I work in display optics for consumer electronics at a different but large company and worked at a supplier of optical components for LCDs, including iPads, previously. I know quite a few people working in displays at Apple, including some former coworkers. Likewise, some of my current coworkers came from Apple. People in Silicon Valley move around. There is no way Apple will go thicker/heavier just for speakers. They will keep pushing for thinner and lighter tablets with narrower bezels. There is pull from a larger pool of customers for that than for powerful speakers with deep bass. I have an M1-equipped iPad and am not feeling an urge to replace it just yet. This is my fourth iPad since I bought the OG unit about one year after it came out. I think the best music-making approach for iPads is to use Aum with various cool sequencers, samplers, synths, and audio recording Au3 apps.
I just recently replaced an old low-spec Samsung with an M4 iPad with 16GB and 1TB, which was very expensive. But it is my first iPad, and I didn’t know what I would need. Turns out 8GB probably would have been enough, though I love being able to have as many apps open as I like. I had to get 1TB to get the nano glass, which turns out to make little difference when using the iPad indoors, as I mostly do. I produce music, but I doubt I will ever do it on the iPad. My M1 Max MacBook is great for that. Also, I don’t game, draw, or edit videos, so really my new iPad is overkill for what I do. Still, I am glad I went high-end, in case there is something cool that comes out in the near future that benefits from the power.
My iPad is the new 13" air M2. I think the speakers are impressive for what it is. I really enjoy mixing live recorded band performances on it. Great for getting things in place and basic automation/ editing mutes, volume and so on. A few years ago I bought the full FabFilter suite so now I can put it to use. That said, I am completely satisfied with the stock plugins. It took a day or two to find my way around the UI. All in all it's more useful than I thought it would be. I also appreciate the USB C port can power an external audio interface. In my case a MOTU M6 runs flawlessly.
The iPad hardware is incredible (maybe excepting the speakers). Amazing power in such a sleek device. However, the iPadOS software just hasn’t kept up, especially for creative workflows. There are just so many things you can do on a Mac that are still not possible (or extremely tedious). For example: MacOS lets you make aggregate devices from multiple audio interfaces, but this is not possible on iPadOS. There are a lot of things like this. The hardware is every bit as powerful as Macs, but the software just doesn’t allow for a lot of things MacOS does. It’s disappointing - there is so much potential with these iPads. Great video as always, Jef!
The speakers of the iPad Pro are great. It’s just a tiny bit less loud than previous iPad Pro models, like M2, M1, A12Z, A12X. They support both Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio. I agree on iPadOS having its shortcomings. Apple doesn’t have to put MacOS on iPad, but iPadOS can be improved greatly. And no, I don’t care about the useless AI functions of iPadOS 18. Sure, AI is booming and those new functions are great to try out, but that’s it.
I love being able to switch between Logic on the Mac and iPad, with one big caveat, it’s only really seamless if you use stock logic sounds and effects.
From a sound design perspective, between DRambo and fab filter plugins- you can do everything you want to do on a computer. But from a production standpoint, especially if you have a resampling/audio mangling workflow, there’s no software that meets the expectation. Cubasis and logic pro for iPad are your best bet but they are still super far behind. However, for 90% of producers who work with presets and simple loops or ready to go samples, you can definitely get all your needs met. My recommendation is to focus on more sound design on the iPad on the couch if you’re a power user and bounce out loops/basses/samples to your computer. Then you’ll really get the best of both worlds My favorite apps are: Patterning 3 DRambo Sector Fabfilter suite Voltour(culture vulture emulator) Quanta Nambu (fm synth) Harmony bloom and bleass arp for melodic sequencing Jax convolution reverb Knock clipper Buttersynth (serum/vital equivalent)
I have an M2, but I played with a friend's new M4 with Davinci Resolve. He has the larger drive and so more RAM than you. That made a big difference. DR is amazingly good on the iPad. And linked to Blackmagic cloud, I can share projects with myself on desktop as well as with others. What I really want, though, is a proper version of Cubase for the new iPads (M1 and above). Not a Logic user and haven't got on that well with Cubasis.
I would much rather you teach music production. Very much. You are good at it. I do enjoy your review videos, otherwise I would not be here in the first place. Keep up the excellent work and I will watch either way.
I don't own one - no bias -still on an ancient Air 2nd gen! - but Max tech reviewer (who loves his 2024 pro) saii being so thin means the low weight makes difference when holding for a long time and also when used with the keyboard together. otherwise i;d agree - when not necessary dont make it thin but here it seems being thin ( IF it reduces the weight ) is for a reason.
