Innovation and Inspiration are the fuel that drives all entrepreneurs.

One year ago today, the world lost the purest example of entrepreneurial excellence we may have ever seen when we lost Steve Jobs at the all-too-young age of 56.

While I never met Steve personally, I considered him to be one of my closest friends. Steve spoke my language. He dreamed of what could be, then he created his dreams.

Steve Jobs brought new life to music and as many of us learned…music is our core language.

From the USA to Europe, from Australia and Asia, music speaks to us. Steve Jobs facilitated our musical communication by creating a device category and a distribution platform to allow music to flow through digital waves, placing our 1,000+ CD music collections into our pockets.

iPods, iPads and iPhones are seemingly ubiquitous today. Look around. It you didn’t know better, you’d thing everyone had one. But lets not take them for granted. Instead, let these mobile devices constantly remind you that we live in a world where innovations are welcome and what does not exist today, might just be mainstream in a few short years.

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Amplifier and effects models from Soldano, Ampeg and T-Rex are now available à la carte inside the new 2.6 version

September, 2012 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation tools, interfaces and accessories, announced today the release of AmpliTube® 2.6 for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad.

This special update includes the availability of 5 new gear models from some of the world’s top vintage and modern amplifier and effects manufacturers: Soldano®, Ampeg® and T-Rex®.

The release of AmpliTube 2.6 for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad coincides with the shipping of IK Multimedia’s newest mobile interface, iRig™ STOMP — a stompbox style mobile guitar interface (based upon the immensely popular iRig guitar interface adapter) – providing a stage-ready solution that can be integrated into a player’s pedalboard and connected directly to amplifier and PA systems.

AmpliTube for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad is a complete guitar/bass rig and recording studio that allows players to jam anywhere with world-class tone. It replicates a traditional guitar signal chain with pedalboards, amplifier heads, cabinets, microphone models and an expandable multi-track recording studio.

On the amplifier side, AmpliTube 2.6 adds the incredibly powerful and solid voicing of the Soldano “Super Lead Overdrive” SLO-100 Watt head, one of the most celebrated boutique guitar heads of all time and the heart and soul of many rock, metal and electric blues player sounds since 1987. For that big round sound of Motown, AmpliTube 2.6 now offers to bass players the Ampeg B-15R Portaflex “Flip Top” model.

For pedal junkies, satisfaction comes from three new offerings: the T-Rex® Engineering “Moller” Classic Overdrive, the AmpliTube Metal Distortion pedal for extreme gain and sustain and the AmpliTube “Big Pig” Distortion pedal featuring tones from smooth sustain and compression to heavy “buzzsaw” distortion modeled on classic vintage must-have pedals.

These models, combined with the huge selection of available gear from top-tier brands like Fender® and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist Slash, continue to elevate AmpliTube as the best-sounding premium guitar/bass tone and recording solution for mobile players.

With over 5 million downloads, AmpliTube sets the standard and is the leader for the portable guitar and recording studio app category. Existing users of AmpliTube for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad can purchase them as individual models a la carte starting at $2.99. For new users, AmpliTube 2.6 costs $19.99. An LE ($2.99/iPhone only) and a FREE version of AmpliTube 2.6 are also available with a limited set of gear models included.

For more information and video demos, please visit:

www.amplitube.com/iphone
www.amplitube.com/ipad

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June 2012 – IK Multimedia is proud to release AmpliTube® Slash, the official Slash apps and software that let you play, practice and record with Slash’s signature pedals and amplifiers on the iPhone®, iPod touch®, iPad® and Mac®/PC.

All versions of AmpliTube Slash feature models of the signature gear used by Slash in the studio and for his live performances. Now users can rock with models of the legendary Marshall® amplifiers used by Slash together with his signature guitar pedals. Also included is a comprehensive collection of Slash’s guitar tone settings provided as starting points for tone tweaking or playing along.

Additionally AmpliTube Slash provides a fully integrated multi-track recording studio for capturing ideas quickly and easily or producing entire songs and compositions. A robust song player section gives users the ability to play along with songs or backing tracks by importing them directly from their device library or computer.

“My new album, Apocalyptic Love, was entirely written while we were on tour,” states Slash, adding, “If we are not performing we’re traveling, so there is little time for creating music. By using my iPhone along with IK’s AmpliTube and iRig I was able to capture whatever ideas I had swimming in my head, usually around 4am.”

“AmpliTube iRig comes in really handy for on-the-go practicing, recording, or just jamming on different ideas – even if it’s on the bus – it’s right with me all the time”, Slash adds, “I’ll do some tweaks on the Marshall’s, but there are also different effects that are available including distortion, chorus, auto wah and more.”

Superior Modeling – The Real Deal

IK worked closely with Slash to model his entire rig comprised of 2 must-have classic rock amplifiers – the Marshall JCM Slash Edition Silver Jubilee and the Marshall AFD100 – both equipped with Slash’s favorite 1960 Marshall speaker cabinet. Together with these sought-after amplifiers users will be able to choose from 6 stompbox effects that includes Slash’s signature Delay, Gate, Octave/Fuzz, Chorus, Booster and Wah/Distortion.

