Reviews for iRig MIDI Interface

I bought the iRig MIDI interface directly from an Apple retail store after reading all the reviews. The most common complaint was its flaky connection to the iPad. I agree. I solved that by using a $16.99 30-pin 4-foot "Charge and Audio" extension cable purchased elsewhere (Amazon) (because Apple unfortunately doesn't sell one at this writing - I asked). The extension cable has the "old" style male end that includes latching ears so it firmly locks into the iPad's dock connector. Inadvertent disconnection is eliminated. Good little device, does what it's supposed to do, and I'm happy with it,

As a synth developer, I own all the available MIDI interfaces for iPhone/iPad: Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer I and II, Yamaha i-MX1, iRig MIDI, and Apple Camera Connection Kit. The iRig one is better than the other for multiple reasons: it uses Core MIDI, so it's compatible with most apps, it's the only one with a MIDI thru. Also, there's clear white on black labels that identify each port. I recommend this. Also, it has a USB port so you can recharge your phone while using MIDI; it's the only one that does that.

it takes a lot of patience to get the connector to take a solid connection to an iPad or anything else. For the first hour I thought the device was defective, it worked its just poorly constructed and the design is very cheap. Tight balancing act to keep the connector turned on with all the wires hanging out. This will cause you a lot of frustration when there is slight movement and the irig connection is lost. I sent it back.

First of all, let me point out that the device works. However, I think they should have called it the i-junk MIDI. The device is shakey at best when plugged into an iPad/iPad2. It doesn't make a solid "locked in" connection. If you move the ipad in the slightest way that causes the cords to move around, the iRig MIDI moves enough out of place that it loses the MIDI connection. Also, the provided USB-micro cable that is supposedly used to charge the device is smaller than my pinky finger. So that makes it nearly impossible to plug it into anything. Once you've figured out a way to finagle your setup so you can plug it in, all of my iOS devices (iphone/ iPad) say "NOT CHARGING". So after all that, it doesn't even work. I tried it plugged into a USB port on my computer and also with using the usb/AC adapter that comes with the iPad. I then tried a different, longer USB-micro cable. Still Nothing.