#75 – Simple way to keep your hands free when iPad mixing!

iPads and other tablets have become incredibly commonplace in our day to day work as production technicians. While I rely on my iPad mini to perform a constantly growing range of tasks on the job, finding a safe place to set it down when I need both hands to complete a task isn’t always so easy.

I’ve tried cases with lanyards from LifeProof previously, but found them difficult to work with for my needs, and prone to tangling when combined with a two-way radio shoulder mic. I know some folks who love this approach, but they just didn’t quite work for me. 

Having used company provided iPads previously that came in cases with hand-straps, I thought it might be worth picking one of these Griffin Cases to try out. I enjoy how the hand strap lets you hold onto the iPad for a long period of time, without having to exert any real force gripping it. It might seem silly, but holding an iPad in one hand for an hour or more at a time while mixing can eventually lead to hand cramps and discomfort. 

With the Griffin Case working really well for me so far, I realized that the hand strap was just the right size to fit onto one of my Nite-Ize s-hook clips that I keep around for various tasks. The #5 model comes in both black and stainless steel and is rated for 100lb, so there is no worry of it failing with an iPad clipped on. I simply keep it clipped to a belt-loop and I’ve got an easy place to clip my iPad to quickly when I need both hands to adjust a mic or plug in a cable.

If you’re looking for a simple way to get more done on your iPad, check out these cheap keyboard cases – I’ve been really surprised by how much more I can get done with a physical keyboard and simple way to stand my iPad mini up securely on a table top. For only $30, this is a must have accessory for me these days.