Archive
IK Multimedia brings real time vocal processing to Samsung Professional Audio devices
November 20, 2014 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music apps and accessories, is pleased to announce another breakthrough in mobile music creation: the release of EZ Voice™ and iRig® Mic HD-A. Together they bring real-time vocal processing and digital audio microphone recording to Android devices for the first time.
With EZ Voice, users will be able to enjoy real-time vocal processing and recording on the latest generation of Samsung devices with Samsung Professional Audio, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge and more.
iRig Mic HD-A is the first digital microphone compatible with all Samsung devices running Samsung Professional Audio as well as other devices running the just released Android 5 “Lollipop” operating system thanks to its new USB audio support.
Real time vocal processing on Android
The new EZ Voice for Samsung Professional Audio devices offers a simple and intuitive way for every singer to create and capture great sounding vocal performances while on the go.
EZ Voice users can process their performances with effects in real-time by applying up to 3 of the available 9 high-quality effects. EZ Voice includes traditional studio standbys like Reverb, Delay, Chorus, EQ, Filter and Level. It also features creative options like Tune, Morph and Choir, which let users apply more radical alterations like changing a vocal performance’s key or gender or even adding in extra voices and harmonies. Users can apply these effects individually or select from a number of included presets for a truly immediate recording experience.
EZ Voice also features a streamlined interface that takes the work out of the recording process – it lets users import any song from their music library and use its included “NO VOICE” function to quickly remove the original vocal track. It clears the way for anyone to step in and give a show-stopping performance.
Available on the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge – and soon to be available on the Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3 and other devices – this app allows singers and vocalists to enjoy real time effects processing anytime and everywhere.
The new Samsung Professional Audio compatible devices come with Samsung Soundcamp, a free and full-fledged music studio app that lets musicians record and compose full songs entirely within the device. The EZ Voice app can be used as a standalone application but also as a plug-in inside the new Soundcamp studio for full recording and play-along uses.
Digital audio capture on Android
And now Samsung and all Android 5 users can enjoy high-quality digital recording thanks to iRig Mic HD-A. It’s the first pro-quality digital microphone for Android that allows plug-and-play connectivity via its included USB OTG cable (an additional USB cable is also available for use with PC). The input signal can be set using the onboard gain control while a multicolor LED provides sound level monitoring.
Featuring a 24-bit audiophile-grade A/D converter, a 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate and a low-noise/high-definition pre-amp, iRig Mic HD-A offers unmatched versatility: Singers can perform and record their voices. Musicians and audio engineers can record instruments in the studio and on stage. And broadcasters and journalists can record interviews and other audio sources while in the field. In all cases, iRig Mic HD-A produces recordings with high-fidelity digital sound and superior clarity previously unavailable on the Android platform.
Along with the iRig Mic HD-A, users can also choose from IK’s current range of analog microphones, like the iRig Voice, iRig Mic and iRig Mic Cast. All of these use the mini jack for the input/output connection with the device. Now singers, vocalists and everyone who needs to capture high-quality audio on their Android devices have multiple options suiting a wide variety of needs, applications and budgets.
But there’s more to IK’s line of microphones than EZ Voice, they’re also compatible with iRig Recorder (IK’s quick and easy audio recorder) and any other Android app that uses the mini jack or USB input to record and capture audio.
Pricing and availability
The new EZ Voice app for Android/Samsung Professional Audio is available through the Samsung Galaxy Apps store for only $4.99/€4.49. A free version is also available. EZ Voice and iRig Recorder are also available on the Google Play store.
The new iRig Mic HD-A digital microphone will be available in December 2014 via the IK Online Store and select music and consumer electronics retailers for $129.99/€99.99. The iRig Voice microphone is available for $39.99/€29.99, the iRig Mic is available for $59.99/€49.99 and the iRig Mic Cast for $39.99/€29.99 (prices excluding taxes).
| For more information, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/ezvoiceandroid www.ikmultimedia.com/irigmichda www.ikmultimedia.com/irig |
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For the complete list of Android mobile music accessories:
www.ikmultimedia.com/android
IK Multimedia’s SampleTank® for iPhone/iPad adds iOS 8 compatibility, iRig Pads support, new sound collections and more
November 13, 2014 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation apps and accessories, today announced a new version of SampleTank® for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The ultimate mobile sound and groove workstation has been updated to take advantage of iOS 8 and includes new features that add to its comprehensive sound library and advanced recording functions. SampleTank now sports full plug-and-play compatibility with iRig Pads, IK’s new ultra-portable MIDI groove controller. Along with this, the latest version introduces two new in-app purchases: The Grid, a sound pack for beat makers and electronic musicians and Sonik Synth™ – Mobile Edition, a downloadable sound collection with over 300 superb instruments that have been remastered and reprogrammed from the popular Sonik Synth 2 virtual instrument. With support for Audiobus 2 also in the mix, the new SampleTank for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch sets a new high standard for mobile music creation.
