iPad quality

Ozzbox33

Hi Peter, Just a quick question. My duo partner has the latest iPad Pro (latest generation) which was bought recently. Currently we are using my iPad mini 5th generation for our performances through the headphone Jack into my Allen & Heath mixing desk. All my backing tracks are loaded into stagetraxx3 onto my mini iPad. I was just wondering whether you think there would be any difference in sound quality using my partners new iPad Pro instead of using my iPad mini. My duo partner is also a StageTraxx3 user. Basically, my question is: what’s your opinion on sound quality differences using different iPad technology. Thanks so much Peter. Fantastic App

Damir

Ozzbox33 best way is load the same song in to both devices and plug them in to the same mixer with all knobs in default mode , listening through the same speakers , and have a listen with your ears and see if it’s a big difference.
If not a big difference , then choose the device with the screen size that suits you better on stage.
I would bet there isn’t much difference.
Biggest quality difference is due to your original recording quality.
I am keen to find out what you discover as I use older headphone output devices and am wondering the same thing.

Ozzbox33

Damir thanks for the advice guys

jaytrax

Where possible use a usb direct into the mixing desk if available

There’s a substantial difference in quality going out of the headphone jack which is digital to analogue conversion and keeping the file in the digital domain

The overall punch and low end is very noticeable
So it doesn’t matter the model of iPad if using usb

Damir

jaytrax Where possible use a usb direct into the mixing desk if available

The problem with using digital is the length of the usb lead from the iPad to the mixer can’t be too long.

Ozzbox33

jaytrax tried this and don’t seem to get much volume. I’m no expert so I may be doing something wrong?

peter

All USB-C iPads lack a headphone jack. So the sound quality of these devices is solely dependent on the DAC or audio interface you use. If you use an audio interface, you will get identical audio quality no matter if you connect it to your iPad mini or the new iPad Pro.

I am very happy with the audio quality of the headphone jack on Apple devices. It is very high compared to for example Android tablets but running through a dedicated audio interface or directly into a digital mixer via usb will always win in regards to audio quality. The question is: can you hear a difference over a PA in an untreated room? I can't.

Ozzbox33

Damir was thinking the same thing. Tried it and not get much volume.

jaytrax

Damir you can use an active repeater

I’ve used 15m with no issues over 12 hr stress tests

My normal gig uses 5m
Have been using USB for 6+ years

Damir

jaytrax you can use an active repeater

I’ve used 15m with no issues over 12 hr stress tests

I know it’s extra tack on but have you any info on this repeater it sounds interesting.

AnthonyB

I was curious too as I may hit this problem in the future. There seems to be a bunch of them on Amazon, e.g.
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Extension-Repeater-Extender-USB2AAEXT10M/dp/B00HJZJ712
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B076C6PDNH

It would be good to know if there is a specific device/cable that people have had success with (or recommend avoiding!)

jaytrax

Here is an active repeater extension

https://amzn.eu/d/38QwoO6

Here is a 10/15m cable with built in repeater

https://amzn.eu/d/bd4DlCG