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Saxman Author

Level 2

325 points

How to connect iPad to a Mixer?

I finally got my backing tracks onto my new iPad Pro, to use for my gig tomorrow, only to realize there isn't a stereo out!!! So what do I do? How do I get the music out into my mixer? Do I now need to buy some kind of USB 3 to stereo adaptor? Why have I never read anything about that, in all the stuff I've read about using iPads for playing tracks on gigs, etc.? Why does the user guide mention nothing about what to use, it only talks about air buds, etc. I can't even plug in my ear buds, cause they have lightning plugs, this is so incredibly frustrating.

It seems Apple just makes their accessories obsolete as fast as they can, by eliminating common connections and adding more and more new ones. I've got a box full of dozens of various connectors and adapters for charging as well as transferring data or music, and it's just insanity trying to keep up with their every new move....

Would it really be that hard to have one normal headphone jack?

iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd Gen, Wi-Fi, Cell

Posted on Jul 15, 2021 10:19 PM

Top-ranking reply

Saxman Author

Level 2

325 points

Posted on Jul 19, 2021 8:32 AM

So I bought an adapter, actually the "official" Apple USB 3 to 3.5mm stereo female plug. For some reason Apple chose to put the outlet on the bottom of the iPad, which makes zero sense, since if I want to put the iPad on a music stand to use on gigs, it's kinda tricky with the adapter plugged into the bottom! So, I used a less stable stand, but one that had a space in the center of the shelf, so the adapter & cable can hang down, and then connected to my mixer. However, during the entire night, I kept hearing the sound breaking up in the way it does when there's a loose connection.

At the end of the night, I noticed the plug doesn't fit very tight in the socket, and perhaps that's why it's crackling all night. Now, why an Apple plug doesn't fit snugly into an Apple outlet is beyond me. That means that even if I laid the iPad on it's side, or upside-down, the adapter & cable would still be prone to crackling as the plug wouldn't be any more snug. Has anyone else had this issue? How can it be remedied? Or might I need to get a replacement, as it's still under warranty.

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How to connect iPad to a Mixer?

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