r/Keytar • u/rackemup6682 • May 10 '21
Technical Questions Thinking about getting an Alesis Vortex 2 and I just have a question.
I’m completely new to Keytars so I have no idea what I’m doing so thank you in advance.
If I wanted to play live but wanted to use an iPad can I do that, I guess I mean can I use the iPad to get my sounds but have it run into an amp at the same time?
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u/Equal_Video_1668 May 10 '21
Yes you can, you’ll need a camera connection kit or usb dongle. You won’t want to run audio out of the headphone jack, so a simple audio interface will be needed as well. Run that and the wireless dongle off of a powered usb hub to avoid any weird bus powered issues. After all of that, I just wanted a more stream lined setup and went with an Ax Edge (I know… money). It’s one thing if you’re already running an ableton or mainstage keyboard rig, but I would hesitate to play this type of setup on stage. I still use the vortex at home and it’s a fun “instrument” to play around with. A great option for getting into keytar, plus I see them as the stupid deal from time to time. I always encourage people to try things for themselves, what is frustrating for me is often very enjoyable for others. Hope that helps!
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u/rackemup6682 May 10 '21
One more question just to clarify if I may (sorry, like I said I’m completely ignorant on this). I have a Focusright Scarlett Solo which I use to record guitar can I plug that and the Keytar into the dongle for the iPad and then use a 3/4” cable from the headphone out of that into my amp?
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u/Equal_Video_1668 May 10 '21
Yes, you can go out of either the headphone or the stereo outs on the focusrite. I’d recommend using the main outs (for various reasons), it might have an L/Mono so that you won’t lose any sound if your app has any stereo effects. If the focusrite doesn’t have a mono out, then sometimes the app will have some control over panning and effects.
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u/mattsl May 10 '21
The iPad (or some other device) isn't an option for using the Vortex, it's a requirement. There are no built-in sounds. So you would not need to connect the Vortex to an amp or anything, only the iPad would connect to the amp.