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
Korg Gadget
With a price tag far beyond most apps, Korg Gadget sets itself out as a serious proposition from the get go, and with 15 studio quality synthesisers and drum machines on offer it doesn’t disappoint.
Korg have long been renowned for their world class keyboards, concert pianos and electronic music equipment (the Kaoss Pad midi controller revolutionised live performance for many bands and DJs) and this app takes music making just as seriously. As well as using the touch screen to play the synths, you can connect an external MIDI keyboard to really make the most of it, and we can see this app becoming a valuable addition to the mobile home recording setup.
Available from iTunes for £27.49
