iPad Air 5 won't recognize Presonus AudioBox iTwo

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Level 1

4 points

iPad Air 5 won't recognize Presonus AudioBox iTwo

I've been using iPad Air 2 (iPadOX 15.8) with Lightning port, connecting to a PreSonus AudioBox iTwo digital interface, to run MultiTracks.com's Playback app -- without any issues. When I purchased an iPad Air 5 (iPadOS 17) with USB-C port, and try to connect to same PreSonus AudioBox iTwo digital interface, the iPad Air 5 does not recognize/handshake with the iTwo.

I have worked extensively with PreSonus and with Multitracks.com, troubleshooting each link in the software and hardware chain, but have not be able to resolve this issue. (I am using the Apple AV adapter, a StarTech powered USB hub, all new USB cables, have updated the PreSonus firmware, have even tried using a tried-and-true iPad Pro [with USB-C] port and it also does not recognize the iTwo; but if I switch back to the iPad Air 2, it immediately recognizes the iTwo and functions properly.)

Anybody got any ideas?

iPad Air (5th generation)

Posted on Dec 6, 2023 10:06 AM

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Answer 1

theteeg

Level 1

32 points

Feb 27, 2024 09:47 AM in response to DeepBlueSoul

I've been having exactly the same problem. Working w/ PreSonus support, I found the USB-A port does not connect to either my iPad Air 5 or my Surface Pro 6 for data or power. I can connect both of them to the USB-B port, for power and data. The conclusion is that a fix is needed in the firmware.

I tried every possible way to conenct it, including USB-B to A cable to a powered USB hub, then a USB-A to C cable to the iPad. That powered the iTwo but there was no data.

USB-B to C from the iTwo to the iPad worked. I you only have USB-B to A, the Apple USB-A to C connector will work too.

Hope that helps!

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Answer 2

Mar 19, 2024 12:51 AM in response to theteeg

It seems that Presonus regard the AudioBox iTwo as a Legacy device, so I do not expect any firmware updates.

A USB hub will work if you plug the host connection of the hub into the USB-C port of the iPad Air 5, and connect a USB A to C cable from a hub port to the USB-B on the AudioBox. This does not use the USB-A port on the Audiobox, and is effectively much the same as theteeg's suggestion of plugging a USB-C to B cable directly. The advantage is that a powered hub will provide power to the Audiobox and lessen the load on the iPad battery.

If you have a USB-C charging splitter (e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B462SV64?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details ) then you can use a non-powered hub, power the Audiobox and charge the iPad at the same time. A bit of a rat's nest of cables, though!

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iPad Air 5 won't recognize Presonus AudioBox iTwo

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