The rig is fully configurable so that the signal chain can be freely customized depending upon the device used: 3 stompbox effects into an amp and cabinet on the iPhone/iPod touch; 4 stompbox effects and amp/cabinet/mic on the iPad, and up to 12 stompbox effect combinations into dual amp/cab/mic/room on the Mac/PC.

AmpliTube Slash is the latest addition to the family of official IK guitar and bass products that, thanks to IK’s unmatched modeling technologies, features products with the best names in guitar effects and amplification such as Fender™, Ampeg®, Orange®, Soldano™, Seymour Duncan™, T-Rex® as well as legendary artist Jimi Hendrix™.

Hook up with Slash:

Users can plug their guitar into their iPhone, iPod touch or iPadusing IK’s extremely popular iRig™ guitar interface adapter or the coming soon iRig STOMP pedal interface adapter. Users with Mac/PC can connect their guitar via USB port using IK’s StealthPedal™ digital audio interface pedal or StealthPlug™ cable interface that now also works with iPad using Apple Camera Connection Kit.

Pricing and availability:

AmpliTube Slash for iPhone and iPad are now available from the App Store™ now at an introductory price of $9.99/€7.99.

Existing users of AmpliTube for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad can purchase AmpliTube Slash as an in-app purchase for $9.99/€7.99, or individual models a la carte starting at $2.99/€1.99.

For Mac/PC users, AmpliTube Slash can be purchased inside AmpliTube Custom Shop for $79.99/€59.99 (excluding taxes), or individual models can be purchased a’ la carte starting from $5 each. AmpliTube Custom Shop can be downloaded for free at:

www.amplitube.com/customshop

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You’ve got to love this….

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Make no mistake, the iPhone and iPad are responsible for making huge waves in the do-it-yourself music space.

Case in point… Check out JamUp Pro!

Plug your guitar or bass into your iPhone or iPad, and start rocking with JamUp Pro, a digital multi-effects processor that turns your iOS device into a studio-grade guitar rig.

It features modeled amps, cabinets, and effects; a sound-on-sound phrase sampler; an audio player for jamming; a tuner, and more.

Professional multi-effect processor for iPhone and iPad. With new tonal innovation and exciting features, JamUp gives guitarists access to a new level of authentic tones, sound-on-sound looping, and incredible jamming experience on your iOS device.

JamUp provides access to total 50+ hybrid amps, stomp-boxes and modules, 16 user presets, sound-on-sound phrase sampler, iTunes Jam Player with time stretching feature, metronome, chromatic tuner, and will expect continual update features. It’s simply the most convenient way for jamming and recording, without having to setup or switch in and out a variety of equipments.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 17 multi-stage hybrid amp models
• 30 studio-grade stomp box, racks and processors
• Supports up to 7 amp/effect simultaneously
• drag and drop signal path
• Sound-on-Sound phrase sampler
• iTunes Jam Player with loop, speed and pitch control
• Built-in chromatic tuner, metronome and 16 user presets
  Compatible with JamUp Plug, and most other adaptors

If that’s not cool enough… check out this awesome video of the JamUp Plug (available from Amazon.com for $19.99)

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A new iPad app celebrating the work and equipment of George Harrison has been released in the Apple AppStore.

Brought together by BANDWDTH Publishing in association with the George Harrison Estate, the “Guitar Collection: George Harrison” app is available now through iTunes, and aims to bring Harrison’s private guitar collection to life through photographs, detailed descriptions, and audio and video footage.

360° imaging by photographer Steven Sebring will allow fans to investigate the late Beatles legend’s guitars in minute detail, and features some of his best known gear.

There are also personal audio recordings from Harrison himself as he introduces many of the guitars and plays sections of songs.

The history of each guitar is laid out in great detail; including the origin of the guitar, when and how it became part of Harrison’s collection, modifications he made to it and why each was so important in creating his distinctive sound. Songs from his catalogue are organized by the guitars used on each track, which allows the user to appreciate the personalities of each instrument.

The app is available now for $9.99 at the Apple AppStore, [CLICK HERE].

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Does the sound of Purple Haze fire you up? Or does Foxey Lady have you playing air guitar to the classic riffs? Expertly made for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch in conjunction with Experience Hendrix LLC, this interactive app is the most innovative Jimi Hendrix experience available anywhere.

Jimi Hendrix changed the music world forever and inspired generations of fans with his music, lyrics and prose. Whether you are a lifelong fan, or new to his legacy, you can explore his vast library of music; dive into his full history, career and accomplishments through storytelling, images and videos; and relive some of his most famous concerts, venues and recordings as you pass by historic locations using the interactive map.

