10 Music making apps for the iPhone and iPad: GarageBand, Korg and Figure
It’s not so long ago that music recording was just for people who could afford to hire a professional studio and engineer. To have the self belief that those hundreds of pounds per day weren’t being wasted came from many hours of tuition, rehearsal and performance (or in some cases just a massive ego. Artists with egos – what?).
It was difficult for budding musicians to develop, nurture their talent and grow as composers and songwriters with the stakes so high, and so the advent of the trusty four track tape recorder and, later, digital recording interfaces and affordable computer software have levelled the playing field for those of us seeking to express ourselves through sound.
Skip on 10 years from the announcement that intuitive multi-track recording application Garageband was to be a permanent fixture of the Mac Operating System and the bedroom musician is turning to the pocket home studio to get some of the best sounds around.
The following 10 apps showcase some of the very best in iOS mobile recording, from world class synths, drum machines and multi-track software to intuitive apps that will encourage a burst of musical creativity from beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
Image via Laura Kidd
Cakewalk Z3TA+
Younger generations might not appreciate just how exciting it is to have legendary synthesizers available in such a compact form, but the rest of us should take a moment to praise the lords of technology for this one.
The Z3TA+ synth will be familiar if you’ve heard many electronic records, and this iPad version brings all the original features - 500 presets, oscillators and advanced effects - as well as a live performance section. This bad boy is there for you through the whole musical journey, from sowing the seeds of a track right through to playing it on stage, just connect a MIDI controller for more flexibility.
Available from iTunes for £13.99