Up to date features
SampleTank is now fully optimized with iOS 8 and Apple’s latest generations of mobile devices. SampleTank’s new iOS 8 compatibility also comes with support for Audiobus 2, which lets users open SampleTank through the Audiobus app and use it with other compatible apps – like AmpliTube – for real time inter-app audio routing. In addition, the interface of SampleTank has been streamlined with a new global menu that makes it even easier to navigate within the app.
Grooves to go
The drum machine-style PADS interface has always allowed for effortless beat creation in SampleTank. Now beatmakers can enjoy an even more intuitive experience thanks to new native plug-and-play support for iRig Pads. IK’s ultra-portable MIDI groove controller works right out of the box with SampleTank, which lets users transform their mobile devices into the ultimate drum machine and beat sequencer. iRig Pads’ full integration mode syncs up with SampleTank’s PADS interface, allowing for seamless control via the physical pads on the hardware.
The addition of native iRig Pads support also brings with it the release of The Grid, a brand new sound pack designed for beat makers and electronic music producers that includes 50 instruments and 50 patterns in two categories: DRUMS and LOOPS & HITS. iRig Pads users can register their controller to receive The Grid for free, while others can enjoy a taste of 4 free kits and patterns with the remaining sounds available via in-app purchase.
An expanded sound universe
The latest version of SampleTank also introduces the Sonik Synth – Mobile Edition downloadable sound collection. It features a selection of the best sounds from the popular Sonik Synth 2 virtual instrument for desktop platforms, which have been specifically remastered and reprogrammed for the mobile edition of SampleTank. From the sample vault of sound design company Sonic Reality, Sonik Synth – Mobile Edition provides a well-rounded sound collection of superb instruments with over 300 meticulously sampled vintage synthesizer, piano, organ, drum, bass, guitar, orchestral, ethnic and other sounds that complement and expand the wide tonal palette that SampleTank for iOS offers for all styles of music.
Pricing and Availability
The new version of SampleTank is available now on the App StoreSM as both a free or paid app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch for only $19.99/€17.99 for new users. The Grid is available as a free sound pack for registered iRig Pads users or via in-app purchase for $9.99/€8.99. The Sonik Synth – Mobile Edition downloadable sound collection is available as an in-app purchase for $19.99/€17.99.
For more information, please visit:
| www.sampletank.com www.appstore.com/sampletank www.appstore.com/sampletankfree www.irigpads.com |
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To watch the video demonstration, please visit:
IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube for iPhone and iPad adds iOS 8 support, ENGL amps, new drum packs and more
The earth shaking gain of ENGL
AmpliTube’s amplifier section is about to get a whole lot louder. The latest version introduces two new offerings from ENGL, an innovative German manufacturer whose high-gain amps are tailored to provide that supremely righteous tonality coveted by metal, classic rock and modern hard rock players. The amp heads in AmpliTube are based on the meticulously engineered virtual models found in AmpliTube 3 for Mac and PC.
The ENGL E650: An all-tube head that can conjure up classic rock-god tones from the ’80s and ’90s as well as the heavy crunch and distortion of tomorrow’s tone connoisseurs.
The ENGL Powerball: An amp head that’s earned its reputation as one of the most powerful and versatile modern high-gain amplifiers off the potent combination of its brutal rhythm tones, super high-gain lead tones and ultra-clean tones.
Both amp heads are available as in-app purchases, which means AmpliTube’s collection of amps is bigger than ever before. And to coincide with this, AmpliTube now lets users transfer their purchased gear between versions and devices, such as from AmpliTube for iPad to AmpliTube for iPhone/iPod touch (limited to 10 device transfers per user).
Take control with iRig BlueBoard
Though AmpliTube is fully controllable from the touchscreen, it really comes alive when paired with IK’s iRig® BlueBoard Bluetooth pedal controller. iRig BlueBoard gives users a wireless stompbox-like experience with four assignable buttons that can be used to trigger effects and swap presets from the floor. The latest version of AmpliTube makes the pairing even more seamless and powerful by adding built-in support and a new mode that allows for global control of AmpliTube’s robust built-in recorder.
