I’ve had an iDR 32 for around a year now and have had reasonably good results with no surface yet. A totally wireless gig is a bit scary though. I’ve had pretty good results with the iPad as far as reliable connections, though the Tablet has bit a bit hit and miss at times. I’ve always had both in use during a show and that’s been a good thing if one decides to go awol. I’ve not gone to 5ghz yet and am pretty convinced that phones can be the cause of issues I’ve had. It seems like at home I can run pretty much forever without issues but when around crowds issues can pop up from time to time. Interestingly when I’ve used it a few times in the 840 seat theater here it’s been glitch-free with something like 8 access points (other than mine) in operation whereas a small house concert series with less than 100 people and no access points has been somewhat inconsistent with the wireless. I’ve been using a hard line for the Tablet connection there just to insure a connection. The good thing about the iPad is how fast it will reconnect. A laptop is another story and does affect the iPad if you try to reconnect during a show. I am going to get one or two of the hardwired controllers as another backup of major functions if I don’t buy a surface. I just find it hard to justify a surface with the amount of work I do being part-time but I love the system and I think the iPad works well if set up properly for the show. I also have been looking a better wireless systems as I’ve been using consumer based gear so far.

Scott

iDR 32
iDR D-Out
MMO
Lenova T61, M90, iPad2

More than 2 years since i have purchased 2 X iDR32 at the end of last year i got T80 surface, before that i have used laptop and tried different tablets, recently using only MacBook+ wacom bammboo pen, and surface only on big events..

I have no complains and no regrets.

agutin.com
1x T80
2x iDR32
2 X M-MADI CARDS
2 X M DANTE CARDS
desktop+2x RME HDSP MADI
Macbook Pro,2x Macmini+DVS
T34-T80-T112-T144
evolution of SOVIET TANK

I have the ILIVE System for about 2,5 Years now and i have done multiple Gigs without the surface – i have to say that i shurely prefer something to “touch” but i had no issues so far for just mixing with the editor.
I have to say that i use an lenovo x220 Tablet – not an normal laptop – i find it faster to navigate with the pen then with the mouse.
I have an IPad2 with MixPad as backup – never had an issue so far.

As posted before – use an WLAN Router that works in the 5GHZ range and everything should work fine.

If you have to manage a lot of things like many channels, many FX, lot’s of zones or monitors it’s definitly easier and faster to handle on the surface.
Or U R using a big screen (big resolution, near full-HD) then it depends…
The overview is better in the editor.

The surface is easyly to taylor for your needs.

SRV-AVB
R-72, iDR-16, xDR-16, Dante

iDR32, MacBook Pro, iPad 2, D-Link DIR815 Router. Bought the system last July and have run 50 plus shows with no major issues. When I first set up the iPad I had some issues with running the D-Link in both 2.4 and 5 Ghz modes simultaneously. The iPad couldn’t make up it’s mind which network to use even when I told it to ignore one or the other. I simply turned the 2.4 Ghz radio off on the router and have had no issues using only the 5 Ghz channel.

The iLive system sounds fantastic, the on-board effects are stellar, and I love the space savings and ease of use. I certainly don’t miss wrestling that 40 channel copper snake either. :>)

Tony

Tony Benson
Standing Hampton Group
http://www.standinghampton.com