Nord User Forum

Hi guys,
Having had a small number of sample memory on my NS3 got some thoughts using Ipad (along with AUM ios mixer for sample sequences and synth instruments.)

Just wondering how stable it is on stage or is it better to use hardware like MASCHINE + or Akai MPC Live.

Cheers!

Ultra stable and plenty of good apps to use (including fully fledged DAWs like Cubasis or Roland Zenbeat or even just GarageBand for "basic" needs), using an iPad as a MIDI expander is by now a mature solution, can be recommended.

MIDI connection e.g via Yamaha Bluetooth connector MD-BT01.
In my setup I'm using my iPhone, works perfectly.

I think this is a timely topic, as I am well down this road. I can share my experiences?

My motivation is wanting access to realistic sounds (horns, strings, woodwinds, etc.) that are tough to get from the Nords. And it's working pretty well. I'm also having fun with all the other great-sounding instruments available (Moog Model D, Hammond B3X, etc.). There are some fascinating instruments out there that you can give a whirl for not much invested.

I use AUM as a host for several instruments as well as effects and whatnot. I am finding it stable for the most part, the underlying AUv3 modules vary widely in stability, recoverability, etc. I use a small Tascam USB interface w/midi to get sounds in and out of my iPad. I tried with bluetooth and the latency wasn't working for me. I also found that sounds generated by the USB interface sounded a bit better than what was coming out of the headphone.

Add a powered USB hub and that's my new rig

I am focusing on the SWAM iOS instruments (trumpet for now) as they're the first ones that sound realistic enough to my ears that they'd fool people enough. Woodwinds and strings to follow. The key to getting the full expressiveness of these instruments is to have a realtime XYZ midi controller driving expression, vibrato and flutter/growl. Simple aftertouch or mod wheel isn't nearly as good.

Last week I found an easy way to turn an iPhone 8+ into a very powerful XYZ midi controller, connected via bluetooth (latency acceptable here). The software is free, instructions are here:

Overall stability? It's getting better every day. Turning off all alerts and screen lock was helpful. Learning not to fiddle with AUv3 tools while playing was very helpful. If you want to adjust something, put it on a midi knob ahead of time.

I just *may* try this at my next gig -- a soulful horn solo where a keyboard solo used to be ...

Thanks guys for sharing your experience! ( Another wish for Nord Stage 4 its a built in soundcard like on my Yamaha Modx, connecting ipad strait into Yamaha and control is great also).

Has anyone tried out Camelot Pro for the iPad?
It seems to me like the best solution for live players... combining VSTs, and hardware as their slogan says

I think if TAL J-8 ever comes out for the iPad, I’ll jump on the VST for live usage train...
And that maybe with Camelot Pro

I am using Camelot Pro on the iPad since a few months, but only with iPad Apps (AuV3 and non-AuV3 eg. iM1 and iWavestation, which I map as if they were HW ports, so I think my experience applies to HW too) and it works very well for me.

I am currently using it on an iPad Pro 2018 as the standard sound source for my Kawai VPC1 at home.

The iPad is connected via a 5in1 USB-C hub (which can also charge it) to a Yamaha AG03 as sound card and to a Korg Nanokontrol+the VPC1 as USB MIDI inputs.

Very interesting post indeed.
I have tried AUM but for me is problematic to changes patches on the fly. So I started using Roland Sound Canvas for some songs, and Korg iM1 for some others. Both accept program change, so I am using that to complement some sounds in the extern.

Another tip: I have an Iphone 7 which worth nothing in the market. I installed puresynth, Model D and a few more apps and I have literally a sound module in my pocket.

Sound comes from Korg Plugkey (that also is charging the iphone).

neomad wrote:Very interesting post indeed.
I have tried AUM but for me is problematic to changes patches on the fly.

I have found a program change option on Aum also, but it all depends how heavy your project is and loading time. I presume its possible to mute/unmute sections of instruments in Aum session.

Ivan Jochner wrote:

neomad wrote:Very interesting post indeed.
I have tried AUM but for me is problematic to changes patches on the fly.

I have found a program change option on Aum also, but it all depends how heavy your project is and loading time. I presume its possible to mute/unmute sections of instruments in Aum session.

Good to know. That option was not there when tried a couple of years ago, or, did not see it. Will give another chance then.
Thanks !