The iOS bass player thread. (Jamup XT, Audiobus, Multitrack DAW and more)

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by adambomb

+1
Black Velcro straps up the mic or music stand

That's what I was thinking, maybe put Velcro on certain spots of the cable and on the stand as well. Then you can remove it but it'll stay put when you need.

[faviobarrio]

JamUp XT or JamUp Pro XT?

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by faviobarrio

JamUp XT or JamUp Pro XT?

There is no much different, the pro is the paid version with more gear.

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by faviobarrio

JamUp XT or JamUp Pro XT?

I'm running XT. My reason for it is that when I first discovered Jamup, it didn't sound that great yet, so I didn't want to dump a bunch of money into it.

I really have no use for an extensive collection of GUITAR amps, so at first I bought the BDDI. Then, when Jamup released the "bug fix" update and things improved, I started to trick it out with bass oriented gear.

I buy the gear ala carte, and get what works best for me, without a million different Marshalls. But I may upgrade to the paid version just because I believe in the app that much.

[Duke21]

I went for the Jamup XT pro as I like guitar amps for bass, mostly Marshall, Hiwat and Fergan. I also know Adan used a Fender twin reverb to get his sound on Amplitube. But, of course, the bass amps are what is really important.

[nick98338]

Yea. For the bass player... not much difference. Either one, ya still gotta buy bass stuff separately. For the non-bass guitar player, there is a price break for the Pro version. Ya get a lot of stuff for not much money. The price was recently dropped, too.

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by nick98338

Yea. For the bass player... not much difference. Either one, ya still gotta buy bass stuff separately. For the non-bass guitar player, there is a price break for the Pro version. Ya get a lot of stuff for not much money. The price was recently dropped, too.

Yeah, pretty much every app that supports Audiobus went on sale for the 10th.

[Duke21]

There are lots of cool apps for Audiobus.
One which I wish to be made is an app for a Moog Taurus midi controller such as the Fatar.

[Rip Topaz]

Dude, that would be cool.

[HeavyDuty]

Originally Posted by kalanb

This is my first post. I've been lurking for a couple of months, but this thread got me to register. Can anyone speak to the differences between the iRiffPort, which is a 30 pin adapter, and the Apogee Jam, which is also 30 pin? I'm specifically concerned with which adapter can be used with the most apps.

I got the iRiff at GC for $60 last week and have used it with the PocketGK, and it is ok. I can't receive calls while using it as an amp though, and I get a little distortion. I contacted pocketgk and they said it was because my iOS is old (5.0). Not sure if I should take it back and get the Apogee. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by kalanb

I contacted iRiff about the distortion and they said to turn down the boost and volume at my bass, which I had tried before. Didn't make much of a difference. I am using AKG K240 studio headphones and a 78P bass with old EMG pickups. I haven't used the app in a week, since it cuts my phone out, and I don't want to update my iOS to 6.0.1. I'm thinking about getting an Ipad to use for all this stuff.

Are those good headphones to use in this application or would they work better with the Apogee?

Thanks for your response.

Welcome to TB!

I'm using an iRiffPort too, with both PocketGK and AmpliTube. I'm using it as a practice tool right now but I'd like to investigate using iOS apps for performance.

I've found that normal iPod-type earbuds work best with the iRiffPort, as mentioned above it really doesn't have enough oomph to drive a set of cans. Try this, if you haven't already - plug your AKGs directly into your iThing and see how they work listening to music. I suspect you'll get the same results as you do with the iRiffPort.

I picked up the iRiffPort purely for practice, but if I go down the performance path I'll definitely be looking at the Apogee.

[steve_rolfeca]

Originally Posted by Rip Topaz

Or you could get an adapter to attach the idevice to your mic stand, and just have your DI and the isetup right within reach.

There are a ton of clips to hang an iPad or iPhone off a mic or music stand.

There's at least one to hang an iPhone off the body of your axe, and another off your headstock. Go wireless, and you'd have nothing on the floor!

[Rip Topaz]

I worked with a singer/acoustic guitarist that had a small utility shelf on her mic stand. Something like that would work if you could adjust the angle to aim it towards yourself instead of the ceiling.

Then just add Velcro and you're good to go.

