Yes, MixSurface works over a USB cable. Plug your phone or tablet into the computer running REAPER: the cable shows up as a wired network connection, and MixSurface finds REAPER on it the same way it does on Wi-Fi. You can turn Wi-Fi off on both. For live use it is the most stable option.
- Install the extension in REAPER and add it under Control / OSC / web, as in the setup guide.
- Connect the phone or tablet to the computer with a USB cable.
- Open MixSurface. Your computer appears in the list on the connection screen. Tap it.
- On iPhone and iPad, allow Local Network access the first time the app asks. Discovery over the cable needs it too.
- If your computer does not appear, tap the refresh button on the connection screen, or use Connect by IP.
Why this happens
- Bluetooth is not supported. MixSurface talks to REAPER over a network connection (TCP and UDP), so it needs Wi-Fi, a LAN or a USB cable. A Bluetooth pairing is not a network connection the app can use.
- The computer does not list the device as a network. The connection only works when the computer treats the cable as a network interface. Check the computer’s network settings for a new wired connection after you plug in.
- The list shows “Local Network access is off”. Turn on Local Network for MixSurface in the device’s Settings, then tap refresh.
- It drops when you unplug. MixSurface reconnects by itself when the computer is reachable again, over the cable or over Wi-Fi.