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IK Multimedia debuts guitar effects pedals based on its AmpliTube software
IK Multimedia has created a set of digital guitar effects pedals based on its AmpliTube modeling software.
IK Multimedia intros AmpliTube 3.0 with timeline editing, ships iRig HD
Artists going all-out on mobile music editing have relatively few options -- GarageBand won't always cut it for the pros. IK Multimedia thinks its newly launched AmpliTube 3.0 could be the solution for those producers on the move. The $20 iOS app introduces a full, multi-track audio editor that can create a final masterpiece. With the help of a guitar rig and customizable drum loop, the suite is theoretically good enough to keep computers out of the studio. Even if musicians don't want to go that far, they may be happy to hear that IK Multimedia has shipped the iRig HD. The $99 interface gives iOS and Mac users a preamped adapter for instruments with quarter-inch plugs. While we're sure some performers would rather stick to traditional recording methods, those who've embraced digital with open arms can check out both AmpliTube and iRig HD at the source links.
IK introduces Loop Drummer, built into the latest version of AmpliTube for iOS
IK Multimedia has updated its popular AmpliTube app for iPhone / iPod touch and iPad to version 2.9. It now includes a brand new built-in, loop-based drum module called Loop Drummer. Loop Drummer allows you to build custom drum tracks from a library of more than 500 loops (via in-app purchase) based on varying musical genres. With eight Style Packs (Rock, Country, Funky, Electro, Blues, Metal, Pop and Punk), there's plenty to choose from when arranging your drum track. Each Style Pack comes with eight Grooves, and each Groove has eight parts that allow you to build a drum track from beginning to end. For example, intro, main A, fill A, main B, fill B, var B, outro. Simply drag and drop the loop in the simple timeline to build your track. If you can't be bothered to build your own drum track, simply hit the Remix button and Drum Looper will use an intelligent algorithm to build a unique beginning-to-end drum track for you that has a coherent song structure. I've had a quick play with Drum Looper and it's very easy to use. It's well-implemented into AmpliTube, which means in no time you'll be putting drum loops together and having a jam session or recording your newest song! Drum Looper syncs automatically with AmpliTube recorder, so you can play along and record the drum track, too. The audio from Drum Looper will appear as a separate audio channel on the Amplitube's recorder. Additional features include custom-length loop sections, a Mixer section (allowing for independent drum volume setting and soloing), tempo setting and exporting drum sequences to your iDevice's clipboard or iTunes File Sharing. AmpliTube with Drum Looper is available as a free download from the iOS App Store now. With the free download you'll get the Rock Style Pack only. The other Style Packs are available via in-app purchase, similar to buying additional effects or amps in AmpliTube. To find out more about Drum Looper, visit IK Multimedia's website here.
IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard and iRig HD hands-on (video)
Last year at CES, IK Multimedia unveiled its iRig Stomp as a foot switch controller for wrangling the outfit's Amplitube software for iOS. Here at NAMM though, the company has cast off the wired connection for the Bluetooth-sporting iRig BlueBoard MIDI foot pedal. In addition to managing presets sans cables, the device can access four effects / amp modeling combos via backlit selectors without the need to swipe the screen of your iPhone or iPad. The gadget is AAA battery powered and there's no power adapter or in-built power pack. It's a bit of a bummer that the BlueBoard isn't rechargeable, but then again, a lot of guitar pedals and stompboxes are either battery or adapter powered. Two 1/4-inch jacks fare along for the ride in case you need to add on volume or expression pedals to the $99 rig that's set to arrive in Q2. During our visit, we also took a look at the recently announced iRig HD guitar connector. The next-gen version of the original iRig touts higher quality sound (as the moniker suggests) and now connects via 30-pin or Lightning port for use with a mobile device or via USB for laptops and such. There's also a input level adjustment on the side in a form factor that resembles the Apogee Jam -- albeit with different connectors. Even with the help of headphones it was hard to tell just how good the captures were thanks to the painfully noisy show floor. However, in our brief time with the setup it worked like a charm for handling our feeble attempts at a few Taking Back Sunday riffs. Hop down past the break for a quick tour of the duo.