8 tracks of tone
AmpliTube has always let players record their sessions via its built-in recorder. The latest version expands this capability by giving iPhone and iPod touch users the ability to expand from a single-track to an 8-track recorder through in-app purchase. That means that iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users have the same multitrack recording functionality, which is perfect for AmpliTube’s new project sharing feature. Now users can share their recordings and music projects across different versions and across different devices via iTunes File Sharing.
Powerful drums
For practicing and recording, AmpliTube features a powerful drum module called Loop Drummer. Like a virtual session musician, it provides rock-solid rhythm tracks that sync with AmpliTube’s recorder. The latest version of AmpliTube builds on this by adding additional Style Packs for purchase from the in-app store. Style Packs include 64 loops each, and provide eight different song-construction kits based around a core drumbeat style. The new Style Packs include 5 alternate versions of existing AmpliTube favorites – BLUES 2, FUNKY 2, METAL 2, POP 2 and ROCK 2 – plus three exciting new styles – JAZZ, LATIN and REGGAE. Now, no matter their style, guitar players and bassists will be able to practice with a drummer anywhere.
And a whole lot more
AmpliTube has also been optimized in a number of more subtle ways: It’s fully compatible with iOS 8, the new operating system for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Its MIDI control has been improved by adding more assignable parameters to the built-in recorder. It’s now compatible with Audiobus on iOS 8. Its latency and MIDI control have both been improved. And its quick start guide has been replaced by multi-language dynamic tooltips available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese.
Pricing and availability
The new version of AmpliTube is a complimentary update for existing users of all versions of AmpliTube, and it’s available now on the App StoreSM as both a free or paid app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch for only $19.99/€17.99 for new users. The new ENGL E650 and ENGL Powerball amp heads are available via in-app purchase for $6.99/€5.99 each. Each new Loop Drummer 2 Style Pack is available via in-app purchase for $3.99/€3.59.
For more information, please visit:
| www.amplitube.com www.appstore.com/amplitube www.appstore.com/amplitubeforipad |
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IK Multimedia. Musicians First.
954-846-9101 ext 313 | www.ikmultimedia.com
iRig Mic HD from IK Multimedia now shipping
August 5, 2014 – IK Multimedia, the global technology leader in mobile apps and accessories, today announced it’s shipping iRig® Mic HD, the first mobile digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC. The sequel to IK’s popular iRig Mic, iRig Mic HD is the perfect tool for singers, podcasters, online radio broadcasters, journalists, videographers, home studio enthusiasts and anyone else who needs to record high-definition digital audio on the go. iRig Mic HD comes in black and an exclusive silver version is available only from the Apple Store. Powerful, mobile and affordable: iRig Mic HD is the first handheld digital microphone for everyone.
Designed to perform
iRig Mic HD is the only mobile digital condenser microphone designed for live handheld performance and recording. It delivers high-quality digital sound via an electret condenser capsule, a 24-bit audiophile-grade A/D converter (with 44.1/48 kHz sample rate) and a built-in low-noise high-definition preamp. iRig Mic HD sports an easy-to-use gain control that allows for optimum audio capture at any sound pressure level, from the quiet whisper of an ambient room to the full blast of a loud rock concert. A multi-color LED provides at-a-glance monitoring of sound levels.
Professional plug-and-play sound
For superior recording quality on the move, iRig Mic HD plugs directly into the digital input of your iOS device. iRig Mic HD is compatible with the latest generation of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices via its included Lightning cable. An optional 30-pin connector is available for legacy iOS devices. You can also use it for instant plug-and-play compatibility with your computer using the included USB cable to connect to your Mac or PC (driver download required for PC).
Capture high-quality sound on the go with the first mobile digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC.
