iConnectivity PlayAUDIO1U Review: This is the Interface We've Been Waiting For!

The PlayAUDIO1U is the Interface we've been waiting for, and iConnectivity has certainly delivered!
The PlayAUDIO1U is the best audio interface for running tracks with Ableton Live. In this tutorial, I walk through it's new features and explain some of what makes iConnecitivity unique in the market.
Check out my PlayAUDIO1U course here: fromstudiotostage.com/program...
Purchase the PlayAUDIO1U: fs2s.link/play-audio-1u
Jump to a Section of the Video
0:00 - Introduction to the iConnectivity Play Audio One U interface
00:48 - Two target audiences: existing iConnectivity users and new users
01:52- New features: USB-C connectivity and headphone jack
03:02 - Control ports and USB host port
04:20 - Twelve XLR outputs and RTP Midi capability
05:49 - Multifunction assignable control jacks
06:37 - Demo of foot switch functionality with Auracle for X Series
08:58- Sending MIDI commands to Ableton Live and other destinations
0:09:26 - Sending MIDI commands to multiple destinations simultaneously
0:10:13 - New MIDI learn feature
0:10:37 -Introduction to USB MIDI controller and its features
0:11:45- Explanation of MIDI learn set feature
0:12:49 -Realization that MIDI controller controls the interface, not Auracle
0:14:15 - Discussion on price point and comparison to other interfaces
0:16:35 - Considerations for upgrading from PlayAUDIO12
0:18:19- Considerations for high-level playback techs
0:19:04 - Discussion on beginners and redundancy in track rigs
0:21:35 - Introduction to the need for MIDI splitting and switching
0:22:11 - Calculating the cost of building a Redundant Audio/MIDI Rig
0:22:41 - Comparing the cost of building a rig vs buying the PlayAUDIO1U
0:23:12 - Highlighting the benefits of the PlayAUDIO1U
0:23:37 - Conclusion and recommendation to check out the PlayAUDIO1U

[@fromstudiotostage]

Check out my PlayAUDIO1U course here: fromstudiotostage.com/programs/using-the-playaudio1u-with-ableton-live

[@jas_bataille]

iConnectivity is the most underrated brand in audio today. They understand everyone has a clean signal path and that color is almost never added at the pre-amp stage anymore (most less likely on stage). Instead, they developed and *patented* a system to send the same multitrack audio to *two* different devices - while others may have a supplementary USB port, it is not going to be a mirrored copy of the real-time multitrack. Only their products can do this, as long as they hold the patent and don't license it, which to my knowledge, they've been smart enough to not do yet. I know the playback tech for Billie (yes, that Billie) has had to repair righ mid-tour and called-in their products instead! I was waiting to see them blow up in the mainstream.

[@AltairPlayback]

Always the best playback videos Will! Looking forward to picking one of these up. :)

[@fromstudiotostage]

Thanks Ali! It’s amazing!

[@helmanfrow]

I love that I no longer have to be on top of every piece of audio gear because there's a whole new generation of people out there as geeked-out over it as I was 20 years ago.

[@glavobeats]

Thanks for the video on this! Definitely an interface I'm considering starting out with playback

[@fromstudiotostage]

Glad it was helpful! It’s great!

[@MrDrummAZZ]

This is awesome. thanks you for the great reviews and advice always! Any idea when this will be available in UK?

[@fromstudiotostage]

I’m not sure, you’d have to reach out to iConnectivity for that. Thanks for watching!

[@iConnectivitySupport]

Soon, if not already.

[@swanny8777]

Your first line says it ALL!

[@Laternite]

Great interfaces. Really wish this update had AVB.

[@Chris.p.moyles]

Great review. Any ideas on additional gear needed if you need inputs for looping and such ? A copper splitter and a pair of audio input interfaces with the Ableton audio inputs of each separate playback rig set for each, and the outputs set to the PlayAudio?

[@fromstudiotostage]

The Audio4C is a great all in one, otherwise you’re right, a splitter and two interfaces

[@z-dugdrums8160]

Hi Will, Could you plug in a USB control surface (icon or PreSonus for example) into the host port to control each DAW on each computer on each USB-C port? You demonstrated using a midi controller to control the PlayAudio 1U levels. Didn't know if you can control the DAW with a control surface via this host port.

