Current issues with Alesis IO Dock and updating to iOS 7

Question

Level 1

8 points

Current issues with Alesis IO Dock and updating to iOS 7

Hi Apple Community!

I've been using Garage Band and Alesis IO Dock for live music performance on stage. I'm hoping someone in the community or even Apple might be able to help me with two issues:

MIDI signal "sticking" when using Garage Band for live performance and switching Instruments
Is it safe to update to iOS 7?

Here's my setup:

iPad (3rd Gen) WiFi+4G AT&T
iOS 6.1.3
Alesis IO Dock with firmware 1.0.7
Yamaha S90
MIDI cable from MIDI out of S90 to MIDI in of Alesis IO Dock
1/4" Mono patch cord from IO Dock Left Output to Sound System
1/4" Mono patch cord from S90 Left Output to Sound System
one Sustain Pedal for S90

Question 1: MIDI Sticking

This happened to me during a live stage performance: I primarily use my Yamaha to control Garage Band on the iPad via MIDI. I was playing a synth/pad sound on the keyboard instrument in Garage Band, and while holding a note out with the sustain pedal, I proceeded to switch to the Smart Guitar patch. Rather than do this direct from the current track, I switched over to the Track Editor view, and selected the next track in GB which was already dialed in with the Smart Guitar.

After switching back to the instrument view, I realized that the previous note I was playing held out. It completely screwed up my solo since I couldn't stop the synth pad from playing.

I ended up having to mute my iPad, and improv the solo using a piano sound on the S90. And to solve my stuck synth note, I turned off the IO Dock, exited garage band, undocked the iPad, redocked it, restarted Garage Band, repowered-up IO Dock.

This problem, however, is miniscule compared to some major erratic MIDI fluctuation issues back in iOS 5.0.1 and IO Dock Firmware 1.0.5.

For now, I need to be careful to cease all input to the IO Dock when switching sounds.

Question 2: updating to iOS 7.

Yes! I like the latest and greatest iOS... it's pretty! But I'm willing to ignore updates

Back when I had updated to iOS 5.0.1, there were some serious MIDI fluctuations (as I mentioned in question 1), and now that I've got the firmware on the IO Dock to 1.0.7 and iOS 6.1.3, things are somewhat stable.

I hesitate to update to iOS 7 until someone can assure me that I can continue to use my iPad, the Alesis IO Dock and Garage Band in the manner described above.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

iPad (3rd gen) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iOS 6.1.3, Alesis IO Dock with Firmware 1.0.7

Posted on Sep 25, 2013 10:28 AM

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Answer 1

Boscovec

Level 1

0 points

Sep 26, 2013 7:18 AM in response to Ahmun

Hi all!

I too have had the same question and have held off on updating for the same reason. I had been searching forums, etc. without anyone having had the problem.

Until this morning:

http://community.alesis.com/alesis/topics/is_the_io_dock_work_fine_with_the_ios_ 7_0

There are apparently some issues and Alesis recommending waiting to update to IOS 7.

Boscovec

iPad 3 64 Gb Wifi

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Answer 2

richmn

Level 1

15 points

Nov 9, 2013 8:27 AM in response to Ahmun

I was worried about iOS 7 with the IO Dock and contacted Alesis support. The shared that they tested with Garage Band and the 3rd generation iPad. I went ahead and installed the latest iOS on my 3rd gen iPad. The IO Dock seems to be working fine. I tried Garage Band, iGrand, and Sampletank. Good Luck!

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Answer 3

Ahmun Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 9, 2013 7:25 PM in response to richmn

Thanks for taking the time to call Alesis support, richmn. This definitely makes me feel more confident in applying the iOS update.

I have one reservation left before jumping in on the update. Would anyone be willing to try out this scenario with Garage Band? It's a different way of using Garage Band from its original intent of recording.

Using a midi keyboard to control the iPad 3, try playing on the keyboard instrument in Garage Band (e.g. One of the Pad effects). While holding out a chord, switch to a different sound, line Grand Piano.

Doesthe previous sound stick and play continuously regardless if you release the keys on the midi keyboard, or terry to switch keyboard sound back to the same pad?

This same issue happens when holding out a note, then switching to a different instrument, as well.

This has happened to me once since the original post and I am careful to release the keys before switching to any other instrument or keyboard sound. In that on occasion, our lead guitar was not present, and we found the electric guitar instrument on Garage Bands adequate for us to play an intro lead part. It worked great during rehearsal, but during live performance it failed miserably. The previous song was in a completely different key. And I ended up having to turn off the IO dock to stop the stuck sound.

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Answer 4

richmn

Level 1

15 points

Nov 9, 2013 8:30 PM in response to Ahmun

I tried Ampkit+ this evening and that works great also. I really like my IO Dock!

I opened Garage Band (updated for IOS 7) this evening, played a chord on my Alesis Quadrasynth, attached to the IO Dock via MIDI. I tried repeatedly to switch to a different instrument while holding down the notes, with and without sustain. Garage Band abruptly cut off the sound and switched to the new keyboard sound. I can't get the notes to stick. All I am doing is swiping where the picture of the current keyboard is to the next one.

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Answer 5

Ahmun Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 9, 2013 11:09 PM in response to richmn

Richmn, u rock.

I'm updating my iPad. :)

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Answer 6

Boscovec

Level 1

0 points

Nov 13, 2013 11:18 AM in response to richmn

richmn;

Thanks for posting.

From the Alesis forums I gleaned that people have indeed successfully updated to iOS 7, were able to use the iO Dock with GarageBand, most apps seemed to function alright (with a few iOS 7 app specific exceptions), but there are some folks experiencing midi issues. The midi issues seemed to be more external controller oriented. I only have one external controller and it does not involve the iO Dock.