A full spread of apps
For immediate recording, iRig Mic HD comes fully equipped with a suite of powerful IK apps: iRig® Recorder for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is a straightforward audio and editing app for field recording and interviews. VocaLive™ for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is a powerful vocal effects and multi-track recording app with a suite of 12 professional real-time vocal effects. AmpliTube® for iOS, Mac and PC is the industry-standard guitar studio app that features ultra-accurate digital models of some of the world’s most desirable guitar amplifiers and effects. EZ Voice for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is an easy-to-use vocal recording app that lets you sing-along and record with any song in your iTunes music library. iRig Mic HD is also compatible with a wide variety of third party apps, like GarageBand, Cubasis, ProStudio Vocal FX, MultiTrack DAW and more.
| The iRig Recorder App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/irigrecorder |
| The VocaLive App is available from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/vocalive |
| The EZ Voice App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/ezvoice |
| The AmpliTube app is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.appstore.com/amplitubefree |
| Register and download AmpliTube FREE for Mac and PC from the IK Multimedia site or at http://www.ikmultimedia.com/amplitubefree |
Pro sound at an affordable price
iRig Mic HD is so affordable that now anyone can capture high-quality digital audio on the go. Whether it’s broadcast interviews in the field, home recording in the studio, memo recording for the office or anywhere else audio needs to be captured.
Pricing and Availability
iRig Mic HD is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide for $129.99/€99.99 (excluding taxes). An exclusive silver version is also available from the Apple Store.
For more information, please visit www.irigmichd.com
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®, AmpliTube® and VocaLive™ are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production. iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and GarageBand are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad Air, iPad mini and Lightning are trademarks of Apple, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Open Mic Night: IK Multimedia’s iRig Voice Microphone (Review)
iRig Voice Microphone
IK Multimedia
$39.99
If you’re like a majority of surveyed people, you want to sing. You also want to write what you sing. Singer/songwriters are a very common person type. Other than a good singing voice and an audience, you need some basic equipment with which to record your masterpieces, namely a microphone and some recording equipment. These days, your required recording equipment can be emulated with software. You can record, mix, add effects, and export your works to a variety of formats for public consumption.
The iRig Voice microphone is a standard microphone with a 3.5mm jack, but also includes a free working lite recording studio app named EZ Voice. The input jack also features an earphone jack so that you can speak and listen through the same interface.
The EZ Voice App (Free) allows you to do some basic voice recording, add some live effects, and record foreground vocals with your songs. But, the iRig Voice microphone is compatible with other multimedia apps as well. It works on the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, newer Mac models and Android devices. I’ve personally tested it on my iPhone 5, iPad 4, Mac mini, Windows Phone (Nokia 928B) Metro, and my Android-based HP Slate 7+. All successful and perfect.
Audio App Compatibility List
- EZ Voice
- Dragon Dictation
- QuickVoice
- Skype
- SP Multitrack
- Garage Band
I recorded a short message using the EZ Voice app for you as a demonstration.
I don’t sing well enough to record a music demo, so you’ll have to use your imagination.
The microphone feels and sounds like any professional microphone I’ve ever used. The mic and apps worked together the first time without any issues. I did have to turn off Siri on my iPhone and on my iPad, but that might just be my experience and not yours. Siri kept popping up when I spoke into the mic during testing, so to avoid that annoyance, I disabled Siri.
This is one of the few products that I’ve ever reviewed that I’m absolutely convinced that the pricing is spot on. At $39.99, the iRig Voice is a great value. It performs as well as any microphone that I’ve ever used. I do suggest, as I would with any microphone, that you purchase a pop filter (about $3.00) to alleviate wind noise, pop, and some ambient noise.
Don’t use the mic when you’re charging your device because it creates a little bit of static, or it did for me, on my iPhone.
Why it’s Frugal: The iRig Voice microphone is frugal because its $39.99 price tag is perfect for anyone who wants to get into podcasting, song recording, or voiceover acting without spending a huge amount of money. It’s a great microphone at a great price. It’s an excellent value. Sure, you could spend $1,000 on a better microphone, but why would you?
The microphone’s clarity is demonstrated very well when using it with the Dragon Dictation app on the iPhone or on the iPad. I’m not the best at enunciating my words (It’s a Texas thing), but the software picked up and correctly typed out every word I said on my iPhone and on my iPad. That’s impressive. I’ve never had that happen before and I always use the same lines for testing:
“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party” and “Conjunction Junction, what’s your function”.
Those are two fun phrases that can confuse dictation software due to speech patterns. If you don’t think you can confuse the software, try it by using your device’s built-in microphone. It almost never gets them perfect.
