TUTORIAL: AC-7Pro & iPad/iPhone for DP 6.02 through 7.12!!

[James Steele]

James, thank you so much for your fantastically clear instructions. Followed them and straight away my ipad was controlling DP. Will have to read up on the other function buttons to see how they work but it's very exciting!

I think I'll be the only one in Australia using this when I get back next week...seeing as they're not even on sale there until end of May.

By the way, if it's working well for you with DP, do leave a review at the App Store to that effect. I know Colin would appreciate it.

[williemyers]

James,
((apologies if this has been asked and answered ))

I wonder if this app (or even an iPad, for that matter) could be used using an "Apple Dock Connector -> USB" cable, thereby eliminating wireless alltogether?

[James Steele]

James,
((apologies if this has been asked and answered ))

I wonder if this app (or even an iPad, for that matter) could be used using an "Apple Dock Connector -> USB" cable, thereby eliminating wireless alltogether?

I asked Colin about that and he said that as of now the iPad SDK does not support USB so unfortunately he cannot make the AC-7 Pro communicate with DP via USB.

[James Steele]

FYI, Colin updated AC-7 Pro to Version 1.01. More improvements including MUCH more responsive jog wheel, and more responsive faders. Also track names are easier to read. Jog weel or Zoom Buttons state is retained so next launch has controls that were present last time the app was closed. Good stuff!

[williemyers]

James,
((apologies if this has been asked and answered ))

I wonder if this app (or even an iPad, for that matter) could be used using an "Apple Dock Connector -> USB" cable, thereby eliminating wireless alltogether?

I asked Colin about that and he said that as of now the iPad SDK does not support USB so unfortunately he cannot make the AC-7 Pro communicate with DP via USB.

James, thanks for checking that...

[jnunally]

Okay... everyone... I've finally finished the tutorial for using the AC-7 Pro on the iPad and AC7 on the iPhone with Digital Performer. This explains how you can now use it reliably on not just DP 7.11 but all versions from DP 6.02 onward thanks to Kelly Jacklin's bridging app. This app also benefits 7.11 as it handles the MidiPipe chores and will autolaunch DSMidiWiFi as well as autolaunch Digital Performer. Further when you quit the bridge app it quits DSMidiWifi for you.

For now here's a link to the PDF. Tutorial is posted in message form below.

http://www.jamessteele.com/DP-AC7Pro-Setup-Tutorial.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Enjoy and go get yourself the iPhone app if for no reason than to play around with it. It's plenty of fun for 6 bucks if you already have an iPhone.

Also, keep in mind that Colin at Saitara just recently took delivery on an iPad (he had to test previously on a software emulator) and is going to be really on top of making bug fixes and improvements now. So try to be patient if you find some issues. If you do, I'm sure he'll be happy to get reports. You can contact him through his website:

http://www.saitarasoftware.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks.

James,
Thanks so very much for posting all this information. I used to help me set up my iPod Touch with DP 6.03.

While there are certain transport and fader functions that work. I am finding there are a lot of buttons, like all the automation (write, latch, read) don't work.

When I initially launched everything, the faders didn't update on the iPod screen. I did a relaunch, now the faders are updating.

I have it set to DP mode on the iPod.

I have written to tech support, we'll see what happens.

Thanks again James. You are doing the MOTU world a incredible service.

Regards,

Jim

DP6.03 on Macbook 2.0GHZ SL 10.6.3

[James Steele]

James,
Thanks so very much for posting all this information. I used to help me set up my iPod Touch with DP 6.03.

While there are certain transport and fader functions that work. I am finding there are a lot of buttons, like all the automation (write, latch, read) don't work.

When I initially launched everything, the faders didn't update on the iPod screen. I did a relaunch, now the faders are updating.

I have it set to DP mode on the iPod.

I have written to tech support, we'll see what happens.

Thanks again James. You are doing the MOTU world a incredible service.

Not a problem.

First, I don't doubt that some of the buttons don't work. Colin is working on the apps and fixing bugs. It was only very recently that he's been able to test properly with DP. Also, his iPad app is more current than the iPhone/iPod Touch app.

Second, make sure you have followed the instructions and setup for Internet Sharing or a Computer-to-Computer network. This will make a MAJOR difference in how well it works. If you have both your iPod Touch and your Mac connected via a wireless router, your performance will likely be poor.

That said, I've only gotten around to testing the actual functions and such with this. Some things definitely do need work and your feedback to Colin will be helpful.

[mikod]

James you are my hero! I got an ipad on launch day, the AC-7 was the clincher for me, (and netflix!) However, when I got home that day fired it up followed the instructions it didn't work! I was using DP6, and was I pissed off, I tried for the next 3 days to get it working, no luck! (I didn't see your post until today). I upgraded to DP 7.11 and found your instructions, and it freakin works!!! I reviewed the app in the app store and I plan on sending the author a email.

Now I have a few questions:

Do the function buttons work correctly, and if so, can we get a short tutorial about how to use them in a sane workflow!!

The Jog wheel, for the life of me I cant get this to work (mind you I have been using DP6 and just upgraded to 7 today)

On audio tracks, will I be able to adjust what ever plugin is on the track via AC-7 (I was going to buy a SAK or HUI today but gave this one more shot, you saved me much money, I mean a 10 dollar HUI!!)

I am not much on automation, I try to work smarter not harder, however, is the automation reliable on the AC-7? I own a Frontier Alphatrack and have no problems with automation, it did surprise me when I had a track selected and the same track was on the Frontier and the AC-7 moved that. SIDE NOTE, the fader throw on the AC-7 seems to be shorter than the Frontier, should I be concerned?)

Ok thats it, thank you so much again.

miko

[mikod]

One last question: is there any way to see the v-rack in AC-7? The way I write I usually group all of my virtual instruments in the v- rack, and most times the volume/pan cannot be controlled by the seq fader, and you must use the v-rack fader.

Thanks in advance.

Miko

[James Steele]

I attempted to answer your post in more detail but am late for something and had to stop and just type this and run out the door. That should help maybe answer your question about me doing more tutorials for a while. I'm not anybody's employee, just a guy like you who is a user. It was a lot of work just getting the set up tutorial done.

[mikod]

No problems James, I totally understand, if I was out of line for asking, my bad! I appreciate all you have done! Hey who knows maybe on of the members may step up or we could do a collaboration type of thing.

Thanks again

[James Steele]

Not out of line-- just super busy today. You should have a jog wheel working. You just need to press the button next to the wheel to make it work

[cloudsplitter]

OK, I got my I-pad working with the app, I also have a mackie control surface and the app runs it at the same time..which is kind of cool. The only thing I found a little disconcerting is there is no "return to zero" on the rewind...it either goes real slow by single tapping or a little faster double tapping...am I missing something..??

[James Steele]

OK, I got my I-pad working with the app, I also have a mackie control surface and the app runs it at the same time..which is kind of cool. The only thing I found a little disconcerting is there is no "return to zero" on the rewind...it either goes real slow by single tapping or a little faster double tapping...am I missing something..??

There's a dedicated RTZ button near the jog wheel. Also you can press the Marker button near the RTZ button and while it is lit the FWD and RWD buttons will jump to markers.

[cloudsplitter]

Hmmmm...on my I-pad there is no return to zero button....?? there is just a "switch to curser" button on the lower left hand side. This is the new I-pad 3-g version that just came out friday, I don't know if they are significantly different than the ones that came out a few weeks ago or not.