking for spectacular studio quality recordings. I'm looking for something basic and easy to capture some amp tones. Anyone have any input on this device?

click here for Alesis iO Dock

 

[IndyWS6]

It looks like it would be a good tool and Alesis generally makes quality gear.

Having said that, it probably depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If I'm not mistaken, the iPad is the workhorse in this scenario and the dock just provides a convenient way to connect the devices you want to use to the iPad's proprietary connector (among other things). Keep in mind that an adapter is required for the iPad 2 and iPad 3 units. It's only $10 (plus shipping), but it would suck to get one and not be able to use it...

 

[drewiv]

It looks like it would be a good tool and Alesis generally makes quality gear.

Having said that, it probably depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If I'm not mistaken, the iPad is the workhorse in this scenario and the dock just provides a convenient way to connect the devices you want to use to the iPad's proprietary connector (among other things). Keep in mind that an adapter is required for the iPad 2 and iPad 3 units. It's only $10 (plus shipping), but it would suck to get one and not be able to use it...

I was thinking it's probably quality stuff, but I was hoping someone had some experience with it. From reviews that I have read, when iOS5 came out there were some issues. They have seemed to have straightened all that out.

As far as the adapter for the iPad 2 and iPad 3rd Generation, it is currently supplied with the adapter and power supply with the dock. I'm seriously considering just pulling the trigger and trying it out.

 

[PeterWitrigs]

as close together as you like...the trick is to keep it consistent. i also have stitched it out real tight and used it for an ipad case for dh. cushiony! cool ipad 2 cases

 

[steve_k]

I've got one, still in the box for months now. Haven't tried it out. This is the same reason I haven't bought an Axe FX II yet.....

 

[Rash]

A friend bought it.

I will try it this week and compare it to the small apogee Ipad unit and my big reording pc.....

Especially interested in latency performance.

As perfect solutions without boundaries and guitarist I would recommend x230 (x220, 201) tablet lenovo laptops as they feature both, touchpads, keyboard and very low latency using RME Babyface or the cheap Echo IOx (pc express)....but we will see how the Ipad compares.

Kai

 

[Shark Diver]

I've got one, still in the box for months now. Haven't tried it out. This is the same reason I haven't bought an Axe FX II yet.....

Just send it to me Steve. I've had an Ipad3 for months and haven't turned it on more than 3 or 4 times. I need to find something to do with it.


What software fore models?

 

[Rash]

As mentioned, I tried the I Dock from Alesis today (updated to the latest Ipad system), I am not in love with Apple and the Ipad, which is castrated computer.

Shitty export function, which is a shame, no file system............

Garage band is quite pretty, but there would be much more possible.

The mic preamp on the alesis is a toy, sounds like garbage, very week with a Gefell Um70s, IMHO useless, use the implemented Ipad mic to make short sketches, which is certainly possible and cool.

The worst part (as I feared) the latency.....tried to trigger the drum sounds inside garage band with a Roland TD12, it´s (Alesis) laggyness is not usable for performing, the sounds is quite nice, reduced playability could not hope for more.....but the playing performance is probably above 15ms (you can get 2,5-3ms with RME Soundcards on Mac and Pc, Axe FX is around 2ms) which is not tight enough for serious music making and the use of plugins in real time.

If the alesis is the culprit or macs Ipad sound implementation, I do not know.....
A friend bought the new RME UCX yesterday (for e-drumming and recording his band with a mac mini), we will see, if it will make a better job latency wise, they implemented also rare Ipad compability.

Will try guitar modelling playing tommorrow, doubt it will be cool...

Will try the small Ipad apogee interface for guitar playing next week, my buddy indicated that he feels latency though

I used a second generation Ipad.

Kai

 

[polaris20]

As mentioned, I tried the I Dock from Alesis today (updated to the latest Ipad system), I am not in love with Apple and the Ipad, which is castrated computer.

Shitty export function, which is a shame, no file system............

Garage band is quite pretty, but there would be much more possible.