[steve_rolfeca]

Originally Posted by BassGen

So to make sure I understand I would need an Apogee Jam AND the Lightning to camera adapter? (I have an iRig but I can't say I've ever been happy with the results. Through headphones the darn thingies barely audible).

Since the Jam comes with both USB and 30-pin cables, you can use it either way:
- Lightning to camera adapter with the USB cable
- Lightning to 30-pin adapter with the 30-pin cable.

I would advise against the one-piece Lightning to 30-pin dongle, though. Pay the extra for the version with a short cable section, to take some stress off the connector.

[steve_rolfeca]

Originally Posted by kalanb

This is my first post. I've been lurking for a couple of months, but this thread got me to register. Can anyone speak to the differences between the iRiffPort, which is a 30 pin adapter, and the Apogee Jam, which is also 30 pin? I'm specifically concerned with which adapter can be used with the most apps.

I got the iRiff at GC for $60 last week and have used it with the PocketGK, and it is ok. I can't receive calls while using it as an amp though, and I get a little distortion. I contacted pocketgk and they said it was because my iOS is old (5.0). Not sure if I should take it back and get the Apogee. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Several reviews have complained about the wimpy headphone output on the iRiff.

Also, it's 16-bit, and it's not Apogee, so I would expect it to have a little less "air" up top, and a hair more noise. Probably more important to a guitarist than to a bass player. My PRS sounds absolutely beautiful through the Amplitube Lead amp, with a touch of delay and reverb.

The built-in cable on the iRiff makes it harder to store, but simpler to connect- one less cable to roll up.

The iRiff doesn't have a locking 30-pin connector. If you're scared of having your iDevice dragged onto the floor when you snag a cable, that's a plus. If you're more scared of having your audio interrupted, then it's a minus.

I don't know anyone who has tried them back to back, so this is all speculation, but on those factors alone I would go for the iRiff for casual practice, and the Apogee for serious recording or live.

FYI, my AKG 240's got stolen, so I haven't tried them with my iPad or iPhone. But my big Beyerdynamic cans are also pretty hard to drive, and they sound good with both my iDevices (iPhone 5 and iPad 2).

Which is why, after going through that whole thought process, I paid the extra $40 for the Jam.

Now that I have it, I find that I also appreciate the hardware gain control on the Jam. Nice when I'm switching basses or bass to guitar.

I think I would have been frustrated with the GuitarJack or iRiff for that reason...

[StuartV]

I just found this thread because I have an iRig and the Peavey AmpKit Link and have the full paid version of AmpliTube (updated to 2.8, no problem) and the free version of AmpKit.

I didn't know about any of these other apps or pieces of hardware y'all are talking about.

It sure would be nice if somebody would put up some kind of summary list of the apps and how much they cost (to get them with some decent bass gear), and a list of the different hardware bits, indicating whether it's a headphone jack interface, 30-pin, or Lightning, and how much they cost.

I already had the full, paid version of AmpliTube when I got the AmpKit Link. I downloaded the free version of AmpKit, but have been reluctant to pay anything for it because they have bundles for guitar players where you can get a pile of cool "gear" for $10, but you can only get bass gear going a la carte and spending way more money to get less. And, on top of that, it turns out that AmpliTube works just fine with the AmpKit Link. I think it sounds better than AmpliTube with the iRig.

I use my setup just for practicing along with different backing tracks, listening through my earmold IEMs. I must say, I do like the AmpKit app itself better for that because I can set it and then have it run in the background (Multitasking: On) and then use the Music app on my iPod to control what I'm playing along with. This is a lot easier for me than AmpliTube where you have to import each track that you want to play along with into the app - which is SLOOOOW.

I have not tried using either app for recording myself at all.

How does Jamup (?) compare for just playing along to backing tracks?

[Rip Topaz]

That's a tough comparison because of Audiobus. Now apps can focus in specific areas (like amp sims and effects) while other apps handle related chores (recorders, loopers and drum machines).

The bass tones alone in Jamup are miles ahead of the others. You can use the free app and add the bass pack for $10 and you're set. After using ALL of the other sims, I use Jamup through my in ear system and into the PA mains.

If you get a bit more advanced and add Audiobus, a whole new world opens up, with audio apps working together like there's a patchbay on your iDevice.

By itself, there's a play-along function on Jamup, and it's cool, just not my primary use as I use it mainly as a preamp. But if you don't add Audiobus, you're really missing out on some amazing stuff, that takes it beyond just a practice tool (which it's also good at!!).

