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Apple and Guitar Center to offer GarageBand workshops
Apple and the musical instrument retailer Guitar Center have teamed up to offer weekly workshops in GarageBand, according to Guitar Center's website. Starting May 7th from 10-11 AM and running every Saturday, Guitar Center will be offering four free Recording Made Easy workshops at all of its 216 stores. The aim of the workshops is to teach musicians "How to record your first song using Mac and GarageBand...You'll learn everything from basic tracking to creating a finished song." The first workshop on May 7 covers "Signal Flow and Microphone Techniques." May 14 is "Virtual Instruments and Loops." May 21's workshop is "Effects" and the final workshop on May 28 is "Mixing and Publishing." After the May 28 workshop, the workshops will begin again on the next Saturday, starting with the first one. You must register for the workshops to attend. Clicking the register button on Guitar Center's site takes you to Apple's Seminars & Events page where you can complete your registration.
GarageBand for iPad running on an iPhone 4
YouTube user PSPfano has posted a video of GarageBand for iPad running on an iPhone 4. He accomplished this by using a hack (detailed on 9to5) that allows users to modify jailbroken iPhones; it also allows them to run most iPad apps on them. After applying the hack, PSPfano moved the GarageBand for iPad app (with altered metadata) to an iPhone 4 via OpenSSH. The hack isn't perfect, though. As PSPfano states on his YouTube page, "I got GarageBand running on my iPhone 4. Obviously, it isn't properly formatted, but for some reason the track editor worked really smooth and is fully functional." As always, with any hack or jailbreaking, proceed with caution, lest you end up with a non-functioning iPhone. You can check out the video of GarageBand running on an iPhone 4 after the break.
Five apps to show off (justify!) my iPad 2
Yesterday, I was finally able to pick up my iPad 2. This is my first iPad since I decided to hold out on the first generation model. Upon bringing it home, I found myself oddly excited and nervous. You see, I've wanted an iPad since Steve Jobs first introduced this magical and revolutionary device to the world, but like many, I've struggled to justify its place in my digital life -- between my iPhone and my Mac. It is, after all, a fair amount of money to spend on what some would call just a gadget. Therefore, I've wanted to be sure that my iPad is going to be more than just a glorified "cool" way to browse the Web, when I could simply grab my MacBook Pro (and power supply because the battery's dead) from upstairs. After months of scrimping, saving and debating with my conscience and wife (I've now realized they are one and the same), I took the plunge. After many nights of hitting Apple's iPad 2 online reserve page, I (somehow) managed to snag a reserve to collect the next day from Apple's Regent Street Store in London. That was two days ago. Yesterday, I picket up my 16 GB black iPad 2. Which brings me to today. Now that I have my iPad, how do I feel? Well, I love it of course, but...there's a quiet, persistent voice in the back of my mind saying, "iPad 2, now that I have you, you need to earn your keep or you will be returned." Therefore, I've spent most of this morning scouting for the features and installing the apps that are going to make my iPad 2 worth its keep. After the break are what I've come up with: my top five apps (and a few more just to be sure) to show off to this voice in my head, and hopefully, once and for all, still it.
The Ultramods record entire album in GarageBand for iPad
We all know that Apple's GarageBand for iPad 2 makes it incredibly easy for anyone to make and record music. Now The Ultramods have gone and created an entire album using the 8-track recording capability of GarageBand. Most of the songs on the album Underwear Party (iTunes Store link) are NSFW, including one appropriately titled "NSFW." According to the band's website, they specialize in "pervy pop punk and technologically obsessed new wave." The group, made up of musicians Bunny and Coco Ultramod, used only the instruments included in the iPad app to record the dozen tunes on the album. The Ultramod's manifesto is "fast, cheap and out-of-control," and you've got to love their thinking even if you hate their music: "Here's an iPad, here's an Internet connection. Now make an album." Note to readers: I'll be off the site for the next few days, recording my first album. Just kidding. [via The Loop]
GarageBand updates to 6.0.2, improves iPad support
GarageBand has updated to 6.0.2, updating stability throughout the program and addressing support issues regarding projects that are imported from GarageBand for iPad. GarageBand 6.0.2 is a 45.2 MB download and is available through Software Update and through Apple's support page.
GarageBand for iPad: Using the app to show off the device
GarageBand for iPad is, I'm pleased to say, another one of those apps. It's software that melds so perfectly with the iPad hardware that when you show it off to someone, their natural inclination is to say "Oh, so that's why I should buy one of these devices." I love finding those apps. Follow the jump to find out why GarageBand qualifies.