Features
- Handheld vocal microphone delivers professional sound quality
- Compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, newer Mac models and Android devices
- Compact cardioid pattern minimizes feedback
- Constructed of durable, lightweight thermoplastic
- Available in 5 colors: Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink and White
- Comes with EZ Voice app
- Works with dozens of karaoke, sing-along and music making apps
- Headphone jack for real-time monitoring
- Convenient on/off switch located on the mic
EZ Voice, while free of charge, does prompt you to purchase sound effect add-ons for $0.99 each. I purchased Tune and Morph, although I’m not sure exactly how to use them. I tap the FX icon and then tap the settings but the same list of settings shows up for each, so I must be doing something wrong. I’m not sure at this point if it’s me, that the app isn’t intuitive enough, or that it’s working as designed and I just don’t realize it.
In either case, $2.00 isn’t a lot to spend trying out an app. It’s just too bad that it isn’t more obvious how to use the effects. There is a long list of effects that cover everything from arena to robotic to extremely deep to childlike. The effects are a lot of fun. There is one very cool effect called ‘Diana’ that changes your voice into a normal sounding female voice. It’s useful in case you need to sing a female part or speak a female part but don’t have a woman to provide the voice for you. It would work great for recording script dialog or for creating a voiceover for a product or service. It’s very impressive and I recommend it.
The app also allows you to sing along with and record your favorite songs. The instrumental parts are normal volume but the original vocals become background for you. EZ Voice is very well constructed and well thought out app. I do wish it were more obvious how to use the effects, but that isn’t a major flaw, but a little annoying.
I really like the iRig Voice microphone and the EZ Voice app. The microphone is a welcome addition to any musician’s, aspiring singer/songwriter’s, or voice artist’s toolbox. It’s cool to have multiple colors from which to choose. The only problem is that you might not be able to choose a color without a little buyer’s remorse. I suppose that you could collect all six and have one for every mood or gig.
I chose the green one for review because that lime green color has a special meaning for my daughter and me. The microphones are sturdy and well-built. They’re heavy on the end, just like you’d expect, and although IK Multimedia sells a professional digital microphone (iRig Mic HD), this one feels right and sounds right to me. But, this mic is probably best suited for song demos, podcasting, and voiceover work where extreme quality isn’t needed. The ads tell you that it’s perfect for karaoke and portable vocal studio. I’d have to agree, but you won’t be at all disappointed with the quality or the good looks of this mic. For $40, you can’t go wrong.
Rating: 9/10
Recommendation: Buy it, have some fun, and maybe hit the big time!
Note: I tested the iRig Voice microphone on my Windows Nokia 928B phone. This is not an officially ‘certified’ product and IK Multimedia does not endorse the use of the microphone on the Windows phone, so your mileage may vary. I tried it just to see if it would work and it did without any issues, but don’t blame me or IK Multimedia if the mic doesn’t work on your Windows phone.
You can also follow IK Multimedia and share your audio and video material on our YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and SoundCloud channels.
Also, check out the complete range of iOS accessories and apps for vocalists and recording!
– iRig MIC HD, digital handheld microphone for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Mac
– iRig Voice, new colored handheld microphones for smartphones and tablets
– iRig MIC, the first handheld microphone for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Android
– iRig MIC Cast, ultra-compact microphone for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Android
– iRig PRO, universal audio/MIDI interface for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Mac
– iRig PRE, XLR microphone interface for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and Android
– iLoud, studio quality portable speaker
– VocaLive, professional vocal effects/recording suite
– iRig Recorder, audio recorder and editor
And also check out IK‘s:
– iKlip, range of stage and studio support and stand for your mobile device
– iLine, range of quality audio cable adapters
– All the music creation accessories and apps
– All the music software for Mac/PC
IK Multimedia is a “Musicians First” music technology company. It makes a complete range of sound and tone solutions for Guitar & Bass players, Keyboardists, Sound Designers, Engineers, DJs and Producers. You can check out their full line of professional mobile and studio performance products at www.ikmultimedia.com.
IK Multimedia ships iRing, the first motion controller for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch music apps and more
May 8, 2014 – IK Multimedia, the innovator in mobile music-creation apps and accessories for iPad and iPhone, is proud to announce that iRing™, the first motion controller for music apps and more, is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide.
First presented at CES 2014, iRing is an affordable, wearable technology system that gives users a new level of gestural control over their favorite music apps, in real-time, using hand positioning for unprecedented music expression.
The iRing system consists of two double-sided “rings” to wear comfortably on the fingers along with a series of apps that are able to detect the iRings’ accurate positions in space using the device’s camera. Through the recognition of the dot patterns printed on the rings, the device’s camera picks up the movement and translates it into MIDI information. Users can then interact with music apps by simply moving their hands in front of their device through the precise reading of the ring position, which is converted into music commands or MIDI control messages to operate various app parameters without touching the device.
