Audiobus: Use your music apps together.
What is Audiobus? — Audiobus is an award-winning music app for iPhone and iPad which lets you use your other music apps together. Chain effects on your favourite synth, run the output of apps or Audio Units into an app like GarageBand or Loopy, or select a different audio interface output for each app. Route MIDI between apps — drive a synth from a MIDI sequencer, or add an arpeggiator to your MIDI keyboard — or sync with your external MIDI gear. And control your entire setup from a MIDI controller.
Download on the App StoreAudiobus is the app that makes the rest of your setup better.
Hardware recommended by the Audiobus Team (updated December 14th, 2015)
These items have been selected by the Audiobus team because we've received positive reviews of them by our users and our team members over the last few years.
This article is devided into three sections:
- General items everyone needs, like iPads and USB to Lightning adapters
- Audio Interfaces and Foot Controllers for Guitarists
- Audio Interfaces and MIDI Controllers for the rest of us (read: for your home studio)
iPads
Obviously, iPads are awesome and they're the go-to device for every mobile musician. We recommend getting at least a 64GB version, as 16GB is just way too little.
Any of these is a good buy, with the iPad Mini and Air having roughly the same specs. The iPad Pro is far faster and also has more RAM than the other two, which helps with projects with high sample rates and large audio files.
We do not recommend getting an iPod or iPhone for music apps as most of the good apps are either iPad only or have more options on the iPad.
But if you feel like it, the latest iPod touch is a relatively cheap way to get into mobile music making making, and it's quite powerful, although it has a quite limited screen size.
Lightning to USB Adapters
These things are a must for every iOS musicians because they allow you to connect any class compliant USB audio interface with your iPad.
Apple's own Lightning to USB adapter (~ $30) (or Camera Connection Kit, as it was called in the past) is relatively expensive but works. It does not have any additional features.
We rather like this 7 in 1 adapter (~ $15) that has three USB ports and a port to charge the connected USB Devices.
It is not certified by Apple, which means you're going to get a pop-up message once you plug it in telling you that it's not certified (duh).
Audio Interfaces and Foot Controllers for Guitarists
Audio Interfaces:
Apogee Jam HD ~ $130
It's new, it's shiny. You'll need one if you want to run your guitar through some effect apps.
Apogee One ~ $350
The One is one of the few audio interfaces that will actually charge your device when a power source is connected to the Apogee One. It also can run on batteries, so your iPad doesn't discharge so fast when on the go, but then it won't charge. Definitely something to consider if you're planning to jam while out in the wild. It's a bit on the expensive side though and according to Christopher Rice it 'it eats batteries like a censored censored snack'.
Foot Controllers:
IK Multimedia iRig Blueboard wireless floor controller ~ $80
Excellent if you're allergic to cables. Works like a charm with Loopy HD. Battery powered.
BEHRINGER FCB1010 ~ $150
Cable based and with more triggers than the Blueboard. This one is the go-to pedal for live loopers.
Audio Interfaces and MIDI Controllers for your Home Studio
Audio Interfaces
Behringer UCA222 ~ $28
This is probably the most affordable audio interface for iPad. You will need a Lightning to USB Adapter for it.
Steinberg UR22 2-Channel USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface ~ $130
It's affordable and gives you a lot of flexibility for a relatively low price point.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB 2.0 Audio Interface With Eight Focusrite Microphone Preamplifiers
~ $500
It's class compliant and comes with its own power supply. If you want to mix a whole band, this is how to do it.
MIDI Controllers:
Korg NanoControl ~ $60
Faders. Lots of them.
Korg NanoPad ~ $60
Another more affordable option for the mobile beatmaker.
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 ~ $75
In case you don't already own a MIDI keyboard.
ARTURIA Beatstep Controller ~ $100
Built like a tank and fun as hell little sequencer.
IK Multimedia iRig Pads ~ $130
Some of the softest pads you've ever seen on a controller like this and comes with its own Lightning cable.
Oh hi! You're still reading this? Well, if you need more information on gear and other stuff, here are links to the old massive forum threads: Recommend an Interface and Guitar Interfaces.
As suggested by some of you, I've closed this thread to keep it easily accessible (otherwise new readers would be sent to the last page of the discussion).