Description

Description

If you want to start recording but do not own a microphone, have a look at the Tascam TRACKPACK iXR. This package includes a mic, accessories and a case.

Take your iXR and iPad out for recordingWhen you cannot make sound at home, head to a friend, for example. You can leave as soon as you put your iPad, iXR, mic and headphones in your bag. With its slim but tough body, carrying the iXR is no hassle. When you’re there, connect the iPad AC adapter to the iXR, and use the Lightning cable to connect it to the iPad. Connect your microphone, turn a few knobs and you are ready. Then, all you need to do is play or sing your heart out and record great performances.

Arrange music on the iPad and create music without needing a computerAn iPad can be used as a tool to view musical scores. By installing a DAW app, it can also be used for creating music and practicing. You can easily add a DAW app by downloading a demo version of Steinberg Cubasis LE for free from the App Store. When you connect the iXR, the function restrictions for this app will be unlocked. You can work in bed, in your living room or anywhere you like and how you like. You can realize your own music creation style without being restricted to “where the computer is”.

Start using your iPhone as a high-quality synthesizerNumerous software synthesizers are distributed through the App Store. Using the iXR, you can turn these apps into stage-ready synths. The sound quality of audio sources depends greatly on the digital-to-analogue conversion quality and the post-conversion audio circuit quality. The iXR has a high-quality output circuit, so sound from apps is also output as high-quality audio. The audience will not believe that the sound enveloping them is from an iPhone synthesizer app.

Edit every detail using the large display of a desktop computerOne of the advantages of a desktop computer is its large display. If you have a Windows or Mac computer with a large screen, you can connect the iXR to it to enable smooth editing. This way you can record ideas with your iPad and make final adjustments comfortably on a desktop computer display.

Tascam TRACKPACK iXR for starting recording right awayThis recording package is ideal for musicians who want to start creating music with an iXR and an iPad. The set includes a condenser mic that can be powered by a battery, accessories and a silicon case like those used to protect smartphones.

* TM-60 condenser mic (powered by a battery)

* TM-60 accessory kit (case, stand, cable and windscreen)

* Protective silicon case for iXR

The iXR is a very portable audio MIDI interface that can be connected directly to an iPad with the lightning cable that usually comes with an iOS device. The great thing about an iPad is how easy it is to take anywhere. The iXR adopts this concept and offers possibilities for new styles of music creation.

The slim design without sharp edges or protuberances and the use of rolled aluminium lead to a tough body that can withstand being banged around when carried. The jacks on the front are protected by guards, while the jacks on the back are recessed in the surface, so you can carry this unit without worrying about damaging the jacks and other parts.

Of course, this interface also provides the high audio quality expected of an audio creation device. The Ultra-HDDA mic preamps are also used in professional recorders and have been evaluated highly for their audio quality. With a signal-to-noise ratio of 101 dB and an Equivalent Input Noise of -125 dBu, the iXR has an impressively low noise level. This makes it possible to record various instruments, including acoustic guitars and wind instruments, as well as vocals in high-resolution formats.

There are few controls and use is extremely simple. With a focus on recording, functions have been selected carefully so that even beginners can learn to use it quickly. Setting applications are available both for computers and iOS devices. Unlike previous audio interfaces, this unit can be set up and upgraded even by people who do not have computers.

Connect to an iOS device and create music without a computer

With MFi certification from Apple, direct connection is possible without a Lightning-USB camera adapter

The iXR has been certified by the MFi (Made For iPhone/iPad/iPod) program that Apple Inc. uses to certify accessories for iOS device. Without this certification, an error message could appear when connected. There is no worry of this with an iXR. You can connect directly with just the Lightning-USB cable you already use.

A free settings app for iOS is available that also enables system upgrades without needing a computer

Ordinary audio interfaces must be connected to a computer to make settings and upgrade the system. A dedicated iOS settings app has been prepared so settings can be made even without a computer. Version upgrades can also be conducted after the iOS device connects automatically to the Internet and gets the necessary data.

MIDI keyboards can be connected to iOS devices using its MIDI input and output

The MIDI input and output connectors on the back of the unit enable connection with keyboards and other MIDI devices. This allows you to connect a MIDI keyboard to use for input when creating music and to play sound sources on an iPhone, for example. You can also use these connections to synchronize operation with other devices.

License included to remove restrictions from the Steinberg Cubasis LE DAW for iPad

A free demo version of the Steinberg Cubasis LE DAW for iPad can be downloaded from the App Store. The iXR includes a license to remove restrictions from Cubasis LE. By connecting the iXR, the restrictions will be removed, allowing various functions to be used.

Tough and stylish aluminium body

Only 35 mm high – compact enough to pack with an iPad mini

As one of the thinnest audio interfaces with built-in XLR jacks, you can put the iXR in a bag and carry around. About the same size as an iPad mini, it does not detract from portability when carried with an iOS device.

Aluminium body is both elegant and tough

The body is made of a single piece of thick rolled aluminium which is resistant to external impacts. Recessing the jacks on the back creates a flat design without protuberances. The knobs and other items on the front are protected by left and right guards. Outstanding portability has been achieved compared to conventional box-shaped desktop audio interfaces.

Various types of power supply supported

Power supply is also important for producing high-quality audio. When connected to an iPad, an external power supply is used to power the iXR instead of the iPad battery. Power can be supplied using the iOS device AC adapter as is. When AC power is not available, though, you can use an iOS device mobile battery or TASCAM genuine BP-6AA external battery pack.

