FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 IPAD PORTABLE
FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 IPAD PRO
FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 IPAD SOFTWARE
FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 IPAD PLUS

To be honest, itвЂ™s a faff so weвЂ™d say go USB-C all the way. Using an iPad with older вЂnon USB-CвЂ™ audio interfaces might require additional power to work via a powered USB hub. Just plug and play with (hopefully) power to boot. These are probably your target interface if you own or are considering a new, more expensive iPad. In our roundup below, we have only included interfaces that we know will work directly with the newer USB-C iPads. Many, like Focusrite, post regular news or blog stories to say which of their interfaces require or donвЂ™t require external power and with which iPads. Here, then, we recommend checking with interface manufactures. We say вЂmostвЂ™ as this might not always be the case as specs (and indeed iPads) change so regularly. The best and clearest news is that a USB-C compatible audio interface will connect directly to a USB-C iPad, and in most cases a USB-C iPad should be able to power a USB-C audio interface. And older USB audio interfaces will require a USB to USB-C adaptor to work with a USB-C iPad, and might require extra power, usually by way of an AC adapter for the interface or powered USB hub to the iPad.

FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 IPAD PRO

The same type of USB audio interface that you use with your desktop setup can often be used with the more expensive USB-C compatible iPads, and even higher specвЂ™d Thunderbolt interfaces can be used with the Pro models.ДЇirewire audio interfaces will not work with the current range of iPads though.

FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 IPAD SOFTWARE

Running a software iPad studio is every bit as fun and creative as your desktop/laptop studioДЇirst, the good news. However, deciding which interface to buy can be confusing thanks to Apple using the Lightning, USB-C and Thunderbolt interfacing standards in the current range of iPads, not to mention older USB audio interfaces not using the USB-C standard! But weвЂ™re here to clear it up and make (some) sense of it all. Every recording situation can now be handled by an iPad, from recording a songwriter playing guitar and singing to recording several band members playing a live gig. You can get any number of ins and outs with audio interfaces, so whichever combination you require, there is an interface available.

FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 IPAD PLUS

You could, of course, do this with the iPadвЂ™s built-in microphone but the results will be far better if you choose to use a dedicated audio interface.ДЄs with desktop recording, your iPad interface will need mic, line or combi XLR/line inputs for connecting both microphones and instruments up for recording, plus outputs to connect to speakers.

When connected to an iPad directly, larger controllers will need to be plugged into a power source like the 2i2, but smaller ones like the Arturia MiniLab MKII donвЂ™t need external power because theyвЂ™re power usage is low enough for the iPad to handle the job on its own.Need to record audio from the real world into your iPad? Sing, play guitar, record an entire band? ItвЂ™s all possible. MIDI keyboards and controllers can be connected the same way as well, or directly to your audio interface if it has MIDI ports.

FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 IPAD PORTABLE

If you want to go mobile, you can use a portable power bank to avoid having to plug into an outlet. You can make the older Apple USB adapter work if you already have one laying around, but youвЂ™ll need a USB splitter and a Y cable to get power to the interface unless it has itвЂ™s own power. Your iPad or iPhone wonвЂ™t be able to power the interface alone so you have to plug the adapter into an outlet or alternative USB power source unless your audio interface has itвЂ™s own power cable. The cheaper 3rd party adapters wonвЂ™t cut it and you need to make sure to get the newer Apple adapter with the added lightning port to power the audio interface. I tested a 2nd gen Scarlett 2i2 and a Clarett 2Pre USB with the latest 2018 iPad and both work perfectly well.Д«asically all you need is a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.ДЄt $39 itвЂ™s pretty pricey, but used and refurbished ones can often be purchased for $20-$25.

Focusrite scarlett 2i2 ipad