Ipad as multitimbral sound module for live playing. Are we there yet?

[Daniel Drummond]

I'm considering switching from hardware synths to an 88 keys synth + ipad. Will I be able to run it as if I were using mainstage or brainspawn forte? I'd need to do all sorts of layers and splits and also trigger ocasional samples (classic and prog rock band). It seems a lot more portable them using a notebook + interface. Are we there yet?

[chris...]

It seems a lot more portable them using a notebook + interface.

That's not a like-for-like comparison.

You might want to get an audio interface for the iPad (making it less portable). However, if you're happy to use the iPad's own audio out, then I guess you'd be equally happy using the built-in audio out on a decent laptop (making it more portable).

[Daniel Drummond]

For live usage I'd have no problem with the standard output quality. The problem with built-in notebook audio is high latency. I'm aware of asio4all which helps but I'd rather not have a notebook on stage.

[MarkOne]

I don't believe there's any way to do splits or layers with the iPad (not with the Garageband instruments anyway) Maybe one day Apple will do some sort of port of MainStage to the iPad.. that would be nice.

[Daniel Drummond]

Sample tank allows you to do that but I need to able to use different soft synths together, changing patches simultaneously on all of them etc

[RoadieChauffeur]

Why not a MacBook Air? Just about the same level of portability as an iPad (especially the little one), with full software support. As has been mentioned the choice of interface/built in output is the same either way, and it will meet your requirements with great flexibility. Bit more expensive though.

[chris...]

And the built-in output latency will be fine.

( kinda what I meant earlier by "decent" laptop )

[MikeyParent]

Zombie thread bump (rather than create my own new one).

I am back into playing - or am about to be I think - and am keenly interested in using my midi controllers coupled with an iPad for gigging.

Is anyone here doing this and willing to share their experiences?