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iRing includes two identical double-sided ring controllers plus two free apps for various music applications designed for everyone from music lovers to knowledgeable DJs and musicians: iRing Music Maker and iRing FX/Controller.
iRing Music Maker is a free app that gives music lovers and DJs a fun new way to create music and grooves using hand gestures, no matter what their skill level. iRing Music Maker utilizes music “loops” that always sound good together and can be remixed in virtually limitless combinations by simply waving the hands with the iRing controllers in front of the device’s camera. Users can change beats, control rhythmic elements, play synth parts and control effects providing hours and hours of quality musical entertainment. Plus, iRing Music Maker also includes lead and bass synths with respective pattern players that can be independently operated for hours of error-free musical improvisation. Creating music has never been so much fun!
iRing FX/Controller is the app for skilled musicians and DJs that is both a real-time audio effects processor and a MIDI controller with fully assignable parameters. It can be used as a touch-less outboard audio effects processor, or can be fully configured to send multiple simultaneous MIDI parameters; such as control changes, notes or any other MIDI messages.
As an effects processor, iRing FX/Controller uses the analog or digital input of the device for processing external audio sources. FX/Controller can also be used with Audiobus and Inter-App Audio compatible apps to process the audio stream from music apps running on the device to add stunning and brilliant audio effects. The iRings can control up to six effects parameters at a time. iRing FX/Controller operates two simultaneous effects, selectable from up to 16 powerful and creative effects, including: Delay, Stutter, Phazer, Flanger, Compression, Fuzzy, Reverb, AutoWah, Crush, Twist Up & Down, Brake, Spin and Tail.
As a MIDI controller, iRing FX/Controller can transmit MIDI messages to other Virtual MIDI compatible apps running on the device or to external devices using compatible MIDI interfaces (like IK’s iRig MIDI). iRing FX/Controller can send out the complete set of MIDI messages (control change, notes, program change, pitch wheel, aftertouch, MIDI system real-time, and MMC, MIDI Machine Control) with up to 3 assignable parameters corresponding to the X, Y and Z axis positions for each of the 2 detectable rings for a new level of touch-less control. Additionally, MIDI messages can also be sent to a computer application via Wi-Fi (using MIDI network). Users can configure the app to control effects, filters, notes, patches and more for creative and dynamic “never before seen” performances.
iRing computer vision technology is also directly incorporated into the entire line of IK Multimedia DJ apps likeGroovemaker® and DJ Rig™ and will soon be included into other popular IK apps such as AmpliTube®,SampleTank®, VocaLive™ and more so that DJs, guitarists, vocalists, bass players, producers, keyboardists and engineers will have a new level of control to deliver powerful and unique performances.
For third-party developers who want to incorporate and implement iRing technology directly into their apps, IK is offering a free SDK (software development kit) and licensing program which makes it easy to take advantage of this new breakthrough technology. iRing can also be easily utilized beyond music for a wide variety of applications including gaming, health & fitness, utilities and more. Developers can take advantage of the technology and improve the functionality of their apps by contacting IK via the link provided on the iRing product page.
iRing features
- Advanced motion-tracking technology provides remote control of iOS apps using hand positions and gestures
- Includes two identical, double-sided reversible rings allowing for numerous control combinations and control of up to 6 effects’ parameters simultaneously with two hands
- iRings are unique looking, light, comfortable and provide a universal fit
- Free Apps are available on the App Store: iRing Music Maker app, which gives the ability to make music using hand gestures with no previous musical knowledge, and also the iRing FX/Controller app, which lets musicians and DJs create custom MIDI control setups, plus add and control audio effects, using compatible apps or external devices
- iRing computer vision technology can be licensed and incorporated into other third-party apps including gaming, health & fitness, utilities and more
Pricing & Availability
iRing controllers cost only $24.99/€19.99 (excluding taxes), are available in three colors (white, green and grey) and are now shipping from music and electronics retailers worldwide and from the IK Multimedia online store.
iRing FX/Controller and iRing Music Maker apps are available as free downloads from the App StoreSM.
