Pro Music Apps

The folks at Xewton have just advised us of the latest update for their comprehensive music workstation app for iPad, called Music Studio, inlcuding CoreAudio and simultaneous multitrack recording! Exciting stuff…

What’s New in Version 2.0.4

• Stereo and up to 8 channel recording with CoreAudio class compliant hardware
• New setup option to normalize recorded audio files
• The tempo can now be decreased down to 20bpm
• SoundCloud: tap the username to logout
• MIDI Thru can be locked to the current track
• The pitch bend range is now read from .mid files
• Fix: the amp effect was not applied to input monitoring
• Bug fixes and minor improvements

Grab Music Studio now –

MiC by Apogee is the most compact studio quality USB microphone available for iPad®, iPhone® and Mac. About the size of an iPhone, MiC makes it easy to capture your best take with incredible quality, anywhere your music takes you. Record any sound you can imagine, from vocals to vibraphones, acoustic to lap steel guitars, pianos to percussion and everything in between, and build a track right on your iPad with GarageBand. MiC is also the perfect companion to JAM, Apogee’s studio quality guitar input. Never before has the personal studio been so portable or so powerful. Join the recording revolution with MiC, JAM and GarageBand on iPad.

Features

• PureDIGITAL connection for pristine sound quality
• Studio quality cardioid condenser microphone
• 44.1/48 kHz, 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion
• Studio quality microphone preamp with up to 40dB of gain
• No configuration, just plug in and record
• Control knob allows easy input level adjustment
• Multicolor LED for status indication and input level monitoring
• Designed for vocal and acoustic instrument recording
• Also great for recording interviews, podcasts, voice overs, and audio for DSLR video
• All metal construction
• Extremely compact and portable
• Works with GarageBand
• Bus-powered by iPad, iPhone or Mac (no batteries or external power required)
• Made in the U.S.A.

Full details and pricing are available here - http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/mic.php

RME have unveiled their latest half rack size audio interface, featuring a comprehensive list of analogue and digital connection options, that is compatible with PC, Mac, Linux, and iPad thanks to the Class Compliant mode. Read on for a full run down on this exciting new device -

RME has announced the Fireface UCX, a highly integrated pro audio solution in an ultra-compact format for studio and live recordings. It continues RME’s long tradition of designing compact high-end interfaces, packing into a half-rack size unit what usually would be spread out over two or three 19 inch panels.

In doing this the Fireface UCX marks a new packing record: 300 electronic components more than inside the already well-stocked Fireface UC! In a tremendous effort RME packed once again all the latest technologies, introduced with the award winning flagship UFX, plus a bunch of newly developed ones, into a half 19 inch housing with full mobile usability.

The result is an awesome combination of RME’s most successful products: Fireface UFX, Firefaces UC/400 and Babyface. The Fireface UCX is not just a smaller version of the smash hit UFX, with the X-core, the preamps and the complete effects engine, the UCX continues the tradition of RME’s tremendously successful compact interfaces, and combines it with the great usability of the Babyface through the included RME remote. With the Fireface UCX RME reinvented an already perfect product, by improving existing features and characteristics plus adding sophisticated new ones:

• Low Latency mastering grade converters with outstanding specifications.
• Two mic preamps with the premium technology from RME’s high-end recording bestsellers Micstasy and UFX, including the AutoSet overload protection.
• A newly developed Hammerfall audio core, supporting USB and FireWire with the maximum performance and ultra-low latency operation, combined with the legendary RME driver stability and maintenance, on both bus protocols.
• TotalMix FX with the complete Fireface UFX DSP engine, including all effects up to 192 kHz.
• Monitoring Controller: combining the impressive flexibility of the TotalMix FX monitoring tool set and the included RME Remote Control.
• RME’s unique DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox for Windows PC and Mac.
• Plus support for RME’s Advanced Remote Control, active jitter suppression technology, professional reference level support, advanced stand-alone functionality, full 192 kHz operation, and last but not least two high speed MIDI I/Os.
• The Fireface UCX is the first professional audio interface with Class Compliant mode to work with Apple’s iPad, for perfect stereo up to 8 channel recording and playback, and the addition of truly professional I/Os.

18 Input / 18 Output channels of connectivity

• 8 x Analog I/O
• 2 x Mic/ Line Preamps, digitally controlled
• 2 x Line / Instrument inputs, digitally controlled
• 1 x SPDIF I/O coaxial
• 1 x ADAT I/O (or 1 x SPDIF I/O optical)
• 1 x Word Clock I/O
• 2 x MIDI I/O (via breakout cable)
• 1 x FireWire 400
• 1 x USB 2.0 (USB 3 compatible)
• Remote Control

For more details, check here - http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_fireface_ucx.php

miniyo-T is a control surface type MIDI controller for the iPhone or iPod Touch. It represents a Transport Bar from which Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)/sequencer software basic playing/recording operations can be initiated and monitored. miniyo-T is the iPhone/iPod Touch version of the Transport controller for eyoControl on iPad.

