With the introduction of Apple’s New iPad I have a feeling personal computing is about to change… for everyone.
But how will this device figure into an Audio Engineer’s work flow? For Live AND Recording? Well… Who knows.
But of course, one can always speculate.
The iPad – The iPad for Live Sound – The iPad for Recording – The End
Lets take a look at the device…
The iPad
- 9.7 Inch Screen w/ Multi Touch @ 1024 x 768 Pixels
- 1 gHz Apple A4 Processor
- 16, 32 or 64 GB Storage
- Souped up iPhone OS
- Dock Connector (i.e. iPod or iPhone Dock)
- 1/8th Inch Headphone Jack
- Connections: Dock Connector, 3.5mm Out
Anything the iPhone Does, I Can Do Better (except phone calls)
Now the iPad uses a modified version of the iPhone OS… So any Application that you can download purchase whatnot for the iPhone, you can use on the iPad too.
Yes, This opens up recording apps, synths, RTAs (!), Noise and Tone Generators, ect ect ect.
Audio In, Out, Thru
The iPad will have a Microphone… That much is known. But an iPhone like audio in (for microphones) via the headphone adapter? Only time will tell… But there’s another solution!
The Dock connector offers USB device functionality (although it’s not used yet) as well as audio in and out. So devices like the Blue Mikey, or yet to be release iPhone/iPod touch audio interfaces can get audio in and out.
The Screen
9.7 Inch Screen. Worlds bigger than an iPhone/iPod touch, but not quite a Macbook. But what you have to remember is your App takes up your WHOLE screen. No applications nagging you in the background, and no dock or start menu. The WHOLE screen. With a stylus, you can be just as accurate as you can be with a mouse.
Applications
Lets keep going and take a look at possible (and known) applications of the iPad for Audio Engineers…
The iPad - The iPad for Live Sound - The iPad for Recording - The End
Based in Upstate New York, Mike Schoonmaker is a Touring Audio Engineer and/or Tour Manager. 
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