Yeah - iPad OS is becoming a glaring weakness on top of the remarkably powerful iPad hardware. I stood in line for the very first iPad and later bought several generations of a bit more upscale / expensive versions. But since the iPad OS is not becoming a realistic platform for serious content creation, it's just not a laptop replacement. So my latest iPad is the very least expensive entry level iPad. It's fine as a consumption device. Ironically, with all of it's shortcomings, the iPad has no chance at actually crushing all my traditional music making tools. p.s. The wireless latency problem is also a killer issue and forces the use of a dongle and wired headphones. "Courage" in action! 😜
I like the session players, but I always convert to midi and adjust the lines to my own style while maintaining some of the phrasing. It’s a superb tool in that respect.
I was thinking Air Pods would be awesome for my 9th gen iPad. Thanks for the heads up! I am really enjoying the updated GarageBand and Korg Gadget 3 on it. Logic for IPad is basically useless on a 9th gen iPad.
One of the best sounding iPad Pro models are the A12Z and A12X chip versions. M1, M2 and M4 iPad Pro are sounding a bit worse in comparison. Overall, the M4 speakers sound great but not excellent. They do sound better than the majority of Windows laptops. And they’re louder than those laptops without any distortion. It can’t beat the MacBook Pro, though. The 11” goes up to 90 dB SPL. I don’t know what the 13” does (I own the 11”), but it’s said it’s (obviously) louder and more bass heavy. The sound is clear with a focus on the midrange and upper mids to high frequencies. It can produce frequencies of 100 Hz easily although they aren’t that loud of course. I’ve tested with a signal generator and it can go down to 60 Hz (audible, no distortion, but no punch and it lacks impact, chassis is resonating heavily, low SPL output). It’s great for watching a TH-cam video, series on Apple TV+/Netflix/Amazon Prime Video, listening to a podcast. Sometimes I listen to music on the built in speakers, but I’d rather listen on a headphone or Bluetooth speaker. For casual gaming it’s also more than good enough. When it comes to making music, I connect it to my audio interface with MIDI keyboards, microphones, mixer and studio monitors. Or I use wired headphones from AKG and Sennheiser. The speakers aren’t made for producing music, so the least anyone can do is using a wired headphone (no AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones!).
Have you ever used Cubasis? I keep meaning to get an android tablet and start sketching my ideas out whilst on the road, I would really appreciate a review of that and how it integrates into Cubase if at all possible
I use Cubasis and I really like it for just throwing ideas together, and then export the project to Nuendo/Cubase to take things further. It is a little annoying that they charge extra for the additional tools, but that just seems to be how it is these days.
@@R1PPA-C About $40US or $50US total, if I recall correctly. That being said, it’s quite a lot for that money with a mini Retrologue and a Halion Selection pack as well as some Waves stuff. I don’t think you’ll get bored with that lot. One of the interesting things is when you export the project and then import to Nuendo/Cubase - it does attempt to match up the sounds with reasonable accuracy in most cases, but depending on how you organize your projects, you might need to do some rearranging of tracks. Still, it’s hard to beat the convenience.
Ohm and the Apple Pencil is a good thing to have when using Cubasis, at least when it comes to accuracy. Your mileage may vary, but I find that I can get more accuracy during editing with the pencil.
@@stephc-b brilliant I'm even more intrigued now, and yeah plus 1 for the stylus, I know I'll need it.. I bought a 27" touchscreen monitor for my mix console to sit on and I struggle with that... I still aim for the mouse 🤣
I work in display optics for consumer electronics at a different but large company and worked at a supplier of optical components for LCDs, including iPads, previously. I know quite a few people working in displays at Apple, including some former coworkers. Likewise, some of my current coworkers came from Apple. People in Silicon Valley move around. There is no way Apple will go thicker/heavier just for speakers. They will keep pushing for thinner and lighter tablets with narrower bezels. There is pull from a larger pool of customers for that than for powerful speakers with deep bass. I have an M1-equipped iPad and am not feeling an urge to replace it just yet. This is my fourth iPad since I bought the OG unit about one year after it came out. I think the best music-making approach for iPads is to use Aum with various cool sequencers, samplers, synths, and audio recording Au3 apps.
