Review: Griffin Technology iStuff
I’m beginning to get the hang of this iStuff for audio recording.
By Brad Watts
27 June 2014
I know I’m probably quite late to the party but in all honesty, recording to and from an iPad or iPhone has generally felt a bit toy-ish to me. Now the 64-bit A7 chip in current iPhones and iPads is here, there’s ample processing power for audio work. The other hinderance for me has been the seemingly glacial transition of third party peripherals from Apple’s original 30-pin USB connection over to the Lightning connector. Griffin Technology has stepped up to the plate with a couple of useful items for the muso or engineer on the go.
First up is the GuitarConnect Pro, a simple high impedance connection for guitar, bass, or even a keyboard if needs be, to your iPad or iPhone. It’s got a nice weighty enclosure so it doesn’t slip about on your desk and provides an analogue gain control on the side of the unit for quick and intuitive level adjustment. What’s nice is the inclusion of three alternative connection cables: 30-pin, Lightning, and standard USB so you can plug it into any iDevice or a lap/desktop. It does exactly what the box says — without any hitches. I wouldn’t say it’s deserving of the ‘Pro’ moniker as it’s a 44.1/48k, 16-bit-only device.
Upping the ante is the StudioConnect Lightning. This unit is squarely aimed at iPad recordists and provides a great platform for interfacing the ‘real’ audio world with iPad applications such as GarageBand, or if you’re serious, WaveMachine Labs’ Auria — the ‘ProTools for iOS’.
What’s great about this unit is the provision of real world access to the iPad. RCA stereo outputs, a stereo 1/8-inch input and 1/4-inch mono input along with five-pin MIDI in and out. It’s also powered via a mains wall-wart so your iPad will charge when connected.
All these connectors are around the rear of the StudioConnect’s chassis, which of course, acts as a stand for your iPad, with the front section offering an input volume/gain control, and a big silver, blue backlit headphone level knob, with the 1/8-inch headphone output situated immediately below the volume knob. The entire package, again, does exactly as the box says. Perfectly formed for the odd bit of scratch pad recording, or indeed, interfacing iPad based synth apps with your ‘grown up’ DAW.
Price: StudioConnect – $179.95
GuitarConnect Pro – $79.95
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