Note: Use an AC adapter or mobile battery that can supply at least 5 V and 700 mA current.

Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide clear sound with low noise

Discrete construction achieves a noise level of -125 dBu

The Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps used on the iXR feature a discrete construction. They have a higher number of components and are far removed from mass-produced preamps. Their EIN (equivalent input noise) rating, which measures the absence of noise, is as low as -125 dBu. Including other specifications, the iXR achieves an extremely high level of audio performance overall. Parts have been selected through listening tests for balanced audio performance and audio quality at a high level. The NE5532A op-amps employed have an established reputation used in professional equipment.

XLR/TRS jacks for mics, synthesizers and other equipment

Since the XLR/TRS inputs can supply 48 V phantom power, you can use any condenser mic with them. A wide input gain setting range of 57 dB enables sufficient level even when dynamic mics are connected. The TRS input jacks support balanced connections, which are less susceptible to noise. Balanced connections are possible with synthesizers, multi-effectors and other equipment that supports balanced signal output.

Guitars can be input directly

Direct input from the guitar is necessary to use guitar effect plug-ins in a DAW. Use either input on the iXR to connect your guitar directly, then you can use commercial plug-in effects to craft tones.

Note: Guitar effect plug-ins are sold separately.

Audio interface with a simple and easy-to-understand design

Support for high-resolution recording formats up to 96 kHz and 24 bits

The iXR support recording formats up to 96 kHz at 24 bits, which far exceeds CD quality (44.1 kHz, 16 bits). This means you can use this interface even to record with superior high-resolution formats. Of course, the Ultra-HDDA mic preamps also enable recording with CD quality. The lower-resolution format also uses less data capacity, so its burden on the recording device is lower.

Zero-latency direct monitoring function

Musicians need to be able to hear their own performances when recording. Latency is a problem at these times, so direct monitoring is used to listen to the input signal before it is sent to the computer. This makes stress-free performance possible with sound that has absolutely no delay.

Separate controls for line and headphones output levels

The level controls of the line and headphones outputs are separate, so even when both powered monitors and headphones are connected to the unit, you can set their levels optimally when making music.

Windows and Mac are also supported

ASIO and WDM supported on Windows computers

ASIO and WDM are supported when connected to a Windows computer. In addition to music creation software, the iXR can also output other Windows playback sound including from video and audio.

Dedicated software has been prepared that you can use to make detailed settings. When you install the dedicated software, the driver necessary to connect Windows will also be installed automatically.

Core audio supported on Mac computers

Core Audio and Core MIDI are supported when connected to a Mac computer. In addition to music creation software, the iXR can also output other Mac playback sound including from video and audio. Dedicated software has been prepared that you can use to make detailed settings. Core Audio is used when connected to a Mac, so no dedicated driver is necessary.

License included for Steinberg Cubase LE

A license is included for the DAW software Cubase LE 8, which can be used with both Mac and Windows. It supports 24 MIDI tracks, eight instrument tracks, 16 audio tracks and eight audio inputs (up to 96 kHz at 24 bits). This DAW also includes the HALion Sonic SE 2 VST instrument.

Features at a glance

Audio/MIDI interface for iOS, macOS and Windows

Audio interface features

Support for high-resolution recording formats up to 96 kHz and 24 bits

MFi certified for direct connection with iOS devices

Supports Windows (ASIO/WDM) and Mac (Core Audio)

USB 2.0 computer connection

Compliant with USB audio 2.0

Support for multiple power sources:

Tascam PS-P520E AC adapter

Tascam BP-6AA external battery

Apple AC adapter

mobile battery with micro-USB output

bus power when connected to a computer

Operation confirmed with major DAW software (Sonar, ProTools, Cubase, Live, Studio One and GarageBand)

Hardware features

Two Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps

Balanced XLR/TRS input jacks that can provide +48V phantom power

Supports direct guitar input

Wide input gain range of 57 dB for dynamic and condenser microphones

Zero-latency direct monitoring

Two balanced analogue TRS output jacks suitable for connection to powered monitors

Headphone output mini jack

Separate controls for line and headphones output

MIDI input and output enable connection with keyboards and other MIDI devices

Software features

Direct monitoring Mono/Stereo switching

Line output signal selectable between Monitor and Computer

Input mute function can eliminate noise from unused channels

Firmware can be updated from an iOS device

Other features

Solid aluminum body

Guards that protect knobs during transportation

License included to remove restrictions from Steinberg Cubasis LE demo version

Steinberg Cubase LE 8 license card included

TM-60 (included with TRACKPACK iXR only)

Back electret condenser microphone

Cardioid pattern (unidirectional)

Powered with one AA battery (phantom power not required)

Included accessories: XLR mic cable, table-top mic stand, Windscreen, Custom case

Supported operating systems

Windows

Windows 10 (October 2018 Update) Windows 10 (April 2018 Update) Windows 8.1 Windows 8 Windows 7

Mac

macOS Mojave macOS High Sierra (10.13) macOS Sierra‎ (10.12) OS X El Capitan (10.11) OS X Yosemite (10.10) OS X Mavericks (10.9) OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)

iOS

iOS 12 iOS 11 iOS 10 iOS 9 iOS 8