[@daslimman512]

Now i see why the playAudio12 been back ordered for so long.

[@iConnectivitySupport]

Oddly, not the reason why. We were waiting on some parts. Just built more PA12s that dropped back in stock just before the PA1U released.

[@ricardoerdoscappon3640]

HI, thanks for the video, I´m using Digital Performer 11 with two silicon Macs and the exact same session on both of them with Focusrite interfaces. I´m a newbie on Iconnectivity gear and I´ve been searching for the best way to have a fail proof system live running a Sync A and B sessions . do you need additional software to sync everything? how does it work, will I be able to click spacebar on Computer 1 and the second computer run in sync automatically? thanks

[@ColinDean1]

You had me at rack ears! So tired of buying tiny shelves and zip ties

[@fromstudiotostage]

Awesome!

[@paolotorquati]

Great run through 🙏🏼 Have you used it in a live performance yet?

[@paolotorquati]

I guess not 😄😉

[@fromstudiotostage]

I haven’t, but have quite a few friends that have been beta testing. It’s my new go-to for the next gig, PA12 will be carry on backup

[@GhanaGooner]

Would be great for you to do a video on how we could use this interface to send midi signals to UAD console to automatically change auto tune and other plug ins

[@GhanaGooner]

Love all your videos and content. You’ve saved my ass many times

[@fromstudiotostage]

Thanks!

[@RobBoles]

If it had ANY audio inputs (preamps or line level) I would buy this. But without them it's still only half of a solution for my use case where I have guitars and vocals (in addition to MIDI keyboard controllers and synths) running through Ableton Live. This is clearly geared toward automated track playback and not the central hub I'd hoped it would be.

[@fromstudiotostage]

You’re right, this is 100% geared towards playback not live looping setups.

[@JumboDubby]

@@fromstudiotostage Could the USB MIDI input be used to daisy-chain an audio interface into it?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Nope. It’s class compliant MIDI only

[@CarlosYounes]

Muito Grato por trazer conteúdos bastante uteis The best Regards Cheers ?)

[@alexpickup7349]

just bought the playaudio12 as well.... wish i waited another month to see this video before i bought it.

[@huntereubanks1325]

what midi control surface is that @ 10:47?

[@joeb.masterkeyz]

Thank you Will for this! Definitely what we have been waiting for.. quick question. For multiple keyboards on stage (say5), im assuming even with this interface I'd still need to buy the MioXL to connect all boards to it for the single button press to change all Patches on the keyboards? Or it's possible to achieve the same with this single unit?

[@fromstudiotostage]

If this is near them, you can connect them all via 5-pin MIDI, or 8 of them via USB. For the best setup I would continue to do what most people do/did with the PlayAUDIO12, which is have one or more mioXMs or XLs on stage and connect them all via RTP MIDI, which now we can use 22 instead of just 4

[@dr.feelicks2051]

Roundup✌️

[@willlister9804]

What piece of hardware would you suggest to split the one midi out to multiple devices? Thanks for the vid!@@fromstudiotostage

[@BrandonBass79]

Hey man, great video! Do you know if you can run a Playaudio 12 and 1U together in aggregate or would it have to be two 1Us? Thanks!

[@chrisjeaaalbertos3802]

Why would it have to be 2 1Us? You can aggregate any interface with any other interface

[@sarinsahil]

Thank you for sharing! How is the conversion on this thing compared to something like RME?

[@fromstudiotostage]

I don’t have any RME gear, but it sounds great

[@vbcham]

Thanks Will, When you say you can daisy chain the units, I’m assuming you mean using aggregate mode or did I miss something?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Aggregate mode and daisy chain so they switch together

[@jonreintjensdrums]

if i would connect my spd pro to the host port would i still be able to fire drumsamples out of ableton? you couldnt do that on the play audio 12 right?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Yes

[@camshash]

Are they still making the PlayAudio12 or is this a the successor to it? I've looked online and on there website it says it's temporarily unavailable. I like the halfrack form of the PA12, but having 5 pin midi on them is a compelling feature. Also, having the DC blocking XLR outs is a nice feature. Surprisingly I cant find much info online about this scenario, but when using a wye splitter (tails to monitors, and FOH), if FOH were to accidentally send phantom to one of the playback outputs that could be disastrous. Im assuming by little red interface you mean focusrite, Ive messaged them and have not heard back on if their outputs have any DC blocking in them which im assuming they do not

