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Review Summary
The iXR is a very portable audio MIDI interface that can be connected directly to an iPad with the lightning cable that usually comes with an iOS device. The great thing about an iPad is how easy it is to take anywhere. The iXR adopts this concept and offers possibilities for new styles of music creation. The slim design without sharp edges or protuberances and the use of rolled aluminum lead to a tough body that can withstand being banged around when carried. The jacks on the front are protected by guards, while the jacks on the back are recessed in the surface, so you can carry this unit without worrying about damaging the jacks and other parts.
TM-60 condenser mic (powered by a battery)
TM-60 accessory kit (case, stand, cable and windscreen)
Protective silicon case for iXR
Connect to an iOS device and create music without a computer
With MFi certification from Apple, direct connection is possible without a Lightning-USB camera adapter
The iXR has been certified by the MFi (Made For iPhone/iPad/iPod) program that Apple Inc. uses to certify accessories for iOS device. Without this certification, an error message could appear when connected. There is no worry of this with an iXR. You can connect directly with just the Lightning-USB cable you already use.
A free settings app for iOS is available that also enables system upgrades without needing a computer
Ordinary audio interfaces must be connected to a computer to make settings and upgrade the system. A dedicated iOS settings app has been prepared so settings can be made even without a computer. Version upgrades can also be conducted after the iOS device connects automatically to the Internet and gets the necessary data.
MIDI keyboards can be connected to iOS devices using its MIDI input and output
The MIDI input and output connectors on the back of the unit enable connection with keyboards and other MIDI devices. This allows you to connect a MIDI keyboard to use for input when creating music and to play sound sources on an iPhone, for example. You can also use these connections to synchronize operation with other devices.
License included to remove restrictions from the Steinberg Cubasis LE DAW for iPad
A free demo version of the Steinberg Cubasis LE DAW for iPad can be downloaded from the App Store. The iXR includes a license to remove restrictions from Cubasis LE. By connecting the iXR, the restrictions will be removed, allowing various functions to be used.
Tough and stylish aluminum body
Only 35 mm high compact enough to pack with an iPad mini
As one of the thinnest audio interfaces with built-in XLR jacks, you can put the iXR in a bag and carry around. About the same size as an iPad mini, it does not detract from portability when carried with an iOS device.
Aluminum body is both elegant and tough
The body is made of a single piece of thick rolled aluminum which is resistant to external impacts. Recessing the jacks on the back creates a flat design without protuberances. The knobs and other items on the front are protected by left and right guards. Outstanding portability has been achieved compared to conventional box-shaped desktop audio interfaces.
Various types of power supply supported
Power supply is also important for producing high-quality audio. When connected to an iPad, an external power supply is used to power the iXR instead of the iPad battery. Power can be supplied using the iOS device AC adapter as is. When AC power is not available, though, you can use an iOS device mobile battery or TASCAM genuine BP-6AA external battery pack. Use an AC adapter or mobile battery that can supply at least 5 V and 700 mA current.
Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide clear sound with low noise
Discrete construction achieves a noise level of -125 dBu
The Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps used on the iXR feature a discrete construction. They have a higher number of components and are far removed from mass-produced preamps. Their EIN (equivalent input noise) rating, which measures the absence of noise, is as low as -125 dBu. Including other specifications, the iXR achieves an extremely high level of audio performance overall. Parts have been selected through listening tests for balanced audio performance and audio quality at a high level. The NE5532A op-amps employed have an established reputation used in professional equipment.
XLR/TRS jacks for mics, synthesizers and other equipment
Since the XLR/TRS inputs can supply 48 V phantom power, you can use any condenser mic with them. A wide input gain setting range of 57 dB enables sufficient level even when dynamic mics are connected. The TRS input jacks support balanced connections, which are less susceptible to noise. Balanced connections are possible with synthesizers, multi-effectors and other equipment that supports balanced signal output.
Guitars can be input directly
Direct input from the guitar is necessary to use guitar effect plug-ins in a DAW. Use either input on the iXR to connect your guitar directly, then you can use commercial plug-in effects to craft tones.
Audio interface with a simple and easy-to-understand design
Support for high-resolution recording formats up to 96 kHz and 24 bits
The iXR support recording formats up to 96 kHz at 24 bits, which far exceeds CD quality (44.1 kHz, 16 bits). This means you can use this interface even to record with superior high-resolution formats. Of course, the Ultra-HDDA mic preamps also enable recording with CD quality. The lower-resolution format also uses less data capacity, so its burden on the recording device is lower.
Zero-latency direct monitoring function
Musicians need to be able to hear their own performances when recording. Latency is a problem at these times, so direct monitoring is used to listen to the input signal before it is sent to the computer. This makes stress-free performance possible with sound that has absolutely no delay.
Separate controls for line and headphones output levels
The level controls of the line and headphones outputs are separate, so even when both powered monitors and headphones are connected to the unit, you can set their levels optimally when making music.
Windows and Mac are also supported
ASIO and WDM supported on Windows computers
ASIO and WDM are supported when connected to a Windows computer. In addition to music creation software, the iXR can also output other Windows playback sound including from video and audio. Dedicated software has been prepared that you can use to make detailed settings. When you install the dedicated software, the driver necessary to connect Windows will also be installed automatically.
Core audio supported on Mac computers
Core Audio and Core MIDI are supported when connected to a Mac computer. In addition to music creation software, the iXR can also output other Mac playback sound including from video and audio. Dedicated software has been prepared that you can use to make detailed settings. Core Audio is used when connected to a Mac, so no dedicated driver is necessary.
License included for Steinberg Cubase LE
A license is included for the DAW software Cubase LE 8, which can be used with both Mac and Windows. It supports 24 MIDI tracks, eight instrument tracks, 16 audio tracks and eight audio inputs (up to 96 kHz at 24 bits). This DAW also includes the HALion Sonic SE 2 VST instrument.
Audio interface features
Audio/MIDI interface for iOS, MacOS and Windows
Support for high-resolution recording formats up to 96 kHz and 24 bits
MFi certified for direct connection with iOS devices
Supports Windows (ASIO/WDM) and Mac (Core Audio)
USB 2.0 computer connection
Compliant with USB audio 2.0
Support for multiple power sources:
Tascam PS-P520E AC adapter
Tascam BP-6AA external battery
Apple AC adapter
Mobile battery with micro-USB output
Bus power when connected to a computer
Operation confirmed with major DAW software (Sonar, ProTools, Cubase, Live, Studio One and GarageBand)
Hardware features
Two Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps
Balanced XLR/TRS input jacks that can provide +48V phantom power
Supports direct guitar input
Wide input gain range of 57 dB for dynamic and condenser microphones
Zero-latency direct monitoring
Two balanced analogue TRS output jacks suitable for connection to powered monitors
Headphone output mini jack
Separate controls for line and headphones output
MIDI input and output enable connection with keyboards and other MIDI devices
Software features
Direct monitoring Mono/Stereo switching
Line output signal selectable between Monitor and Computer
Input mute function can eliminate noise from unused channels
Firmware can be updated from an iOS device
Other features
Solid aluminum body
Guards that protect knobs during transportation
License included to remove restrictions from Steinberg Cubasis LE demo version
Steinberg Cubase LE 8 license card included
TM-60 (included with TRACKPACK iXR only)
Back electret condenser microphone
Cardioid pattern (unidirectional)
Powered with one AA battery (phantom power not required)
Included accessories: XLR mic