Effects processing
Acoustic-electric players will enjoy apps
that model classic amplifiers and effects, which can be used for practice and
recording. One of the best sounding is IK Multimedia^ AmpliTube ($14.99), which
is available in four configurations – the standard version, one modeling Fender
products, and two signature versions based on the sounds of Jimi Hendrix and
Slash. Each version includes a variety of amp, cabinet, mie, and effects models
that you can configure, as well as an expandable recording section that offers
Reamping, a tuner, metronome, MIDI controller support, and audio-file playback
with tempo-change and vocal-removal capabilities.
Another
excellent-sounding app is Agile Partners’ AmpKit+, which serves up plenty of
amps, cabinets, mies, and effects
Another excellent-sounding app is Agile
Partners’ AmpKit+ ($9.99), which serves up plenty of amps, cabinets, mies, and
effects. Features include recording and Reamping, a tuner and metronome, and
the ability to share mixes via e-mail and SoundCloud. It also lets you create
your own effects chains and place multiple copies of the same effect in the
signal path. You can expand your AmpKit+ setup by adding items from its
extensive list of gear through in-app purchases.
For a more gig-friendly experience, the IK
Multimedia iRig Stomp ($59.99) and DigiTech iStomp ($149.95) are hardware stomp
boxes that can be loaded with effects from your iOS device. Both pedals feel
solid underfoot, are easy to update when you want to load a new effect, and
have 1/4-inch jacks for easy pedal board integration. The DigiTech StompShop
offers a variety of high-quality reverb and delay effects for iStomp that sound
exceptionally good on acoustic-electric guitar.
Business tools
Today’s musician has a lot to juggle –
contacts, gigs, product inventory, set lists, and social media sites, just to
name a few. Keeping track of things is something computers do well, so it makes
sense to have a scheduling and calendar app that is geared toward the needs of
musicians.
Today’s
musician has a lot to juggle – contacts, gigs, product inventory, set lists,
and social media sites, just to name a few
Artist Growth ($5 monthly fee) is a
full-featured app that can be used to schedule and manage gigs and projects,
keep track of Merch inventory and income, create set lists with timings, and
facilitate booking and promotion. For example, Artist Growth includes a
comprehensive list of performance spaces, press contacts, and radio outlets
from the Indie Bible, and the included AGtv is a collection of video tutorials
on career-building subjects. They even offer Action
Packs that have preconfigures setups by industry pros. Check out the 30-day
trial version. After that, you pay a monthly fee to use it, which seems
reasonable if you’re working regularly.an especially handy feature is that you
can share your info on a read-only basis with band members for an additional
$0.99 each. It’s the most comprehensive iOS tool for indie musicians I’ve found.
When it comes time to sell Merch, the
ability to process credit card transactions means increased sales. That’s where
Square comes in. Once you register online, the company sends you a free credit
card reader that plugs into your iOS device. There’s no monthly charge- just a
2.75 percent transaction fee. The payments are forwarded directly into the bank
account you specify when you sign up. Be sure to read the Merchant User
Agreement because it provides important information regarding your responsibilities
for receipts, sales tax collection, and other important details.
Stage and studio accessories
Hands-free page turning can be accomplished
with a Bluetooth device such as the AirTum BT-105 (airtum.com).
Depending on the pedal configuration you choose, you can turn pages forward and
backward, isolate parts of a page, or move through a set list. The AirTum
transmitter, which runs on a rechargeable battery, is available without
momentary-switch pedals for $69, or comes bundled in two- and four-pedal configurations
from $119 to $189. If you need Hands - Arid feet-free iPad operation, AirTum
also sells switches that are triggered with your tongue or by your teeth biting
down ($49.99 each).
The
iKlip attaches an iPad to the side of a mie stand and can be positioned
vertically or horizontally
In addition, AirTum sells a mic-stand mount
for iPads called TheGigEasy ($79). The clamp holds the device’s corners firmly,
without covering the rear camera, and screws onto the top of the mie stand,
offering 360 degrees of vertical rotation and 270 degrees of lateral movement.
A clamp that attached the holder to the side of a mie stand is included.
TheGigEasy is also available in a bundle with the BT-105 for $219.99.
IK Multimedia offers a line of iDevice
holders made from a rugged thermoplastic. The iKlip ($39.99) attaches an iPad
to the side of a mie stand and can be positioned vertically or horizontally.
The iKlip Studio ($29.99) is a desktop version that has rubber nonskid pads on
the bottom and folds completely flat for storage. The iKlip Mini ($39.99)
attaches an iPhone or iPod touch to the side of a mie stand and can position
the device vertically or horizontally. The iKlip Studio and Mini come with a
plastic adapter that holds an iRig guitar interface.
Other options for mounting iOS devices to a
mie stand include the Ultimate Support HyperPad (ultimatesupport.com,
$69.99), which offers five different mounting options and fits iPads 2,3 and 4.
The Primacoustic ShowPad 2 (primacoustic.com, $39.99) for the iPad 2 and
TelePad 4 ($29.99) for the iPhone 4; and the Konig and Meyer iPad 2 Stand
Holder ($49.99), which attaches to the top or side of the stand.
Other
options for mounting iOS devices to a mie stand include the Ultimate Support
HyperPad, which offers five different mounting options and fits iPads 2, 3 and
4
If you want to mount an iPhone 4 to your
guitar in a way that won’t harm your instrument, check out the Sonic Clamp
(sonicclamp.com, $69.99). Just snap your phone into the holder and attach it to
the plastic clamp, which squeezes together around the upper bout of your axe.
The left inside the clamp won’t scratch the guitar’s finish.
Another option is the Guitar Sidekick (Castiv.com;
$24.99), which clips on to the headstock of your guitar and positions your iPhone
or iPod touch in such a way that it’s easy to read the screen. In addition,
Castiv sells iDevice clamps that fit on mie stands and other instruments, such
as drums.
Give the Android some!
If you’re not an Apple iOS user, don’t
fret. Many of the products in this article are available for smartphones and
tablets running the Android operating system – ArtistGrowth, Cleartune,
GuitarTuna, ?-Track tuner, iReal b, Songsterr, Square, and Ultimate guitar
Tabs. Depending on the specific hardware and iOS version you have, your
experience will be similar to what iOS users get.
If you’re in the market for an Android
product, get the best one you can afford and load the most recent operating
system. With such a wide variety of third-party manufacturers, design and build
quality is all over the map. The quality of the device you buy will ultimately
affect your experience.