IK Multimedia announces AmpliTube SLASH for iOS and Mac
IK Multimedia has just announced AmpliTube Slash for iPhone, iPad and the Mac. Yes, that's right. Slash, the guitarist from Guns N' Roses (and many other musical projects), has teamed up with IK Multimedia to produce his signature pedals and amplifiers on AmpliTube. The app comes with two Slash signature Marshall amplifiers (the JCM Slash and AFD 100), and six pedals (Octo Blue, Booster, X-Chorus, Delay, Slash Distortion Wah and a gate). And, of course, a comprehensive collection of presets (including Paradise and Jungle, to name a few) to get your tone sounding just like Slash's. If you've used AmpliTube before, you'll feel right at home with how the app feels and operates. I was given an early release of the iOS version, and it's just as slick as AmpliTube for iOS (which we did a review of here) and AmpliTube Fender for iOS. And yes, it does sound very much like your playing through Slash's setup, it's almost uncanny! But the unique thing about this release of AmpliTube (apart from it having Slash's signature tone) is that Slash, the professional and legendary guitar player that he is, has partnered with IK and endorsed the app. This is a huge plug for the credibility of virtual guitar setups. Okay, he's not using it on stage or in the studio, but Slash says, "AmpliTube iRig comes in really handy for on-the-go practicing, recording, or just jamming on different ideas -- even if it's on the bus -- it's right with me all the time." So, for even the most experienced and professional guitar players out there, apps like Amplitube on mobile devices are becoming common place in their setups. Of course, if you're using AmpliTube on an iOS device you need IK Multimedia's iRig guitar interface (review also here) to actually plug your guitar in. And AmpliTube on the Mac requires an audio interface too. AmpliTube Slash for iOS costs US$9.99. Users of Ampltubue 3 on the Mac will shortly be able to purchase all the Slash gear as an add-on purchase through the AmpliTube Custom Shop system for $79.99. Check out the video below of Slash putting the app through its paces.
Apogee Jam guitar adapter review
Musicians have long needed ways to catalog ideas and capture rough recordings of new material without the anchor that is a full-fledged recording setup. Apogee offers just that with its Jam guitar adapter for the iPad, iPhone and Mac, which allows you to strum your way to a record deal via an iOS device. Whether you're on the road or in your living room, the ability to connect a Les Paul to a mobile device and crank out the demo for your next hit is super helpful. But, is it worth the $100 investment to have recording-on-the-go at your fingertips? Read on to see what we discovered. %Gallery-137053%
iRig Mic: A hands-on review of a hot iOS accessory
If there's one group that has taken to the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch in a big way, it's the worldwide community of musicians. From amateurs who just want to play with making music electronically to professionals who have recorded albums on iOS devices, musicians love the way they can take advantage of the light weight, power, and music-related apps that have been developed for the iOS platforms. IK Multimedia has come to the rescue of musicians who wish to use their iOS devices to perform and record music with a number of cool and useful software and hardware products. At Macworld Expo 2011, I had the opportunity to interview Starr Ackerman of IK Multimedia about these products including one that hadn't yet been released: the iRig Mic (US$59.99). The iRig Mic is a high-quality handheld condenser microphone that can be used with any iOS device for audio input. Whether you're using it to record a video interview with an iPhone 4 or iPod touch, or to record vocals for your latest GarageBand song, the iRig Mic is a great asset for musicians and podcasters who want to improve their audio. %Gallery-119762%
AmpliTube Fender for iPhone & iPad set for imminent release
We've just had word from our guy at IK Multimedia that AmpliTube Fender for iPhone and iPad is pending approval at Apple and soon to be available on the iOS App Store. The AmpliTube Fender app is just like the AmpliTube 2 app, but it's all about Fender tone, which has been critically tested and approved by the tone gurus over at Fender. The app is derived from the award-winning desktop version of AmpliTube Fender. The app comes packed with five Fender amp models (the '65 Deluxe Reverb, the Super-Sonic, the '65 Twin Reverb, the '59 Bassman LTD and the Pro Junior) and six Fender Stompbox models (Fender Tape Echo, Compressor, the Fender Blender, Fender Phaser, Overdrive and Noise Filter). The AmpliTube Fender app for iPhone and iPad costs $14.99 / €11.99 and, as previously stated, packs all the recording, practice and play features found in the iOS version of AmpliTube 2. Got AmpliTube 2 already? You can buy the Fender amplifier and stomp box models as bundled or individual in-app purchases for $4.99 / €3.99 per amp, $2.99 / €2.39 per stomp box. Of course, the software works in conjunction with the iRig adapter that enables you to plug your electric guitar into your iPhone / iPad. We're looking forward to taking a closer at AmpliTube Fender soon.
iRig Mic brings a vocal microphone to the iPhone and iPad
The iRig Mic was one of the last products we saw at CES last week. It's a full-featured vocal microphone made by IK Multimedia (the folks behind Amplitube and the iRig kit that our own Matt Tinsley reviewed a while back) that plugs directly into your iPhone or iPad. I went ahead and sent a few sweet vocal sounds through the mic, and they sounded great. It's not a super premium microphone, but it'll do the job, and a few different condenser settings allow for some nice remote recording possibilities as well. The mic comes with a dual-jack connector to plug into your iDevice, so you can also wear headphones as you record. The mic works best hooked up to an official app called Vocalive, which you can see on the iPad's screen in the pic above. In addition to recording and playing back audio tracks, the app can also throw in some vocal effects, from reverb to frequency modulation, and a metronome for getting your timing just right. The iRig Mic will be available for just US$59 in the first week of March. IK Multimedia told us that they'd be at Macworld later this month, so we'll be sure to get them on video there. In case you're wondering, that iPad is being held onto the mic stand by an IK product called the iKlip, which became available last December; for $40, it will clip your iPad onto a mic stand for use during a show. That way, iPad bands can keep both hands free for jamming.
