MOTU Audio Express with the iPad

[earbrain]

I've been trying to get my new iPad to recognize the Audio Express for audio and/or MIDI using the Apple camera connection kit and a recommended USB hub, but all I get is the message that my USB device is not compatible. I've tried everything. I can't find anything on compatibility here or elsewhere. Are MOTU interfaces just completely incompatible with iOS, iPads and iPhones, or is there some secret to getting them to work?

[bralston]

I can't imagine how that would work at this point. The hardware needs drivers installed to communicate with an OS and there is no way to do that in iOS without having it built unit the app that would be attempting to use the device. It is a closed system without the ability to really do that kind of thing without devices being made specifically for it.

[Shooshie]

Most devices require the installation of a driver in order to use them. Not familiar with the hardware you mentioned, but all of my MOTU boxes require drivers, and those are usually very specifically written for a particular OS and version. When MOTU puts out drivers for the iPad, then they will work for the iPad.

Meanwhile, if you want a simple audio interface for the iPad, I'm sure there are some out there. My Blue Yeti Pro microphone functions as an interface when it's plugged in, with a headphone jack and volume control knobs, as well as a mute button, not to mention its stereo mic. Works like a champ with Auria, PSP's fantastic new DAW for the iPad.

Shooshie

[earbrain]

There is this Web site: http://iosmidi.com/devices/

It lists various devices that work, but they're mostly just MIDI, although there are some audio interfaces. The site says that if a device is "class compliant," it should work with USB without drivers.

[jacosmar]

I've written a techlink, their answer is "send a suggestion", so I've sent two… No answer. I don't think an iOS driver is too much to ask. If they just said "no way" I'd look somewhere else. That's sad…

[James Steele]

The older MOTU interfaces are likely not class compliant. I recently acquired an older version of the Micro Express MIDI interface for installation in my guitar effects rack and tried connecting my iPad with the Camera Connection Kit and it was a no-go. I suspect, however, that the newer version is class compliant. I'm tempted to get a new one for that reason, but I got a killer deal on the used one and iOS compatibility really isn't mandatory for what I'm using it for.

[mikehalloran]

The site says that if a device is "class compliant," it should work with USB without drivers.

Since it won't work on a Mac or PC without USB drivers, I believe that answers all questions about "class compliance"

The answer is No.