Main features

• Large timecode display, supporting multiple timecode formats and state indicators (*).
• Toggle between Timecode and Bar/Beats display (*).
• Large Play/Stop/Record/Fast Forward/Rewind buttons.
• An accurate scrub wheel, with associated scrub button.
• Enable/disable Loop mode.
• Mark beginning and end of loop (*).
• Set/clear/undo markers and navigate over them (prev/next) (*).
• Connectivity through CoreMIDI or eyoControl Server.
• Collaborative: using CoreMIDI connectivity, control your DAW from several devices. For example, start/stop song with one device while setting up markers from another device. Every device sharing the same session receive the timecode information.
• Support for Retina display for devices supporting it.
• Accessibility/VoiceOver support.

(*) may not be functional with every DAW software. Fully supported with Logic.

For more details check - http://eyosido.com/miniyo/t/

NAMM last week was filled with a suprising amount of iOS friendly product announcements, which only goes to prove that Apple’s mobile and tablet platforms have become serious contenders in the music world. I’ll continue to sift through the interesting news that came out of the show all this week, but let’s kick things off with this collection of innovative new mixers from Behringer.

Just in time for the 2012 NAMM Show, BEHRINGER unveils three small format premium mixers that directly interface with the ever-popular iPad. Drawing on the power of the most ubiquitous mobile digital device, the XENYX iX Series mixers are designed to handle live performance and provide state-of-the-art tools to create professional recordings. Users can also sync performances to video by utilizing the iPad‘s video out capability.
iX1642USB
The new XENYX iX Series, which include the XENYX iX3242USB, iX2442USB and iX1642USB, feature a built-in iPad docking station designed to send signal to and from the iPad with a wide range of routing options.

The innovative feature set included in the new XENYX iX Series USB mixers makes it possible to record and mix on a professional level thanks to the built-in, stereo USB audio interface. Connect these mixers directly to a PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable to record any signal source connected to the mixer.

All iX mixers include the new dual-engine KLARK-TEKNIK FX processor with 32 editable, studio-grade presets such as reverb, chorus, flange, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. In addition to literally thousands of apps, the iX mixers use the iPad to control the new KLARK-TEKNIK FX Processor App, enhancing the mix by allowing the user deep control of EQ’s, compressors and reverbs and a full spectrum analyzer.
iX2442USB
The iX series mixers also feature high performance XENYX mic pre amps, which represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology. Comparable to far more expensive, stand-alone mic preamps, XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to 200 kHz for transparent, crystal-clear performance.

XENYX mixers’ 3-band channel EQ is based on the same circuitry used in British consoles that allows users to create signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Additionally, “one-knob” compression is available on all mono channels. Dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity.

“The new XENYX iX mixers demonstrate the innovation that stems from our massive investment in Research and Development,” says Mark Wilder, VP of Marketing Communications. “These are the first of many more ground-breaking products to be announced at NAMM 2012.”

More info here - http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/iX1642USB.aspx

On paper it sounds like the killer DAW app for iPad, but will Machine Labs’ recently announced Auria be able to deliver on it’s feature rich list of can-dos? I sure as hell hope so!! Here’s what we know so far about this impressive looking app…

• 48 mono/stereo, 24-bit/44.1kHz tracks, with recording for up to 24 tracks (you’ll obviously need a USB audio interface that can do that – see notes below)
• 64-bit, double precision mix architecture (something even Pro Tools only just acquired)
• Full delay compensation
• “Vintage-inspired” channel strips, with a desktop-like UI and VU/RMS switching
• Plug-in support (Out of the gate, PSPaudioware, Overloud, Fab Filter and Drumagog all work. You need to do custom wrapping of plug-ins for this host; standard plug-ins won’t work. The format is based on VST, but it’s not VST in the traditional sense in that they have to be custom-wrapped for sale through the app. See developer notes below.)
• Dropbox, SoundCloud, AAF, MP3 export
• Advanced channel strips, EQ, expansion/compression and dynamic controls ready to go
• Convolution reverb. (Really.)
• AAF import/export, making one definite application using this as a satellite for your desktop DAW (more on that notion below)

This teaser video gives a great overview of the app -

For a full rundown on the specs - http://www.auriaapp.com/Products/auria

Introducing iRig MIC Cast, the ultra-compact portable voice recording microphone designed specifically for recording podcasts, interviews, lectures, voice memos, speeches and more.

iRig MIC Cast provides a pocket-sized voice recording solution with crystal-clear audio quality.  It features a tight unidirectional pickup pattern that minimizes background noise making it ideal for single-source audio recording. Includes an adjustable desktop stand for convenient iPhone/iPod touch positioning during recording.

See product images.
See compatible devices.