TUAW's Holiday Gift Guide: Music gear for the Mac musician
Welcome to the TUAW Holiday Gift Guide! We've sorted the treasure from the junk and are serving up suggestions to make your holiday gift-giving a little easier. Choosing the right gift for an Apple-loving musician can be very tricky. Usually, they've got everything they want already because they can't wait for the latest and greatest -- they just get it for themselves as soon as they can. Or they are so overwhelmed by the choices presented to them that they can't make a decision and therefore obsess about it for months on end. To say the least, it can be very difficult to give the Apple-loving musician the right gift. Ironically, to top it all off, the gift-giver is usually not a musician, nor do they understand the gear and tech that most commonly goes with being a musician. For instance, when I start talking about music tech to a fellow musician in the presence of my wife, she looks at us as if we're speaking an alien language, and try as she might, she can't help but get extremely bored very quickly. So, to help you (the musician / beloved gift-giver) make the right decision, we've gone to the trouble of putting together a list of some of our favorite music apps and pieces of music tech from the last year. You'll definitely find something here that an Apple-loving musician is sure to be pleased with this holiday season.
Count The Beats: A closer look at Amplitube 2.0 for iOS
A few weeks ago, IK Multimedia released Amplitube 2.0, the next iteration of its guitar effects and amplifier emulator app for iOS (don't forget, you need the external iRig piece of kit, too). It's only been about 5 months since version 1.0 came out, but when we got word that version 2.0 was in the works, we got pretty excited. Update 2.0 brings 5 new stomp boxes (additional in-app purchase required), a promise of improved sound quality, a 4-track recorder and master FX section with 3 effects (in-app purchase), the SpeedTrainer as well as the ability to import songs from your iPod library, and a few other tidbits, too. The nice thing is, you can download a free version of 2.0, like version 1.0. That means you get the improved sound quality, SpeedTrainer, and the ability to import your songs from your iPod library at no extra cost. However, the bulk of the new additions in 2.0 are only available through in-app purchase. The question is, are they worth it? Click the "Read More" link below to find out.
Found footage: New ad declares that 'iPad is electric'
A new iPad ad hit the TV screens of America last night. The new ad, "Electric," shows Apple's tablet as being "cinematic", "elementary", "academic", "full-size", "presenting", "bought", "sold", "fantasy", and finally "electric." For the first time in the history of these ads, the piano riff is replaced in the last few seconds with a blast from an electric guitar connected to the US$19.99 AmpliTube app with a $39.99 iRig interface. It's another example of just how many different uses there are for the iPad. Anybody think that Apple is going to sell a few of these puppies over the holiday season? [via RazorianFly]
AmpliTube for iPhone updated to 2.0 - allows you to play along at your own speed
This week, the guys from IK Multimedia released version 2.0 of AmpliTube for the iPhone. We took a closer look at AmpliTube 1.0 back in June and were pretty impressed with what it had to offer. Since then, uses have requested the ability to import songs and play them at a custom, slower tempo. Fortunately, IK Multimedia has responded. AmpliTube 2.0 introduces SpeedTrainer, which allows you to speed up or slow down your imported songs (up to 50 of them from your iPod library or your computer over Wi-Fi) without affecting the pitch. Now there are no more excuses. We expect to hear that Satriani album performed perfectly by next week! Other new features include five new stomp boxes (in-app purchase required), a four-track recorder with a master FX section (three additional effects requiring in-app purchase), an option to export your recordings as high-quality audio (or in MP3 format via email) and improved sound quality with DSP code derived from the desktop versions of T-RackS 3 and AmpliTube 3. Apparently, an update to the iPad version will be coming in the next three to four weeks, too. If you've updated, let us know how it's working out in the comments below. Click here to watch the demo video on IK Multimedia's website.
