Tag Archives: iPad

Line 6 Sonic Port Transforms iPod touch, iPhone and iPad into Studio-Quality Guitar System

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line6ipadLine 6, Inc., leading manufacturer of innovative solutions for musicians, today announced the new Sonic Port guitar system for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. Building on the success of the popular Line 6 Mobile In digital interface, the   Sonic Port system delivers pristine audio quality, legendary Line 6 guitar tones and all the inputs and outputs needed to transform a mobile device into a studio-quality music creation system.

“Sonic Port provides an easy way for guitarists to make studio-quality music on their iOS devices,” said Max Gutnik, Vice President of Product Management, Line 6. “Customers can pair it with CoreAudio apps to record, practice, perform and more. For example, the free Line 6 Mobile POD app lets guitarists dial in their favorite artists’ tones in an instant, while the Jammit app is perfect for practicing. All in all, Sonic Port brings amazing audio quality and a great music-making experience to iOS devices.”

Sonic Port is a sleek, highly compact digital audio interface that connects to an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad 30-pin or Lightning connector, enabling guitar players to jam and record using CoreAudio music apps such as GarageBand®, and gain access to the acclaimed Line 6 Mobile POD® app. Unlike other devices that connect to the analog headphone jack of an iOS device, Sonic Port features an all-digital signal path resulting in best-in-class sound quality. With 110dB of guitar dynamic range and up to 24-bit/48kHz audio quality throughout, Sonic Port allows musicians to get the most from CoreAudio music apps.

For forward-thinking musicians who want to use an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad as the centerpiece of a mobile studio or as a performance tool, Sonic Port provides a variety of inputs and outputs for connecting instruments and outboard gear. A 1/4″ input makes it easy to connect guitars and basses, while keyboards, mixers, CD players and other iOS devices can be connected via the 1/8” stereo input. For monitoring, users can simply plug in their headphones or powered studio monitors and enjoy unparalleled audio fidelity. Musicians can also connect to a guitar amplifier via the 1/4” guitar/line-level output.

The companion Mobile POD app (available as a free download from the App Store) opens the door to an incredible collection of highly prized vintage and modern guitar gear. The app includes 32 amps, 16 speaker cabinets and 16 effects—all of which can be fully adjusted, mixed and matched to create a virtually endless range of tones. Mobile POD includes over 10,000 tone presets created by artists, Line 6 and other guitar players—and guitarists can also store and instantly recall their own custom tones.

Thanks to a partnership between Line 6 and Jammit®, Sonic Port instantly integrates with the award-winning Jammit app, allowing guitarists to learn, jam and record along with original multi-track master recordings of their favorite songs. When used together, Sonic Port and Jammit form the ultimate jam-along experience. Each track can be isolated for closer scrutiny, looped for extended practice or slowed down to a comfortable pace for learning. When used with Line 6 interfaces, Jammit loads amp and effect sounds that are custom made for the song, automatically changing the sound when appropriate as the song plays.

Sonic Port includes a detachable 30-pin dock connector cable and a Lightning connector cable for direct connection to iPod touch, iPhone and iPad devices. Mobile POD is a free download from the App Store. Sonic Port is compatible compatible with iPod touch (4th and 5th generation), iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPad (3rd and 4th generation), iPad 2, iPad and iPad mini.

Sonic Port is expected to ship in June of 2013. Learn more about Sonic Port and Mobile POD at http://line6.com/sonicport.

Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Live Wireless Mixer

PROS: Effortless wireless mixing, iPad integration, Onyx preamps, price.

CONS: None whatsoever.

PRICE: $999

Okay, let’s start with the negatives…there are none. So let’s get to all the good stuff, shall we? Mackie’s new DL1608 live mixer is the killer app for the touring band that wants great sound, and the ability to control and shape that sound, onstage, in any live setting. Featuring 16 Onyx preamps (plenty for most live acts), sound quality was exceptional at volumes across the board. At first, we were a bit wary of how well the iPad would integrate with the mixer, but once we fired up the Master Fader app and paired the units, usability was seamless and thankfully incredibly easy. In short, it just works. Whew!  Continue reading →

Make Music Production on the iPad a Reality

In a world where YouTube and various other ‘look what I can do’ sites are breeding a new generation of performers and pseudo celebrities – cough cough, Justin Bieber – it’s no wonder that the iPad and all its technical wonder is now becoming a catapult for musicians to create audible masterpieces to share with the masses.

Whether you’re a budding musician looking to try out some new techniques in your home studio or an accomplished performer who wants to take his or her musical accomplishments on the road, the iPad – not to mention the infinite music apps and accessories that accompany it – make professional and novice music production less expensive than ever before – and virtually dummy proof.

Take The Gorillaz, for instance. This infamous virtual band of cartoon characters’ latest album, The Fall, was produced almost entirely using an iPad. And indie musicians like the Ultramods have also taken advantage of the iPad, specifically using the high tech ‘groupie’ in conjunction with GarageBand to record an entire album in just two weeks.