[@fromstudiotostage]

not sure on stock of PA12, but sure they'll be plenty for sale used after people upgrade :)

[@DenverGuitarTeacher]

This looks intriguing. My band already uses a PlayAudio12 and a MioXL. I’m curious to know how this works as the two combined since it doesn’t have all of the midi ports the MioXL has. Not being that familiar with RTP-Midi, wouldn’t I still need my MioXL to plug in all of the midi and USB cables?

[@fromstudiotostage]

No it functions exactly the same way as RTP on the XL. Go into a network switch and you can create 22 separate connections to computers or other interfaces. You can still use this with a XL but you don’t HAVE to have one

[@martinballew8094]

Me and my band are currently using the X32 rack mount digital mixer for live shows and are looking for a redundant system for two laptops w/Ableton Live on them. 2 of the tracks need inputs for looping in Ableton. If I needed to input 1 stereo input for the loop capabilities into Ableton, how would I go about doing that with this system? Can I come out of the X32 into this somehow, or would I need different audio interface for each laptop...(?) Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[@fromstudiotostage]

This is just for outputs, no inputs at all. The main focus is Playback

[@iConnectivitySupport]

2 options: - 2 audio interfaces, one for each computer running your inputs constantly. You would need a split to send the same inputting device to both interfaces. The PA1U will deal with only hearing one computer outputting at a time. - Use the AUDIO4c from iConnectivity. It has 2 USB-C ports as well so you can connect your input to that interface and connect USB to both computers. Again, constant running audio and the PA1U will do the switching on the outputs.

[@justarandomjman]

MIDI LEARN, after assigning the faders on your midi controller and such, if you disconnected both computers would the midi controller still control the audio1u in that scenario?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Yes, it’s all controlling the hardware-you only make the MIDI assignment in software only, so no computer needed

[@justarandomjman]

gotcha, assumed so just wanted to be thorough :) thanks for the great content!@@fromstudiotostage

[@wilkopiano]

Yea but do they work in windows? All this great feature of having hot standby audio on a gig is great but doesn’t windows OS have to support aggregated audio devices for this to work which only macs do natively at the moment? Does it have loopback? Does it have less than 10ms Round Trip Latency?

[@florianstruik]

I’m currently owning a PA12 and I was about to order 2 Radial Stereo DI’s. Now I saw this monster. Do you think the sound quality is better with the PA12 running into Radial DI’s or just using the 1U without DI’s?

[@fromstudiotostage]

I wouldn't use DI's with the PA12 since it's balanced outs. Save the money and buy a loom for your PA12. As far as how it sounds-both sound amazing.

[@winstonphilip9231]

Good job

[@fromstudiotostage]

Yeah it’s great!

[@yessitsme6884]

Can the USB-C ports power the connected device? Would allow using a new iPad without requiring a hub to keep it charged

[@iConnectivitySupport]

The USB-C ports cannot power devices.

[@kaislate]

I would take only 8 xlr outputs to move all those ports onto the back. Also, missed opportunity to have AVB included. Overall it ends up being half of an audio interface and half of a midi interface, but not particularly reaching full functionality of either. I think this is intentional though because then you are encouraged to buy a mio to extend or an audio4c for inputs, etc...

[@fromstudiotostage]

I don’t think it’s a missed opportunity, it’s an intentional decision on what this product is, and who it’s for (and not for). An interface for live performance, with analog connectivity with no need for anything else and completely redundant + powerful MIDI interface. For reference, the closest similar thing that has AVB, Dante, MADI and analog connectivity (and audio redundancy) is about 12k, and doesn’t do MIDI

[@kaislate]

@@fromstudiotostage I agree for the price it is good, but I also agree it is a very intentional product as well.

[@geluix69]

Could you use multiple PlayAUDIO1U on one computer ?

[@CJBoggsproductions]

Can an Oakboard mini start both Ableton rigs via MIDI learn ?

