The big news of the past week has been the debut of several new pieces of external hardware for iOS music making, brought into the world for the first time at the 2012 NAMM show in Los Angeles. We’ve compiled ten of the big releases below, with a bit of information about them. Most of these releases fit under the heading of music making accessories as opposed to apps, so these are additional pieces of hardware that you’d have to buy for your iOS device. There are a couple of apps in there though, so keep your eyes on the App Store. Many of them have release dates later in the year, so pricing and availability are yet to be determined. We’ll keep you in the loop about more information as it becomes available.
Just a thought – most of this information was released on the iOS Music And You Facebook Page over the past weekend, so if you’re looking for breaking iOS music news, please head over there and “LIKE” us today!
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iRig Pre
IK Multimedia
This device promises a serious upgrade in the idea of mobile audio recording with a small, easily transportable pre-amp that can connect any microphone to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod. It’s got an XLR input, phantom power via a 9-volt battery, a headphone output, and on/off switch. On the downside, it plugs into the headphone jack. All in all, the iRig Pre looks promising – it’ll run you $39.99.
iRig Stomp
IK Multimedia
The Amplitube iRig, initially designed to get your sound from your guitar into Amplitube, has evolved into the iRig Stomp. This foot pedal has an input for your guitar and a 1/4 output so that the pedal can simply sit within your effects chain and run directly out to your external amplifier. If you want to simply jam using the sounds on your Amplitube set-up, there’s also a headphone jack. The iRig Stomp runs on a battery, meaning that you’ll be able to adjust the overall signal, hopefully reducing noise. The iRig Stomp will cost $59.99.
iRig Mic Cast
IK Multimedia
Leaning more towards podcasts and interview type situations, the iRig Mic Cast still holds potential for musicians. It’s an ultra-small uni-directional microphone that plugs directly into your headphone jack. It also comes with a stand so that you can simply set down your iPhone and start recording. It offers two sensitivity settings and a headphone out jack for direct monitoring of your recording. The iRig Mic Cast will cost $39.99.
iRig Mix
IK Multimedia
The iRig Mix is a miniature two channel mixer that allows you to combine two iOS devices or one iOS device and a microphone or instrument. This looks like an ideal set-up for DJs who want to use their iPads or iPhones to fuel their performances. It also seems practical for solo musicians or small ensembles that could use the set-up like a mini mixing board. The iRig Mix includes a cross fader for the two inputs and an RCA output that can run out to a larger set-up. The iRig Mix will cost $99.99.
DJ Rig
IK Multimedia
DJ Rig is an app for DJs that will allow them to mix on a near professional level using their iPad, iPhone, or iPod. There’s BPM matching, deck controls, on-the-fly sampling, a scratching engine, and more. This looks like an app designed to complement the iRig Mix, mentioned above, and it seems to be a good fit. The app will be available on iTunes in both paid and free versions – the paid version will run $9.99.
DL1608 Mixing Board
Mackie
The DL1608 looks like the high quality performance of Mackie equipment paired with the convenience and portability of the iPad. You can hook up you iPad to the DL1608 and then plug all of your instruments and microphones into the device, taking advantage of Onyx pre-amps and built in effects processing. But here’s the cool part – you can unhook your iPad, carry it around, and control the mix remotely; you can even use multiple iPads to control the mix with teamwork.
iStomp
DigiTech
This release comes from a company with a notable reputation in the guitar effects market; now DigiTech makes their foray into the iOS musical arena with iStomp. This foot pedal allows you to run a guitar cable directly from your instrument to the pedal and then another cable out to your amplifier. The iStomp hooks directly into your iPad or iPhone through the docking input, insuring a very high quality sound in and out of the device. DigiTech will couple the iStomp with the Stomp Shop App, which will let you purchase a number of effects that can take their turns on your iStomp. The iStomp is currently available and costs $149.95.
iU2 Audio Interface
Tascam
This compact audio interface from Tascam promises high quality sound that you can capture on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod. You’ve got a combination of XLR inputs and line-level inputs for guitar or bass, opening up a number of potential uses. The iU2 interface has an onboard pre-amp, guaranteeing a higher quality sound captured in your recording. It also includes MIDI in and out for triggering iOS synths, drum machines, and more. The iU2 does double duty as well, plugging into your Mac or PC.
Auria 48 Track Recorder
Wavemachine Labs
This promises to be a major step forward in iOS music – a 48 track audio recording app from Wavemachine Labs called Auria. In addition to the simply astounding offer of 48 tracks, you get all the editing capabilities you’d expect in a recording and editing app. You also get the drumagog plug-in to fine tune your drum work as well four plug-ins per track. You’ve got a number of effects included with the app, but the – get this – you can extend the app through VST plug-ins. A limited amount are available now and Wavemachine Labs is working with manufacturers to convert their VST products. Wow!
AmpDock
Alesis
Despite a strong showing of guitar based iOS accessories at NAMM in 2012, the Alesis AmpDock looks like to external hardware of choice for aspiring guitarists. The AmpDock lets you fit your iPad snuggly into a secure enclosure, which contains inputs and outputs for guitar cables so that you can integrate your AmpDock into a live performance setting. The device also includes a USB port so that you can use your AmpDock with computer programs. It has a selection of programmable knobs and hooks up to a foot pedal for even more practical applications.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome! Can’t wait to get iRig pre to use with my SM57!
Yea, I think that the iRig Pre holds some vast potential for expanding the reach of music on iOS devices. The ability to plug any mic into an iPhone or iPad? That’s just awesome. I’m also pretty excited to try out the iRig Stomp & DigiTech’s iStomp with my bass, could be a big step forward in the iPhone/iPad as a virtual amp. I’m a little leery based on the sub-par sound quality of my original iRig, but I’m encouraged by IK Multimedia’s dedication to the iOS platform. Seems like they really want to make it work, so I’m willing to give it another shot.
Would love to hear about your experiences once you pick up an iRig Pre or any of these devices . . .