TLDR:

You go to the Jam tab, load a song, and then you have speed and pitch controls, as well as volume for the track and yourself.

[StuartV]

Well, I went ahead and installed Jamup (Free) and bought the Bass Expansion pack. I played around with it (using my Peavey AmpKit Link) for a while. It's nice. But, so far, I'm not hearing any special difference from AmpliTube, as far as the bass tone goes.

BUT, I'm listening to them all through my single armature IEMs - which don't give the best bass response. Maybe it's time to go ahead and order the parts and make myself a a set of triple armature earmold IEMs, so I can really actually enjoy practicing in total (external) silence. Anything bigger (e.g. real headphones, a headphone amp, or an actual sound system) would defeat the purpose, for me. I carry my iRig (now, my AmpKit) and my in-ears with me everywhere. I have basses in 3 different places where I stay regularly. By just taking the iRig and in-ears, I can practice wherever I am, and without annoying the neighbors.

I don't really care about using any of this stuff as a preamp or effects board for live sound. For that, I am perfectly happy with my tube amps and cabs. Or my SABDDI, if it's that kind of gig.

[PauBass]

Originally Posted by PrietoBass

I use the (Apogee) Jam. Whatever you choose, make sure it uses the 30-pin interface and not the headphone jack to input the signal into your iOS device.

I've had the iRig for a long time now and I didn't know about this, what do I need to connect it to my iPhone then, please?

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by steve_rolfeca

Several reviews have complained about the wimpy headphone output on the iRiff.

Also, it's 16-bit, and it's not Apogee, so I would expect it to have a little less "air" up top, and a hair more noise. Probably more important to a guitarist than to a bass player. My PRS sounds absolutely beautiful through the Amplitube Lead amp, with a touch of delay and reverb.

The built-in cable on the iRiff makes it harder to store, but simpler to connect- one less cable to roll up.

The iRiff doesn't have a locking 30-pin connector. If you're scared of having your iDevice dragged onto the floor when you snag a cable, that's a plus. If you're more scared of having your audio interrupted, then it's a minus.

I don't know anyone who has tried them back to back, so this is all speculation, but on those factors alone I would go for the iRiff for casual practice, and the Apogee for serious recording or live.

FYI, my AKG 240's got stolen, so I haven't tried them with my iPad or iPhone. But my big Beyerdynamic cans are also pretty hard to drive, and they sound good with both my iDevices (iPhone 5 and iPad 2).

Which is why, after going through that whole thought process, I paid the extra $40 for the Jam.

Now that I have it, I find that I also appreciate the hardware gain control on the Jam. Nice when I'm switching basses or bass to guitar.

I think I would have been frustrated with the GuitarJack or iRiff for that reason...

Good to have you here Steve, you are out "tech" man!
I also find it a bit difficult to compare Apogee Jam to the iRiff as they offer different features. As you say, 16bit against 24bit in the Apogee. The gain control on the Apogee Jam is a positive point as most basses have different output.
The iRiff loose in my eyes because it doesn't have any build in headphone amp, so it is not more capable of driving headphones then then iDevice itself.
The headphone issue is very important when one do not use an headphone amp. Many headphones are too heavy to drive so one must be aware of the headphone choice. From my personal experience I can recommend the following headphones to use directly with iDevice and Apogee Jam/ iRig :
Ultrasone HFi 580 which are great mobile headphones for bass playing. Even better then the AudioTech. M50
Shure SE215 which are one of the best single armature IEM due to very good bass response, and price!
Shure SE425 which are dual armature IEM but they have more reference sound so actually leaner on the bass.
BeyerDynamic DT770M. These are 80ohm but still quite easy to drive. Great bass response and great isolation. Not as good as the Shure SE IEM but very good for headphones.

My AKG K701 must be used with an headphone amp.

Otherwise, Rip have a triple armature IEM unit which he is very happy about.

Anyway the choice of headphones/ IEM is VERY important regrading the sound you guys hear while playing, it is you "cabinet" so choose well!

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by PauBass

I've had the iRig for a long time now and I didn't know about this, what do I need to connect it to my iPhone then, please?

The Apogee Jam come with a proper 30pin cable in order to connect it to you iPhone.