iOS, iPhone, iPad and music 101

[adambomb]

Originally Posted by mattm

Does anyone have any recommendations for decent (but still budget friendly) headphones to use while playing through the iPad?

Also, and sorry for the extremely basic question, what exactly is a DI box? A SansAmp? And if I had one, could I plug the iPad into it, and then the DI box out to any cab?

Thanks!

The dr dre headphones are expensive for what they are I would recommend (because I just recently got a pair) of shure se215 in ear monitors. They have extremely good response and nice tight bass. "Headphones" just as the name implies would be a set of outer ear "cans" on a head stretcher band if you are referring to those then I know someone here can point you in a better direction than I. But I have been blown away with the sound quality of the shures.


A direct box takes your instrument level and converts it to a mixer board friendly level that truly makes a difference in sound without it the instrument level to a mixer sounds horrible and stale.

A sansamp refers to a type of product that is produced by tech21 co. That is one of the first mainstream pedals that gives a bass guita the sound of being run through an amp and cab.

[andysvec]

anyone still using their 'old' ipad 1? My wife got the newest Ipad version for christmas and I got her old one .

I'm just lookin at using it for charts, real books, etc. No music production or bass input, just strictly researching all the igigbook, irealb, onsong, etc. programs discussed here on tb. Mainly need real books and be able to add some of my paper charts, I'm assuming I'd scan to pdfs then import into one of these programs (?)

would these programs work fine on the original ipad?

[Rip Topaz]

You might want to check the description in the App Store for compatibility, but apps for charts don't have the same processor demands as the amp sims.

You should be fine as long as your device is running the newest possible OS and as long as the app hasn't given up on supporting older devices. .

[LanEvo]

Originally Posted by mattm

Does anyone have any recommendations for decent (but still budget friendly) headphones to use while playing through the iPad?

Look no further than the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro:

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/profess...280-PRO_004974

It's the ultimate "bang for your buck" isolation headphone. Only $100 bucks and sounds terrific with a very nice (non-booming) bass response.

[steve_rolfeca]

Originally Posted by andysvec

anyone still using their 'old' ipad 1? My wife got the newest Ipad version for christmas and I got her old one .

I'm just lookin at using it for charts, real books, etc. No music production or bass input, just strictly researching all the igigbook, irealb, onsong, etc. programs discussed here on tb. Mainly need real books and be able to add some of my paper charts, I'm assuming I'd scan to pdfs then import into one of these programs (?)

would these programs work fine on the original ipad?

You can scan to PDF, but it's a huge waste of resources, and you can't manipulate the chart once it's in the iPad.

Better to look at notation programs, and then bring your charts into the app. All of the majors feature easy key changes on the fly, and other convenience features.

Some of them (iReal b is a good example) have online communities where you can find pre-formatted charts.

[Rip Topaz]

Don't forget about Set List Maker.
It's a really cool app that lets you input all of your band's songs into a database.

You can make the list as simple or as complex as you like. There are spots for the song's key, lyrics, and yes, even charts.

It's around $3 if I remember correctly, I bought it last year, but it's a really in-depth way to keep track of your songs, and you can print or email set lists to your bandmates.

[PDGood]

Originally Posted by LanEvo

Look no further than the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro:

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/profess...280-PRO_004974

It's the ultimate "bang for your buck" isolation headphone. Only $100 bucks and sounds terrific with a very nice (non-booming) bass response.

Isolation headphones can be wonderful but be aware that they do just what they say - isolate. That can be a good or bad thing depending on what's coming through the mix. If you want to hear any stage sound you might opt for regular (non-iso) headphones.

[mattm]

Awesome, thanks for the advice everyone.

Also, I've used an iPad 1 for even the modeler apps, and it seems to run just as well as the newer hardware I've used, so you should definitely be fine with those less intensive apps.

[Joe Nerve]

Aight everyone, listen up!!!

I believe I found a must for us bass players. Especially those who need help with or want to learn to read. I think it's a great tool though for those who already know how to read also.

ReadRhythm

Comes up as 'rhythm sight reading trainer' in the app store.

I bought the full version, but don't remember the proce. Probably about $2, and worth all 200 pennies of it. Why? I'll tell ya! First, for a guy like me who can't really read for crap, it's a great fun practice tool. Not unlike others I've messed around with, but this one offers a practice mode which is cool because if I'm unsure, it's right there in front of me. And I can keep playing along till I got it. But that's not the special part of this app for me. What I love is...

You play the notes on a drum. You can tap the drum as though it's a bass string. For each note you hit a dot comes up - either red, green, or blue, depending on your accuracy. Red is if you're a little before the beat, and you can guess the other 2. I think this is frikken awesome. I know I have pretty good timing, but I was surprised playing along with this app. It's great practice to get my timing dead on, and to be able to consciously play a little before or after the beat when needed or desired. I truly think is the rhythm learning tool I've been searching for. It's the first reading training I've ever done that's actually fun, and challenging. Kinda like I'm being tricked into learning the note values because i'm really working on my timing and it's coming as part of the deal.

Not sure of the difference between the paid and free version because I bought this a while ago, but just started using it. I say give it a go.

[Phil Smith]

Originally Posted by andysvec

anyone still using their 'old' ipad 1? My wife got the newest Ipad version for christmas and I got her old one .

