Recommended equipment to get the most from your Clarion ‣ Clarion

Recommended equipment to get the most from your Clarion

A young musicians plays the Clarion using the Quha Zono head mouse.

You can get playing today with just an iPad or Windows device by downloading the Clarion from the App Store or Microsoft Store. However, we recommend investing in some additional equipment, especially for those playing in an ensemble setting. Extra equipment can make the Clarion louder, giving better sound when playing with other instruments and musicians.

Below you’ll find a list of suggested equipment for use with the Clarion. It goes alongside our Essential tips video, which explains how this equipment can be useful. Decide which items you need depending on the needs of musicians, and what equipment you have access to already.

Prices are correct at the time of publishing and include VAT. Some hyperlinks are Amazon affiliate links – it won’t cost you more to buy, but Amazon will give our charity a small commission from your purchase.

Speakers

Because the built-in speakers on iPads and PCs are not very loud, we strongly recommend connecting the Clarion to its own external loudspeaker. Please note that Bluetooth speakers may cause a noticeable delay between playing notes on the Clarion and actually hearing it.

Minirig 4

£149.95 – Buy on Amazon

Our top recommendation is the Minirig 4. It’s compact, robust, easy to use, and loud enough for the Clarion to be heard alongside other instruments in your ensemble.

If looking for a more affordable option, the Anker Soundcore Mini delivers reasonable sound quality at a lower price of £23.98.

Mini jack to mini jack lead (two metres)

Price varies

We recommend connecting the Clarion directly to your speaker using an audio cable instead of using Bluetooth, which causes a noticeable delay between playing notes and hearing the sound. You will need a mini jack to mini jack lead for this, and we suggest one that is minimum two metres long.

Head control for PC

Musicians can play the Clarion using head movement on PCs, tablets, or laptops using external sensors, allowing for precise head-tracking and motion detection.

Quha Zono

£637.20 – Buy on the Inclusive Technology website

The Quha Zono is an exceptional sensor that can transform music-making for musicians who don’t play with their hands. By simply connecting it to a Windows device, it provides instant mouse control based on head movement, giving the musician complete control over Clarion. We can’t recommend it highly enough! Please note, the Quha Zono is incompatible with iPads.

Clarion Controller, for Grid 3

Free – Download here

Grid 3 users can use this controller for the Clarion app for free.

iPad accessories

Manfrotto Variable Friction Arm (VFA) iPad mount

A young musician plays the Clarion. His tablet is attached to his wheelchair and held by the Manfrotto Variable Friction Arm (VFA). A yellow arrow points to the VFA.

£358.80 – Buy here

Used for positioning iPads in different ways for improved player access, this model is robust and versatile, making it a game changer for musicians. Important note, double-check that the mount you buy will fit your particular size and type of iPad!

Kensington SafeGrip iPad case

An iPad with the Clarion app open in a rugged, large black case with a large handle.

£42 – Buy here

Useful for storing, carrying and positioning any iPads. iPads can quickly and easily be taken out of the Kensington SafeGrip case to be mounted on a Variable Friction Arm. Important note, double-check that any case you buy will fit your particular size and type of iPad!