So I took the plunge and bought an iPad this summer. It's an incredible tool and I am teaching in very different (and better) ways as a result. Great music theory apps and score reading apps as well as the ability to mirror my iPad to a projector to display the apps to an entire class really makes teaching a large group much easier.
The reason for this post..I've also been using the iPad in a performance setting. (A great fake book rhythm section app called iReal b). I'm taking the headphone jack out to a mixer and it works fine, and I also have used Apple TV and an airport express ad hoc network to run the app wirelessly, but here's my issue. The Apple TV only has optical (ADAT - toslink) out. I can take the output to my RME Fireface but am looking for something small, discreet not rack mount size.
anyone familiar with any such animal. My set up is getting smaller and smaller and I'd prefer not to bring a whole rack if possible.
Thanks in advance
Phil
Comments
The optical audio output from a 2nd generation Apple TV box is 4
The optical audio output from a 2nd generation Apple TV box is 48KHz 24-bit S/PDIF (not ADAT). The Parts Express box should be happy to convert that to stereo audio at domestic levels. If you wanted to make use of the 7.1 surround sound from the Apple TV, you would either have to use the HDMI output or have a separate surround sound decoder on the optical out if the Apple TV can generate that.
BTW, the second optical input jack on the RME FireFace 800 can be switched to accept either 8-channel ADAT or 2-channel S/PDIF protocols.
Hi Bos, I'm using the hdmi for the projector in my classroom an
Hi Bos,
I'm using the hdmi for the projector in my classroom and sending the audio to my classroom stereo which has an optical input from the Apple TV.
I'm trying take the output from the Apple TV to a PA on a live gig. I really don't like coming out of the iPad with an 1/8 inch cable out of the side of the device. Too much potential for a cable to snap off. So although wireless scares me a little bit, setting up the ad hoc network has been rock solid and I'll always have the cables as a backup.
Boswell, post: 394264 wrote: BTW, the second optical input jack
Boswell, post: 394264 wrote: BTW, the second optical input jack on the RME FireFace 800 can be switched to accept either 8-channel ADAT or 2-channel S/PDIF protocols.
Good to know. Those engineers at RME have seemingly thought of everything.
Phil, do you run the live PA system in stereo?
If you're looking for a simple reliable wired backup (inexpensive is a relative term) ....
For stereo, you could use an interface like this [="http://www.markertek.com/Audio-Equipment/Audio-Signal-Conversion/Rapco/LTI-100.xhtml?LTI-100"]LTI-100[/]="http://www.markerte…"]LTI-100[/] to go straight to stereo XLR outputs.
Or for mono, you could use an interface like the [[url=http://="http://www.markerte…"]LTI-Blox[/]="http://www.markerte…"]LTI-Blox[/] with a single mono XLR output.
The tail on each devices is roughly 18" long, which should allow you to mount it near the iPad to eliminate any strain on the 1/8" jack on the iPad. There are numerous iPad stand mounts to hold it where you want it. Velcro the LTI to the back of the mount and you would be in pretty good shape.
They also make the mono [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.markerte…"]LTI-Blox G/L[/]="http://www.markerte…"]LTI-Blox G/L[/] with a Ground Lift switch. If you run the iPad on battery you would be fine without. If you anticipate ever plugging it in to power during the gig, I'd get the one with a Ground Lift just to be safe.
There's this [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.parts-express.com/p
There's this [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.parts-ex…"]little guy that converts Toslink or SPDIF to stereo analog RCA[/]="http://www.parts-ex…"]little guy that converts Toslink or SPDIF to stereo analog RCA[/] - if unbalanced -10 works for you.
Cheap and small - can't say I've heard one, but it gets good customer reviews.
And be aware that your Fireface probably won't do the job. Not all Toslink / optical protocols are the same. ADAT Toslink is 8-channel, normal Toslink format like the Apple TV is of the 2-channel variety.