Tech Blog

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The possibilities in music composition are endless.  By combining a music program/app with a MIDI controller, drum machine, drum pad etc. the possibilities don't necessarilly increase, but they do make the musical process more fluid and intuitive. This setup is extremely popular for many musicians and while many companies have been making a wide-array of music programs and apps, there are others that are making equally important tools and software needed to synchronize the two.

IK Multimedia have released one very important addition to their already impressive lineup of music software, the ultra-compact standard Core MIDI interface, iRig MIDI, and the accompanying application SampleTank for iOS.

Here's some information about the iRig MIDI via my last article describing the MIDI interface and what it does: 

The iRig MIDI connects to MIDI controllers, drum machines, drum pads, pedal boards and many more to any iOS device with total ease.  The iRig MIDI is the only compact iOS MIDI interface sporting 3 MIDI ports (In/Out/Thru) and each port will connect to any standard MIDI jacks using the included 2x1.6m/5.2" cables. This MIDI interface also sports 2 LEDs for displaying the MIDI activity on the In/Out ports and exclusively provides a micro USB port, cables included, that connects to any standard USB power supply source so that the iOS device can stay fully powered during long sessions.  

If that weren't enough, the iRig MIDI comes with the pro-quality sound module, SampleTank. Originally released for Mac and PC, the leading virtual sound workstation boasts a soundset with over 900MB of samples for over 400 acoustic, electric and electronic instruments as well as 20 studio quality insert effects that can be applied to each individual instrument. 

While there are already many ways to get a MIDI connection to your iOS device (i.e. MIDI to USB cable, Line 6) there are only a few companies that have created a MIDI interface specifically for Apple's 30-pin dock connector.  IK is one of them.  

Also unlike most options, IK has released Sampletank in conjunction with the iRig for better usibility and customer intuitiveness.  Many other times when you are looking for an interface, the workstation comes seperately costing you that much more money to get your perfect setup.  IK makes this process a breeze.  

To get things up and running, simply plug the iRig into your iDevice (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and connect your MIDI cables to your MIDI device (I used an MusicXPC KMC-49 MIDI controller). Once plugged in, you'll be prompted to download the free iRig MIDI recorder app from the iOS App Store. This is a simple, easy to download MIDI recording app which is pivotal to making your setup work.  

From there, you're pretty much good to go. What makes the iRig so special, and so unlike other MIDI interfaces, is that you're now able to take advantage of over a hundred other apps which are Core MIDI compatible (like GarageBand for iPad). IK has conveniently put together a list of all those apps here. This list continues to grow so make sure to check out IK's website for future updates.  

In terms of Sampletank, the iOS app offers much more than you would initially expect sample-wise and customization-wise as well.  Of course, some of these samples sound better than others, but with your ability to further modify these sounds using your MIDI device, practically any of these samples can be used to make some pretty impressive compositions.  The impressive sound library and ease of use make this app one to consider using next time you're looking for a more portable way to compose music.  

Of course, all this doesn't come free. You get a taster of samples in Sampletank, but individual packs can be bought to expand a category of sounds (pianos, drums, strings) at $4.99 each. Or you can buy them all for $39.99.

The combination of iRig and Sampletank is the perfect, light-weight solution for musicians who use samples in live performance settings.  Imagine having to carry your laptop, audio interface, accessories and MIDI device.  While many do this today, you certainly don't need to if you find that iRig and Sampletank work well for you.  Of course, these two also work wonderfully for in-house use as well, and save tons of space and effort.

IK has created some true contenders in the wide-array of music software out today.  They have achieved their goal to creating good quality, easy to use, intuitive and inexpensive products for musicians -- something you certainly don't see everyday.  It's exciting to see a business hold true to their objectives and create good quality products so consistently.  

You can find out more about IK Multimedia's impressive music software collection by visiting their website. In addition, FutureShop.ca currently has product pages for the iRig Mic and the AmpliTube iRig Guitar/Bass Adapter.  

Check out the iRig MIDI in action with Sampletank and Garageband: 

Check out this Sampletank demonstration video: