4 iPad Apps for Musicians

Posted on 06. Apr, 2011 by in Apple, Gadgets

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The iPad has made great computing power available in a user-friendly form not only to Mac fans but also to hard working musicians. Among the musicians making use of the Apple tablet: classical pianist Lang Lang used an iPad to play “Flight of the Bumblebee” during an encore at a San Francisco concert, DJ Rana June Sobhany has made a name of herself as an iPad DJ, and Damon Albarn recorded the last album from Gorillaz almost entirely using an iPad.

Here are 4 iPad apps that musicians commonly use.

1. Reactable

reactable ipad app

Used regularly by Björk, Reactable is a powerful music software that costs well over $9,000. However, the iPad version costs just $9.99 and is available for both the iPad 1 and 2. This music app allows you to create music by uploading your own sound files (e.g. WAV files) and loops, or by recording music live by hooking up a microphone to your iPad.

This app is very user friendly and itself can be a highlight during a live session.

2. eTuner

etuner ipad app

eTuner is a very simple, yet essential app. The eTuner iPad app is an interactive chromatic tuning application that utilizes the quality audio and fine display capabilities of your Mac tablet to determine and display musical pitch information as you play an instrument, hum, or sing a note.

This app can be a lifesaver when there is a lot of external noise and you need to quickly tune an instrument or audio line.  eTuner is just $1.99.

3. Aurora Sound Studio HD

aurora sound studio hd ipad app

This is a favorite from DJs and electronic musicians. While the price tag, $39.99, may be a bit prohibitive for some beginner musicians, it is still a much more affordable option than comparable desktop applications such as Reason or Acid. The Aurora Sound Studio HD app can handle up to 14 instrument tracks and can chain up to 199 patterns.

You can use 4 music engines: a drum machine, an analog synth, a pad synth and a sampler (which you can use to upload your own sounds). The large size of the iPad  allows you to have access to a full screen mixer at the tip of your fingertips. Last but not least, you can export all of your music creations in MIDI, WAV and AAC file formats.

4. Korg iMS20

korg ims20 ipad app

For years, Korg has created amazing synth players and one of its most popular ones is the MS-20. So, it is not a surprise that the Korg iMS20 iPad app has become a hit. The regular price is $32.99 but a special price of $15.99 is being offered until April 30, 2011.

Another great appeal of this app is that all of your creations will have rich, retro and analogic layers.

Do you use these or any other applications on your iPad to create music?

Damian Davila is not only a marketing blogger but also a digital musician. Check out his songs at http://www.reverbnation.com/ruidoecuador.

Image by starpause kid

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  • http://freeipadgear.com Bripad Freemon

    Im surprised to not see Garage Band on here!

    • http://www.lostintechnology.com Kyle Judkins

      Thanks for adding that to the list!

    • http://twitter.com/idaconcpts Damian Davila

      Thanks for the tip. I included the ones recommended by top electronic artists in Mexico such as Bostich and Fussible. These guys are well known for using the iPad as their main element to direct their live shows. You can check out their music at http://www.nacionalrecords.com/artists/bostichfussible/index.htm

  • http://www.ipadshouse.com/improve-your-talents-with-ipad-apps-for-musicians/ iPad apps for musicians

    Yep, where is the GarageBand? The app is awesome!