iOS, iPhone, iPad and music 101

[PrietoBass]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

Thanks. Problem though is in step 3. Only a blank page appears that's titled iPod import. There are no options to do anything on that page except click done, or switch views. All views are blank.

The music is in my music folder on the ipad, but doesn't show up in jam up. And I don't know why.

Dunno. Are we talking iPod or iPad? I don't have either, so I can't help there, but Duke has an iPad so he may be able to help you there.

Or try emailing Positive Grid's support: support@positivegrid.com
I am sure they'll have an answer for you very quickly.

Sorry I can't help more. Hopefully you'll get the answer soon.

[steve_rolfeca]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

What can I do with my iPad/iPhone?

- Display charts in OnSong, iRealBook and other apps, turning pages with a swipe or optional foot pedals.
- Sync chart libraries via Dropbox, etc.
- Wi-Fi sync between bandleader's charts and the rest of the band (OnSong).
- buy various nice tuners (Peterson, Polytune) for the price of the firmware alone.
- get amp and effects sims and virtual instruments in a uniquely portable, inexpensive, battery-powered package.
-ampless DI rig for practice, rehearsal, casual live performance.

EDIT: forgot about remote control for digital mixers, from Mackie, Presonus and others. Mix monitor feeds and FOH while you walk around the venue.

Presonus even has a killer free monitor app for iPad iPod and iPhone, that gives you wireless personal control of a 24-channel IEM mix. No extra splitters or mixers needed. Take that, Aviom!

Their largest model has 10 separate aux outputs, off one compact board.

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

*]What's the best way for me to plug my bass into my iOS device?

- 30-pin or Lightning interface, at least digital in, if not digital out.
-Apogee Jam is very popular, locking connectors, USB compatible with Mac, nice 14-bit A/D convertor, easy connect.
- iRiff, GuitarJack 2, Blue Mikey Digital, Focusrite iTrack and Alesis iDock are contenders.
- You can also use some entry-level computer interfaces, if they are "USB class compatible", but app support and feature compatibility is spotty. Also, they need the Apple camera connectivity kit and (usually) a powered USB hub- lots of cable clutter.
- Digitech has a new floorboard that's expensive, but very interesting.
- Locking connector, if you're serious about reliable live performance.
Non-locking connector, if you're clumsy, and more concerned about tripping on a cable and smashing your 'phone or tablet..
- Regardless, cable dress is hugely important if you don't want your iDevice crashing to the floor.

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

If I plan to use anything live, in a professional situation, what's the setup (interface, apps, etc).

- it's still early days for pro use.
- some audio interfaces/apps have weird connectivity issues, like having to run or connect in a certain order, losing wi-fi sync, or having the system default to a huge burst of digital noise if a non-locking, poorly-designed connector pops out in mid-performance.
- I can see using them on the tour bus or in a hotel, but in front of a live audience when your career is at stake?
- Software/hardware development is going so fast that it's hard to choose an interface.
- For example, the Focusrite iTtrack got some marginal reviews initially, but there's a JamUp upgrade due out in the next few weeks that supports input switching, and could make it a leading contender.
- Auria has a pretty good compatibility chart for audio interfaces on their website.

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

What's a good looper?

- Loopy, hands down.

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

If you're already using an amp live, how do amp models in an app help? I never understood this about effects.

- most apps let you bypass the amp sims, and use them as a multi-effects unit.

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

In a live situation is all this stuff just for fun, or do you really feel it ups your game somehow?

Audio? Mostly low cost/convenience.

Charts on iPad? A true game-changer, compared to binders and paper.

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

What is available in an app for for drum loops?

Many choices, DM1 is getting good reviews at the moment.

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

What are the recording software choices? What's the most functional, the most user friendly, etc?

- Auria is the most powerful.
- the optional 8-track recorder in Amplitube and MTD may be the simplest/ most user-friendly.
- Tascam has a Portastudio app that looks interesting, if you value a simple UI.

