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How To Take Proper Care of Your iPad
Article contributed by Tara Desquitado.
Like most gadgets, your iPad needs to be taken care of to keep it running well. Although it does not require as much care as a laptop or desktop, it still needs a little bit of maintenance. In this article, we have listed down ways for you to take proper care of your iPad and keep it in check so that it can be of use to you for as long as it can.
Don’t leave it charging
You shouldn’t be leaving your iPad to charge all day and night. Overcharging it will only reduce its battery life. Avoid completely draining its battery as well. It’s best to let the battery down to 5% or less and then plug it in to charge. To help get the most out of your iPad’s battery life, you should also shut it down every now and then. Powering it down once a week can help extend its life.
Keep iOS Updated
Updating your iPad not only gives it more features, it also downloads the latest security updates too. Since iOS products are becoming more ubiquitous, there has been an increase in malware directed to target it. Updating your iPad equips it with better defenses. It also fixes old bugs found in the previous versions, making your iPad to run more effectively.
Add a passcode
Keeping your iPad secure from others is very important. Others may reconfigure its settings or come across personal or sensitive information. Adding a passcode can remedy this. It allows you to leave your iPad without having to worry about someone using it without your permission. If you can, you should also add biometric protection to your iPad. This ensures its security to privacy even more.
Use a screen protector
Although an iPad’s screen is made of a relatively durable material, it is the area of the iPad that is most likely to get damaged first since it receives the most contact. Using a screen protector is one way to safeguard your iPad’s screen from unwanted scratches and cracks. Make sure to apply it after its screen has been thoroughly cleaned as well. It is best to apply the screen after washing your hands so that oils will not end up on the screen when the protector is being placed.
Use a protective case
Since the iPad is designed to be extremely thin, a simple accidental drop may severely damage it. The best preventive measure is to suit it up with a protective case. There is a great selection of iPad cases to choose from. It is suggested to pick one that is made of durable material and fits the iPad’s form. Avoid loose-fitting cases as they are usually used for aesthetic purposes and provide little protection for the iPad.
Conclusion
Maintaining your iPad isn’t a process that falls under a long and tedious checklist. All you have to know is the hazards that are most likely to damage it and keep it away from those. Make sure you keep it protected, avoid overcharging it, keep it away from moisture and extreme temperatures and you’re good to go. Make it a point to clean it every now and then when you can find the time to do so as well and you’ll have your iPad running smoothly and effectively.
Be sure to visit macfixit.com.au for all your favorite Apple and Apple-compatible products and accessories.
iRig Pro I/O now available in the Apple Store
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iRig Pro I/O – the most advanced mobile Audio/MIDI Interface is now shipping
June 29, 2017 – IK Multimedia is proud to announce iRig Pro I/O, the pocket-sized mobile audio/MIDI interface for iPhone®, iPad®, Mac®, PC and Android™ devices is now shipping worldwide.
iRig Pro I/O, the successor to IK’s highly popular iRig PRO, raises the bar for personal mobile interfaces, with a new set of features and included software and apps that are unmatched in the category. iRig Pro I/O is an ultra-compact, plug-and-play, truly portable interface that lets musicians hook up all their gear – guitars, basses, studio mics, vocal mics, keyboards and more – to their mobile devices or computers and record 24-bit/96kHz pro-quality audio and MIDI tracks anywhere. iRig Pro I/O features a high quality 1/8″ headphone/line out with level control for use with the latest Apple devices like the iPhone 7 to connect to headphones, mixers or powered monitor speakers in an ultra-compact enclosure that fits in a pocket and can be taken anywhere. Additionally, iRig Pro I/O is the first interface of its kind that includes built-in device charging for extended playing sessions, using an optional power supply.
24-bit, 96kHz professional audio
At its core, iRig Pro I/O is a truly professional audio interface, giving players the ability to record 24-bit audio at sample rates of up to 96kHz and rivals traditional desktop interfaces by providing stunning audio quality anywhere. The integrated Class-A preamp features a precision input gain control to handle a wide array of input signals giving it a tremendous amount of flexibility in a super-compact design. iRig Pro I/O features a multi-color LED indicator for visually optimizing the input gain level and monitoring the input signal to prevent clipping.
MIDI In/Out
iRig Pro I/O includes MIDI input and output ports offering connectivity with MIDI keyboards, controllers and synths to record MIDI tracks, control virtual instruments, use control surfaces, pedalboards and connect outboard sound modules and more. The multi-color LEDs on iRig Pro I/O provide visual feedback of MIDI in/out activity.
