This is the way IK Obi paints iPads and similar devices, as compact but still-powerful computing platforms. He's right, but aside from having powerful CPUs and capable of hosting lots of RAM, that's where the parallels end.

An iPad is a closed system. There is no add-on hardware that doesn't connect through the single I/O port and isn't subject to that port's limitations. USB is implemented in software and suffers from the high latency you'd expect. Analog to digital conversion is also implemented in software. There is no audio I/O except for the 1/8" jack meant for telephone headsets and earbuds. Disk drives are slow and limited in capacity (anyone seen a 3TB iPad?).

While such limitations don't preclude many applications, they fall short of what we've come to expect in a DAW. Most of us have multiple terabytes of storage. Most of us have high-speed USB or Firewire interfaces. Most of us use phantom-powered microphones. Most of us are accustomed to multiple audio inputs and outputs, and balanced connections. Most of us prefer large video displays and many have two or more. Most of us use MIDI, at least occasionally, and those who do want 6ms or less latency. Some of us use dedicated hardware DSP processors. Most of us burn CDs from time to time, or back up projects to DVDs. Many of us need separate cue mixes or at least multiple headphone outputs.

Say goodbye to all of these things in an iPad-does-everything world.

Now, now, Bit man ... it's not as bleak as you seem to imply.  These iThings aren't meant for professionals or serious hobbyists.  They're for kids (of all ages) and casual "musicians" who are using GarageBand or whatever for fun.  Have you tried GB on the iPad, BTW?  It's pretty slick for just putting together a rough idea for a song.  Certainly worth the five bucks.
 
Anyway, never fear ... the serious tools that you mention aren't going away anytime soon. 
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

∞

You can do a lot of things on an iPad, but mastering isn't quite there yet. You could technically use a USB interface with the CCK for better ins/outs and conversion.

∞

it's not as bleak as you seem to imply

I ain't implying nuttin'. I'm saying straight out that an iPad ain't no frickin' DAW.

These iThings aren't meant for professionals or serious hobbyists.

So why do IKM promote them here, and on KVR, Gearslutz and presumably other similar forums? They're pretty proud of the fact that Slash uses iStuff, and his paycheck qualifies him as a "pro". They describe iOS and Android apps as "Tools for the Pro in You" for "producers and engineers". Maybe they are intended as toys for kids, but they sure aren't marketed as such.

Anyway, never fear ... the serious tools that you mention aren't going away anytime soon.

Yes, fortunately you're absolutely right about that. I guess what gets my hackles up are the suggestions that anyone who doesn't buy in to the new portable paradigm are clueless troglodytes, luddites or technophobes.

∞

bitflipper

I ain't implying nuttin'. I'm saying straight out that an iPad ain't no frickin' DAW.

Maybe not as you and I know them, but many of us are using a laptop quite successfully as a full-fledged DAW.  Tablets aren't that far removed from laptops, are they?  You can even control Sonar X2 via TOUCHING THE SCREEN on the right hardware.  Really, it's not that bad.  See http://www.slateproaudio.com/products/raven/ for an idea of where things might be headed in the pro arena.  Looks like a giant iPad, eh?  :-)

These iThings aren't meant for professionals or serious hobbyists.

So why do IKM promote them here, and on KVR, Gearslutz and presumably other similar forums? They're pretty proud of the fact that Slash uses iStuff, and his paycheck qualifies him as a "pro". They describe iOS and Android apps as "Tools for the Pro in You" for "producers and engineers". Maybe they are intended as toys for kids, but they sure aren't marketed as such.
 

Marketing hype aside, I would be surprised if any major artist or engineer is using these things for commercial releases.   

Anyway, never fear ... the serious tools that you mention aren't going away anytime soon.

Yes, fortunately you're absolutely right about that. I guess what gets my hackles up are the suggestions that anyone who doesn't buy in to the new portable paradigm are clueless troglodytes, luddites or technophobes.

Nah, we're just happy with what we got, which ain't bad.  While the iStuff isn't (yet) up to our standards, those things have their place.  I wouldn't begrudge anyone for wanting to get into that market.  Just as long as our stuff isn't neglected as a result ... hmm, I suspect you might agree with that sentiment.  :-)
 
Cheers,
Eddie

 

mike_mccue


[speculation]
I think the iMakingMusic market is fueled by a hope that, some how, if you are so busy that you can't find any time to practice or work at your music studio, that you may be able to find time to practice or work when are busy doing something else.
[/speculation]

Selling *hope* is an old fashioned business. Any Luddite can tell you that. :-)

Zactly. - I travel a lot and in theory some iStuff could help me sketch out ideas while I am away. I practice I doubt if I would find the time.

For the record.  istuff is great for capturing ideas and for sketching out ideas.  It has made a huge difference.  I would also love to have sonar or sonar lite on my iPad so I can do stuff like editing tracks and sketching out midi ideas within songs.  I don't see mastering as an option today unless mastering is simply defined as the act of making a mix louder and wider with no thought towards sonic quality.