It’s been a fact for over a decade now: your mobile phone isn’t just for calling. In fact, that’s probably what it does least. On the other hand, it can make music, just like your tablet, provided you have the right apps. Indeed, searching for “music” on the App Store won’t get you very far. To find your way, you need some guidance. Luckily, Woodbrass is here to help.
First of all, you’ll need some gear! It’s the same principle as with a computer: to work under the best possible conditions, you’ll need an audio interface. Otherwise, the built-in audio on the iPad promises a rather low output level, some background noise depending on the impedance of your headphones, and above all, a recording quality that leaves much to be desired. With the spectacular growth of the tablet market, manufacturers are offering more and more interfaces tailored for iOS. Among the references that will serve you well are the NI Traktor Audio 2 Mk2, the Focusrite iTrack Solo, the Line 6 Sonic Port, and the Apogee Jam 96K (which has the highest resolution). There are even docks where the iPad fits in to become a complete recorder, like the Alesis DMdock and the Focusrite iTrack Dock. Finally, to use your device in a stable and practical way (especially on stage!), a stand like the TH01 (for iPad) or TH02 (for iPhone) will be invaluable.
Now that you’re equipped, let’s get downloading!
Garage Band
To start with all due respect, we begin with an app developed by Apple that has already delighted many Mac owners: Garage Band. This sequencer is very easy to use thanks to its clear interface. For MIDI tracks, you choose your instrument and drag & drop programmed parts; for audio tracks, you activate recording, apply effects, and you’re off! To top it off, it’s been free since September 2013.
Tempo
Sure, a metronome app isn’t as exciting as a virtual instrument. However, it’s an ultra-useful tool that can save you when working on the go or playing rehearsals/live with the tempo in your ears. There are plenty of free metronomes, but this one is worth the investment because it’s clear, easy to use, and rich in features, especially thanks to the setlist function that lets you program a list of tempos for a concert.
Moog Filtratron
Moog has a reputation for doing things differently when developing a keyboard or pedal, and this app lives up to that. It lets you process your sounds with delay, overdrive (with adjustable feedback!), and ultra-musical filters: plug a guitar in and Matthew Bellamy-style craziness is yours!
Propellerhead Figure
Figure is a sequencer with a very playful, easy-to-understand, and trendy graphical interface! You have three separate tracks: drums, bass, and lead. For each element, several sounds are available, and you can program the pattern very intuitively. No expertise needed—you can quickly create a credible backing track while waiting for the subway. Progress is beautiful…
Guitar Pro
And here’s a French app! A classic in its genre, too… Guitar Pro lets you read all kinds of scores (super useful for rehearsals when you’re unsure of all the parts), play them back in multitrack audio (with separate volumes), and write scores on the go. To top it off, you have access to a huge library of professional scores via the integrated Mysongbook section.
Korg Gadget
This Korg app is incredibly rich. It’s a multitrack MIDI sequencer offering fifteen “gadgets,” meaning virtual instruments inspired by the most famous drum machines and synths in history. You can, of course, control the gadgets with a master keyboard, so buying Gadget is like buying fifteen different instrument apps, and not just any. To top it off, new gadgets are planned for upcoming updates.
Midi Tool Box
Another app that doesn’t make funny noises but can be a real lifesaver. If you often use MIDI gear in your studio, this app lets you supervise everything in every possible way, as its name suggests (“the MIDI toolbox”). It includes an event monitor, status monitor, virtual keyboard, Sysex library, program change management… There’s bound to be a feature here that will be useful to you and that you won’t find elsewhere.
Amplitube Orange
It was released less than a week ago, and we’re already on it! Amplitube is one of the main developers of amp simulations, and their interfaces are very clear as well as sounding great. You’ll find different packs grouped by style or brand (Amplitube Slash, Hendrix, Fender, or Orange), and in this pack, you’ll be happy to find your Rockerverb 50 or your Tiny Terror (5 virtual amps in total) without having to move the 4×12 cabinet, and you even get 4 pedals (delay, tremolo, noise gate, overdrive). Enough to turn your sleepless nights into sublime improvisation sessions with your headphones.
Peterson iStroboSoft
Another life-saving app… The most precise tuner on the market! It was developed by Peterson, the specialist in strobe tuning, whose pedal version costs 200 euros… Now you understand the app’s price? Besides its reliability, it offers tunings adapted to different instruments for the most musical result possible. Essential.
Arturia iMini
Vintage Minimoogs sell easily for the tidy sum of $7,000: the closest experience most of us will have of this legendary machine is this excellent emulation by Arturia. You get the original interface and over 500 presets that will keep you busy for a while before you dive into the machine’s knobs… Does your latest track lack a bit of madness? Here you’ll find just what you need to shake it up!
With these ten apps, you already have plenty to keep you busy for years, but they only represent the tip of the iceberg… There are hundreds of well-designed music apps, and new ones keep arriving every day. The goal remains the same: to spark the inspiration that will make you want to develop an idea into a full track ready to be heard by the whole world. In other words: don’t forget to make music!