Pristine audio quality and real-time monitoring
For real-time monitoring on the go with the latest iPhones, iPads and computers, iRig Pro I/O features a high quality 1/8″ headphone/line output with level control. Users can plug in their headphones, connect to a mixer, or hook up a set of powered monitors like iLoud Micro Monitor. With any connection, the headphone/line output delivers pristine, crystal-clear audio for ultra-accurate representation of the audio program, with a quality far better than the host devices’ built-in audio output.
Combo XLR/¼” Input
iRig Pro I/O features a Neutrik® XLR/¼” combo input that lets users plug in all their gear – from dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones to unbalanced Hi-Z or line level instruments like guitars, basses and more. iRig Pro I/O features a 48V phantom power switch for powering condenser or active ribbon microphones. With the adjustable, numeric input gain control, users can easily recall the gain settings for their recordings.
Battery, USB or DC Power with device charging function
iRig Pro I/O can operate on 2 x AA batteries (included) when connected to an iPhone/iPad, or on USB power when used with a Mac or PC. iRig Pro I/O also features a new DC in port that, when used with its dedicated power supply unit, charges a connected iPhone or iPad while in use for unlimited playing or recording time, on stage and in the studio. iRig Pro I/O comes with Mini-DIN to USB and Mini-DIN to Lightning cables along with two 5-pin MIDI to 2.5mm cables for connection to standard MIDI gear.
Over $/€500 worth of software and apps
iRig Pro I/O comes with more than $/€500 worth of included IK software. Users get full versions of IK’s award-winning titles like AmpliTube 4, AmpliTube for iPhone and iPad, SampleTank 3 SE and T-RackS Deluxe with Mic Room.
Pricing and availability
iRig Pro I/O is now available from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for only $/€149.99*.
*Prices exclude taxes.
For more information, please visit:
IK Multimedia. Musicians First.
About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a computer music technology company that offers a diverse range of affordable and easy-to-use music production tools with great sound quality and a realistic look and feel. With millions of installations worldwide, the IK range has been adopted by musicians of every level, from beginners to professionals, to gain access to high-end, studio-quality gear from their computers or mobile devices. iRig® and iLoud® are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production. Mac, iPhone, iPad and Lightning are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc., Neutrik is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Lurssen Mastering Console updates to version 1.1
June 8, 2017 – IK Multimedia has just released an important update for Lurssen Mastering Console for Mac®/PC and for iPhone®/iPad® bringing even more processing power for both desktop and mobile users.

Mastering Jazz and Classical music is a very delicate process where every tiny adjustment can make or ruin the final master.
Multi-Mono operation – From mastering to mixing and surround
More Styles: Jazz and Classical
Extended De-esser threshold control range
Noiseless analog character
Pricing and availability
The update is available for free to current registered users.
Lurssen Mastering Console for Mac/PC is available from the IK Multimedia website and select retailers worldwide for $/€159.99. Users can download and try Lurssen Mastering Console’s full features for free for a period of 10 days.
Lurssen Mastering Console for iPhone/iPad can be downloaded for free from the App Store and will operate in demo mode. Users can activate two operational modes via in-app purchase as follows:
Play / Process – $/€49.99 via in-app purchase
HD Engine – $/€99.99 via in-app purchase
Download Lurssen Mastering Console from the App Store, please visit: www.appstore.com/lurssenmasteringconsole
* All prices excluding taxes
For more information about Lurssen Mastering Console, please visit:
For audio and video demos of Lurssen Mastering Console, please visit
IK Multimedia updates AmpliTube for iPhone and iPad, with more than 100 amps and effects available
In the full version, this update adds 9 new bonus gear models right from the start, including 3 new amplifiers and 6 new stompbox effects to craft amazing guitar tones. New stompbox effects include the Swell volume modulator, an Electric Flanger effect, the Crusher overdrive, Dcomp compressor, Feedback distortion and Phazer10 phase pedal. New amp models include the British Copper 30TB based on one of the most popular vintage British combos ever, Vintage Metal Lead and the 360Bass amp, all with their matching cabinets.