I had considered calling support as the employees were encouraging folks to do so, period. Later they were saying to call support for help with updating to iOS 7.

I am looking forward to the additional tracks that will be available. "Bouncing" or collapsing tracks when you run out, will work in certain situations but some production stuff can be lost such stereo effects.

Thanks!!

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Answer 7

Nov 14, 2013 2:09 PM in response to Ahmun

Hi guys, I'm finding that I've got difficultis in using io dock with ios7. I'm using meteor multitrack and GarageBand. MIDI is sticking. Time code all over the place

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Answer 8

Nov 14, 2013 2:11 PM in response to Jamieally

I've trudging using irig midi and things are mok, but on coarse I can't record audio as well with that device. Also I live in uk and can't contact Alesis as they don't let me create a UK address account. What's that all about ?

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Answer 9

Jmtta

Level 1

0 points

Dec 1, 2013 2:13 PM in response to Ahmun

My ipad 2 has stopped recognizing io dock, but seems to work with a few apps still sadly not samplr

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Answer 10

KeviBzim

Level 1

1 points

Dec 10, 2013 4:41 PM in response to Ahmun

When I updated to iOS 7 my iPad stopped working as a midi controller for Logic on my mac via the USB port on the alesis IO dock. Which is one of the things I mainly used it for sadly.

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Answer 11

Ahmun Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 17, 2013 10:01 AM in response to Ahmun

Hello All,

Thanks for contributing to this discussion. I just want to update you all, that my update to iOS7 worked great.

Keep in mind, my setup and how I use my iPad is different than most. I use my iPad with Garage Band for live performances. Rather than using my iPad as a MIDI controller, I am using my church's Yamaha Synth to control my iPad (reverse of what many normally do).

In this scenario, I'm happy to report that the first issue I mentioned with sounds sticking did not happen on iOS7.

I've also downloaded SampleTank, and haven't had issues running that in iOS7 either.

To expand a bit on how I use my iPad with the MIDI out of the Yamaha connected to the MIDI in of the Alesis IO Dock, every note I play simultaneously plays the current patch on the keybard as well as the iPad. This allows me to layer two sounds at the same time. If at any point in time I want to play with just the sounds from Garage band or with just the sounds availble on the Yamaha, I simply turn down the volume of the other device.

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Answer 12

Jan 6, 2014 1:26 PM in response to Ahmun

I’m not too sure where this 50/50 response is coming from. I’m one of the upset people where my IO Dock is just a paperweight now, I emailed ALESIS and confirmed below:

On Jan 6, 2014, at 9:10 AM, Cxxxxx, Benjamin <xxxxxxxx@inmusicbrands.com> wrote:

Tony,

There is currently no announced update for iOS 7 for the io Dock. If you want to return the product you must contact the retailer that you purchased it from.

Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.

Benjamin

Technical Support & Return Authorizations Specialist

inMusic Brands

www.inmusicbrands.com

If someone knows something I don’t and has Garageband working successfully with the IO Dock after iOS 7, please reply.

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Answer 13

richmn

Level 1

15 points

Jan 6, 2014 2:19 PM in response to Ahmun

I continue to use my iPad 3rd gen with the latest iOS, with the Alesis dock. I recorded audio for a holiday CD of the kiddos in Garageband using the dock, and continue to use a Quadrasynth as a controller for Garageband and iGrand. This week I also learned about the USB connector. I needed another in/out and didn't even know this was there. I have that plugged into my Windows 7 PC and using it as another interface for Sonar, in and out. Good luck to everyone considering the switch to the new iOS.

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Answer 14

Ahmun Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 6, 2014 3:10 PM in response to TonyMixer

TonyMixer, sorry to hear about your IO Dock not working.

Are you using the one that connects to the old iPads (3 and older) or the one that is compatible with lightning cable (iPad 4+)?

I can't speak for Alesis, because I was asking for community experience on this matter. I never have the patience to call support unless it's a show-stopper situation.

My experience with my setup (see my original post for the exact specs on what gear I'm using) has been positive so far. I've "survived" two live gigs with no performance degredations or problems like I initially described while on the latest iOS 7 update.

Here's some more current info you might try:

Make sure your iPad is up to iOS 7.0.4(11B554a)
Make sure your IO Dock firmware is the latest**

**without going into full detail on doing a firmware update, here are some quick thoughts on my experience. Note that I am using the IO Dock compatible with the older gen iPads. Off the top of my head, I think I had attempted a firmware update 5 times (in a row) before it was successful. The updater utility from Alesis would not behave the way the documentation indicated. It didn't say it failed, nor did it say it succeeded. I had actually attempted the firmware update in three different sessions, over the course of 1 month, each only making 1 or 2 attempts. I was ready to give up until I finally stumbled upon some shred of hint from another post somewhere online that said to keep trying until successful. I'm no expert, and of course in my desperation to get it to work, I didn't document my steps or that blog post... but 5 was my magic number.

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Answer 15

Jan 6, 2014 6:21 PM in response to Ahmun

Ahmun, thx for the tip. In know my iOS is most current version, but I didn't know that the IO Dock firmware needs the latest update.

This is new for me, do you have that source or link for the step by step and also provides the firmware update?

I'll give it a shot and follow up with the group.

Sorry didn't include this earlier. Running a iMac, but my previous working setup before Mavericks was simple. Fender Strat, plugged direct into the IO Dock (1/4 inch sterio, guitar line in), using Garage Band as the recording interface.

3rd Gen iPad, old port, new error msg now: " The device connected is not supported by this iPad".

Meanwhile I have 8 months of previously recorded material. So stupid in this day in age, an iOS upgrade throws eveything off in a simple I/O setup.

Much appreciated for the quick responses.., excuse the typos, on crappy BB.

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