GarageBand for iPad: A look under the hood
Apple's release of GarageBand for iPad has, in a small way, rocked my world. There have been a few admirable attempts at multi-track recorders, but this US$4.99 app from Apple takes the cake. The best part is that it's not just a musicians tool; anybody with half an ear for a tune can start composing great-sounding tracks from the moment they launch the app. When I was a kid, I had a Tascam 4-track, an acoustic guitar and a general MIDI synth. I spent hours, even days, at a time playing with them. If I'd had this back then, I might never have left the house. With an array of built-in instruments and an eight-track recorder, you don't even need to plug anything in to start rocking. That's not to say you can't, I've had decent luck plugging in a Blue Snowball, a couple of M-Audio keyboards and my electric guitar via the iRig. The "Smart" instruments included in GarageBand can build backing tracks in minutes, with a pretty good selection of pianos, organs, guitars (electric and acoustic), basses and drums. You can record in sections, pattern style, or you can record straight through. In section mode, most instruments will stop recording and start playback at the end of a section, but drums, handily enough, automatically overdub to let you build multiple layers of percussion with ease.
iPad 2 launch day: everything you need to know
You know what tomorrow is right? Yep, Friday, but it's also iPad 2 launch day! After months of rumors and a pretty impressive launch event, Apple's releasing the second iteration of its popular tablet. Yes, it's true, in a lot of ways the iPad 2 is a lot like the first iPad, so many of you should be old pros at this, but if you happen to be a first timer or you simply just need a refresher, we've broken down everything you need to know about getting your own "magical" tablet. We've also put together a short list of things to do with it as soon as you've gotten it out of the box. Hit the break for a full breakdown of everything you need to know and don't forget to read our full review.
GarageBand and iMovie come to iPad, iPhone gets iMovie refresh
If you occupy the planet Earth, you're probably aware that last week saw the unveiling of the iPad 2. During said reveal, Steve Jobs made a couple of other, perhaps not as monumental, but no doubt notable announcements: specifically that the new slate will offer iMovie and GarageBand. Well, it looks like they've decided to let the cats, or apps, as it were, out of the bag a day early. That's right, Mac movie makers and rock star hopefuls can download them now for $5 a pop -- and, this just in, it looks like iMovie for iPhone's getting a simultaneous upgrade. If you've already started rockin' or docin', let us know what you think in the comments.
iMovie and Garageband now available for iPad
As expected, iMovie and GarageBand are now available on the App Store for the iPad 2 when it releases later on this week. iMovie is actually just a universal update, since the app was already available for the iPhone, but it won't run on the original iPad (GarageBand will, however). Both apps are available for $4.99. Note that the GB download is pretty big -- GarageBand will run you 370 MB, so if your iPad is already pretty full, you'll have to delete some apps or media. GarageBand offers up all of those great in-app instruments to record with, so if you have an iPad 1 or 2, it's probably a must-get. iMovie's improvements for iPhone users have yet to be tested, but it's bound to be a big hit tomorrow once the iPad 2 units hit the street.
Apple posts new iPad guided tour videos
Apple has posted new iPad guided tour videos on its site. The new videos all feature the iPad 2 and encompass FaceTime, Mail, Safari, iBooks, Videos, Photos, Find my iPad, iPod, iTunes, App Store, Maps, AirPlay, GarageBand and iMovie. The videos follow on the heels of the release of iOS 4.3 earlier today. Additionally, Apple has added dedicated preview pages for iMovie and GarageBand for iPad. The previews give you a nice walk-through of all the features the two apps offer on the iPad. Both iMovie and GarageBand for iPad should become available for US$4.99 each on Friday when the iPad 2 is released. iOS 4.3 for existing iPads is available for free download now via iTunes.
Apple posts iPad 2 guided tour videos
Although the iPad 2 is launching in two days, Apple wants to make sure that you're filled with knowledge for March 11th. Sure, we showed you pretty much everything you wanted to know about the company's second slate, but if you want more, they've got you covered. You can feast your eyes on demos of Garageband, FaceTime, iMovie, as well as other first party apps for the new iPad -- these 14 videos should keep you occupied for a while. If you want to properly prepare yourself for Friday, hit the source link to watch them all.
Apogee's Jam connects your guitar to your iPad
We've seen the iRig and the AmpKit, two interfaces for getting a line-in from your guitar or bass. Both come with effect racks and sound pretty darn good. But where do you go from there? How about a dock interface that records 44.1 kHz, 24-bit audio without line noise? Apogee's Jam guitar interface does just that, and it throws in hardware gain control and LED peak monitoring. It plugs into your Mac, too! I saw something similar at Macworld, though I don't think it was this particular model. I sat down and played an acoustic with pickups through my iPhone, though, and I was blown away by the clarity of the audio. The dock connector is, in my newly-formed opinion, the way to go. The problem at the time was that it didn't come with any effects, and the convenience of the AmpliTube and AmpKit setups was more convincing to my limited budget. However, with Apple's announcement of GarageBand on the iPad, the tables have turned. GarageBand's full set of effects, combined with a crisp guitar input, plus editing and multi-track capabilities (all with the polish of an Apple product) make this an amazing prospect. I'm sure I'll be picking one up, as they'll be retailing at US$99 and will be available later this month. See the Jam page at Apogee's site for more info. [via Gizmag]
Jam guitar input for Mac and iOS devices gets your axe into GarageBand
Hello Cleveland! Or, you know, wherever you are. Are you ready to rock? No? Oh, well, maybe just a little jam session, then? Apogee Electronics (no, not the company that brought you all those Duke Nukem releases back in the day) has announced the new Jam device, which enables a digital connection for electric and bass guitars into iOS 4.2.1 (and greater) devices or into any Core Audio compatible apps on Mac. You can record straight into GarageBand if you like and use the built-in control knob to adjust your levels. That connectivity won't come for free, naturally, with a $99 MSRP slapped on this one. It'll start rocking stores in March -- plenty enough time to find another new drummer. %Gallery-118299%
Apple announces GarageBand for iPad
Earlier today, Apple announced GarageBand for the iPad (US$4.99). Available March 11, this app puts the power of audio recording and editing on the sleek, portable iPad. Features include touch instruments, guitar and amp effects (you can plug your guitar in for live recording), 8-track recording and mixing and more than 250 loops. Plus, you can email an AAC version of your song and even share projects with GarageBand for Mac. You say you're not the most talented musician in the world? No worries. The app's "Smart Guitar" will keep you in tune by suggesting chords and even "strumming" the strings for you. When I think of what I paid for a junky 4-track recorder in high school, one that was a glorified cassette deck, and compare it to this thing, I'm floored. Apple announced the iPad 2 in a press event earlier today. You can catch our live coverage here.
