Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
A question to ipad users.
Senior relative asked me to help her record digital piano audio directly to ipad.
Keep in mind, that it's not for me, and it needs to be extremely simple. The hope is to avoid dedicated interface and go directly to ipad. The ipad is an older model, so it has what I believe is a combined Mic/Headphone jack (not the USB-c model). Sooo... Can the cable (see above) be used to connect digital piano directly to ipad and use something very simple, like voice recorder to record audio through that cable?
Purpose for this just to get a cleaner recording than using ipad built in mic.... or any "mic".

Thank you.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
I believe that type of cable will work except the Ipad end 3.5mm plug should have an extra ring position.


[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]


BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 639
B
Journeyman
Online Content
Journeyman
B
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 639
If the piano has USB you can buy an adaptor for a USB cable that plugs right into the iPad and record MIDI into Garage Band or other apps. Unless they are going for the internal sound of the piano itself.


BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,097
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,097
No, you cannot with an audio cable. You can via USB or MIDI. It all depends on that digital piano—all have MIDI, USB or both so, what does that piano have?

Also, need to know what type of iPad: 30 pin, Lightning or USB-C?

Let me know and I’ll tell you what to get—not expensive at all.


BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Thanks all for trying. Charlie is closest on TRRS.

No Midi, no interface. No multitracks, no Daws. Just Voice recorder smile
Audio from Digital piano > ipad. It seems doable in mono, using an adapter that splits headphone output and mic / line input (see below). I believe, her ipad is 8th gen. In any case, I believe the setup below would work. It will likely combine the L&R signal from piano, but recording should be much cleaner than using built in mic smile This is for quick sketches, not professional recording.

I thought that a single cable like this exists, but seems this will only work with adapter.



[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Last edited by Rustyspoon#; 05/14/25 07:35 AM.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,676
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,676
The iPad input wouldn't handle stereo as it's a single mic only. Stereo headphone and mono mic.
You may also have an issue with the mic input being too sensitive for the keyboard output.

Something I just learned whilst checking things is that the pin wiring varies depending up the standard used, apparently left and right headphone outputs are constant, but mic and ground on R2 and sleeve may reverse. That's likely OK for a mic, but with keyboard to iPad that swap may also cause issues.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Misha, can you check the docs on her piano? Many digital keyboards have a mono out. If hers has a mono out the a stereo to mono is not need. Google/Bing "iphone to 1/4 audio cable" for mono to iphone options.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,097
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,097
What digital piano has no USB or MIDI out? Enquiring minds want to know.


BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Originally Posted by Mike Halloran
What digital piano has no USB or MIDI out? Enquiring minds want to know.

Of course they all do. In Misha's original post his friend wanted to record the Keyboard's audio.
That prompted my response.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Thanks everyone for trying. I guess nobody recorded audio the way I described.
I don't want to use USB or MIDI out, or interface. That is pre-requisite.
Audio>Ipad's combined 3.5 headphone / mic port to AUX out of the keyboard That is what I want. The keyboard is Yamaha P-105.
I think this cable will do the job.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
I think I found a perfect solution for what I am trying to accomplish. IK iRig2. While it's labeled as "interface", and technically it is, but unlike traditional interfaces that require certain apps, this is a pass-through device that uses ipad's phones/mic 3.5mm input to split the signal to headphones and traditional 1/4" input. My main concern using "just" cables is higher gain from Yamaha, however this box solves this as it has a passive mechanical gain dial.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Or even $10 solution, without manual gain, the piece has a gain reduction circuit:


Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
The iPad input wouldn't handle stereo as it's a single mic only. Stereo headphone and mono mic.
You may also have an issue with the mic input being too sensitive for the keyboard output.
You might also run into issues as the microphone input provides power for the microphone (I believe around 1.5v). This isn't likely to damage anything you plug into it as there are likely current limits, however it may adversely affect the sound quality (adding a DC offset which could cause asymmetrical distortion). You can get around it by adding a capacitor in series to block the DC, but that can also adversely affect sound quality (it would act as a high pass filter and would affect phase).


I work here
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Simon, thanks.
I believe that is exactly what iRig thing is doing. This is cheap enough, and most importantly the easiest way to try the method of direct analog to digital recording to ipad. Will update this thread in a couple of weeks with results.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
Simon, thanks.
I believe that is exactly what iRig thing is doing. This is cheap enough, and most importantly the easiest way to try the method of direct analog to digital recording to ipad. Will update this thread in a couple of weeks with results.
Most likely, though I believe the iRig has at least some level of attenuation in it.


I work here
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,676
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,676
Originally Posted by Simon - PG Music
You might also run into issues as the microphone input provides power for the microphone (I believe around 1.5v). This isn't likely to damage anything you plug into it as there are likely current limits, however it may adversely affect the sound quality (adding a DC offset which could cause asymmetrical distortion). You can get around it by adding a capacitor in series to block the DC, but that can also adversely affect sound quality (it would act as a high pass filter and would affect phase).
If correct, that's a bit surprising.
All the signals on the jack must be single-ended, so any DC would affect the performance of a dynamic mic or headphone by applying a bias to the coil. It would certainly have to be current-limited to perhaps microamps, if only because the impedance of the circuit needs to remain high enough to get a sensible signal. Could headset mics normally be electret? Maybe.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
I have the iRig2 here, Misha, bought it a few years ago so I could quickly record any guitar riffs or musical ideas I might have to my iPad without having to fire up my studio. Works great.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,889
Misha, the iPhone has internal mics and the keyboard has speakers so can they record the keyboard without any physical connection? Or is external noise an issue like dogs barking etc?


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,373
Dave, Thank you for confirming!

Mario, it was done through ipad's mic up to this point, but my mother in law complained that there is too much room noise when amplified on larger speakers. This is not for pro recording or good quality backing. Just sketches for rehearsals with her senior chorus band. During actual concerts she plays live. Girls are not professional, just having fun smile I think the iRig thing would be ideal for her as it's the simplest form of getting analog audio to ipad. Much simpler than traditional interface.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
If correct, that's a bit surprising.
All the signals on the jack must be single-ended, so any DC would affect the performance of a dynamic mic or headphone by applying a bias to the coil. It would certainly have to be current-limited to perhaps microamps, if only because the impedance of the circuit needs to remain high enough to get a sensible signal. Could headset mics normally be electret? Maybe.
I believe most are electret, as are the mics in the phones themselves. Single-ended makes sense given phones have a single power source (battery, usually ~3-4v).

Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
This is not for pro recording or good quality backing. Just sketches for rehearsals with her senior chorus band. During actual concerts she plays live. Girls are not professional, just having fun smile I think the iRig thing would be ideal for her as it's the simplest form of getting analog audio to ipad. Much simpler than traditional interface.
Yup, I think the iRig or similar would be perfect. Cheap and cheerful.


I work here
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,428
Posts804,932
Members40,122
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
jho smith, Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys
40,122 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 128
DC Ron 103
rsdean 98
WaoBand 82
vicarn 70
dcuny 69
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5