FINALLY, Apple... (GB on the iPad)

[MrM]

I was going to get the new iPad, primarily because the GB app looked so promising... but now I'm having second thoughts:

"Regrettably, you can't move, delete, or add notes when editing tracks. (To do this kind of thing you must export your project to iLife's GarageBand for editing.) "

I'm a Windows person, never owned/used Apple, and have recently been thinking about recording/producing tracks at home. I'm thinking to just get ProTools or some such software.

Advice?

 

[oldmanp03]

Serious question, has Garageband ever been intended to be marketed to serious musicians?

 

[Aram]

Serious question, has Garageband ever been intended to be marketed to serious musicians?

Probably not, but I know many serious musicians that use it. It was built off Logic, and a lot of times I pull up GB on my desktop when I don't feel like screwing with Logic. Excellent tool for composition and pre-production IMO.

 

[honeyiscool]

People have made hit songs on GB, that's more than I can say.

 

[4Mal]

I was going to get the new iPad, primarily because the GB app looked so promising... but now I'm having second thoughts:

"Regrettably, you can't move, delete, or add notes when editing tracks. (To do this kind of thing you must export your project to iLife's GarageBand for editing.) "

I'm a Windows person, never owned/used Apple, and have recently been thinking about recording/producing tracks at home. I'm thinking to just get ProTools or some such software.

Advice?

Love my iPad but ... There are a ton of cheap, good interfaces that come with Cubase LE available. Do that and a laptop. I dumped my Digi 002 PT rig for a Tascam & Lenovo based rig to go mobile. Not looking back at PT any time soon. IMO Pro-Tolls (Pro-Trolls?) day has passed...

 

[Aram]

I was going to get the new iPad, primarily because the GB app looked so promising... but now I'm having second thoughts:

"Regrettably, you can't move, delete, or add notes when editing tracks. (To do this kind of thing you must export your project to iLife's GarageBand for editing.) "

I'm a Windows person, never owned/used Apple, and have recently been thinking about recording/producing tracks at home. I'm thinking to just get ProTools or some such software.

Advice?

I think advice would depend on your budget and goals.

For starters, I think your instinct is right...the iPad still isn't a viable professional recording tool, which is truly a shame because it absolutely could be and I have no idea what the hold up is. Don't get me wrong, there are very good music apps out there -- Nanostudio is one of several great sequencers, and Amplitube / iRig is an excellent amp modeling / 4-track software (I think there are other multi-track recorders as well). The bummer about GB is that it could easily have tied it all into one package, and -- sorry if you like the app -- it absolutely fails at that given you can't edit in midi, there are limited drum loops, it doesn't support audio copy/paste and you can't import files/tracks.

If you've already got a good solid PC, I wouldn't necessarily plunk down the cash for a new Mac, just look for some inexpensive recording software (Protools LE or Cubase SE as mentioned before should fit the bill), and get a decent interface, like a Presonus Firebox, or if you have the funds, any of the Apogee stuff.

If you're in the market for a new computer, the cheapest way to Mac recording seems to be a Mini, which will come bundled with Garageband. ~$600 for the Mini (even cheaper refurbished), and <$200 for an audio interface and you're in business. Of course you could spend way more, and if you need mobility, perhaps one of the laptops like an Air would fit your bill.

Hope that helps!

 

[Brian at IK]

I think advice would depend on your budget and goals.

For starters, I think your instinct is right...the iPad still isn't a viable professional recording tool, which is truly a shame because it absolutely could be and I have no idea what the hold up is. Don't get me wrong, there are very good music apps out there -- Nanostudio is one of several great sequencers, and Amplitube / iRig is an excellent amp modeling / 4-track software (I think there are other multi-track recorders as well). The bummer about GB is that it could easily have tied it all into one package, and -- sorry if you like the app -- it absolutely fails at that given you can't edit in midi, there are limited drum loops, it doesn't support audio copy/paste and you can't import files/tracks.

Thanks for the kind words about AmpliTube. But I do think you are selling the iPad short. It can be a viable professional recording tool. In fact, it already has been.

The Gorillaz did their entire last album completely on the iPad, doing everything in Software. AmpliTube was one of the apps they used. And, BTW, we have 8 tracks on the iPad, not 4. You can mix processed guitar and dry tracks in AmpliTube, and add effects like EQ, compression, and reverb. It is a fully functional mini studio, and with the availability of iRig Mic and VocaLive processors in the next update, it will be even more so.

 

[Aram]

Thanks for the kind words about AmpliTube. But I do think you are selling the iPad short. It can be a viable professional recording tool. In fact, it already has been.

The Gorillaz did their entire last album completely on the iPad, doing everything in Software. AmpliTube was one of the apps they used. And, BTW, we have 8 tracks on the iPad, not 4. You can mix processed guitar and dry tracks in AmpliTube, and add effects like EQ, compression, and reverb. It is a fully functional mini studio, and with the availability of iRig Mic and VocaLive processors in the next update, it will be even more so.

