Okay so I've been eyeballing the iOS audio movement over the last few years while debating when to jump in. So I basically have a few questions for Sonar users that are using iOs gadgets (ipads) for audio/studio work.

Does it matter to get a 64GB ipad over a 32GB version? What are you guys using? Perhaps even 16GB? If I were to get an ipad, I want to use it in numerous ways; 1)A virtual instruments 2)Quick sketch/sequencing tool 3)maybe some control surface stuff.

I know about the whole 4th Generation move from the former connections to the new Lightning connectors (which would prohibit usage with things like Alesis iOS dock that are hardwired for a specific connector). I don't mind waiting on 3rd party hardware/accessory companies to play catch up with compatible devices for the new Lightning connector. But if there is not going to be much improvement in iOS music apps between and 3rd and 4th gen Ipad, I would look for a used 3rd gen perhaps. So my question on this is what would you guys likely do, get a 3rd or 4th gen.

Finally, I'm not interested in 4G, but just the WiFi version only. Because I only plan to use this with the studio work, and some pdf files. I can tether off of my Verizon Fios at home.

Basically, what are you guys using? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

I guess it depends on the price difference. And still it's kind of a difficult question to answer. But here's a couple things that come to mind. 

I know you didn't mention the mini anyways, but to me the retina display is very impressive so a mini would be out for me. Even my ipod has retina disply. Not sure why they released the mini without retina. It's like going backwards. Retina displays look amazing. 

One thing to keep in mind, and this is a little discouraging, but each release of iOS utilizes more resources and developers write programs to utilize the newer hardware. The iPad 4 has a faster processor so it shouldn't become obsolete as quick as the iPad 3. That being said the iPod 3 has no problem running anything at this point. But my iPod touch 4G struggles a little bit when I upgraded to iOS 6. This may be obvious to you, but I never realized these things can become obsolete just like computers. 


If your not going to store a large music library, movies or take a lot of video then 32 GB seems like more than enough. But personally I wouldn't want to find out later that I wished I had more storage. So I'd get 64GB.

  Thanks for the feedback. Your points are something to consider when deciding.

But also, are there any users out there that can provide feedback that are actually using the ipads in their audio endeavors? It would be interesting to see which choices you made in terms of memory, version release, etc.

I have the iPad2, not the retina nor the mini which I assume you're refering to as 3 and 4?

Mine is wi-fi only, 16gb and I use VControl Pro on it as a surface controller for X2.
I wanted a 32gb but couldn't find one locally after the 3 was released.
(Didn't feel like ordering online and waiting for it because I was leaving a few days later on vacation and was going to take it with me)
Anyways, still haven't had the need for more than 16gb, yet. Who knows how long that will last

I use ipod all the time for capturing my ideas quickly in Gargage Band and working out some rhythms/guitar parts/vocals etc just because it's convenient. I have the Tascam IU2 but usually just use the mic on my headphones. Sounds good enough. Like sitting in bed late night strumming the guitar and come up with something cool and don't want to forget it. It's really convenient. I also use a bunch of the other music apps like DAW Multitrack, Korg Synthstation, Beatmaker etc. It's a little smoother on the iPad but works good enough on the ipod.

I've also used AC7 on the ipod and ipad as a control surface for Sonar. Works good for me but I've seen other people have problems setting it up to work? As far as it really being productive, I did use it a couple weeks ago to start stop recording when no one could be by the computer. Worked good.

I've also messed around with Korg IMS20. It's pretty cool. Some people say it sounds close to the original hardware. I have no idea. But it can be cool.

None of this had an effect on my purchase of the ipod/ipad. Just happened into it after the fact.

My comment about the faster processor of the ipad 4 was due to the fact that I notice with each release of ios my ipod becomes more and more bogged down and things don't feel as smooth as they originally did. Apple probably won't release the next major ios release for the ipod touch 4G. Or I should say I'd be surprised if they did and I probably will not install it.

iPad 2 with 64gb here, using V-Control and occaisionally AC7, as a super control bar. I can assure you 64gb soon fills up.

With the V-Window of V-Control you can have a virtual version of your PC desktop on your iPad.

Cheers,
Jerry

I use the ipad 2 and ipad 4 with Auria and rme's babyface and both handle audio very well.  Of course the ipad 4 benefits from a faster processor so cpu and memory usage is much much better than the ipad 2

 

iPad 2 with 64gb here, using V-Control and occaisionally AC7, as a super control bar. I can assure you 64gb soon fills up. With the V-Window of V-Control you can have a virtual version of your PC desktop on your iPad. Cheers, Jerry

Mr. joakes (Jerry), yeah I was leaning towards the 64gb, but wasn't sure if it was overkill. Sounds like it's not afterall.

  WDI,

I never even thought about bringin an ipod into the picture. You got me thinking now, especially since they run a little cheaper. It's funny to imagine that in about 10-15 years, most of our audio software will be running on tablets and ipads in the majority. And perhaps PCs will become the new C.R.A.Y. machines of the 2020's and 30's years. Loll

JAB3


  WDI,

I never even thought about bringin an ipod into the picture. You got me thinking now, especially since they run a little cheaper. It's funny to imagine that in about 10-15 years, most of our audio software will be running on tablets and ipads in the majority. And perhaps PCs will become the new C.R.A.Y. machines of the 2020's and 30's years. Loll

or .. folks will play with ipads and then simply come back to what they think works best.. in my case that is a physical interface and two large screens for display.
 
..and yes, i have an ipad, and no, its of no practical use to me other than a remote control for sonar.. it IS however, a great navigation system for a car.