IK Multimedia announces and ships iRig Nano Amp – the versatile micro amp with a built-in iOS interface
![]() December 8, 2016 – IK Multimedia once again redefines a product category for guitarists with the newly released iRig Nano Amp – the versatile micro amp with a built-in iOS interface. iRig Nano Amp gives players both a standalone portable guitar amplifier PLUS an interface that lets them plug their guitar into an iPhone or iPad and use AmpliTube for iOS to access an unlimited and inspirational world of guitar tones on the go. iRig Nano Amp is available now from IK Multimedia and music and electronics retailers around the world. The first micro amp and interface for mobile guitarists Dual Mode Operation – AMP/DEVICE AMP mode DEVICE mode Drive a cab Under the hood An expandable universe of tone Pricing and availability For more information on iRig Nano Amp, please visit: www.irignanoamp.com To see iRig Nano Amp in action, watch the video: www.irignanoamp.com/video |
Hammer & Anvil MK-SLR100 Directional Condenser Microphone (Review)
Hammer & Anvil MK-SLR100 Directional Condenser Microphone
Adorama.com
$39.95
All microphones are not created equal. That statement is an overly obvious one to those of you who are in the filmmaking or videography game. However, not everyone knows it. There seems to be this highly outspoken rule that great audio is better than great video. In other words, if your video is mediocre, it doesn’t matter if your sound is great. And no matter how great your video is, if your audio is poor quality, then the whole thing is poor quality. It doesn’t seem fair does it? Well, it isn’t, but since people love great audio, there’s only one thing to do: Purchase great audio equipment for your videos.
The problem with creating great audio is that it’s not cheap to do it. But anything worth doing is worth doing right, so save your money for better equipment. There are some exceptions to the more expensive equipment rule making a better audio product. Hammer & Anvil products transcend that rule. In fact, I’d say that they break it. The HAAMKSLR100 (SLR100) microphone is one of those exceptions. Sure, you can spend more, but you won’t really get more. The SLR100 microphone is a directional condenser mike that delivers great audio for under $40.
Type: Directional Condenser microphone
Frequency Response: 38-20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: -40dB +/- 3dB / 0dB=1V/Pa, 1kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 75dBOutput
Impedance: <1k Ohm
Power: 1.5V AAA Battery
Plug: Mini-Pin Plug (3.5mm)
Dimensions: 109x75x45mm
Net Weight: 52g
I like the SLR100. It’s small, compact, has its own power (AAA battery), has a pop screen, and a “dead kitten” for windy outdoor shooting. You can attach it to a hot or cold shoe or directly to a tripod mount. It also sports a shock mount of sorts on the base. It’s a complete video camera shotgun microphone that delivers very good sound for a small price.
Why it’s Frugal: The HAAMKSLR100 condenser microphone is frugal because it is inexpensive ($39.95), but yet delivers great audio. If you’re on a budget, this is a perfect audio unit to start with. It’s frugal because you get a lot of audio quality for a little money and you can use it with your iDevices, if you buy an adapter/converter
Now, you’re probably asking, “What are the practical applications for this microphone?” That’s a good question. If you’re a YouTuber who doesn’t want to be wired to a lavalier microphone or dish out hundreds of dollars for audio that’s imperceptibly better, then this is the mike for you. Would I use it for filming a documentary that’s going on Netflix? Probably not. Not because it isn’t a great little microphone; it is, but Hammer & Anvil offers some very reasonably priced professional directional microphones for about $100 more and they’re just too tempting to resist. For example, I’m actually reviewing the HAAMKENG600 microphone as I’m writing this post.
The HAAMKSLR100 microphone will do just about anything you want it to do and, as I pointed out in the review video, for a few dollars, you can buy a three pole to four pole converter and use this microphone on your iPad or on your iPhone as an external shotgun audio capture device. Awesome.
It’s awesome because you don’t have to blow a lot of extra money buying a microphone specifically designed for your iDevices. You can use this one everywhere and that’s a very good thing.
One of the things that I really love about the SLR100 is that when you turn on the mike, you can see clearly that it’s on because of the green light on the back near the ON/OFF switch. I’ve seen complaints on much higher priced microphones that don’t offer this basic feature. Bravo to the folks at Hammer & Anvil for providing that much needed feature.
Why am I making such a big deal about the ON light, you ask?
Well, after you run down a lot of batteries because you left your mike ON, you’ll understand why. The light clearly lets you know when the unit is ON and when it is OFF. To me, that feature alone is worth $40.
I’m quite pleased with the sound quality that I get from the SLR100. It’s quiet where I need it to be and it picks up sounds that I want it to and all for the price of an afternoon matinee. I’m sold on it. As I said in the video, it’s a solid microphone and deserves the rating I give it.
