DigiEnsemble is back with a new live performance! These guys treat there iPads like musical instruments and play in a group all at the same time. It’s crazy to think about how the iPhone and iPad can be used as instruments…
iShred on the 
GarageBand on the
Here’s a regularly updated list of iOS apps that either started as desktop versions and came to iOS, or started as iOS versions and went desktop. It’s very interesting to see how each of these apps are used on mobile and desktop computers. I also think that each of these are evidence of iOS music making potential.
List last updated: January 7, 2013
Here are some desktop versions of iOS apps that you can use to try out before getting the full version:
Anything missing? Leave a comment below!
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The Apogee Jam is one of the most impressive and intuitive devices I’ve used in an ever-expanding market of guitar interfaces for iOS. The reason for its immense popularity is its simplistic style, compact size and high quality. This is mostly down to its onboard PureDIGITAL audio technology that produces unparalleled dynamics and detail for a device of this stature. Taking into consideration its compatibility with iPad, iPhone and Macs it could be an ideal versatile solution for recording or practicing on the go.
The Apogee Jam itself is a small USB audio interface, which in all honesty is nothing special on its own. It comes equipped with a standard 30 pin connector that connects to an iPad or iPhone, and a ¼” jack input for guitars. A clever little feature is the single LED indicator that glows either red, green or blue to show you whether its online, ready to rock or the input is too high. The Preamp is capable of reaching 40dB of gain and has a soft-limit feature that ensures that the input level is optimised. All of the devices have plug in and play operation so it’s quick and straightforward to get going.
In terms of Software, Apogee, and myself, recommend that you use the Jam with GarageBand, in app or desktop form. It would have been cool to see Apogee have a go at designing an app that was integrated just for the Jam but GarageBand does the job well. An alternative would be AmpKit software, which works just as well but I definitely preferred GarageBand, it was about as efficient and intuitive as you could make mobile professional editing. Where the alternatives predominantly fall down is the lack of Mac compatibility, which in today’s recording environment is crucial.
There is very little to complain about the Apogee Jam, perhaps the option for compatible software is limited and it is a bit pricey but for arguably the best on the go recording solution you can buy it is understandable. I would recommend you experiment with the free versions of AmpKit and AmpliTube before you commit to something but the Apogee Jam is much simpler and you get better results. Watch this video for a full list of its capabilities but again, if you can, try before you buy.
GarageBand on the
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What’s New in Version 1.2 Released on March 7, 2012:
• Start a Jam Session to play or record live with up to three of your friends using iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch* [WIST like - video]
• Conduct an entire string orchestra using Smart Strings
• Use the Note Editor to adjust or fine-tune any Touch Instrument recording
• Combine recordings to free up additional tracks using Track Merge
• Keep your GarageBand songs up to date across all your iOS devices with iCloud*
• Share your songs directly to Facebook, YouTube, and SoundCloud
• Perform retro and modern synth bass lines and grooves with new Smart Bass instruments
• Play synth melodies and arpeggios with new Smart Keyboard instruments
*Jam Session and iCloud are available on iPhone 4 or later, 4th generation iPod touch, and all iPad models.
Finally, MIDI editing in GarageBand! Here’s a video demo I made:
It’s a pretty nice editor, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best one on iOS. Then again, velocity editing is much easier in GarageBand than any other app that I’ve tried…
I really like the idea of the Jam Session feature. You can record a song live on multiple iPads! I wonder if WIST could be updated to allow this. It certainly would be sweet if you could do this with other apps too…
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| Processed amps. |
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| Distorted amps. |
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| ‘Crunchy’ amps. |
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| Clean amps. |
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| All available pedals. |
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| Settings for some of my favorite the pedals. |
Pretty awesome for 5 bucks…
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The record was made on the iPhone 3GS using GuitarJack and AmpKit LiNK hardware interface and apps such as AmpKit, FourTrack, Multitrack DAW, Pocket Organ, Moog’s Filtatron, ThumbJam and even Apple’s Garageband.
Please have a listen to the songs and also check out the teaser on YouTube:
I think you’ll agree that this is different from most albums done on the iPad and iPhone with synth based apps. We believe that this is the first full blown rock record done this way.
Stephen Poff”