For more information about iRing™ for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/iring
To view the iRing video playlist, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/products/iring/video
For more information about the free iRing development kit and licensing program, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/iringsdk
Jelly Box Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Review)
Jelly Box Portable Bluetooth Speaker
OrigAudio
$34.99
OrigAudio designs some of the coolest and most affordable music/sound-related thingies on the market today. If you don’t believe me, check out the website and go to Amazon and search for OrigAudio and see for yourself. Cute, fun, happy, clever are all words that come to mind when I see the brain drizzle from OrigAudio’s founders Jason Lucash and Mike Szymczak. I’m assuming that Mike’s real last name isn’t really Szymczak. My guess is that he lost at Scrabble and is paying off some drunken bet that he made with Lucash, et al.
I digress.
This is a review for the Jelly Box portable Bluetooth speaker. They sent me a black one. Clever. I’ve heard of other colors, you know. Seriously, I’m not tricked by the thought of a Blue Raspberry, Dragonfruit, or even an <yuck> Grape Jelly Box.
Anyway, I’ve reviewed other portable Bluetooth speakers on frugalnetworker.com and this one stands well with the rest of them and at a decent price point. The Jelly Box has clear, bright sound, even at the highest levels where my teenaged children like to play it. I’m glad I was working in the yard the day my daughter decided to blast My Chemical Romance and Panic! at the Disco tunes on it. Don’t get me wrong, I like those bands but at a non-earwax cleaning level, thank you. In fact, I took my daughter to a Panic! concert earlier this month and now I’m a super fan. No T-shirts or faux-hawk yet, but the year is still young and summer’s coming.
Jellybox Bluetooth Speaker features:
- Full stereo sound with Bluetooth functionality
- Bluetooth range up to 33 feet
- Built in microphone and one touch call answering for phone calls
- On-speaker play/pause and change song buttons
- Built in TF card slot to store your music in the speaker
- Mini USB charging slot (cord included)
- Speaker power: 3 watts
- S/N: ≥ 60dB
- Frequency response: 100HZ-20KHZ
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Size: 4 x 2 x 1.5 inches with a weight of 0.75 lbs
- Compatible with any device that has Bluetooth connectivity. Also included is a 3.5mm audio cord for devices that don’t have the option of Bluetooth.
- Available in 9 different flavors (colors).
Speaking of summer, the Jelly Box would serve you well by the pool, on the beach, on a picnic, while doing yardwork while your lazy teenagers sit and drink iced tea and watch you, on a road trip, or even just chilling in your room. You can adjust volume on the Jelly Box or on your phone. You can also skip or revert tracks, replay a track, and answer your phone using the Jelly Box’s built-in speaker.
Note: The only thing jelly-related about the Jelly Box is perhaps the jelly-related colors, although I can’t really speak to the whole color thing directly, but I think that’s probably what they were going for.
I really like the Jelly Box portable Bluetooth speaker. You can plug in a non-Bluetooth device into it as well. The unit also sports a TF (micro SD) card slot for storing your music. I don’t think you can play it from there, although I didn’t try, I think it’s just for convenient storage. If you get one in color, you could write your favorite artist’s name with a Sharpie on it. It would look something like the illustration to the right. This is only a theory and I have not had the opportunity to test it for myself, so YMMV.
Of course, being young entrepreneurial types, living in (you guessed it) California, they’ve got their liberal, offbeat, hipster causes that some people view as positive, as uplifting, and as what successful and happy people should do with their millions of ill-gotten gain. I only mention it in passing.
Why it’s frugal: The Jelly Box is a lot of things but frugal isn’t one of them. It’s cute. It’s fun. It’s well priced for the market. Why does something always have to be frugal to be purchase worthy? It doesn’t.
The Jelly Box connects to your Bluetooth enabled device easily and immediately. My iPhone 5 picked it right up and all I had to do was tap “Connect” on my iPhone to make the connection and listen to my Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington hits–HA! Kidding, I listen to Flyleaf, Mazzy Star, The Cure, Coldplay, Lisa Loeb, and Gotye. Yes, I know, I have varied tastes, shut up about it already.
What more can I say about the Jelly Box? It’s portable. It’s well-made. It works. I understand that it comes in a variety of awesome colors. It plays loud. It plays soft. It plays well with others. And I’m sure that Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington sound great on it too. So buy one for Grandpa, Grandma, and the whole gang. Anyone can afford $35. And if it keeps the likes of Lucash and what’s his name off the street, I’m good with that.
Rating: 9.372/10
Recommendation: Buy one in one of those cool colors and tell me what you think of it.














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