Can you replace a TASCAM GB-10 with an iPad/Mac?

[idoker]

I have used Tascam phrase training devices since the CD-B1 model came out about 20 years ago, up until the GB-10. I would like to replace the Tascam phrase trainer with either an iPad Pro or Mac.

So basically…

1. Plug my bass into an audio interface
2. Use a software program that will allow me to hear my bass and a recording simultaneously
3. Be able to manipulate the key and/or pitch accordingly
4. Be able to isolate the bass track, if necessary
5. Have the simplicity of the Tascam unit

I understand that any decent DAW can perform all of those; however, there is more complexity involved in using one than just plugging in and playing with an mp3 or CD while utilizing the phrasing training features.

I couldn’t find this specific topic using TB search. So, any info would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[Tosh]

The gist of it is that you're moving from the hardware domain (Tascam) into the software domain (Mac).

Yes, you can do it. Mac is what I use for just about everything related to music these days (not iPad - I'm not comfortable with touch screens). I'm not going to tell you that's it's as easy as what you're used to, but it doesn't have to be complicated.

If you already use a Mac, I would say get Logic and start working with it - read the manual, experiment, have fun!

 

[idoker]

The gist of it is that you're moving from the hardware domain (Tascam) into the software domain (Mac).

Yes, you can do it. Mac is what I use for just about everything related to music these days (not iPad - I'm not comfortable with touch screens). I'm not going to tell you that's it's as easy as what you're used to, but it doesn't have to be complicated.

If you already use a Mac, I would say get Logic and start working with it - read the manual, experiment, have fun!

Thanks for your response. Yes, getting away from the extra hardware accessories is what I'm trying to accomplish. I just recently got a Mac (I've had an iPad Pro for a few months now). So, I'm fairly new to that platform. I'm looking to streamline everything I do, music-wise, through the Mac/iPad.

Do you use your Mac w/Logic Pro for the purposes I described in the OP? If so, I'd like to know your process.

 

[Tosh]

I use Logic Pro X for a number of things, somewhat similar to what you've described.

When I want to play bass along with a recording (such as an MP3 a fellow musician gave me) I start by importing that file into an audio track in Logic. Next I create a new instrument track, which would have the eq/fx/amp simulator/etc assigned to it, and would have monitoring enabled. Click "play" and start playing.

For key changing, pitch shifting, tempo changing, etc - there's ways to accomplish all of that. Since I work with MIDI and keyboards a lot, my approach is to setup a single project with MIDI tempo changes, key signature changes, time signature changes, etc already in it, then add the tracks. Logic lets you do more things than I use it for! (I'm still reading the manual, after all these years)

For isolating a bass track - if it's already a separate track, just mute it. If it's a bass part inside a stereo mix, I think you're probably going to need a 3rd party plugin (AU is native to Mac, but VST is also supported - check documentation).

Most of my work in Logic is with multitrack projects that I recorded myself, but I also use it to learn new songs. Additionally, I use it to re-mix or maser other musician's recordings from time to time.

Once you get used to it an develop a workflow, it's pretty easy.

 

[BismarckHerring]

Before you buy Logic, try GarageBand. It’s basically a limited, but still very capable, version of Logic Pro, and it’s easier for beginners. And it’s free.

I think it can do everything you need, except isolate a section, but Logic can’t do that either. I think there are specialized AI services that do that, but I never used them. That stuff is not integrated in the major DAWs yet.

 

[idoker]

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll try a few things out and see what works best.

 

[skiman]

I don't know what you have for an audio interface. I use a UAD Apollo X4 with a 2013 Mac mini. I use Moises and import the audio, split it into tracks. You can mute the bass or solo it to hear the bassline better. Plug in your bass and play along. You can change the key, tempo, and adjust the pitch by cents if needed. The tracks can also be exported as mp3 or wav files to be imported into DAW of choice.

 

[idoker]

I don't know what you have for an audio interface. I use a with a 2013 Mac mini. I use Moises and import the audio, split it into tracks. You can mute the bass or solo it to hear the bassline better. Plug in your bass and play along. You can change the key, tempo, and adjust the pitch by cents if needed. The tracks can also be exported as mp3 or wav files to be imported into DAW of choice.

Thanks for your suggestion @skiman. It's taken me a few days to try it, but for the most part...it worked. However, I couldn't get the mix to come through my head phones, only through the studio monitors. This could be due to my audio interface, though.... Behringer UMC 202HD. The UAD Apollo X4 is excellent (and expensive).

I'll experiment some more with different setups. I was hoping that there was a software program that could emulate all of the functions of the Tascam unit, just by loading the mp3s and plugging into the interface. I'll keep exploring.