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  • Tascam iXR Audio Interface for iPad, MacOS, and Windows

    By Chris Loeffler |

    Tascam iXR Audio Interface for iPad, MacOS, and Windows

    Better Audio for Mobile and Computers

     

    by Chris Loeffler

     

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    The Tascam iXR is an audio interface for iPad, MacOS, and Windows intended to combine the small form factor needed for true mobile recording with the I/Os and technology of a professional interface. The package includes the physical audio interface, Cubase for iPad, and is alternately available as an expanded field kit for those wanting a microphone, cables, stand, and cover. The iXR requires OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.4, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1), OS X Yosemite (10.10), or OS X El Capitan (10.11) or higher in MacOS, Window 8 (32 bit) or higher for PC, and iOS 8+.

     

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    What You Need to Know

     

    The iXR is diminutive in size, and so slim I don’t believe it’d be physically possible to get smaller without removing the XLR inputs. The rugged aluminum construction boasts two combination inputs (line and mic), two balances line outputs, the obligatory headphone output, and MIDI I/O. The iXR is powered by USB (please note some USB sources don’t provide sufficient power) and has phantom power for microphones requiring extra juice.

     

    Recording happens at 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96kHz and at 16/24bit. The unbalanced instrument inputs have a 1M ohm input impedance with a maximum input level of 10dBV, while the balanced line ins features a 10k Ohm impedance with a maximum input level of 20dBu. I found the preamp to be as transparent and open as one would expect from an entry level piece… certainly better than running straight into a soundcard or mobile phone.

     

    Testing the iXR in a live performance downtown with a borrowed Rode NT4, I was able to capture a surprisingly full and deeply imaged recording once I found the right spot in the crowd. I tried running a second mic in sequence with it (Audio Technica Pro24), but candidly speaking, I found myself better off sticking with either of the two inputs rather than trying to blend them. Gear and experience can obviously mitigate this, but I believe most users will be happy with the simplicity of a good capture in a single channel.

     

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    The benefit (and quality) of the two preamps became apparent when I tested the iXR in a spaced pair mic setup for recording an acoustic guitar perforamnce in my studio. With a matched pair of M-Audio Pulsar IIs pointed at the 8th fret and 12th fret, I caught beautifully articulate acoustic tones that were ripe for mixing, with the 8th fret mic capturing fretboard intricacies while the 12th fret mic captured the body and core tone of the guitar. Mixing the two channels down, I didn’t find myself at any time wishing I had more channels to work with… a solid performance, good mics, decent placement, and I was set.

     

    The Tascam iXR can of course be used with a standard desktop and recording software (Logic, ProTools), so those without a home recording setup can get extra bang for their buck for solo recording and demos, but the iXR isn’t going to kick the UA Apollo off anyone’s desk. That said, I ran my MIDI keyboard controller through it into my MacBook Pro and confirmed it did everything my current interface does as far as performing in Native Instruments Kontact, the UVI player, and Logic Pro X’s native suite.

     

    Limitations

     

    With only two inputs, it is importance to get the initial mix right with field recording with two mics, as remixing two channels only yields so much gain. That’s not a limitation of the hardware, but inherent to the concept of mobile recording.

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    Conclusion

     

    The Tascam iXR seamlessly integrates mobile devices with professional audio production and is the epitome of the Tascam ethos; rugged, functional design, and affordable. Whether the application is recording concerts, capturing band practices to work through parts, home recording, or running a karaoke party (yes, you can and yes, there’s an app for that) through a PA system, I found the Tascam iXR to be up to the challenge. Anyone looking to tiptoe into the world of live-sound or computer recording would find the Tascam iXR an intuitive, easy point of entry.

     

    Resources

     

    Tascam iXR Product Page (MSRP $259.99, Street $159.99)

     

    Buy Tascam iXR @ Sweetwater , Amazon , B&H

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    Chris Loeffler
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    Goo call out, catalano... you connect ot an iOS device with the Lighting Bolt to USB cable that came with your iOS device (i.e. the cable you plug into the adaptor to charge it)

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    Chris Loeffler
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    It certainly should work with Cakewalk... according to their press release, " The iXR enables your audience to experience the full sonic power of revolutionary new instruments like Cakewalk's Z3TA+ and moForte's GeoShred, elevating the iPad to a truly professional level."I would assume if they're supporting the Z3TA+ they're covered. I don't have hands-on experience with the 2i2 to speak to how they compare. Hopefully someone will comment and share theirs! On paper, the iXR has MIDI in/out, which the 2i2 does not (you need to upgrade to the 2i4 for MIDI). The 2i2 offers 176.4kHz and 192kHz sample rates, whereas the iXR peaks at 96kHz, but given the number of "who can actually discern the difference between 48kHz and 96kHz threads around the internet, I don't know that that's more than a number! 

    I'm wary of even acknowledging the spec wars, because they can be inflated. That said, let's acknowledge the spec wars! The 2i2's mic inputs have a 3k impedance rating, compared the the 2.2k on the iXR, but the iXR can take +8dBu whereas the 2i2 is +4dBu, and they're basically tied in THD and EIN.

    Obviously, the biggest question is likely "which has a better preamp", which I can't say comparing them side to side. I thought the Tascam sounded fantastic when considering the price point, and it seems that Scarlett 2i2 is has a reputation for the same sentiment. 

    So, short of hearing them next to each other, MIDI is the only differentiator. If you're ever wanting to use a MIDI keyboard to play virtual instruments, you're going to need MIDI. 

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    Marinho
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    Hello,Wich is the karaoke app that works with the Ixr? I'm using an iphone 7 connected with the lightning cable to this interface  and the sound doesn't come to my headphones connected to the ixr, with the smule app.

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