The mic preamp on the alesis is a toy, sounds like garbage, very week with a Gefell Um70s, IMHO useless, use the implemented Ipad mic to make short sketches, which is certainly possible and cool.

The worst part (as I feared) the latency.....tried to trigger the drum sounds inside garage band with a Roland TD12, it´s (Alesis) laggyness is not usable for performing, the sounds is quite nice, reduced playability could not hope for more.....but the playing performance is probably above 15ms (you can get 2,5-3ms with RME Soundcards on Mac and Pc, Axe FX is around 2ms) which is not tight enough for serious music making and the use of plugins in real time.

If the alesis is the culprit or macs Ipad sound implementation, I do not know.....
A friend bought the new RME UCX yesterday (for e-drumming and recording his band with a mac mini), we will see, if it will make a better job latency wise, they implemented also rare Ipad compability.

Will try guitar modelling playing tommorrow, doubt it will be cool...

Will try the small Ipad apogee interface for guitar playing next week, my buddy indicated that he feels latency though

I used a second generation Ipad.

Kai

Must be the Alesis, because the Apogee JAM I have has little to no noticeable latency, and works really well with GB. Too bad it's just a 1/4" input.

 

[Lublin]

I have one. It's fantastic! I have the Apogee Jam, too. Cool little item.

Treating myself to a 27" iMac and Apogee Duet 2 next week, so all of the above toys will be collecting dust!

 

[Rash]

We will see, when using drums you feel latency quite clearly as all drum modules add 4 ms latency on top of the sound card. Above 8ms is shitty for drum use.

Will perhaps measure it, (using 2 mics)....

Kai

 

[Rash]

I have one. It's fantastic! I have the Apogee Jam, too. Cool little item.

Treating myself to a 27" iMac and Apogee Duet 2 next week, so all of the above toys will be collecting dust!

You will notice a difference!

 

[Rash]

Found the direct off button, connected my guitar to it, more usable than real time e-drum playing but it lacks tightness, latency is certainly above 15ms, the sounds in GB are ok but not up to a 4 year old guitar rig3.

The instrument input is not comparable with a mediocre sound interface, quite noisy and blurry.

The Ipad is not a real time music machine..... IMHO a toy, if you want play through it.

Doubt my experience with the apogee jam will be much different.

Kai

 

[polaris20]

Found the direct off button, connected my guitar to it, more usable than real time e-drum playing but it lacks tightness, latency is certainly above 15ms, the sounds in GB are ok but not up to a 4 year old guitar rig3.

The instrument input is not comparable with a mediocre sound interface, quite noisy and blurry.

The Ipad is not a real time music machine..... IMHO a toy, if you want play through it.

Doubt my experience with the apogee jam will be much different.

Kai

Again, I don't know what's up with your setup, but the Apogee JAM works perfectly with no audible latency, and drums work great with my Korg Nanopad into the camera connection kit.

Perhaps the Alesis sucks, but the iPad with the right stuff is not a toy.

 

[Rash]

I will try the apogee thing......did not yet.

I am only talking about playing through it via midi and their guitar apps using the mic....it costs 500 Euro, which is not a toy, you get prof. laptops for it.

A Nanopad is not a e-drum, I doubt you play as fast as a drummer on it!

BTW how do you export, via Soundcloud? Which format?

Kai

 

[polaris20]

I will try the apogee thing......did not yet.

I am only talking about playing through it via midi and their guitar apps using the mic....it costs 500 Euro, which is not a toy, you get prof. laptops for it.

A Nanopad is not a e-drum, I doubt you play as fast as a drummer on it!

BTW how do you export, via Soundcloud? Which format?

Kai

.band, and then I bring it into Logic and work with it more from there. The iPad is a tremendously handy compositional tool. No, it's not as flexible as my desktop. But it's only $500 and weighs less than 1.5 pounds too. I'm not bringing my desktop with me on the train or plane. With the iPad, I can however still be quite productive.

I don't think anyone's being so bold as to say it replaces a full DAW, but for its size and portability, it's (IMO) a wonderful tool.