I just recently replaced an old low-spec Samsung with an M4 iPad with 16GB and 1TB, which was very expensive. But it is my first iPad, and I didn’t know what I would need. Turns out 8GB probably would have been enough, though I love being able to have as many apps open as I like. I had to get 1TB to get the nano glass, which turns out to make little difference when using the iPad indoors, as I mostly do. I produce music, but I doubt I will ever do it on the iPad. My M1 Max MacBook is great for that. Also, I don’t game, draw, or edit videos, so really my new iPad is overkill for what I do. Still, I am glad I went high-end, in case there is something cool that comes out in the near future that benefits from the power.
My iPad is the new 13" air M2. I think the speakers are impressive for what it is. I really enjoy mixing live recorded band performances on it. Great for getting things in place and basic automation/ editing mutes, volume and so on. A few years ago I bought the full FabFilter suite so now I can put it to use. That said, I am completely satisfied with the stock plugins.
It took a day or two to find my way around the UI. All in all it's more useful than I thought it would be. I also appreciate the USB C port can power an external audio interface. In my case a MOTU M6 runs flawlessly.
Glad to hear you’re getting some good use of it!
The iPad hardware is incredible (maybe excepting the speakers). Amazing power in such a sleek device. However, the iPadOS software just hasn’t kept up, especially for creative workflows. There are just so many things you can do on a Mac that are still not possible (or extremely tedious). For example: MacOS lets you make aggregate devices from multiple audio interfaces, but this is not possible on iPadOS. There are a lot of things like this. The hardware is every bit as powerful as Macs, but the software just doesn’t allow for a lot of things MacOS does. It’s disappointing - there is so much potential with these iPads. Great video as always, Jef!
Thanks! Yeah, it feels like the first time in history that the hardware out performs the software. Like driving a Ferrari on a dirt road!
The speakers of the iPad Pro are great. It’s just a tiny bit less loud than previous iPad Pro models, like M2, M1, A12Z, A12X. They support both Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio. I agree on iPadOS having its shortcomings. Apple doesn’t have to put MacOS on iPad, but iPadOS can be improved greatly. And no, I don’t care about the useless AI functions of iPadOS 18. Sure, AI is booming and those new functions are great to try out, but that’s it.
I love being able to switch between Logic on the Mac and iPad, with one big caveat, it’s only really seamless if you use stock logic sounds and effects.
I got the 1TB M4 iPad Pro and it’s working just fine for me, especially when I’m using Beatmaker 3
From a sound design perspective, between DRambo and fab filter plugins- you can do everything you want to do on a computer. But from a production standpoint, especially if you have a resampling/audio mangling workflow, there’s no software that meets the expectation.
Cubasis and logic pro for iPad are your best bet but they are still super far behind.
However, for 90% of producers who work with presets and simple loops or ready to go samples, you can definitely get all your needs met.
My recommendation is to focus on more sound design on the iPad on the couch if you’re a power user and bounce out loops/basses/samples to your computer. Then you’ll really get the best of both worlds
My favorite apps are:
Patterning 3
DRambo
Sector
Fabfilter suite
Voltour(culture vulture emulator)
Quanta
Nambu (fm synth)
Harmony bloom and bleass arp for melodic sequencing
Jax convolution reverb
Knock clipper
Buttersynth (serum/vital equivalent)
I have an M2, but I played with a friend's new M4 with Davinci Resolve. He has the larger drive and so more RAM than you. That made a big difference. DR is amazingly good on the iPad. And linked to Blackmagic cloud, I can share projects with myself on desktop as well as with others. What I really want, though, is a proper version of Cubase for the new iPads (M1 and above). Not a Logic user and haven't got on that well with Cubasis.
Just use a headphone dongle with wired headphones. Or an audio interface. Easy enough.
I would much rather you teach music production. Very much. You are good at it. I do enjoy your review videos, otherwise I would not be here in the first place. Keep up the excellent work and I will watch either way.
I don't own one - no bias -still on an ancient Air 2nd gen! - but Max tech reviewer (who loves his 2024 pro) saii being so thin means the low weight makes difference when holding for a long time and also when used with the keyboard together. otherwise i;d agree - when not necessary dont make it thin but here it seems being thin ( IF it reduces the weight ) is for a reason.
Yeah - iPad OS is becoming a glaring weakness on top of the remarkably powerful iPad hardware. I stood in line for the very first iPad and later bought several generations of a bit more upscale / expensive versions. But since the iPad OS is not becoming a realistic platform for serious content creation, it's just not a laptop replacement. So my latest iPad is the very least expensive entry level iPad. It's fine as a consumption device. Ironically, with all of it's shortcomings, the iPad has no chance at actually crushing all my traditional music making tools. p.s. The wireless latency problem is also a killer issue and forces the use of a dongle and wired headphones. "Courage" in action! 😜
Exactly!