iMovie, GarageBand for iPad announced -- $4.99 on March 11th
In addition to the announcement of the iPad 2, Steve Jobs just unveiled iMovie for iPad, so all your tablet video editing dreams are about to come true. So what does this new version of iMovie have in store for you? A precision editor, multitrack audio recording, some brand new themes, AirPlay to Apple TV, and the ability to share videos in HD. It'll be available on March 11th (the same day as the new iPad) for $4.99. %Gallery-118179% Apple's also just outed GarageBand for iPad. The app will boast several touch instruments, guitar amps and effects, 8-track recording and mixing, over 250 loops, the ability to email your AAC files, and it's compatible with the Mac version. GarageBand for iPad will also run you $4.99 when it's released on March 11th. %Gallery-118190%
Buy individual iWork, iLife apps from the Mac App Store
Apple's iWork suite is a nice collection, but some users don't need all three apps. Fortunately, the Mac App Store lets you pick and choose between iWork and iLife apps. Starting today, you can buy and install only the apps you want for US$20 each. For iWork customers, that means Pages, Numbers and Keynote. Buy all three and spend $60. That's a savings of $40. Now some of you are probably saying "$40? But iWork '09 only cost $80? So if I can get them for $60, that's a savings of $20." Ah, but you are forgetting that the app you are buying can be used on all of your computers, meaning that you are really getting what used to be called the "Family Pack" which sold for $100. The Mac App Store also recognizes if you already own them, so you won't have to buy them again. Similarly, the iLife apps can be purchased individually. You'll find iPhoto or iMovie or GarageBand on sale for $15 each. That's a significant savings over the $80 for iLife Family Pack. There's one big caveat, however: you will not find iWeb or iDVD in the Mac App Store. Maybe they're coming later, but it seems more likely that Apple signified that they were cutting them lose when they were included in the boxed set of iLife but never mentioned during the announcement. Where is iWork '11? Several of us were surprised to see that iWork '11 is not on the Mac App Store. iWork '09 is, obviously, a few years old now and the Mac community has been anticipating a new release. the Mac App Store just seemed like it would be a good opportunity. Not yet, but hopefully soon. Just a reminder: there has never been Mac upgrade pricing on iWork or iLife, so if you buy Pages from iWork '09 today for $20 and iWork '11 is introduced next week, expect to pay full price for that upgrade. Caveat emptor. UPDATE: If you already own these apps but the Mac App Store doesn't recognize it, make sure they are up to date (iWork just had an update last night). After updating apps, restart App Store app and it should recognize they are installed.
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.
Review: GarageBand '11 is worth diving into
iLife '11 has a lot of goodies, but none impressed me more than GarageBand's new capabilities (although I am pretty enthralled with some of the new iMovie features). GarageBand has taken another step toward being a "prosumer" music-recording solution, while still maintaining its roots as a simple, dive-in-and-go application. I'm a Logic Studio user, and working in GarageBand can be a little awkward if you're used to more precision and flexibility. For a musical scratchpad with the ability to output a polished, professional track, though, GarageBand is aces. The latest updates make this even more true. Read on for my take on some of the highlights of GarageBand '11.
iLife, iWork apps to sell individually in Mac App Store
It seems that Apple will sell its iWork and iLife apps individually through the forthcoming Mac App Store. Some keen-eyed observers noticed hints during this week's demonstration, ElectricPig reports. During the demo, you could clearly see GarageBand, iMovie and iPhoto icons among the available apps. Indeed, the screenshot on the official Lion information page shows the same thing. It's impossible to see what the cost will be (we *think* it says $14.95), but the idea is interesting. Many users buy the bundle for one or two apps only (iMove and iPhoto, but not GarageBand for instance). An a la carte offering would prevent those shoppers from paying for an app(s) that they won't use. The Mac App Store will premiere for Snow Leopard users in about 90 days. We'll know for sure by then. [Via MacNN]
