Unable to record using Alesis IO dock with MultiTrack

[triforceftw]

Hey, everybody. I recently am no longer able to record with the same setup I've used for a couple years now and I have NO IDEA WHY.

For a long time I've used MultiTrack in conjunction with an iPad 1 and the Alesis IO Dock to get digital recordings.

In the past it has been as simple as: load ipad into IO Dock, connect quarter inch cable from keyboard output to IO Dock input, connect quarter inch cable from IO Dock output to the Keyboard Amp (or just use the headphones out on the IO Dock), turn the power on for everything, open MultiTrack on iPad, Arm the track, press play and then begin performance on the instrument.

This has always worked......until I upgraded to an iPad 2 and updated to IOS7.

I've tried everything I can think of. Powering on devices in different orders, changing out cables, reinstalling MultiTrack, updating the firmware on the IO dock, full system restore of the iPad, making sure that MultiTrack has access to the microphone in the Privacy settings as well as the opposite and restricting access to the microphone, using different instruments to record with (I.E. different keyboards a guitar and a Keytar), changing from one input to the other on the IO dock, tried every combination of settings imaginable when selecting MultiTrack from the Settings app on the iPad. I've even tried ridiculous things like using different power outlets and turning off and on random lights in my room and even transferring everything from one side of the room to the other because, "Maybe the air isn't right over here." If I am unable to get help here on this forum then I will have only one more option....to physically attack each device until they submit to my will.

I've read every post on this website that I felt may have something related to my issue.

It might be important to note that since I have a cable going from the IO Dock out to an amplifier, I do hear the keyboard; sound is being produced successfully from the keyboard and being transferred all the way through the dock and out my amplifier. But for some reason the iPad running MultiTrack, which is connected in the IO Dock in the slot, does not pick up on this signal at all. I know that the iPad is in fact connected to the IO dock because it is receiving power and is charging when I slide it in.

Please.....someone, anyone.....HELP ME.

[martygras]

You might be experiencing a common problem that started with iOS 7, but is easily fixed.
Go to settings > Privacy > Microphone > Multitrack (turn it on).
Actually, any synth or app that can use any input needs this turned on.
The apps usually ask for permission to use the microphone. If you clicked no then it disables the audio inputs.

Hope that fixes it.

[triforceftw]

You might be experiencing a common problem that started with iOS 7, but is easily fixed.
Go to settings > Privacy > Microphone > Multitrack (turn it on).
Actually, any synth or app that can use any input needs this turned on.
The apps usually ask for permission to use the microphone. If you clicked no then it disables the audio inputs.

Hope that fixes it.

Thank you for the response. HOWEVER, I have definitely been through the process of "settings > Privacy > Microphone > Multitrack (turn it on)" multiple times and it does not solve my problem.

[pwnified]

Unfortunately the io dock has been pretty flakey with iOS for some people. For a while it was Alesis and Apple blaming each other for the issues. I do happen to have an iO Dock sitting right here, and it has been working fine for me with iOS 7.

Try starting multitrack first, then with a song open, slide the iPad into the iO dock. You should immediately get a brief popup which displays the audio hardware configuration, and the IN vu meter should start displaying 2 columns of lights indicating that a stereo input is detected. That's not what's happening?

[martygras]

I just remembered that I had to update the firmware about 6 months ago. I'll see if I can find the link.

http://www.alesis.com/iodock?tt=5
There's an installer for PC and Mac.

The alesis support page has other pdf's that might help too.

[rew45]

Did it ever work with the ipad2, before IOS7? If not, the most likely culprit is that docking connector. Even though it is charging, some of the other pins may not be connected, and the ipad may not recognise that it is on an IO dock. I use a 30 pin extension cable on my Alesis IO dock, which gives MUCH greater reliability when connecting (TRIXES 1M White Extension Cable, Amazon, £1.99)

Richard

[martygras]

Did it ever work with the ipad2, before IOS7? If not, the most likely culprit is that docking connector. Even though it is charging, some of the other pins may not be connected, and the ipad may not recognise that it is on an IO dock. I use a 30 pin extension cable on my Alesis IO dock, which gives MUCH greater reliability when connecting (TRIXES 1M White Extension Cable, Amazon, £1.99)

Richard

Yes, the Io Dock worked great with the iPad 2 on iOS 6.x.x, although on a rare occasion I would try to record at 48k instead of 44.1k and the the first recording attempt would have a bit rate stuttery sound, but after deleting the first attempt it would work flawlessly from then on. I think it is unique to the iPad 2. I pretty much record everything at 44.1k now.
I've also used the iPad 2 with a Griffin Studioconnect and an Akai EIE with no problems.

IMHO you must use "Apple" cables and CCK adapters because of exactly the reason you state.

[rew45]

That's great, but I was interested to find out if the OP (triforceftw) still had the problem, and whether his/her ipad2 had ever worked OK etc.