Digital boards with iPad control

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Brian jojade

Senior
Jan 15, 2011
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Wausau, WI
www.happymacshop.com
Are there any digital boards out there that offer full iPad control? The Presonus SL-Remote app for the Studio Live is an awesome looking app, but the reliability has been pretty pathetic. Even on brand new hardware dedicated network with no wifi interference, the app constantly loses connection. And then sometimes the board decides to revert to the levels of the sliders, even after adjusted from the iPad. It's neat for a demo, but you can't rely on it to mix from.

I see that the Yamaha boards have direct iPad interfaces available, but they are limited to basic level adjustments from what I've read. The advantage is that it's direct connect, not through an attached PC. I like that. Anyway, any consoles in the midrange, 16 channel variety that have iPad control, or have that on the roadmap? The A&H iLive system is just a wee bit overkill for this, although their app looks pretty impressive.
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

The 16-channel Allen & Heath iDR16 (the 16 channel mixrack only) is barely more money than a Studiolive 24.4.2. Of course, you will only have the iPad app or a computer to mix from, but from what I've read and seen, that could be perfectly OK for some users.

Also note that the A&H app is direct connect over the network.

Virtually any board with a computer-based control app could be used with an iPad; you'd just remote desktop or VNC the computer instead of dealing with a dedicated app. It all comes down to what you really need and how much you want to spend.
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

The iLive is a great system, but I wouldn't consider the iPad app as a primary method of control. A laptop or other computer would still be required for system setup and several other functions (FX parameters).

I also don't consider the iPad app to be stable enough to rely on for critical tasks. A PC is a definite requirement to be used in conjunction with the iPad.
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

An iPad only mix solution would be out of the question. The iPad for mixing is for convenience only. With the Presonus, it works sort of, but not enough for any live work.

VNC control is NOT what I'm looking for. That's a half assed solution at best. Like I said, the app that Presonus put together is pretty nice. Multi-touch, rotating screen for detail, etc, are great design elements. The reliability just isn't there. And the board's apparent habit to relocate to the fader positions on its own isn't all that fun. :(
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

Brian jojade said:
An iPad only mix solution would be out of the question. The iPad for mixing is for convenience only. With the Presonus, it works sort of, but not enough for any live work.

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Sorry to hear that you've unable to make the system work for you. The folks around here who initially experienced the "difficulties" you're having have, through persistent effort and support from their dealers, been able to achieve reliability. Given the ability of other users to get it to work I'd say you should keep trying. It will work....maybe not easily or out of the box, but if others have had success, so should you......with patience and persistence.

I remember your other post(s) with StudioLive issues. I trust they were resolved, otherwise this posting would not exist. There is a good chance that it's your issue, not the product....at least in the sense that the product is capable of the level of operation you seek but that extra effort on your (or any other users) part may be required.

I, too, am frustrated by the amount of work it takes to achieve the remote control. It sucks. But it's more my fault than the product. Or both equally.

Better luck in the future and keep trying.
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

I've had no issues w/ the 24, a Macbook, Netgear wireless router and an Ipad2 after several shows.
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

The Stagemix for Yamaha works great for me... but... I rarely have to access the features that it's doesn't have control over. The bands that I work are pretty dialed in on the desk as far as they sounds go- so it's a push fader gig. I've lost network connection about 4 times in the 3 months that I have been using it.
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

Why does it have to be an iPad?

I'd be happy for an Android app that would work on any tablet/phone hardware. And I refuse to drink the Cupertino Coolaide, so an iPad is a non-starter unless the benefit was so significant and could not be realized with other hardware.
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

Tim McCulloch said:
Why does it have to be an iPad?

I'd be happy for an Android app that would work on any tablet/phone hardware. And I refuse to drink the Cupertino Coolaide, so an iPad is a non-starter unless the benefit was so significant and could not be realized with other hardware.
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Not using the available tools because you don't want to "drink the Cupertino Coolaide" seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face. There are not that many Android tablets in the hands of users (<2 million) to temp developers to rewrite their existing iPad (>50 million) software, and the varieties of Android complicates the issue.

I doubt you would be antagonistic to a $500 dedicated wireless controller for an expensive digital console, why not an iPad that is a $500 general purpose remote controller that can also keep your patch sheets and pdf manuals, and movies to watch during boring festivals?

Mac
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

mackerr said:
........ movies to watch during boring festivals.........

Mac
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I prefer the movie around me (even if the acts are boring) to the ones on the little screen. There are always plenty of people to watch.......and some that bear keeping a close eye on.

Of course if the crowd gets bored and leaves, then all bets are off.
 
Re: Digital boards with iPad control

We use 3 different ipads with our iLiveT system(2 for monitor usage). I don't depend on it 100% but, It it works pretty well as long as you have a good router(not consumer). The app is very responsive you see the console react right away. Some things it does not give you is access to scenes, shows and routing (and for some strange reason panning of aux sends...) You still need an editor or console for that.
 
mackerr said:
Not using the available tools because you don't want to "drink the Cupertino Coolaide" seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face. There are not that many Android tablets in the hands of users (<2 million) to temp developers to rewrite their existing iPad (>50 million) software, and the varieties of Android complicates the issue.

I doubt you would be antagonistic to a $500 dedicated wireless controller for an expensive digital console, why not an iPad that is a $500 general purpose remote controller that can also keep your patch sheets and pdf manuals, and movies to watch during boring festivals?

Mac
Click to expand...

+1 ... For the price, I would have purchased whatever hardware Yamaha decided to bring the LS9 app to market on... The added features the iPad offers beyond remote control of my console, makes it an extremely useful tool on gigs. Right now I am running a panel discussion on a gig, and am using my iPad to catch up on email, play break music, read a book and enjoy this forum.

As a side note, I have done multiple panel discussions in the past with actual app developers talking about their development processes... None of those who I have worked with have shown any real interest at all in developing for a platform that is as variable as android is in the UI. Simple things like screen sizes, keyboard & entry variations between hardware etc just seems to be an incredible headache compared to iOS development and the support & tools that apple provides to developers.

Simple things, like being able to find/buy/borrow an iPhone or iPad charger almost anywhere now also makes it an incredibly attractive tool for those who travel like we do.
 
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