List Price: $199.99
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- High-quality award-winning Focusrite microphone input
- Compatible with iPad, Mac OS X and Windows
- Directly connect your microphone or instrument
- Aluminum unibody case
- Signal halos for level and clip indication
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I wanted to find a device that let me record easily when at a gig, or just in my office. I did a LOT of research into devices that were USB only, even other ones that Focusrite sold. The main reason I picked this one was its versatility in being both iPad and USB compatible.The complaints about the iPad connector cable are valid it's too stiff and short. I feel like I might accidently break it off if I'm not too careful. Why it uses a proprietary connector on the back of the unit, I'll never know. To combat the included 30-pin cable I bought a $10 3ft 30-pin extension cable, which seems to do the job nicely. The GarageBand software on the iPad is simple enough to use, and while it can only record one of the 2 input channels at a time, that's fine for what I expected. To record from a live sound-board, I just use the XLR input, set the gain (with the awesome colored halo ring), and save the recording as a mono track.
Being small and solidly built, I've got no problem tossing this in the milk-crate with the rest of my cables and peddles.
In regards to how it records when plugging into a computer via USB (an iMac in this case), it's even better than I expected. The GarageBand software on the Mac does have the ability to record both input channels at the time time. The on-board monitor volume and headphone is fantastic. I thought it only would play back what was being input at that moment, but it does more than that. It's a real monitor (the GarageBand software recognizes it's the monitor output), and when you have a multi-track recording that you're working on, the software allows you to pass back other tracks from the computer while recording a new track.
For example, I recorded a track with just the guitar (track 1), I was using the 1/4" input channel, and laid down that track. Then I created a second guitar track and recorded a second guitar part (headphones plugged into iTrack Solo) and I was able to hear both the current track I was recording, and the first track. Lastly, I plugged in a mic into the first input, and created a 3rd vocal only track. When I was singing, I was able to hear both guitar parts with the headphones still plugged into the iTrack Solo as well as my vocals recording in real-time. I wasn't expecting this level of capability, and was very impressed by the lack of any noticeable latency in both the backing tracks and the vocals I was recording with all 3 going at the same time.
The last thing I want to mention is the XLR pre-amp. Focusrite has been making high-end professional recording equipment for a long time, and the thing they're most well-known for is the mic pre-amp. I have to say, it is spectacular. There is absolutely no noise (no hiss, or clicks) of any kind. The gain staging nobs with the color halos make it so easy to setup, it's almost too easy. The sound it captures is exactly what you expect, and you'll notice right away if you're using a low quality microphone. It definitely stands up to their reputation. Having 48v phantom power to use those top dollar condenser mics is also a really nice thing to have. The demos on their website show how simple it is to use. Once you start playing with it, you'll realize it is a really nice tool for a solo artist, or someone who wants high portability, but great sound quality.
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When I got this item I was excited at the possibilities of using with my iPad and Garage Band. It does work, and it deserves at least two stars for that, but the build quality could be better. For example, XLR connector is made from cheap plastic, and integrated into motherboard and not mounted to chassis. So the workaround there is to be uber careful plugging in mics or guitars.The unit is small and compact, and does sound good, but here's the troublesome aspect of the unit: the connector cable from the back of the interface, going into the iPad measures only 5 inches, and is built using a right angle plug, which means that you have to literally mount your iPad facing away from the interface. The other end of this tiny cable uses some proprietary connector so, you can't use your cable that comes with the iPad (that would be too easy).
Sure I could buy an extension cable that costs $22, but why? For $159 plus shipping Focusrite's design team should've given us something that is truly functional.
Save your dough.
Read Best Reviews of Focusrite iTrack Solo USB Audio Interface Here
I love this thing. Really I do! It's such a great little interface that is easily portable and doesn't take up a ton of room on my desk. I do however, agree with the other reviewer about the ridiculous length of the iTrack cable. I mean really, why the heck did they make it so short? That being said, I certainly wouldn't let that stop you from buying it. It's so easy to use and it works on your MAC or PC, as well as the iPad. It works great with Garageband, but will work with other software as well. It has two channels, one for guitar, and one for vocals. The vocal channel has phantom power for your mics. The gain control is also well done, by using a ring of light around the gain controls that go from green to red if it goes to high. I've noticed when using a guitar with active pups, you have to keep it pretty low. it has a jack for headphones but you can also connect monitors as well. It's really a useful little gadget and for the price I think it really packs a lot into it. Now if they would just come out with a longer cable it'd be 5 star worthy!Want Focusrite iTrack Solo USB Audio Interface Discount?
I use this for demos and am pleased to be able to use my studio mic with Garage Band. Sounds amazing and easy to use. Perfect for on the road recording!
I have a iMac 27, iPhone 5 and iPad 4. It's easy to connect and my ios devices recognized it instantly.
It works perfectly with Garageband.
Sound is super clear.
I even connected the audio output to my M-audio BX5A monitor, the sound is amazing clean.
I highly recommend this to all musicians who have an iOS, such as ipad, iphone or Mac.
I am sure, it's also compatible with PC or windows users.
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