At the 2012 NAMM Show, Tascam introduced the iU2 – a premium audio interface for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. It includes all of the features of Tascam’s best-selling USB audio interfaces, including a pair of ‘great-sounding’ microphone inputs.
The XLR inputs have phantom power for use with high-quality condenser microphones. These feed an onboard microphone preamp and A/D converter for better sound performance than those built into iPhone and iPad – true stereo recording with low noise and less tendency to distort. The inputs also accept line-level signals or you can plug a guitar or bass directly into your device.
In addition to compatibility with iOS devices, the iU2 also works with Mac and Windows computers. A zero-latency monitoring path enables musicians to hear themselves directly through the unit, without any distracting delay. MIDI in and out are provided to interface with synths and drum machines, and a digital output connects to digital mixers or recorders.
IU2 Specifications
- Audio/MIDI Interface for Mac, Windows and iOS devices
- Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
- Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power
- Two balanced line inputs
- Instrument-level input for guitar or bass
- MIDI in and out
- Onboard A/D conversion for low-noise and distortion when recording with iOS devices
- Zero-latency direct monitoring
- S/PDIF Digital Output
- Includes USB cable, iOS dock connection cable, XLR to ¼” conversion cables
Pricing and availability are to be announced.
Hmm, those MIDI ins and outs sure are… um… Not MIDI ins and outs? More like mini-plugs or something. Heck, they’re smaller than the RCA Jacks!
If you go to tascam’s website you will see in the image gallery that “special” cable tascam is using for that connection. I agree with you: why was there a need to re envent the wheel? Maybe to keep it as small as possible?
Yes. Portability is probably one of the key selling points I would guess, considering the ipad support. (The RME Babyface has a similar solution for connectivity btw.)
similar to other ipad midi interfaces – these are special cables. less clunky too.
this poweres from ipad unlike io dock. key selling point for me.
Best looking interface for my (future) iPad 3…
Finally audio+MIDI interface for iPhone too!!!
it says nothing about if the sound out is better or not then standard sound, anybody have a clue?
IU2 is NOT compatible with the ipad3
I have just received an email from Jo Fialho at Tascam to say it is not compatible. This is after I returned my iu2 three times for having appealing digital distortion and instability.
I was told previously by Tascam that it WAS compatible, and by the store I bought it from.
This sucks…