[@fromstudiotostage]

MIDI learn is for control of the interface, but yes you could use the host port to control both

[@vbcham]

Hi, is it possible to listen to both DAWs at the same time to monitor synch ?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Yes, absolutely

[@iConnectivitySupport]

click the headphone knob and you will see the headphone levels on the OLED display. You will notice wording saying DAW A, if you are on Scene A, above the fader. You can turn the headphone knob to switch between the mix options. DAW A, DAW B, DAW A&B.

[@vbcham]

@@iConnectivitySupport thank you 😊

[@KamilHitsThings]

Presumably you can still link 2 of these up together for more channels?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Yes the control ports still allow linking multiple interfaces + can send MIDI, presets, etc now

[@mattpaullmusic]

Honestly I find it a darn shame that that there isn’t simply a modern upgrade for the PlayAUDIO12, or even that the PlayAUDIO12 isn’t available anymore. For those of us not wanting to spend over $1000 on an interface, and also wanted something we can fit in our backpacks, it’s a bummer that you can’t find it anywhere 😢

[@kev7x2010]

Stupid question maybe....but how can this replace the PA12 AND the MIO? If I need 2 DIN outputs and another DIN input, this unit only has 1 DIN port. Wouldn't I still need the MIO for that?

[@chrisjeaaalbertos3802]

True, it doesn't fully incorporate a MioXL so saying it's a PA12 and MioXL combined is a stretch, but you get his point though right

[@bungalowbill3409]

Seems to me what it's missing are either ADAT inputs or at very least an AVB interface, not sure that I'd want to rely on all that audio passing through nothing but USB... Plus there's not even anything to handle a master clock... It's on the right path, but it's only about halfway to where it'd need to be to be a useful piece of gear... Still like my MIOXL though, that is quite useful

[@fromstudiotostage]

Yeah if you need inputs and AVB, this isn’t for you. If you need redundant analog audio and MIDI, nothing comes close

[@ilikepizza137]

Anyway to link two of these together to get 24 outs?

[@chrisjeaaalbertos3802]

Aggregate device

[@BrandonWells]

man I wish they would have gave it multiple usb-a ports like the mio xm. I feel like that would have made this an all-in-one solution

[@bikeenjoyer977]

I could be incorrect but I think you can use a USB hub if you need more ports.

[@fromstudiotostage]

It all comes down to footprint. I would like that too, but I think not having it gives us the 5-pin on the front. Would be a nice addition for a bigger one. And yes, you can use a powered hub.

[@_Stay_K]

Still prefer the half-rack form factor of the PA12...24 redundant channels in 1Ru? yup...all day long!

[@fromstudiotostage]

Nice!

[@TheAhmedGallab]

Can you run 2 rigs independently? Meaning 1 Ableton rig for all playback and a 2nd Ableton rig for soft synths?

[@chrisjeaaalbertos3802]

I mean sure I guess but idk why you'd get a PA1u for that

[@TheAhmedGallab]

@@chrisjeaaalbertos3802 I’d want to do that so that I don’t run into CPU issues while running both things on 1 machine. This guy even suggests doing it that way. But it gets pricey and annoying having 2 different machines. Also, I got my answer. You can’t run 2 machines on 1 interface.

[@chrisjeaaalbertos3802]

@@TheAhmedGallab You can with certain interfaces (like the audio4c for example) and I'm pretty sure you can with the PA1u too but I don't understand why you'd want to run 2 machines with completely different project files on one interface. You can just get 2 interfaces right? What would be the added benefit of one interface here

[@TheAhmedGallab]

@@chrisjeaaalbertos3802 it’s an efficiency thing. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself in my head. 1 machine that’s running virtual instruments. 1 machine that’s running play back. So you’re not bogging 1 machine down with cpu.

[@chrisjeaaalbertos3802]

@@TheAhmedGallab Okay but that doesn't answer my question. You can for sure run it on two separate machines, but why would you want to then cramp it into one interface? Why not 2 interfaces?

[@Alex_Martz]

I'd love to see an iConnectivity with dual Dante ports!, that's be the perfect solution for us who need an interface that can be used by 2 devices at once like this but also instead of analog outs Dante outs, Is there such an interface from any other brand?

