Master Fader 5.1 and the DL806/1608 challenge

[Boatman]

Was looking at my DL series mixer and noted a problem with predicted compatibility challenges. The platform for running the DL806/1608 mixer employs only 3 sizes of iPad (4th generation, iPad mini and iPad Air). However, the MF 5 series requires IOS 11.0 or better, making the iPad generations prior to generation 6 unable to perform despite their function using MF 4.6.
The iPad 2018 series matched the iPad Air for physical size (not the Air2) so it seems only the latest versions of iPad which match the Ipad Air platform will operate directly on the mixer.
Will MF5.1 be tweaked for the 32bit machines or will only one type of iPad be suitable?
If so, then be sure to get an iPad Air platform, since the gen4 platform will be useless.
Am I missing something?

[Wynnd]

I think you have the latest iOS that fits wrong.  I have an iPad mini that doesn't have fingerprint recognition and it's running iOS 12.x just fine.  It's also running MF 5.0.1 just fine as a back up to my iPad pro.

[Boatman]

The mini ,like the iPad, is dependent upon version as to whether or not it will accept IOS 11 or 12. The problem for the iPad is the size mismatch with changes to the iPad model and the two fixed platform dimensions available on the mixer. It does not accept Air2 on the available platforms and the original platform fits Generation 4 and 3 only. IOS 11 and higher work only on iPad Air and later. Thus only iPad Air and the current iPad will fit the available platform.

[Wynnd]

Getting tired of bad information.  Here is a link to Apple's own list of every iOS device that can run iOS 11 (And probably 12 too.)   https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209574

[Boatman]

With respect, you miss my point. The DL806/1608 mechanical platform was originally created to house iPad generation 3 machines. When the lightening connector was added, it permitted the addition of Generation 4 to be connected directly to the mixer. NEITHER of these platforms support later generations of the iPad, so Mackie created both a mini iPad platform and an iPad Air platform.
When it comes to iPad platform connections, NONE of them support the Air2. So the DL806/1608 can house directly on its mixer only the iPad Air and the latest generation iPad (both have sem dimensions). My observations had nothing to do with remote managment of the DL806/1608, but for those situations where there are two to three players, having an onboard iPad simplifies things considerably.
Back to lurking....
By the way, I have the same list as you have posted.

[WK154]

For the physical fit into the DL1608 cradle you are correct but few use it as far as I can recollect. I fitted a plastic sheet into the cradle and mounted my Netgear WiFi router on it and an extension cable if I needed iPad connection wired. Here is a good iPad comparison for all models:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad
The tables should cover most questions.

[sam.spoons]

Not been around here for a while but have just had a request for help from a mate who's just bought a DL16S (I'm still a happy DL1608 user running MF 2.1 for most things). His questions have brought back to me the folly of discontinuing MF Classic as an option, he's finding MF5 a steep learning curve due to it's sophistication and complexity. He understands that more features inevitable results in a more complex control system but many of the features are software only and, I'm sure, could be 'turned off' in a version of "Master Fader 5 Classic" to make it more beginner friendly. Classic was ideal for setups where the 'competent tech' (me usually) was not always available and simple for less tech savvy volunteers to cope with.

My other gripe (I would like a DL16S myself) is that my main iPads are a Gen 2 and a Gen 3, both are working great and are no longer precious enough to worry me getting them damaged or nicked on a gig but they max out at iOS 9 so the above thread has me a little concerned that if I upgrade to a DL16S I will be unable to use my older iPads. I know this is an Apple issue but I'm not sure what the App Store situation is with allowing new apps to be backwardly compatible with  older iOS versions.

[Boatman]

 I have had a similar concern that was enough to have me buy the iPad Air platform for the 806/1608. I am running the MF4.5/6 on a gen 4 machnie which will not suppot iOS 11+ and so will not run MF5. I have a DL16S using my newer iPad but there is no cross-platform capability for MF4 to MF5.
iOsS does not require backward compatibility with its apps, so when MF5.1 is released you can say goodbye to Gen 4 and earlier iPads - if you want to run 5.1 on your DL1608.

[Wynnd]

I ran a DL1608 until this January.  I even had an iPad 2 with the 30 pin connector.  I bought the lightning upgrade kit, but didn't install it and sold the 1608 about 2 weeks ago.  I really love MF 5.x and I lost two iPads to aging out.  One went with the 1608 and the other went to my Wife.  I like the idea of a beginner's mode for MF 5.  Maybe lock the patch panels in the defaults and block groups and VCAs.  Outside of that, everything else is on any good mixer.  Here's hoping that MF 5.1 is everything Mackie plans it to be.  Only have to wait until August to find out.  (Hopefully.)

[WK154]

Not been around here for a while but have just had a request for help from a mate who's just bought a DL16S (I'm still a happy DL1608 user running MF 2.1 for most things). His questions have brought back to me the folly of discontinuing MF Classic as an option, he's finding MF5 a steep learning curve due to it's sophistication and complexity. He understands that more features inevitable results in a more complex control system but many of the features are software only and, I'm sure, could be 'turned off' in a version of "Master Fader 5 Classic" to make it more beginner friendly. Classic was ideal for setups where the 'competent tech' (me usually) was not always available and simple for less tech savvy volunteers to cope with.

My other gripe (I would like a DL16S myself) is that my main iPads are a Gen 2 and a Gen 3, both are working great and are no longer precious enough to worry me getting them damaged or nicked on a gig but they max out at iOS 9 so the above thread has me a little concerned that if I upgrade to a DL16S I will be unable to use my older iPads. I know this is an Apple issue but I'm not sure what the App Store situation is with allowing new apps to be backwardly compatible with  older iOS versions.

Hey Sam a little off topic but I will be in your lovely City July 23-28 for an International contest for my wife's YWIH (IES for Sweet Adelines)) quartet. It's at the Royal Northern College Manchester In the mid of Manchester College . PM me we may be able to meet if you like.
P.S. You're out of luck just like me on the iPad's. I do have access to a iPad 2018 but no Lightning kit only WiFi which will do for test.

[sam.spoons]

Hi WK, RNCM is #2 sons old college  I'm not sure if I'll be in Manchester that week (I suspect I'll be in North Wales) but if I'm around it'd be nice to meet up for a coffee at least. 

[WK154]

Sounds like a plan just let me know once your plans are set.

[WK154]

Hey Sam any plans yet? Leaving tomorrow.

[sam.spoons]

As I suspected, I'm in North Wales until Sunday night  sorry. (actually  it's very nice here......)

[WK154]

OK then maybe next time.