iPad only + Splitter cable = low volume

Questions
1

I’m trying out using DJay without a controller - while travelling - using iPad with one USB C connector. I’m using a Tractor splitter via a USB hub (headphone out socket). Cue is turned right up in settings but it’s nowhere near loud enough in headphones to be of much use. Is this normal? It’s a bit pointless trying to do much without a controller if it is.

Thanks

2

Bear in mind it’s an iPad, not DJ equipment. It’s designed for domestic/consumer use, and to be loud enough to use in that (quiet) environment at a level that won’t damage hearing.

Your headphones can also have a bearing on things, if they’re inefficient and/or not matched well to the hardware.

Also, if you’re using a splitter, then that’s taking one channel (50% of the original L+R signal) and dividing that up again to feed both sides of your headphones in glorious mono.

2 Likes
4

Hi @N_C, I have plenty of volume in my Shure IEMs when using the same setup on my iPad.

  1. Is your USB-C Hub also connected to power so that your iPad is charging?

  2. Are you sure you have a solid connection between your headphones & the splitter, plus between the splitter & the hub?

  3. Have you tried different headphones? Maybe some with smaller drivers?

  4. Double check your audio settings and the volume sliders.

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  5. You could also try turning the Audio Limiter Off and setting the Output Headroom to None.

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1 Like
5

In my experience, yes IEMs are much more efficient/sensitive, for one thing because they go inside your ears, so the drivers are closer to your eardrums.

6

Thanks for suggestions.

  1. Is your USB-C Hub also connected to power so that your iPad is charging?
    Tried it - no difference
  2. Are you sure you have a solid connection between your headphones & the splitter, plus between the splitter & the hub?
    As far as I can tell.
  3. Have you tried different headphones? Maybe some with smaller drivers?
    No. don’t have
  4. Double check your audio settings and the volume sliders.
    Boosting the main volume solved it, but these seems impractical that these things would be tied together, obviously you need independent control. Speaker I was using did not have volume control, so not workable as is, however I have a volume adjusting adaptor I connected between splitter and speaker which gave me that control
  5. Audio limiter - no affect. Output headroom - Yes makes a difference.

So thanks for this I have something I can work with now at least, still, that main volume thing seems like a weird oddity.

As for IEM’s I did get a pair to try a while back, I understand people say they take some getting used to, but DJing without being able to hear the room is just very unnatural to me, just not something I want to spend my time on

7

You’re welcome @N_C. Thanks for the follow up and sharing the specifics about which settings worked for you.