Focusrite has introduced iTrack Dock, a new recording solution for iPad, incorporating a studio-quality Lightning iPad recording interface and featuring dual Focusrite microphone preamps plus two line inputs and an instrument DI, independent stereo monitor and headphone outputs, and a USB port for class-compliant MIDI instruments and controllers. It will be on display for the first time at the upcoming NAMM show in Anaheim at booth 6464.
The iTrack Dock provides a platform to dock, charge and record music with the new generation of iPads, including iPad (4th Gen)/iPad Air/iPad mini/iPad mini with retina display. It also incorporates Focusrite A-D/D-A conversion and is specified as having over 105 dB dynamic range, operating at up to 24-bit, 96 kHz sample rates.
The mic preamps, from the Scarlett range of USB audio interfaces, include 48-volt phantom power for use with condenser microphones. iTrack Dock also features Focusrite’s “Gain Halos”—a ring of light around the input gain control—to easily set the input gain: green for healthy signal, red if it’s too hot.
iTrack Dock also includes a guitar input with plenty of clean, clear headroom to capture both quiet and loud guitars with clarity. A USB MIDI port connects and powers a MIDI controller, provieding class compliant MIDI controller connectivity (MIDI + power) for connecting a Novation Launchkey or Launchkey Mini.
The unit works with any Core Audio app, i.e., GarageBand, Cubasis, Auria, and beyond. It expands the functionality of any Core Audio application, and with a built-in Core Audio driver there’s no setup required.
There are balanced main monitor outputs plus a stereo headphone output, with more than enough power for headphones and powered monitor speakers.
iTrack Dock’s latency-free direct monitoring sends input signal straight to the headphone and main monitor outputs. Also provided are stereo line inputs to connect synths, drum machines, CD players.
The package also includes the Tape by Focusrite app for iPad, which offers recording, mastering and sharing without the complexities of traditional music-making software.