Hey Brian, thanks for chiming in. I do get that if you download several applications you can do a lot of what can be done on a more traditional recording setup, however my point was something like GB could have made it a one-stop shop.

I know a lot goes into developing these apps, and a lot of smaller companies are competing which is great, however at some point it does become cost prohibitive for the consumer. While I think Amplitube is a very good application, all told it cost me $60-$70 for all the add-ons plus iRig. And there isn't even any drum agent on there, so I had to track down another application to make beats. This is all for the iPhone mind you...I then find out I have to do it all over again for the iPad (which I haven't yet...)

My point in saying all this, is that the cost of all these apps adds up, to the point where it makes more sense to spend a few extra bucks and get Macbook that comes bundled with everything you need and is way more powerful. I'm having a hard time seeing the advantage of the iPad as a recording device when it's this complicated and costly.

Sorry if this sounds negative, btw...I really think the potential is there, it's just that no one has made it easy, which is why I thought GB might be a silver bullet.

 

[BassMorpheus]

Tbers,

GB for iPad is not for the Bruce Swedien/Quincy Jones crowd. It is a sketchboard....

My $.02 only

 

[Brian at IK]

Aram, AmpliTube 2 is already quite full featured. AmpliTube on the iPad has an 8 track recorder that can record and import tracks from your iPod library, plus a mixer section with reverb, EQ, compression, and panning. The next update (v2.2) will include VocaLive processors through in-app purchase.

 

[FSSimon]

Watching the ipad2 guided tour videos on the apple website I found myself frantically looking for the "buy now" button!

I'm aware of GB's limitation. Still attracted to it.

Also will be looking into the irealbook app and a combination of an iKlip and an Airturn as a paperless substitute to music books and sheets.

How good is the iRig?

How does amplitube sound?

 

[Brian at IK]

Simon, AmpliTube is derived from dsp models in AmpliTube 3 and T-RackS.
And you know it sounds as good as it can, or Fender wouldn't put their name on it.

iRig was designed for AmpliTube the deliver the necessary input level through the Apple headset jack, so you can feel secure knowing it's the device that's going to work right with AmpliTube.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Just really disappointed in Apple. It's almost as if they ran out of time coding this thing and just released it as is. It's clearly not geared towards serious musicians, and if they're going to go that route, at least offer a version of Logic that actually has some editing, importing or audio copy/paste functionality.

I say again: sigh.

I'm a Windows person, never owned/used Apple, and have recently been thinking about recording/producing tracks at home. I'm thinking to just get ProTools or some such software.

Advice?

For those disappointed in the capabilities of the iPad 2, rumor has it that the iPad 3 could be coming out as early as this autumn - and that it is reputed to be a really BFD:

iPad 3 Is The One To Make A Song and Dance About

Of course, there's no guarantee that this isn't simply intra-industry subterfuge and BS, so take it with a spoonful of salt. But since it could be true, well...

MM

 

[FSSimon]

Releasing the iPad3 so quickly sure would be a good way for Apple to alienate it's costumer base.

But then again:

What it's like to own an Apple product - The Oatmeal

 

[FSSimon]

Brian at IK: Thanks for chimming in.

Further questions:
1. Is the iRig compatible with Garage Band?
2. Is the apogee jam compatible with AmpliTube?
3. Is the iKlip compatible with the ipad2?

 

[seamonkey]

Simon, AmpliTube is derived from dsp models in AmpliTube 3 and T-RackS.
And you know it sounds as good as it can, or Fender wouldn't put their name on it.

iRig was designed for AmpliTube the deliver the necessary input level through the Apple headset jack, so you can feel secure knowing it's the device that's going to work right with AmpliTube.

This is the pre-amp of the future.
But so is the iPod with IK on it.

IK products are great. And so is their customer support.

I'm am biased because I buy a lot of IK stuff. But I also buy other competitor brands and IK always seems to have the best support.

 

[Brian at IK]

Brian at IK: Thanks for chimming in.

Further questions:
1. Is the iRig compatible with Garage Band?
2. Is the apogee jam compatible with AmpliTube?
3. Is the iKlip compatible with the ipad2?

1. Yes!
2. Not currently.
3. We don't know yet.

 

[Rusty Chainsaw]

Downloaded the iPad version of GB last night. Going to have a play with it later - I shall report back with my findings.

I'm well aware that $5 isn't going to buy me a serious piece of professional recording software - I'm viewing it entirely as a usable, fun, portable musical sketchpad, and that's all I need it for. I have Logic Express and the desktop version of Garageband if I want to polish up what I make with it.

 

[FSSimon]

1. Yes!
2. Not currently.
3. We don't know yet.

Thanks! Gonna buy an iRig!

 

[Brian at IK]

This is the pre-amp of the future.
But so is the iPod with IK on it.

IK products are great. And so is their customer support.

I'm am biased because I buy a lot of IK stuff. But I also buy other competitor brands and IK always seems to have the best support.

Thanks seamonkey! We've got a lot of stuff coming that I know you are going to love! Starting with our new models we'll be rolling out in the Custom Shop next month.