Adorama.com is a top-notch camera and accessory store for the amateur and the professional alike. This microphone is perfect for those who need something better than the built-in microphones on DSLRs, video cameras, and iDevices.
Rating: 8/10
Recommendation: Buy it for all your general video creation needs. It’s not a pro-grade microphone, but it’s darn nice for $40.
IK Multimedia unveils iRig BlueTurn – the first Bluetooth page turner with backlit buttons
January 5th, 2016 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation and technology products, is pleased to announce iRig® BlueTurn, the first backlit compact Bluetooth page turning solution for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android. Portable and streamlined, it’s a small foot controller with two highly visible backlit soft-touch buttons that musicians, performers and more can easily pair with their favorite device for use with a wide range of document viewing apps and software like IK’s iKlip Stage app.
Designed for use on stage and on the road, iRig BlueTurn runs on two AAA batteries and features a rugged, durable enclosure. It’s an ideal companion for musicians who perform from a score, guitar and bass players who practice with tablature, speakers who use notes, presenters who use slides and more.
Portable page turning
With iRig BlueTurn, it’s easy to take control from the floor. Once it’s paired to a device or computer, its buttons send standard HID messages over Bluetooth LE technology. iRig BlueTurn works with IK’s owniKlip® Stage setlist management app and it’s also compatible with many popular page turning and document viewing apps and software.
iRig BlueTurn‘s buttons can be used in three different modes: They can send Page Up/Page Down, Arrow Up/Arrow Down or Arrow Left/Arrow Right commands depending on whether scrolling or page turning is required. These different modes can be set directly from the hardware when powering up.
Light it up
iRig BlueTurn is made for performers. Its backlit buttons are incredibly handy considering that most performance situations take place in venues with a low amount of ambient light. These buttons have an unobtrusive glow that makes them well suited for use during digital slideshows, while performing music or giving a lecture.
Road ready
iRig BlueTurn is ready to go. It sports a small footprint and an enclosure that’s tough enough to stand up to the rigors of the road. It easily fits into any small bag or backpack, which makes it a great travel companion for the performer on the go. A mobile design, it’s powered by 2 AAA batteries, which last a long time thanks to its ultra-low energy consumption rate.
Pricing and availability
iRig BlueTurn will be available in February 2016 from music and electronics retailers worldwide, and from the IK online store, for only $/€69.99 (excluding taxes).
For more information about iRig BlueTurn, please visit www.irigblueturn.com
To learn more about iKlip Stage, please go to: www.ikmultimedia.com/iklipstage
Cyber Monday Deals on Portable Power from Jackery
Jackery’s top portable cell phone battery rechargers; the Giant S, and the Mini Pink, both of which are on sale, now through Cyber Monday.
Looking for stocking stuffers? Give a gift that keeps on giving–portable power. Everyone in my family uses one (we have both the mini and the giant) and we take them everywhere we go: football games, school events, work, and on long walks. When you need power, but don’t have time to wait on power, take it with you.
Here are two special portable power deals from Jackery:
DEAL 1: Get the Jackery Mini Now just $11.99
The stylish small portable battery charger
Visit: http://amzn.com/B015TP5PAA
Use promo code: TZMIHCQJ
– Jackery’s very first pink color charger!
– 3350 mAh capacity
– Fully charges an iPhone
– Compact, portable & stylish and perfect for long flights, road trips, or whenever you need to charge your iPhone, iPad, or other smart device
DEAL 2: Get the Jackery Giant S, Now just: $27.99
The portable battery charger with quick charge and 2 ports
Visit: http://amzn.com/B015OWZ1ZC
Use Promo Code: TZMIHCQJ
– 12,000 mAh power capacity
– Charges an iPhone up to 5 times
– Quick Charge: Charges compatible devices up to 75% faster
– USB-C input technology, its support 3A fast recharge
– Dual charging output ports: charges 2 devices at once
Available from now immediately through Black Friday & Cyber Monday, until 11:59pm 11/30th.
Jackery portable cell phone chargers make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Jackery chargers make both practical and popular holiday gifts, because we are always on our mobile devices wherever we go, on long trips, for work, at school, kids activities etc. Jackery is a gift that everyone can actually use, and unlike a big scratchy red sweater, we imagine that people who get Jackery are more likely to be grateful.