[BigBeatNut]

Originally Posted by steve_rolfeca

- Display charts in OnSong, iRealBook and other apps, turning pages with a swipe or optional foot pedals.

Sounds like you're up to speed on Charting software, can I ask a question ? I have preference for charts that show chords against a bar structure, so I can easily see its an 8-bar intro, 16-bar verse, 8-bar solo, etc ... it's the best way for me to get a song's structure into my head.

Have you seen charting software lets you make charts like that ? Or indeed, do the two above have that feature ?

Looks to me like iGigBook (I presume that's what you meant) has that format but doesn't let you make charts, and OnSong lets you make charts but doesn't have that display format.

[dmonroe]

Sub'd

[steve_rolfeca]

Originally Posted by BigBeatNut

...I have preference for charts that show chords against a bar structure, so I can easily see its an 8-bar intro, 16-bar verse, 8-bar solo, etc ... it's the best way for me to get a song's structure into my head.

Have you seen charting software lets you make charts like that ? Or indeed, do the two above have that feature ?

Looks to me like iGigBook (I presume that's what you meant) has that format but doesn't let you make charts, and OnSong lets you make charts but doesn't have that display format.

Sorry, I meant iReal b (they had a name change a while back). It used to ship w/close to 1,000 preloaded charts, but they had to cut back because of copyright challenges. Bar lines, standard chord notation, and chart creation/editing included. There's also a fairly healthy chart-sharing forum where you can grab some pretty comprehensive chart libraries without having to do all the transcription yourself.

Both iReal b and OnSong support key changes on the fly. OnSong is the Cadillac option, with great setlists, file and screen-sharing capabilities, etc., but it's strongly oriented to lyric/chord sheets. A clever, simple editing interface makes it easy to place the chord on exactly the right syllable in the lyrics, and quickly fix errors in downloaded content, but I still wish it used bar lines.

I tried other options, but IMO/IME, nothing else matches the OnSong/iReal b combo for function and affordability. I use OnSong for vocal stuff, and iReal b for instrumentals.

[DeltaPhoenix]

This is cool, I got lost in the other thread too. I am at a crossroads. I play in a band and seems as if we are slowing down a bit. I was doing solo electronica stuff awhile back. I got board with that being mostly DJing my stuff on a laptop with NI Maschine. So, I have an awesome crazy pedal board that I can use for all kinds of synthy sounds. My plan is to add more performance to the electronica stuff. I also don't want to drag a laptop around with me. I was considering getting an Elektron Machinedrum to handle beats and sample stuff like synth pads. It is an awesome piece of kit for sure but pretty expensive. I really like how much mangling it can do to a sample, essentially making it unrecognizable and into a new element.
I realize with the audiobus app I could do a TON integrating apps. Loopy HD would be an amazing tool for this project. Is there any app that allows you to really mangle samples, sample and bit rate reduction, pitch and time shifting, running LFOs into the sample, etc.?

[BigBeatNut]

Originally Posted by steve_rolfeca

I tried other options, but IMO/IME, nothing else matches the OnSong/iReal b combo for function and affordability. I use OnSong for vocal stuff, and iReal b for instrumentals.

Thanks, very informative answer.

[CntrlScrtnizr]

sub'd

[steve_rolfeca]

More IOS 101:

When your whole rig fits into a pencil case...

...It's REALLY ANNOYING when you can't find the $&??!!! pencil case...

[DeltaPhoenix]

So, I am pretty certain I am going the iPad route instead of blowing tons of money on hardware while being a relatively poor student.
So, now my question is should I go for an iPad 3 or 4. I am certain that I need 64GB. If I am correct, the iPad 4 has a lot faster processor. I am planning to use the Audiobus app to run several apps at once (for electronica music) so getting an iPad 4 is worth the money right?
Are there good audio and midi interfaces for the 4 yet?

(posted this in the other thread too)

[Phil Smith]

Originally Posted by BigBeatNut

Looks to me like iGigBook (I presume that's what you meant) has that format but doesn't let you make charts, and OnSong lets you make charts but doesn't have that display format.

