Update 16/1/31: The Alesis iO Dock has been retired by Alesis. It was replaced by the iO Dock II which is also deprecated. Oh well…
This is definitely something I will look at in detail when it becomes available.I’m already using my iPad with keyboards, microphones and my guitar plugged in. Also, I use TouchOSC to communicate using wireless with the computer. This might save me a lot of trial and error by using direct midi communication with the computer and instruments. Of course, if I can find a way to emulate it with an Arduino…
From the iO Dock page:
The iO Dock is the first device that enables anyone with an iPad to create, produce, and perform music with virtually any pro audio gear or instruments. The iO Dock is a universal docking station specifically designed for the iPad, and it gives musicians, recording engineers, and music producers the connectivity they need to create and perform with iPad. Connect all your pro audio gear to virtually any app in the App Store with the iO Dock.
The main features:
- The world’s first pro audio dock for iPad
- Connect microphones and instruments including guitar, studio monitors, PA speakers, headphones, and MIDI controllers
- Universal device works with virtually every audio and MIDI app in the App Store; Core MIDI compliant
- Perform, craft, create and play back music in virtually any conceivable manner or location
- Video output for connection to TVs and projectors
- Inputs: two combo XLR-1/4″ for use with audio gear, instruments, and computer audio
- Input channel gain controls and switchable phantom power for use with condenser microphones
- Guitar-direct switch for use with amplifier- and effects-modeling app
- Outputs: pair 1/4″ and 1/4″ headphone with separate volume controls
- Control: MIDI In, MIDI Out, USB MIDI, and assignable 1/4-inch footswitch input