I'm just lookin at using it for charts, real books, etc. No music production or bass input, just strictly researching all the igigbook, irealb, onsong, etc. programs discussed here on tb. Mainly need real books and be able to add some of my paper charts, I'm assuming I'd scan to pdfs then import into one of these programs (?)

would these programs work fine on the original ipad?

I can only speak for iGigBook .

The app will work fine on the original iPad which is what I still use though I also have an iPad 2 as well. If you scan your paper charts as a PDF they can be imported into the app. If you have more questions, come on over to the iGigBook forum - http://forum.igigbook.com

[BigBeatNut]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

ReadRhythm

I bought the full version, but don't remember the price. ...

Not sure of the difference between the paid and free version because I bought this a while ago, but just started using it. I say give it a go.

Can't find the free version (I presume they stopped doing it) but I may have found something similar. Will report back if any good.

[BigBeatNut]

Originally Posted by Rip Topaz

Don't forget about Set List Maker.
It's a really cool app that lets you input all of your band's songs into a database.

You can make the list as simple or as complex as you like. There are spots for the song's key, lyrics, and yes, even charts.

It's around $3 if I remember correctly, I bought it last year, but it's a really in-depth way to keep track of your songs, and you can print or email set lists to your bandmates.

Does it allow you to transpose the charts ?

Is there any way of getting set lists onto it other than via the app itself. e.g. could I prepare a set list on a computer then get it onto the phone (where I could tweak ordering, keys etc ?)

Might sound picky, but I need to be sure it's at least as good as the computer/paper solution I have right now

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by andysvec

anyone still using their 'old' ipad 1? My wife got the newest Ipad version for christmas and I got her old one .

I'm just lookin at using it for charts, real books, etc. No music production or bass input, just strictly researching all the igigbook, irealb, onsong, etc. programs discussed here on tb. Mainly need real books and be able to add some of my paper charts, I'm assuming I'd scan to pdfs then import into one of these programs (?)

would these programs work fine on the original ipad?

This track is recorded on an iPad one with Jamup XT Pro using Audiobus and Multitrack DAW. So 3 software at once. My iPad mini would deal with this much better but the iPad 1 actually mange this task.
http://soundcloud.com/duke21/at-the-...day-play-along

[Duke21]

Dr. Bears are overpriced headphones, simple as that in my eyes. Good for hip hop music as they are rather boomy.
The Shure 215 are probably one of the best things a bass player can own. They have great isolation, fit and good bass response. For being a single armature they sound amazing.

Bears = Beats..,sorry for the typo..

[chumbo73]

Is JamUp capable of recording some basic ideas in the app? Or the easiest way would be JamUp-Audiobus-DAW and get four tracks?

Although I hate the tone I get on Garageband I guess I win't quit using it for all the posibilities for ading keyboards, drums, voices and guitar in an extreme simple way. So I wod use the other set up for recording bass solo tracks.

In addition, I'm about to buy a Loop Station so is there any app I can try in the meanwhile?

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by chumbo73

Is JamUp capable of recording some basic ideas in the app? Or the easiest way would be JamUp-Audiobus-DAW and get four tracks?

Although I hate the tone I get on Garageband I guess I win't quit using it for all the posibilities for ading keyboards, drums, voices and guitar in an extreme simple way. So I wod use the other set up for recording bass solo tracks.

In addition, I'm about to buy a Loop Station so is there any app I can try in the meanwhile?

Short answer, yes Jamup can record short ideas but its a PAIN!!

Long answer:
You'd have to set the sampler for a longer loop time and not use it as a looper.
The ideal way (and it's easier than it sounds) is to add Audiobus and Multitrack DAW to record. Remember that MT DAW can be expanded in app.

At this stage in the game, always check for Audiobus support with new apps.

For a looper, just get Loopy. It's so good that you may find yourself not even bothering with buying a Loop Station.

Here's my current setup:

Effects: Jamup XT w/ bass expansion and several extras ala carte

Drums: DM1, exported via Audiocopy/paste

Keys: Sunrizer XS

Recording: Loopy

I also have Pocket GK (which I never use), AmpKit (also never used), and Amplitube (sometimes still use for the recorder but lack of Audiobus support limits it too much).

I just installed Nodebeat and I'll be playing with that today as well.

[Rip Topaz]

Just played with Nodebeat for a few. Not what I expected. A fun toy, but it would take some real time with the app to make it useful in a live situation.

[LanEvo]

Originally Posted by PDGood

Isolation headphones can be wonderful but be aware that they do just what they say - isolate. That can be a good or bad thing depending on what's coming through the mix. If you want to hear any stage sound you might opt for regular (non-iso) headphones.

Absolutely. But I think Matt was asking for something to use in a practice/bedroom application. In that setting, I prefer isolation cans because I find you can listen to them at lower levels.

[LanEvo]

Just an FYI for you guys. I just bought an Alesis iO Dock for my first-generation iPad. They're available at Amazon and Guitar Center for just $168 with free shipping. Seems like a good time to buy.

[adambomb]

Originally Posted by Duke21

Dr. Bears are overpriced headphones, simple as that in my eyes. Good for hip hop music as they are rather boomy.
The Shure 215 are probably one of the best things a bass player can own. They have great isolation, fit and good bass response. For being a single armature they sound amazing.

+1
The dr bears (dre's) are not all that good. When you buy the dre's you are buying into a brand and a fab not quality. When I bought the 215's I was blown away with the excellence.