Playback has the power to send up to 10 individual audio outputs to your sound system using an USB audio interface. All instrument tracks are routed to 10 buses which can be sent out of multiple outputs, depending on the interface connected.
Getting your interface connected to Playback is easy.
USB Audio interfaces can be connected for use with Playback in a couple ways.
Directly with a USB adapter
Connect your iOS device to your approved audio interface using an official Apple USB 3 to Lightning camera adapter (or USB-C AV Adapter, for USB-C devices). These adapters give you the ability to simultaneously charge your iOS device while connected to a USB interface.
2. Through a powered USB Hub
If you are using a MIDI Controller to control Playback or sending MIDI Cues out of Playback over an ethernet connection, you need to use a powered USB hub. This allows you to connect multiple devices to Playback.
Connect the USB hub to your iOS device using an official Apple USB3 to Lightning camera adapter (or USB-C AV Adapter, for USB-C iOS Devices)
Connect your USB interface to the powered hub. Playback will then recognize the interface as its audio device.
Here are some hubs we have confirmed are compatible with Playback:
Watch this video to learn more about connecting your audio interface to Playback.
The most important piece of this setup is the USB Cable connecting Playback to any external devices. The USB connection is the most common cause of Playback audio issues. Here are a couple things to check to make sure your USB connection is as reliable as possible.
1. Apple iOS to USB Adapter
All iOS devices require an adapter to connect to a USB device. An official Apple adapter is required for a secure connection between your Playback device and any accessories. Here are the available adapters, depending on which connection your iOS device supports.
Lightning to USB3 Adapter: Lightning connection iOS device adapter that supports simultaneous USB connection and device charging
USB-C to USB3 Adapter: USB-C iOS device adapter that supports simultaneous USB connection and device charging
2. USB Cable
The maximum USB 2.0 cable length for optimal performance is 16 feet
The maximum USB 3.0 cable length is 3 meters (9 feet)
The general rule of thumb for a reliable audio setup is to use the shortest possible digital connection (USB cable between computer/iOS device and audio interface) and longer audio connections (XLRs and 1/4" cables from audio interfaces to DI boxes and the live audio console)
Powered USB Extension Cables
One way to extend your USB connection is by using a powered USB extension cable. There are a couple of requirements to successfully use a powered USB cable.
The connected USB cable must follow the above required lengths
The USB active repeater must be powered by an external power adapter
The USB 2.0 extender length cannot exceed 25 meters
The USB 3.0 extender length cannot exceed 15 meters
3. Powered USB Hub
Powered USB Hubs are a very useful tool for connecting multiple devices to interact with Playback, such as an audio interface, MIDI controller, and ethernet adapter for sending MIDI Cues over a network. However, there are important things to take into account when using a USB Hub.
USB Hub must be powered to work with Playback
USB Hub cannot exceed 7 USB accessory ports
For further troubleshooting see: 📖Troubleshooting Playback Audio Issues