This is true, iGigBook does not provide the capability to create chord charts which isn't the main feature of the app, but it does allow you to transpose the chord charts available at www.jazzstudies.us on your device without an internet connection.

[Rip Topaz]

I'll add to this.

For those saying that the iPhone isn't "worthwhile", you're wrong. While the earlier iPhones (3GS and earlier) won't really work as well, the 4S and above are extremely powerful machines and will do just fine.

I'm using the most stripped down iOS setup possible and my bass sound is phenomenal.

My rig is like this:
Bass->
Irig adapter (yup, and it works great, no matter what everyone else says. It's not optimal, I'm actually saving for the Apogee Jam, but for starters the Irig will work, even live)->
iPhone 4S running Jamup XT (free) with the Bass Expansion ($9.99)

With this setup, I've got the BEST bass tone I've ever had, even better than my "real" rig. So much so that I haven't even turned my amp on in months!!

iOS setups can be as complex or as simple as you'd like. If you just want a bedroom practice amp, it's possible.

If you want a full 24 track studio with loopers and effects, that's possible too.

My advice is to start reading. Try not to get frustrated. It'll be confusing as hell at first, but those of us in the iOS bass thread are all very much interested in helping anyone that's interested.

And remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question. Join our group, ask lots of questions. We don't mind, because the more info we can share, the more iOS based solutions will continue to grow.

Welcome to the world of iOS bass!!

[Rip Topaz]

It also helps to ALWAYS go with the newer device. The newer iPad with the retina display has a MUCH more powerful processor.

[Joe Nerve]

Originally Posted by Rip Topaz

With this setup, I've got the BEST bass tone I've ever had, even better than my "real" rig. So much so that I haven't even turned my amp on in months!!

What are you using to amplify it all?

While I haven't even attempted using the iPad in a live situation yet, I always thought it strange to put an amp modler into an amp. Seems it would only make my sound more processed. I'm using a Carvin BX500 which has more EQ options than any of the apps I've yet downloaded.

I'm not looking for an argument. I'm curious about what I might be missing. And I've a feeling there is something I'm missing.

And thanks for your input. You're needed here.

[Rip Topaz]

No amp. Straight to a DI box into the PA.

[Joe Nerve]

Originally Posted by Rip Topaz

No amp. Straight to a DI box into the PA.

That does become tempting, as it winds up trumping the whole micro rig movement. Makes our transport almsot as easy as a singers. Technology is going to start putting even roadies out of work.

[Rip Topaz]

Very much so. I can bring my bass, cables, and iPhone to a gig and have my sound.

A few more little things if I bring IEMs.

[chumbo73]

Although I already have the Apogee Jam (it was a gift, I didn't invest money on it) I'll go for the iTrack Solo for better quality and to also be able to record on my PC. Anyone has already used it?

[styro]

Although I like the models in AmpKit better than in Amplitube, I found the ULTRA-LOW latency switch and tried it with my Apogee JAM. Works perfectly no clicks no dropout or distortion whatsoever.
This make Amplitube my go-to app because the latency is *way* below what AmpKit provides.
BTW when I hook the JAM up to my Mac I can get down 64 and 32 (where the setting is possible) buffer samples!

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by styro

Although I like the models in AmpKit better than in Amplitube, I found the ULTRA-LOW latency switch and tried it with my Apogee JAM. Works perfectly no clicks no dropout or distortion whatsoever.
This make Amplitube my go-to app because the latency is *way* below what AmpKit provides.
BTW when I hook the JAM up to my Mac I can get down 64 and 32 (where the setting is possible) buffer samples!

You really owe it to yourself to check out Jamup XT. You can download the free version and add bass amps by getting the Bass Expansion Pack in-app. It's a $10 expansion but it gives you 4 different amps and two effects pedals. The tone is MILES ahead of Amplitube and AmpKit.