AmpliTube for iPad available, Yngwie Malmsteen en route to Apple Store
Just a quick note for all of you virtual amping enthusiasts: IK Multimedia has announced that the AmpliTube is now available for iPad. As you'd expect, it works with your iRig hardware and the UI seems benefit from the extra screen real estate (let's be honest -- twiddling all those knobs and stomp boxes on the iPod Touch was a little bit much for us to take). It comes in two flavors: free (three effects, one amp, one cab, two mics) or $20 (11 effects, five amps and cabs, two mics). Either way it's cheaper than spending $350 for the OS X version. PR after the break.
IK Multimedia ships AmpliTube iRig iPhone interface adapter
We know you've been waiting on pins and needles, and at long last, the gap between announcement and "now shipping" has been closed. IK Multimedia has just revealed that its AmpliTube iRig adapter is shipping, enabling iPod touch, iPad and iPhone users to jack their guitar or bass directly into their iDevice and access all sorts of effects. From there, users can pipe the audio to a pair of headphones or a guitar amp, theoretically allowing your handheld to supplant your mess of pedals. We're also told that the iRig can be used with line level signal sources such as synthesizers, keyboards or mixing consoles, so there's that. It's available as we speak for $39.99 (or €29.99 overseas), and users can expect an iPad-specific version of the AmpliTube app to be released in the near future.
Count The Beats: AmpliTube and iRig review for the iPhone
A few weeks ago IK Multimedia announced its iRig hardware and AmpliTube app for the iPhone / iPod touch. Today the software has officially gone live on the UK iTunes store ready for your perusal. The app comes in three variations: AmpliTube Free, AmpliTube LE (£1.79) and just AmpliTube (£11.99) being the fully featured version. Naturally, you need the iRig hardware (around £23), too, so you can plug in your guitar. We were fortunate to get an early look at the iRig and a pre-release version of the app from IK Multimedia. Read on for our first impressions and thoughts on this potentially set-up altering piece of gear. The iRig Hardware The iRig in itself is a very simple item. Essentially, it allows you to plug a mono 1/4" jack (from your guitar / bass / keyboard / instrument) into your iPhone, and then take the output via stereo 1/8" mini-jack to your external source (headphones, powered speakers, mixer, or an amp). However, depending on your PA or mixer, and we expect most amps, you'll need a 1/8" mini-jack to a 1/4" jack converter lead so you can plug it in. Small in size and sturdy in feel, the iRig will fit right in with your other cables and patch leads. Similar to your "built like a tank" pedal case, the iRig will have no problem being chucked around with the rest of your gear. If anything, you'll be trying to find the misplaced thing much like your mysteriously vanishing capo 20 minutes after you should have left for the gig. There's not much else to say here. It feels good and looks good, but will it sound good? Click the 'read more' link to find out..
Count The Beats: IK Multimedia announces Amplitube iRig for the iPhone
To all you guitarists out there, we know you're incredibly particular about tone when it comes to your axe and the boutique pedals you play it through. But lets be honest, every now and again it can be a little tiresome lugging that oversized pedal board, and your vintage amp, through the underground for that one-off "favour for a friend" gig. Especially when the venue won't be able to handle your tone anyway (as apposed to that sell out rockin' show you did with the guys the night before). Well, it seems like IK Multimedia has beat Line 6 to it. Now you can leave the industrial strength cases behind in exchange for your iPhone and the iRig (of course you still need your guitar). IK Multimedia has brought their renowned guitar and effects virtualization software to the iPhone with the iRig. For £29.99 you can purchase the iRig peripheral hardware that enables you to plug your guitar / bass into your iPhone and then your iPhone into your amp, sound desk -- whatever tickles your fancy. The baseline iRig app is downloaded off the app store (which comprises of two stomp boxes, one amp+cabinet and two microphones). If you wish you can upgrade the app with more stomp boxes, amps+cabinets and microphones via the a-la-carte in-app purchase and download process. We're very much looking forward to trying this out for ourselves. If the iRig plays like Amplitube does on the Mac, there are some exciting possibilities ahead, one of which being less back ache! Check out the video after the break, or IK Multimedia's iRig website for more info.
AmpliTube iRig brings axe slingers closer to their iPhone, creative side (video)
Oh sure, we've seen something similar from PRS, but the reviews on the Guitarbud were -- how do you say? -- less than stellar. For those looking high and low for a decent alternative, IK Multimedia has outed the equally seductive AmpliTube iRig, a software / hardware tandem that enables axe slingers to jack their guitar or bass into an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and tweak their sound with a variety of amps and effects (up to 10 stomps, 5 amps, 5 cabinets and 2 microphones). The dongle also has a headphone jack for keeping your wailing to yourself (read: it's mom and neighbor approved), and if you're sporting a jailbroken device, you could also record your newest masterpiece while this hums along in the background. It's a beautiful thought, no? It's up for pre-order right now at $39.99, and you can peek a video of the solution in action just after the break.
