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
Yamaha Tnr-i
The Tenori-on is an electronic instrument created by the Music and Human Interface Group at the Yamaha Center for Advanced Sound Technology. It managed to be just about as exciting and space age as that description makes it sound, all the time looking like a game of Connect 4. Retro-futuristic, like an astronaut in shoulder pads.
Ever since music making apps begun there have been mobile versions of this instrument, so this official Yamaha version is the bees knees and well worth the money.
Lights flash across the 16x16 grid and by pressing the buttons you create twinkling patterns of sound, where left/right is time and up/down is pitch. And in keeping with the fun, inclusive spirit of the instrument itself, the app encourages you to connect with other Tnr-i users to perform together over a network.
Available from iTunes for £13.99
