There’s an app for that.
I’ve heard the phrase a kajillion times, and every time I turn around, people are proving it to be accurate. My buddy, Brian Howe, showed me an amp simulator and recording app that I raved about, and then life promptly got in the way and I didn’t mess with it…until tonight. Brain, you were right. Here’s my apology, live onine on the Internet (so it must be true.)
The app is called Amplitube, and it’s available on at least iPads and iPhones. There’s also an iRig, which lets you plug a cable into the device and record directly from your instrument or microphone into the iPad. Yes, you can skip the amp (and use the built in modeler) and the mixing board (use the virtual one), and you can just record into the iPad. Crazy, right? I can take notes at a client meeting at 10 am, sit down with someone for a health assessment over lunch, see what’s up with upcoming movies on the IMDB app, make a Fantasy Football trade, do a Crossword, read my favorite Marvel comics, and then record a tune…all before the sun goes down. WHAT?
Amplitube was free. It includes a number of sample amp modelers and effects. I downloaded the standard bass amp for $4.99 and then the 8-track mixing board for recording for $14.99. So, $20 turned my iPad into a recording and mastering device. Pretty slick. The interface is easy to use, once you re-train your brain on how to work with the virtual knobs on the amps.
The short piece I recorded has six layered guitars and a bass, though I can hear percussion every time I listen to it. I call it “Dancing Clocks”, mostly for the layered sounds the added guitars make. I added it to the video for our upcoming Optimal Health Challenge we’re doing with Studio 13 by Mind Body Spirit Works. Check out the video with the song, and let me know what you think.
One love,
nK