I like the session players, but I always convert to midi and adjust the lines to my own style while maintaining some of the phrasing.
It’s a superb tool in that respect.
I run the Apple iPad Pro 11" 4th Gen 2022 and its so Nice. ❤
I was thinking Air Pods would be awesome for my 9th gen iPad. Thanks for the heads up! I am really enjoying the updated GarageBand and Korg Gadget 3 on it. Logic for IPad is basically useless on a 9th gen iPad.
The AirPods are awesome… I use them every day… just not for playing music!
Nice! Yes please more video ipad and logic pro and pro x 🌚🖤🎶
You are supposed to be able to connect usb-c headphones (or a 3.5 jack adapter) to the ipad, so there is no need to use the internal speakers.
apple gotta apple. and we keep buying it anyway.
I should have added that I sent mine back ;)
Hi. Is the old ipad just louder, or does it actually sound better? It's hard for me to tell because I'm watching this video on a phone.
It’s louder and bassier, still doesn’t sound amazing but it’s easier to hear everything!
@jefgibbons Thanks for replying 🙂
One of the best sounding iPad Pro models are the A12Z and A12X chip versions. M1, M2 and M4 iPad Pro are sounding a bit worse in comparison. Overall, the M4 speakers sound great but not excellent. They do sound better than the majority of Windows laptops. And they’re louder than those laptops without any distortion. It can’t beat the MacBook Pro, though. The 11” goes up to 90 dB SPL. I don’t know what the 13” does (I own the 11”), but it’s said it’s (obviously) louder and more bass heavy. The sound is clear with a focus on the midrange and upper mids to high frequencies. It can produce frequencies of 100 Hz easily although they aren’t that loud of course. I’ve tested with a signal generator and it can go down to 60 Hz (audible, no distortion, but no punch and it lacks impact, chassis is resonating heavily, low SPL output). It’s great for watching a TH-cam video, series on Apple TV+/Netflix/Amazon Prime Video, listening to a podcast. Sometimes I listen to music on the built in speakers, but I’d rather listen on a headphone or Bluetooth speaker. For casual gaming it’s also more than good enough. When it comes to making music, I connect it to my audio interface with MIDI keyboards, microphones, mixer and studio monitors. Or I use wired headphones from AKG and Sennheiser. The speakers aren’t made for producing music, so the least anyone can do is using a wired headphone (no AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones!).
@@emiel333I completely agree
Have you ever used Cubasis?
I keep meaning to get an android tablet and start sketching my ideas out whilst on the road,
I would really appreciate a review of that and how it integrates into Cubase if at all possible
I use Cubasis and I really like it for just throwing ideas together, and then export the project to Nuendo/Cubase to take things further. It is a little annoying that they charge extra for the additional tools, but that just seems to be how it is these days.
@@stephc-b extra tools as in effects and synths? How much are we talking extra?
@@R1PPA-C About $40US or $50US total, if I recall correctly. That being said, it’s quite a lot for that money with a mini Retrologue and a Halion Selection pack as well as some Waves stuff. I don’t think you’ll get bored with that lot.
One of the interesting things is when you export the project and then import to Nuendo/Cubase - it does attempt to match up the sounds with reasonable accuracy in most cases, but depending on how you organize your projects, you might need to do some rearranging of tracks. Still, it’s hard to beat the convenience.
Ohm and the Apple Pencil is a good thing to have when using Cubasis, at least when it comes to accuracy. Your mileage may vary, but I find that I can get more accuracy during editing with the pencil.
@@stephc-b brilliant I'm even more intrigued now,
and yeah plus 1 for the stylus, I know I'll need it..
I bought a 27" touchscreen monitor for my mix console to sit on and I struggle with that... I still aim for the mouse 🤣
I am a musician. I sit at the piano and play and compose .When I want to do things on my pad pro it’s to email and check the internet etc.
The iPad Pro is my fave thing for jazz charts at the piano! But the very first Pro works just fine for that ;)
8:49 Akai MPC products do this more seamlessly
Push 3 standalone.
16gb ram ipad m4 all the way
Really expensive drive or even way more expensive Icloud subscription 😂 😂 😂
True that!
Lost all credibility when you mentioned using iPad speakers for music creation 😅😅.
Hmm ok! Thanks for coming out aps.
@ no problem gibbon.