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iPad Pro 2018 iPad Pro headphone jack solution?

ImAliveUK

ImAliveUK

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 30, 2007
75
0
Kings Cross, London UK
Hi there!

I find it amazing that Apple has taken away the headphone jack when they market the iPad Pro as a content creation device (music/videos).

The issue I’m having is when I’m recording music/vocals - I have no way to monitor the vocals while I’m recording, as Bluetooth headphones have a minor time delay.

Has anyone found a dongle that has a 3.5 headphone jack and a USB port that actually works?
 
ImAliveUK said:
Hi there!

I find it amazing that Apple has taken away the headphone jack when they market the iPad Pro as a content creation device (music/videos).

The issue I’m having is when I’m recording music/vocals - I have no way to monitor the vocals while I’m recording, as Bluetooth headphones have a minor time delay.

Has anyone found a dongle that has a 3.5 headphone jack and a USB port that actually works?
Click to expand...
Hi, how are you recording your music/vocals?
 
Since you are using 2018 iPad Pro, go and grab a USB-C hub that has headphone jack or a DAC with headphone jack and USB-C port to support your needs. The iOS driver support can be extremely limited, but still worth trying.
 
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I use my Yamaha mixer with USB connectivity that I use for audio I/O on the latest iPad Pro. Probably overkill for your uses, but thought I’d mention. Happened to have one that runs my PA.
 
Shirasaki said:
The iOS driver support can be extremely limited, but still worth trying.
Click to expand...

Just so you know, this is not really true. If a DAC or USB audio interface "just works" on you mac, then it will also work on the iPad. There are dozens of USB interfaces that will work great.

You just have to sort out a few things:
  1. "Class Compliant" audio over USB is the technical term for "it just works". You MUST use an audio interface that has this feature, which allows iOS internal drivers to properly interact with the interface. If the device says it requires a driver then it wont work with iPad.
  2. Power for the iPad - any good quality USB-C hub with Power Delivery should keep your iPad powered
  3. power for your USB interface - the USB hub needs to send enough power over USB, or just buy an audio interface that has its own power supply.
  4. iOS has ZERO Settings adjustments for external audio devices. So the audio interface default settings will be used. Or some devices can be configured on a laptop, and it will carry over the class-compliant settings when you use it with iPad.
  5. The only setting that is variable is the audio buffer frame rate or latency. iOS determines this by the first app that uses audio after a re-boot. So power down, power up, open your recording app, then set audio buffer in the app. AFTER all that, plug in your external audio hardware. It will work every time.

also @ImAliveUK you must have some of this sorted if you are successfully using a SM58 for recording. What interface do you plug the SM58 into? Does it not have headphone out? IF not, you are not going to be able to get another little USB headphone dongle to plug in next to the USB interface that the SM58 is using. iOS does not know how to handle 2 USB audio interfaces simultaneously. iOS picks the first one you plug in and ignores any others.
 
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ImAliveUK said:
Using a SM58 mic via a USB hub. So I need the USB input and also a headphone jack. I’ve actually tried two different ones out that I got from Amazon and they just don’t work. Weird.
Click to expand...
So you already have a USB hub. The cheapest solution is a usb thumb drive that has headphone jack. I have several, some cost around 5 bucks, but if you want good quality something like this is like a mini plug and play audio interface https://www.amazon.co.uk/Terratec-A...REON+DUAL+USB&qid=1565734742&s=gateway&sr=8-1
I works with no issues on an ipad pro 11 plugged to a USB C hub
If you want a cheap one, with acceptable sound this could do the trick https://www.amazon.co.uk/TeckNet-Ex...B+2.0+Adapter&qid=1565734785&s=gateway&sr=8-4
 
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Digitalguy said:
So you already have a USB hub. The cheapest solution is a usb thumb drive that has headphone jack.
Click to expand...
Yeah, don't try this; plugging in a second USB audio device with a headphone adapter will not help the situation. My post above mentions why. more details below.

ImAliveUK said:
Using a SM58 mic via a USB hub. So I need the USB input and also a headphone jack. I’ve actually tried two different ones out that I got from Amazon and they just don’t work. Weird.
Click to expand...
I missed this info when I replied yesterday. The problem is you are trying to use 2 separate USB audio interfaces at the same time. One for the SM58 and one for the headphone jack. This just won't work. iOS recognizes the first one you plug in and then ignores any others. The two USB to headphone adapters you've tried actually might be fine. Do they work on a PC or mac? The problem is that you've already plugged in your SM58 mic to another audio interface. Is it a USB interface that doesn't have a headphone jack? Whatever it is, the first USB audio interface you plug in to your USB hub will be the only device that iOS routes audio to/from the iPad.

The solution is that you need a single audio interface that has both a xlr input for your mic and a headphone jack for monitoring the recording.
 
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ImAliveUK said:
Using a SM58 mic via a USB hub. So I need the USB input and also a headphone jack. I’ve actually tried two different ones out that I got from Amazon and they just don’t work. Weird.
Click to expand...

I’m certain my recording setup isn’t on the same level as yours. My recording/audio/video needs are pretty simple. I use a Blue Raspberry mic for recording on my 2018 iPad Pro. It has 3.5mm headphone jack on it that I use for a monitor. When I edit audio/video I use Apples USB-C to 3.5 adapter.

Again, my mixing needs are pretty simple. I have AirPods as well and there’s not really a huge audio delay. Certainly not any that messes up my ability to edit.

I think most of us that like the 3.5 jack are fighting a losing battle. The future is against us.
 
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