iPad internal audio: low output level issue

For topics specifically about audio interfaces (USB, MFi, Camera Connection Kit)

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chuen
Member
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Aug 29, 2012 3:37 am

iPad internal audio: low output level issue

Post by chuen » Tue Jul 08, 2014 4:09 am

Hello!
recently I was calibrating setup for Live performance:
I use iPad1 + Tascam imx2 MFi stereo mic
plugged via 1/8'' stereo -> 1/4'' 2mono cable to NI Komplete audio6 interface (line ins)
which is usb connected to MacBook..
Volume settings everywhere is up to max/default..
I even incresed volume limit (setup by Apple to prevent ear damage -- check details at http://www.ijailbreak.com/cydia/how-to- ... -versions/ )

I play test sound from Auria to Ableton, using FabFilter ProC in both applications (threshold set to 0db, plugin used only for db measuring):
Auria's ProC show -6db while
Ableton's ProC shows -18db at same peak..

which is significant level drop, unacceptable for live performance...
Did anyone made such tests as well? I didn't found much information about using iPad line out for live perfomance, do someone use and can share their experience?
In my case using external interface is not an option becase I already use MFI mic..

Rim
Site Admin
Posts: 8476
Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 11:08 pm

Re: iPad internal audio: low output level issue

Post by Rim » Tue Jul 08, 2014 10:01 am

The iPad's headphone output is not a calibrated output. Apple does signal processing before sending it to that jack, so there's no telling exactly what's done to the signal level. The processing they use seems to have changed between iOS versions as well. The only way to guarantee a reliable signal level is to use an MFI or USB output device unfortunately.

In iOS6 and up, you can turn the processing off (Auria has a menu item in the settings called "Built-in speaker/mic processing". But since you're on an iPad 1, this is not possible.

Rim

chuen
Member
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Aug 29, 2012 3:37 am

Re: iPad internal audio: low output level issue

Post by chuen » Tue Jul 08, 2014 12:00 pm

Thanks for idea Rim, because we have iPad3 as well.. it can handle 30pin MFI device under IOS7

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