[@h.o.2078]

Agree! I also want a playback interface (no need for inputs or preamps) with redundancy like this one and Dante

[@jaspermelchers]

Second that! Need Dante

[@fromstudiotostage]

I can easily imagine a future different iConnectivity release with Dante connectivity. I talk about the Exbox.md here: fromstudiotostage.com/programs/using-dante-with-ableton-live

[@paolotorquati]

Agree! Madi/Dante output and Dual internal power supply would make it an absolute beast! But great update so far 💪🏼

[@angelvasquez5066]

Are they available yet?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Yes, released 11/12

[@JosephSoulMusic]

I just wish they'd put the USB-C on the back 😩😩😩

[@fromstudiotostage]

I guess rack it up backwards and problem solved ??? :;

[@Churchfront]

whooooohoooooo!

[@lynardanolin]

So like the loop community track rig on steroids?

[@fromstudiotostage]

I show this in the video, but it’s like: -2 separate audio interfaces in a 1U space -an audio switcher to switch between those outputs -MIDI interface and routing with RTP, USB, and 5-pin MIDI And MIDI Learn, custom headphone monitoring, Customizable Control Jack mapping. So not just another interface with XLR outputs :)

[@benkitay9015]

I have to stick to my super simple track rig. This is too much complexity while I'm trying to play an instrument too. (I'll probably change my mind later after I start to grok all this)

[@fromstudiotostage]

Don’t be overwhelmed by it! How often do you mess with your track rig live? Its the same with the PA1U, but you have redundancy. If you can MIDI map in Ableton Live-you can set this up and use it, and you never have to touch it live. When you’re ready to dive in: fromstudiotostage.com/programs/using-the-playaudio1u-with-ableton-live You got this!

[@BeniaminKis]

21:17 "it does not have a USB-host port" -- literally comes up on the front panel 😂😂😂

[@fromstudiotostage]

Good try…. The Track Rig has a USB hub, not a USB host port. Big difference. The iConnectivity stuff doesn’t have a hub, it has a host port. As mentioned in the video, you can use up to 8 USB devices and pass MIDI back in forth, and connect additional iConnectivity MIDI interfaces to it. I’ve said a lot of stupid crap In videos and made lots of mistakes, this ain’t one of them.

[@fromstudiotostage]

And I should stress.. I LOVE the track rig. It’s amazing at what it does and is a great simple solution if you don’t need redundancy and the MIDI

[@BeniaminKis]

Then I guess their labeling is wrong? Because it literally says "USB HOST" above the usb-B connector

[@fromstudiotostage]

@BeniaminKis I don’t think I communicated my point well. Despite what they’re named, they are fundamentally different things, one is a “hub”, one is a USB host port, capable of multiple MIDI devices and complex MIDI routing

[@BeniaminKis]

I understand what you're saying and the purpose of that port, but the naming on the iConnectivity is just not quite clear. A USB host of an audio interface should be the connection between the interface and the computer. (named USB DAW on the iConnectivity) A USB hub on an audio interface is just like a regular hub, which serves as a hub to connect multiple things to the host (computer). That USB host port on the iConnectivity acts more like a standalone input that can be customised to your liking, but i think it should have been named "USB Device" as it has been on other musical instruments (keyboards mostly) or interfaces for decades. Because what you plug into that port are devices (for midi control etc.) Don't you think?

[@j-music1977]

❤🇱🇦

[@bobhoran9778]

No audio inputs? Not even just 2. I consider this incomplete.

[@fromstudiotostage]

That’s fair…if you need inputs for playback I would not buy this.

[@ReginaldGreen7714]

Hey man, I believe you are not being fair to Radial They have the Radial SW8 USB which I know you are aware of is around $1800 dollars and has a built in audio interface. You saying buying a SW8 and a interface was deceiving. Cmon man!!!!!!!

[@fromstudiotostage]

Thanks!

[@mrdenson3101]

Is the video sponsored ? It would be good to know

[@fromstudiotostage]

video isn't sponsored by iConnectivity and they didn't speak into the content or have any editorial control over the content. When it is sponsored, I always mention that. I do work with iConnectivity and get paid from them, but I wouldn't talk about or promote crap. By yes.. not sponsored.

[@goodull]

Still no power redundancy… pass

[@fromstudiotostage]

Sounds good!