Apple today released a major update to its mobile DAW, GarageBand for iOS.
The update introduces a new GarageBand Sound Library, where you can select and download a variety of free sound packs. The free sound packs contain a variety of Touch Instruments, Apple loops, Live Loops templates, guitar and instrument presets and more. Initial sound packs include Future Bass, Reggaeton, Beat Sequencer kits, guitar amp tones and more.
In addition, there’s a new Beat Sequencer instrument, inspired by classic drum machines. The app also features new Asian Touch Instruments and updates to Drummer, including six additional players.
Here’s what’s new in GarageBand for iOS:
- Updated for Super Retina display on iPhone X
- Use the new Sound Library to download additional free instruments, loops and sound packs
- Adds 3 Drummers who play percussion in the styles of Pop, Songwriter, and Latin*
- Play and record using traditional instruments from China and Japan, including the Guzheng, Koto and Taiko drums*
- Build grooves inspired by classic electronic drum machines with the Beat Sequencer
- Support for expanded sharing and storage options with the Files app in iOS 11
- Enables a larger Audio Unit Extensions view for compatible third-party instruments and effects
- Recording, mixing and exporting a song can be done at 24-bit audio resolution
- Includes iMessage sticker pack that adds GarageBand instrument icons
- Provides stability improvements and bug fixes
GarageBand for iOS is a free download from the App Store.
Its hard to imagine seeing an iPad that could run a full version of Logic, but they’re certainly blurring the lines here where some of the more immediate functions are concerned. I prefer sitting at a desktop, much like I once hunched over a teeny workstation display, but that’s just one option now. I’d like to hear the work of people in the middle of the Venn diagram who build sketches on a pad in the woods and then take it home to polish on a fuller system. I’d like to think that would = some best-of-both music. Besides, Apple loves it when you buy more than one of their goodies. 😛
“Its hard to imagine seeing an iPad that could run a full version of Logic,”
The thing is, iPads are now faster than many laptops:
https://9to5mac.com/2017/06/14/ipad-pro-versus-macbook-pro-speed-tests/
So a valid argument can be made that workflow is faster on desktops, because desktop devices don’t need to be optimized for battery life or ‘dumbed down’.
But in terms of raw CPU and GPU, there’s no reason an iPad couldn’t run Live, and Garageband’s Live Loops proves it.
iPads run Wavemachine Labs Auria Pro which is a full featured DAW that supports up to 24 tracks (depending on your model). For many musicians, myself included, have either fully migrated from a desktop environment or in my case never used anything other than an iPad for recording iPad apps and my hardware synths.
For me, I connect much better with a touch screen for than I do with a mouse. As it stands my first generation iPad Pro is way more powerful than my mid-2011. MacBook Air.
http://www.wavemachinelabs.com
Introduction of percussion sounds AND x0x-style beat making is fantastic. Still, I’d like the transition animations to be faster and MIDI channels to be assignable to single tracks.
The immediacy of GarageBand more than makes up for those shortcomings.
I look forward to these features making it to Logic. Especially a real step sequencer. Logic’s arpeggiator is soooo good and I really wish there were a proper step sequencer.
There is already a way to do Live Loops functionality in Logic, but having the GB implementation would be nice.
But all 32-bit iPads are left out. It’s understandable if the new software couldn’t possibly run on the older devices.
I’m curious to see a chart which shows the age of Apple hardware when it becomes incompatible with the current OS, and/or flagship software. Is it usually riding around 8 years or so?
My iPad 4 is less than 4 years old. Can’t install the latest OS. I guess iPads do evolve more quickly.
you should look up the video about macbook obselance , there is a guy in new york who supposedly the only person in country who can do repairs (that make cost sense)
How many updates of their OS are the vintage synths getting? Are they not usable anymore?
The problem I have with my iPads is I end up never getting out of bed anymore and getting exercise, socialize, run errands, etc. Besides running the obvious IOS synths and DAW’s, I run my whole hardware and computer based studio from my iPad via Jump Desktop VPN. Only time I get out of bed anymore is if I need to lay down a solo which is too complex to enter via piano roll .. or to eat. Very unhealthy these iPads lol.
The shop is a nice addition, I hope more sounds and especially AU are coming. Garageband on iOS still lacks a Mellotron though, and a decent EP (am I the only one who cannot get them to sound right? There are so much effect that obtaining a Wurlitzer or a dirty Rhodes is impossible).