About Jackery
Jackery mobile battery chargers go the distance. From sports fans to students, moms to mountain climbers, Jackery empowers people on the go. Work and play longer than ever before with Jackery’s advanced battery solutions for smartphones and tablets. Jackery is a Silicon Valley company, committed to providing exceptional, affordable mobile battery chargers for those who go the distance. To learn more, visit http://www.jackery.com
See all of the Jackery portable battery chargers here: http://store.jackery.com
IK Multimedia adds ultra-compact iRig Keys MINI to the portable iRig KEYS range of universal MIDI controllers
November 19, 2015 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation technology, is pleased to announce that iRig® Keys MINI, the newest addition to the immensely popular iRig KEYS universal MIDI controller range, is now shipping. iRig Keys MINI offers universal connectivity to a full-featured playing experience in an ultra-compact enclosure with 25 velocity sensitive mini-keys and full MIDI edit features, plus over $/€360 worth of included apps and software. Now players, producers, sound designers and audio engineers can plug in and create anytime and anywhere with compact convenience on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android, Mac or PC.
Ultra-portable performance
iRig Keys MINI is the smallest keyboard controller in the iRig Keys range. It provides 25 velocity sensitive mini-keys and essential features like a volume/data knob and Octave Up/Down buttons, plus MIDI edit functions. Its footprint makes it one of the most compact and portable keyboards on the market — it fits in any laptop or gig bag or backpack with plenty of room to spare. Its size, combined with its light weight and functionality, provides for an unbeatable combination of mobile convenience and playability.
Complete compatibility
iRig Keys MINI offers universal compatibility with all popular mobile and desktop platforms. It comes with Lightning, Micro-USB to OTG and USB cables. This means that it can be immediately used with Lightning-compatible iOS devices, Android devices and Mac/PC right out of the box. In addition, an optional 30-pin cable can also be purchased for use with 30-pin iOS devices. And no matter what device is used, iRig Keys MINI delivers a seamless plug-and-play experience thanks to built-in Core MIDI compatibility for iOS and USB class compliance.
Over $/€360 worth of Killer apps and software included
Creativity starts immediately with iRig Keys MINI thanks to its extensive suite of included apps for iOS and Android, plus software for Mac/PC. These apps are powerful IK Multimedia fan favorites and they all come with extra material for registered iRig Keys MINI users.
iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users can download a complimentary version of iGrand Piano for iPhone and iPad, a concert-quality multi-velocity piano app that comes with 2 world-class piano sounds. 15 additional studio-grade instruments can be purchased from within the app. iOS users will also get the complimentary version of SampleTank for iPhone and iPad, a complete mobile sound and groove workstation with 23 included sounds that cover acoustic, electric, electronic and beyond, plus additional instrument collections are available via in-app purchase.
Android users can download: iGrand Piano, a complimentary Android version of the aforementioned piano app that includes the same world-class sounds as its iOS counterpart. And like that app, it comes with 2 stock pianos. And, Android users will also receive a complimentary version of iLectric Piano, a studio-quality electric piano app with a library of multi-velocity stereo instruments sampled from some of the most iconic electric pianos ever made. Users get 2 pianos to start, and iLectric Piano is expandable with 15 additional studio-grade instruments via in-app purchase.
And, finally, computer users will receive SampleTank 3 SE, a special edition of the ultimate sound and groove workstation for Mac & PC with a 6.5 GB library of sounds that cover every instrument category from acoustic to ethnic, electronic to orchestral and beyond. Registration of iRig Keys MINI adds to this base library with a huge bundle of extra sounds in the form of The Grid add-on collection. Plus, users can choose 5 additional SampleTank instrument collections at no cost from its electronic-focused Elektronika and Beats series, and they receive 25 Custom Shop gear credits that can be used toward the purchase of additional SampleTank Instrument Collections.
iRig Keys MINI is also fully compatible with Apple’s GarageBand and Logic Pro X, and compatible with a wide variety of third party apps and software, like Samsung Soundcamp, Cubasis, MultiTrack DAW and more.
Keys to creativity
iRig Keys MINI is a part of the iRig Keys range of universal MIDI controllers. This range also includes iRig Keys, an ultra-slim and extremely portable MIDI keyboard controller with 37 mini-keys and iRig Keys PRO, a portable keyboard that gives players the luxury of 37 full-sized keys in a controller that can be easily carried in a gig bag or backpack. With compact size and advanced features, the iRig Keys line offers keyboard players a portable playing experience like no other.
Pricing and availability
iRig Keys MINI is available now from music and electronics retailers worldwide, and from the IK online store, for $/€79.99 (excluding taxes).
For more information about iRig Keys MINI, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/irigkeysmini
For more information about iRig Keys range, please visit:
www.irigkeys.com
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