You’d have to be living under a rock to not notice the impact Apple’s iPad tablet computer has had on day-to-day life, and I’m sure that most music technology enthusiasts have noticed that audio interface manufactures world-wide are embracing the iPad’s liberating functionality to bring new and exciting audio products to the market that promise to revolutionize the way we create music.

We here at Millennium Music pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the music technology world (since 1992 I might add) and thought we’d give our customers a roundup of the latest and greatest iPad audio interfaces available.  To make for easy reading, Part 1 of this blog will focus more on general iPad interfaces whilst Part 2 will concentrate on those dedicated for guitarist and bassists.

Tascam iXZ

Our first encounter brings us to the simple and incredibly affordable Tascam iXZ iOS Mic/Instrument Interface.  This small and extremely compact audio interface allows you to turn you iOS (iPod, iPhone and iPad) device into a portable practice, songwriting or live recording rig and comes equipped with a switchable mic/line/instrument input to suit a variety of needs.  The XLR microphone input found on the Tascam iXZ iOS Mic/Instrument Interface can even supply Phantom Power for those of us who wish to use our high-quality condenser microphones and also possesses a 1/8” headphone output for direct monitoring from your iOS device.

Our next item, the Lexicon Omega Desktop Recording Studio, is something many of us in the music tech world already know and love thanks to its high-quality converters and rich manufacturing pedigree.  However, whilst it was originally marketed as an audio interface for computers, the geniuses at Lexicon have taken full advantage of Apple’s USB Camera Connection Kit and have ensured that the Lexicon Omega Desktop Recording Studio is completely compatible with the latest generation of iPads.  With this new lease of life users are now able to record up to four channels of 24-bit / 44.1 kHz directly to their iPads via a wide variety of input connections and without the disadvantage of going through the iPad’s input jack connection.  As an added bonus, it even supports MIDI input to your favourite iPad music app.

Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder

Setting the trend once again for things to come, the Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder is the first device that turns your iPad into a powerful multitrack recording and mixing device.  With four XLR-1/4” combo input channels, each with trim, gain, pan and tone controls, along with switchable 48V Phantom Power for your condenser microphones and DI for recording guitars and basses without an amp, the Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder offers a comprehensive solution for those looking to get the most out of their iPad.  Separating itself from its competitors, the Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder also supports video output for connection to TVs and projectors making it perfect for VJs.  With a vast array of professional-standard connections, the Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder fits perfectly into any studio or live environment and even keeps your precious iPad safe thanks to its hinged door.

Alto-Masterlink-Live-24

Our last but far from least item is Alto’s own contribution to the iOS world of audio.  The Alto Masterlink Live Series, available in 24 and 16 channels respectively, integrates a feature-packed standalone console with iPad recording, processing and analysis facilities to provide a mixing experience beyond any other mixer in its class.   Equipped with industry-leading Alesis DSP processing, low-noise preamps, three-band EQ on all mono channels and individual channel compressors, the Alto Masterlink Live Series has everything you need for live performances and rehearsals with or without an iPad.  Incorporating an iPad into this console allows users to gain access to a mass collection of software-based plug-ins via Alto’s own Live Drive App and control them intuitively thanks to the iPad’s beautiful multi-touchscreen display.  Once you’ve got everything set and ready to go, you can simply record the Alto Masterlink Live Series’ main outputs directly to your iPad.  Versatile, elegant and incredibly powerful, the Alto Masterlink Live Series brings the best of both worlds to your fingertips.

Call or email our experienced sales team and we’ll find the perfect audio-capable companion for your iPad.

Click links below for more product details:

• Tascam iXZ iOS Mic/Instrument Interface
• Lexicon Omega Desktop Recording Studio
• Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder (link coming shortly)
• Alto Masterlink Live Series (link coming shortly)

The MicroKorg, The Kaoss Pad, The Monotron, The WaveDrum, The Electribe......

I could go on for at least another 5 minutes detailing the mass of groundbreaking products that Korg have released over the past few years, their R+D Department must be at work 24/7,  this is surely the only way they can keep up their incredible run of award winning products.

The newest in their range of well specced, thoroughly thought out and innovative products is the Korg Sound-on-Sound Unlimited Track Field Recorder. And as it says on the tin, your track count is essentially unlimited (up to the memory capacity of the card in the device), allowing near infinite overdubs of anything your musical mind desires.

And the best bit is each overdub is saved as an individual file, which allows  you to import each track into a DAW of your choice and mix however you see fit, making this an exceptional device for tracking anything from simple ideas to full tracks that can be mixed into polished tracks.

All the overdubbing potential you could ever need and the addition of incredible effects, dozens of in-built rhythms and a handy chromatic tuner makes this a highly versatile unit, set to be a permanent fixture in many adventuring musicians back pockets, and with its incredibly low price tag, I'm not surprised.

For more information on the incredible Korg SOS Portable Recorder or any of Korg's other incredible products, give Millennium Music a call on 08455557070 or visit our highly comprehensive website.