This makes iRig MIC Cast also great for business applications like recording meeting and enhancing the audio and voice quality of conference calls.

iRig MIC Cast Features

• Incredibly flat frequency response with zero tonal coloration
• Features a stereo mini-jack headphone output which enables real-time monitoring of what is being recorded using headphones or speakers.
• Offers a mini-switch that provides two different sensitivity settings to record close-up or distant sources.
• Includes an adjustable desktop stand for convenient iPhone/iPod touch positioning during recording.
• Has a bumper-friendly mini-jack connector that fits the majority of iPhone/iPod touch cases.
• Has an ultra-compact profile that can be carried anywhere with ease.
• Like other IK Multimedia microphones, it includes 2 free apps: iRig Recorder, an easy-to-use voice recording/editing app, and VocaLive, a multi-effects processing app for singers.
• Works with all regular phone calls and any Voice-Over-IP app.
• Is compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/iPad.

Pricing and availability

iRig MIC Cast costs only $39.99/€29.99 (excl. tax) and will be available in First Quarter of 2012 from electronic and music retailers around the world.

From the creators of ‘DM1 the Drum machine’, comes this all-in-one music workstation come 4 player jam machine aimed at producing rock rather than electronic style music. At the special launch price of just .99, this is a must for all iPad music makers!

Rockmate is a breakthrough music creation app. It turns your iPad into a complete music studio easy and super fun to use.
You can compose, record and play songs with up to 4 Rock players on one single iPad. Rockmate is easy to play with smart chords progressions, sounds great with separated guitar effects and in-house produced audio samples and is also fully customizable with multiple drums and keyboard styles.

Rockmate is ready to rock !
Your guitars are always well tuned, no need to carry your drum kit or to patch your keyboard. A smart metronome and a real-time looper will assist you in composing and recording your songs. Share your songs by email or iTunes sharing folders.

Specifications
• Realistic design and animations
• High-quality samples
• 4 players on one single iPad
• Realtime looper
• Smart metronome
• Mixer with level and pan controls
• Realtime Fx (distortion, multiFX, powerchord)
• Chords progression customizable
• Create your own chords
• Save your styles (Chords progression, FX, Drum, keyboard style…)
• Export: .wav or .aac
• Sharing: iTunes sharing folder and Email.
• Airplay

Grab Rockmate now –

To be honest, I don’t know exactly what use this app would be for most users, but if you have any interest at all in different mic polar patterns, you may find this remotely interesting.

Mid-Side Microphone Technique… Visualized

The mid-side (M-S) microphone technique is a versatile stereo recording approach using two coincident microphones. With this visualizer, you are able to see Mid-Side and Stereo polar response graphs.

Select from a variety of preset microphone types or use a slider to adjust the Mid Mic Type. Set the Ratio of Mid-level to Side-level, and observe the resultant stereo polar pattern.

Grab Mid-Side Mic Visualizer now –

If you’re looking for a high quality, portable stereo recording solution that takes advantage of your iOS device, Tascam’s new iM2 Stereo Microphone is worth careful consideration. Probably the most exciting dot point for me is that it handles up to 125dB SPL sounds…That’s live gig level loud…Nice!  Read on -

TASCAM, a well known veteran for creating home recording devices, today introduced a pocket sized iM2 stereo mic for iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch. TASCAM’s iM2 turns the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch into a high-quality stereo recorder. A pair of condenser microphones – same high quality as TASCAM’s best-selling DR-series recorders – plugs into the dock connector of your Apple device. The microphones are adjustable over 180 degrees for optimal sound placement. The iM2 contains its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter for low noise and premium audio quality. Unlike mics that use the built-in iPhone preamp, the iM2 can handle up to 125dB SPL sounds for the loudest concerts and instruments. Also enclosed in the iM2, is a stereo limiter to tame sudden loud sounds. The microphone level is adjustable with a knob on the side, making it quick and easy to adjust without looking at the unit. It’s powered through the dock connector so no battery is required. A USB input is provided to charge your Apple iOS device for long recordings, either through a computer or TASCAM’s PS-P515U power adapter. “The iM2 stereo mic was a natural succession after our well-received launching of the iXZ mic/guitar interface in September. Anyone can come out with an iOS product, but we want to ensure that our portable devices are of the utmost quality and I believe this product will be another hit with our customers.“ said Paul Jenkins, Senior Vice President for TEAC America. The ultra-portable iM2 is a must have for musicians who want to capture inspiration on their iPhone or iPad without sacrificing recording quality. iM2 is the perfect recording accessory for musicians of all skill levels available now at an unbeatable street price of $79.  A PCM Recorder app, a perfect companion to the iM2 will be available shortly on the iTunes store at no charge.

• Stereo condenser microphones for iPhone 4, iPod Touch or iPad dock connection
• High-quality stereo condenser microphones – same as our best-selling DR-series recorders
• Microphones adjustable 180 degrees front to back
• Built-in analog to digital converter and microphone preamp for low noise recording
• 125dB SPL maximum level for recording loud shows without distortion
• Switchable limiter attenuates high-level signals to prevent recording overload
• Adjustable input level control
• Powered through iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch dock connector
• USB input allows the iPhone or iPad to be charged from a USB connection or optional TASCAM PS-P515U
• CD-quality digital recording (44.1kHz/16-bit linear PCM)
• Compact size ideal for mobile use
• Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 4G, iPad, iPad 2