App Features include:

• Discography – Flip through the full collection of Hendrix’s albums. iTunes integration lets you play the songs you own, sample those you don’t and purchase new tracks from within the app.
• Filmography – Discover documentaries, live performances, and other films about Hendrix.
• Venues – See photos, video clips, and descriptions of the concert venues that defined the Hendrix legacy
• Locations – Geo fencing alerts will let you know when you are near Hendrix landmarks. Visiting the landmarks will award you virtual passport stamps.
• Social Media Integration – Share accomplishments and information from the app with your social network with the integrated Twitter sheet and Facebook.
• Connect the experience across multiple devices – Use AirPlay to connect with your Apple TV or Airplay speakers

Developed for Experience Hendrix, LLC by Universal Mind, Inc. (http://www.universalmind.com)

Check out the App and view more screen shots in the Apple Store by CLICKING HERE.

I’ve been using IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube and iRig on my iPad for several months and I must say… the honeymoon is far from over. In fact, I see a marriage lasting into it’s “Golden Years”.

For those who are not yet on board, the iRig is a hardware adapter and Amplitube is an App for the iPad (and iPhone). The iRig adapter allows you to plug your guitar into your iPad, process it through the Amplitube App and listen to the output. The iPad serves as your amp.

You can download a free version of the AmpliTube software to test it out. The free version comes with one amp, one speaker cab, a delay pedal, a noise filter and a distortion pedal. Certainly enough to get you started and to see if this truly portable “Rig” is for you.

I was immediately impressed by the quality of the tone out of my iPad. The effects behaved as expected when making adjustments, as did the amps and mics.

You can also upload audio tracks to AmpliTube to play along with (a good site for backing tracks is NewBackingTracks.com).

All in all, it’s a combination that transforms an iPad into a virtual guitar recording studio.

Check out this video:

Last week, IK Multimedia released a major update to its AmpliTube for iPad app, highlighted by the addition of 8-track recording as well as the availability of new stompbox models.

AmpliTube 2 for iPad is a guitar and bass amp modeling program. Plug your instrument into the iPad with a special cable adapter called the “iRig” and you can tap into a range of amplifiers and effects to customize your tone.

AmpliTube 2 adds a the ability to record yourself playing (this feature was added to the iPhone version in October). A single track comes with the 2.0 update, with the option to expand the feature to an 8-track recorder. Each track features a button for enabling recording, an insert effect, controls for volume and pan, solo and mute switches, and two send-effect level controls to add ambience and depth with reverb, chorus, and delay from the master effects section. There’s also a global equalizer and compressor in the master effects section to tweak your final sound.

In addition to the recording capabilities, AmpliTube 2 offers five new optional stompbox models-Compressor, Reverb, Graphic EQ, Parametric EQ, and Limiter.

Other additions to AmpliTube 2 include the ability to import songs as backing tracks directly from the iPod library on your iPad or from a computer using file-sharing or Wi-Fi. A SpeedTrainer feature lets you slow down or speed up imported songs without affecting the music’s pitch-ideal for learning how to play particular passages of songs.

Check out this video that shows how you can use the multi-track recording feature to record a complete song with effects on your iPad!

The app costs $20 and includes a few basic effects and a single recording track. The iRig cable adapter is $40. Optionally, you can add the 8-Track recorder for $15 and several additional effect pedals for $3 each. If you buy the whole package you are in for less than the cost of a single stomp-box from Guitar Center and you have a full-on recording studio for your guitar. Personally, I think this is a steal of a deal!

Of course…there is the cost of the iPad…

Guitar World Lick of the Day is a must-have app for guitar players who want to continuously improve their guitar playing skills and broaden their repertoire in a fun and engaging way.

Developed by Agile Partners and Guitar World, the world’s best-selling guitar magazine, Lick of the Day is a universal app that provides a ground-breaking approach to guitar instruction on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The app delivers a new and challenging lick to subscribers every day, with a one-of-a-kind feature set that enables guitar players of all skill levels to learn licks in a variety of styles.

Guitar World Lick of the Day is a free app that comes with five licks (including a lick by Zakk Wylde) so you can check out the app’s instructional content and amazing features on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. One-, three- and six-month subscriptions can be easily purchased from within the app to receive a new and challenging lick every day, seven days a week.

Lick of the Day Features

• High quality videos of Guitar World’s award-winning instructors and guitar celebrities, such as Zakk Wylde, Joe Satriani, Gus G., and Phil Collen, demonstrating licks in a wide range of styles: Rock, Metal, Blues, Bluegrass, Classical, Jazz and more
• Timeless celebrity videos from the Guitar World Vault
• Standard and tab music notation for each lick that scroll in sync with videos on iPad
• Practice mode with settings that control music notation tempo, looping, audio synthesis, a metronome and more — a great way for guitar players of all skill levels to practice each lick
• Dynamic fretboard that shows finger positions synchronized with the music notation (lefties can invert the fretboard)
• Performance notes written by Guitar World’s instructors
• “Star” your favorite licks to find them later easily, and sort licks by genre and difficulty
• Download licks to any iOS-based device that you own — iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
• Full support of portrait and landscape orientations on iPad

Download and subscribe to Lick of the Day now! A one-month subscription is available for only $4.99, a three-month subscription for $12.99, and a six-month subscription for $19.99.