iOS Bass Players Thread #6 - World Domination

[themensch]

I won't go so far as to say I'm any sort of amp or tone expert, but I know what I like, and Bias is one of those things. It works really well on my ipad Mini 1 and links right into JamUP. I am amazed at the options offered, and I spent a good deal of time just fiddling with the internals of a single amp.

Really good job here PG folks!

 

[PDGood]

Hi all,
I followed this thread a long time ago, but now that I'm actually buying stuff, I need to get caught up to speed on the latest info.

I got an iPad3 this week, so that's step 1. It used to be that most people recommended getting an Apogee Jam as the hardware connector and Jamup Pro as the software of choice (with expansion pack). Now I see that there's Jamup Pro XT as an option but I'm not sure how that differs from Jamup Pro. Also Jamup has its own hardware interface which is much less expensive, but I'm not sure how that rates compared to Apogee Jam. Can anyone please educate me on these?

Plus, if there's anything new/better out there, I'd love to hear about it. My goal is to be able to run my bass through the iPad, use the simulators and effects, and then come back into the amp. I'll likely use it for recording too at some point.

Any advice would be welcome.

 

[FEF]

I have the Line 6 Sonic Port, and I really like it. It comes with the Line 6 app that I like too. It's $100, and comes with an app that's not too shabby. I use mine for live use, so I don't know how quiet it is for recording. But I suspect it's acceptable.

I also have the Alesis iO Dock. I like it, but it's big. When I'm doing things that don't require MIDI, I head to the Sonic Port.

I also have Audiobus. I use that with the Line 6 Mobile and Jamup's bass expansions to dual amp. I really like that I have a strong tube sound (not a great sound, but solid) as a base to lay over effects from Jamup.

With Bias released, I'm likely to get that as my main base/core sound and use JU for effects. But I'm not sure, really. If I can get the sound I really want, I may save the processing power and run only one app.

Bottom line:
I can't recommend anything that uses the 3.5mm jack. Get one that uses the 30-pin connector and you'll be OK. Sure, some are better then others, but for live use and fiddle-farting around, any 30-pin rig will be fine. If you're not really picky, I suspect that any 30-pin interface will be pretty quiet for recording, but others may have a different opinion.

With the modeling in the apps, you'll want to run through the effects loop in your amp to hear what's really going on. I have a modded GK 200MB that I put on a mic stand. The effects loop was removed decades ago, so I just run the Sonic Port through a DI then EQ the amp so I can easily hear what I'm playing as a monitor.

IMHO

 

[FEF]

I think I've found a way to change patches to all my stuff (MIDI stuff too) with OnSong's setlist feature. Since I think I have the set-list issue figured out, now I'm just looking for a solid sequencer.

I've been using Cakewalk sequencers since the 80's, and now I use Sonar (X1-X2). I've done research, but I'd like opinions on iOS sequencers, too. One option is to do the sequence on Sonar and play it with an iOS app. But I'm concerned because the tick resolution in Sonar is very high. Will sequences in Sonar work, if I don't change the resolution?

Or... Maybe recommend a strong forum (like this one) that does sequencing stuff?

BTW, this is probably the best iOS thread/discussion I've found anywhere, and it's with bassists? Like telling folks, there's actually a brain behind the sunglasses worn at night.

 

[Rip Topaz]

Got a chance to play through a real B15 today, using my P with two year old flats.

Gotta say, it sounded a lot like the Positive Grid B15. I still sounded like me, just older.

 

[Duke21]

Got a chance to play through a real B15 today, using my P with two year old flats.

Gotta say, it sounded a lot like the Positive Grid B15. I still sounded like me, just older.

With 2 years old flats everything will sound like B15.
Lol, just joking

 

[Duke21]

I think I've found a way to change patches to all my stuff (MIDI stuff too) with OnSong's setlist feature. Since I think I have the set-list issue figured out, now I'm just looking for a solid sequencer.

I've been using Cakewalk sequencers since the 80's, and now I use Sonar (X1-X2). I've done research, but I'd like opinions on iOS sequencers, too. One option is to do the sequence on Sonar and play it with an iOS app. But I'm concerned because the tick resolution in Sonar is very high. Will sequences in Sonar work, if I don't change the resolution?

Or... Maybe recommend a strong forum (like this one) that does sequencing stuff?

BTW, this is probably the best iOS thread/discussion I've found anywhere, and it's with bassists? Like telling folks, there's actually a brain behind the sunglasses worn at night.

It is what I've told Calvin from PositiveGrid, bass players are more aware of what is going on the other members of the group.
Most guitar players will at best know which color is your bass!!

 

[Rip Topaz]

For sure. I've said it a million times. Bassists run direct a LOT more than guitarists. So when a new solution presents itself, of course we all pay attention.

Duke, you're right, brother. Those flats sound perfect for oldies, but not much else at this point. On my 60th Ann P, they sound fantastic. Of course, so do rounds. It's my favorite bass by a mile, just perfect no matter what strings I use.

Playing through that old Ampeg yesterday was fun. I was sure to listen very closely, and I gotta say Calvin and gang did good.