The iPad, with its boatload of available apps, allows musicians an opportunity to save some money without sacrificing functionality. To accentuate all these apps is a range of hardware for any member of the band, including the rock star drummer, flawless front man, bad boy guitarist and bangin’ bassist.

Vocals

Trying to lay down vocals, as any performer knows, is a lot harder than it looks. Timing, playback, clarity and volume. So many things to think about. But audio technology companies are always finding ways to make your job easier and more flawless. For instance, Samson offers iPad performers a plethora of audio capturing devices, including its newest creation – the Meteor Mic. This stylish, chrome-plated, foldable USB mic not only looks like something R2-D2 or Prince would behold, but it’s also the perfect home studio buddy. It has one of the largest condenser diaphragms out there (25mm) but still produces rich, CD quality recordings. The Meteor Mic’s fold-back leg design creates optimal positioning for any recording application. Plus, the stereo 1/8-inch headphone output, elimination of latency monitoring and an integrated headphone volume knob give users complete control. No drivers are required, so simply plug and play for rock star quality recording right out of the box. Available at Best Buy, this bad boy will only run you $99.99. Check out www.samsontech.com for more info.

Guitar

Another company making strides in the music recording market is Griffin Technology. Its newly released StompBox is a multi-functional 4-button foot controller that produces virtual guitar effects using a pedalboard, turning compatible iOS devices, including the iPad, into a portable, programmable effects board and practice rig. Developed specifically to work with Frontier Design’s “iShred LIVE” app, touchscreen musicians can switch effects with their feet for a hands-free solution. It comes with Griffin’s GuitarConnect cable with three connectors for easy hook-up to instruments, headphones and the iPad. Assigned foot switches control various effects like volume, expression and even wah-wah pedals. Stomp your way to Apple Stores nationwide for just $99.99.

 

DJ

A DJ needs to multi-task, but that’s not always easy to do. The DJ Cable from Griffin is an innovative cable that enhances Algoriddim’s “Djay” app to simultaneously cue upcoming songs through headphones, independently of the live mix sent through the speakers, to keep song transition seamless. When combined with this “Djay” app, the DJ Cable transforms compatible iOS devices into a full-fledged DJ system, allowing users to mix songs directly from their iTunes library on a hyper-realistic dual-turntable interface. The DJ Cable can be found at Apple Stores nationwide for just $19.99. Check out www.GriffinTechnology.com for more info.

Piano

If you’re a musician who enjoys learning all the tricks of the trade and are passionate about learning every instrument that comes your way, the iPad also can teach you. Take the PIANO APPRENTICE from ION Audio, for instance. Basically, all users have to do is connect the iPad, iPod or iPhone, download the free “PIANO APPRENTICE” app, follow the lighted keys and voila – start playing the piano instantly. This lightweight, highly portable 25-note keyboard features built-in stereo speakers to deliver authentic piano sound. Don’t be afraid to learn something new. Grab your iPad and get rocking for the reasonable price of $149 – definitely less expensive than weekly piano sessions. Find more info at www.ionaudio.com.

Reference

But after the jam session is over, what about playback? V-MODA’s Crossfade LP over-ear headphones were developed by renowned artists, DJs and producers to satisfy the audio cravings of musicians seeking juicy sound to playback their latest beats and lyrical creations. The durable yet lightweight frame features patented 50mm dual-diaphragm high-definition drivers for full sound immersion. Its plush memory foam ear cushions are not only pillows for the ears, but they also reduce ambient noise. The long 69-inch audio cable features an integrated 3-button remote and high fidelity mic for adjusting volume, controlling playback and more. Just $199.99 at www.v-moda.com.

For music mavens who aren’t satisfied with the standard audio quality that the iPad delivers, Bongiovi Acoustics has developed the Bongiovi “DPS” app – the world’s only application to incorporate Patented Real-Time Audio Re-mastering to optimize audio from an iOS device, improving clarity and providing a deeper bass response, even when using low-end headphones or speakers. The DPS audio technology applies innovative digital signal processing techniques to improve audio at the source, rather than covering up low quality, compressed audio files with expensive hardware. Optimize headphones, internal speakers and docks by selecting a custom profile from Bongiovi Acoustics’ expanding catalog, which includes popular products like Skullcandy, Urbanears Plattan, BOSE IE2 and more. Get more from music and download now at iTunes for just $0.99 and visit www.bongioviacoustics.com for more info.

The iPad is truly revolutionizing the way musicians work, lay down tracks and edit. By offering a less expensive, simplified solution to music production, the world can expect to enjoy a greater variety of music choices than ever before. Now that you know more about the possibilities of music production with the iPad and its compatible goods and apps, it’s time for you to take your music to the next level. Who knows – you could have an effect on the musical landscape as we know it.