Apple device guitar recording

[GuitarStarTV]

Hey everyone!
I'm looking to do some home recording in the simplest & most effective way.
I have an iPad and garage band but no hardware yet so was looking for any advice from anyone who has used apple recording hardware?
Was checking out the Apogee JAM. It's about £80 very portable & looks so easy to use.
Any thoughts?

[GuitarStarTV]

Also just found the Alesis iO dock which looks very cool too!

[Mick]

I don't have a iPad, so not much help, but let's see if we can get aldridgeg to pop in here, some great stuff recorded on the iPad, so might be able to give some pointers.

[aldridgeg]

GuitarStarTV

The Apogee Jam is great - I've used the original and if it's silent recording (using ipad apps) and portability you want it's very capable.

I also have a Samson Meteor mic - good for recording a real amp, and only needs a camera kit connector and you're up an running.

This was done using the Meteor for gtr/bass and it's a big improvement overwhat I cd achieve with the Apogee.

( https://soundcloud.com/gra-ald/cover-of-everlong-with-sneaky )

If i was looking now (and thanks to your question I might well be!) there's lots more out there. I'd be seriously considering the following

• IK Multimedia Irig HD Pro. Similar to the Jam, takes a mic too.
  Tascam iu2 dock
  Focusrite iTrack dock
  Focusrite iTrack Solo

All look like they provide a step up in the connectivity / versatility and are pretty reasonably priced.

I was a total novice when I started (in GB on iPhone) and have loved using the ipad for recording. Great fun and the interface is excellent, (at least it works for me)! Have fun and keep us posted.

[GuitarStarTV]

Thanks so much aldridgeg that's a huge help! Yeah the Apogee looks great for portable recording & easy to use! Going to do most if not all my recording at home so a dock would suit too! Will check out your other suggestions & see what takes my fancy! Thanks so much for your help & I'll give those tracks a listen too!

[Scarebear]

I have the iRig HD Pro. That thing is amazing. Crystal clear sounds and if you buy it you unlock some pretty wicked Metal tones in AmpliTube for iOS. If you happen to also own a Mac, then you unlock AmpliTube Metal (awesome pack) as well.

[GuitarStarTV]

Cheers Scarebear that's a big help! How much did that set you back?

[Scarebear]

I believe they're around 120 Euros (whatever that converts to). If you don't need the mic option, there's also a iRig HD for 80 Euros. I have that too

I think I have five different interfaces. The others are cheaper and the sound quality isn't as impressive. Still decent though.

[GuitarStarTV]

Thanks for the help my friend!

[macman]

I have the iRig HD Pro. That thing is amazing. Crystal clear sounds and if you buy it you unlock some pretty wicked Metal tones in AmpliTube for iOS. If you happen to also own a Mac, then you unlock AmpliTube Metal (awesome pack) as well.

Agreed, I have the iRig HD and it is excellent. The iRig HD Pro you would not regret.

[GuitarStarTV]

Thanks mate! These iRig devices are small & portable aren't they? Was thinking about the Alesis iDock 2 as most or all of my recording would be at home. Anyone used these?

[Scarebear]

iRig PRO and iRig HD would both fit in your pocket. I have them both and they rock. I'd recommend the iRig PRO as you can plug in your guitar directly and then utilise IK Multimedia's AmpliTube for iOS. You can record tracks directly into that or use AmpliTube in AudioBus allowing you to incorporate other apps for drums and/or other instruments while you build a song.

I have actually written an article on 11 different iOS DAWs if that helps. I've also written an article on recording in iOS (iPhone) using AmpliTube and an article (with free graphic novel) on recording using AmpliTube for the iPad.

The advantage of iRig PRO is that you can also plug a mic in and record your real-world amplifier tones into your iOS device (or PC which is what I do from time to time).

I know both options give you free amps and pedals in iOS AmpliTube and I believe if you plug them into the Mac you get the full version of AmpliTube Metal (which is seriously cool).

Seeing as how I'm going for link-overload here, I'll end with my own articles on the iRig HD and the iRig PRO. Enjoy all that reading

[GuitarStarTV]

Wow thanks so much mate! I will check them articles out & have a good read as I'm buying my recording device very soon!
Cheers for being so helpful my friend!

[Scarebear]

No worries. This is something I can help you with for a change

[GuitarStarTV]

Thanks so much again. Looks like the irig pro has it all. The other one I was looking at was the Apogee Jam96k any thoughts on this?