 

[claudel]

First Bias update addresses the Bias into JamUp integration issues.

Glad to see they're on top of things...

Edit: After playing it for an hour or so I can testify that the previously semi-annoying
gain changes when loading amps into JamUp from Bias are no longer annoying me.

YMMV...

Thanks again PG...

 

[Duke21]

For sure. I've said it a million times. Bassists run direct a LOT more than guitarists. So when a new solution presents itself, of course we all pay attention.

Duke, you're right, brother. Those flats sound perfect for oldies, but not much else at this point. On my 60th Ann P, they sound fantastic. Of course, so do rounds. It's my favorite bass by a mile, just perfect no matter what strings I use.

Playing through that old Ampeg yesterday was fun. I was sure to listen very closely, and I gotta say Calvin and gang did good.

We already have the word of non other then JimmyM that the Jamup B15 is closer then Amplitube B15 to a real Ampeg.

 

[BluesMan845]

The nice part about an interface that handles both input and output is, most likely, you can connect a 1/4" cable directly with out the use of adaptors. Keeping your signal path as short as possible, with as few connections is always a good idea

 

[BluesMan845]

I think what we need on the forum is a new subsection for Amp/Effect modeling. Yay or nay?

 

[PDGood]

The nice part about an interface that handles both input and output is, most likely, you can connect a 1/4" cable directly with out the use of adaptors. Keeping your signal path as short as possible, with as few connections is always a good idea

Yup, only problem with the Focusrite is it uses RCAs. Ugh

 

[neuman]

Found this over at TGP; hope it helps somebody:

Every been sitting around and wish you could tweak and test Jamup presets on your IOS device without having a guitar hooked up? I recently figured this out and thought I'd pass it along. To do this you will need the following apps installed:

- Jamup (obviously)
- Audiobus
- Amplitube (even the free version will work)

Amplitube has, in its "Demo" function a bunch of clean, unprocessed, guitar riffs of varying styles that can be used to tweak and test presets (either in Amplitube or in another effects app). It's like having a guitar hooked up...very handy.

It's assumed here that you know how to use and navigate around in Audiobus. If not, RTFM.

Here's the steps to get it to work:

- Load Audiobus
- For "Input" select Amplitube
- For "Effects" select JamUp
- For "Output" select Speaker
- Bring up Amplitube by tapping it in the Input block of Audiobus. When Amplitube loads, do the following:
- Tap "Tools". In the "Audio Demo" section, select one of the Demos and then tap "Play". You'll probably hear some playing at this point. If you select "Auto", it will cycle through all 8 demo riffs continuously.
- Tap "Mixer". The "Arm/Select" function will be flashing on one of the channels. The "FX" button immediately below the flashing "Arm/Select" button will be illuminated. Tap the "FX" button to turn it off. This will insure that the signal outputted from Amplitube is clean and not being processed by the effects in Amplitube. Finally, adjust the "Vol" knob on that channel to get a good level on the "Level Out" meter below.
- Switch back to Audiobus using the little control thingy on the side of the screen. Then switch to JamUp by tapping on the "Effects" block.

At this point, you should be hearing the clean guitar signal generated by Amplitube being processed by your selected Preset in JamUp. This is really handy as it allows you to develop presets anywhere, regardless of whether or not you have a guitar available. It's also nice to be able to change values in real time while the riff is being played. If you were using a guitar, you'd have to adjust...play...adjust some more...play some more....well, you get the idea...

Hope this proves to be useful for someone.

 

[claudel]

^^^

Cool idea.

Beat me to the repost. :^)

 

[Rip Topaz]

Very cool.

I've long since deleted Amplitube from my device (all Jamup here), but that's a great way to audition presets.

I'm still waiting patiently for news on an iPhone version of BIAS. In the meantime, I've been reworking my Jamup presets for use with my new band.

 

[bobpond]

I'm at that same starting point, CBNJ. What I've found so far is that Apogee Jam is highly recommended.

My question is this: It appears that Apogee Jam is strictly for input, but since I'm going to use my iPad for amp sims and effects, I'm also going to need to be able to get the signal back out. Sweetwater salesmen are suggesting Focusrite itrack solo for handling both input and output. Do you guys also recommend that or are there other worthy options?

Apogee One has input and output and also will connect to both iOS and USB. I have been very happy with it.

 

[PDGood]

Apogee One has input and output and also will connect to both iOS and USB. I have been very happy with it.

Thanks, that's a very impressive unit, but $350 for an input device is beyond my budget.

 

[FEF]

I use the Sonic Port. It came with the 30 pin AND Lightning connector.

I have the iO Dock and Sonic Port. The Sonic Port is very good, in my opinion. For $100 you get a decent app and an interface with 1/4" in and out and 3.5mm in and out. The outs are stereo too.

 

[Rip Topaz]

I used my iOS rig tonight with my new band for the first time. They all think I'm a nerd now!

Lol. When my drummer asked about it, I could see the look on his face turn to pure confusion. He really got a kick out of the Midimorphosis/Jamup/Sunrizer combo.