Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had been eyeballing this thing for a while, but I didn't have an iphone. I recently got an ipod touch 4g for an unrelated reason, and within a few hours of that purchase it occurred to me that I should get this thing too. I'm glad I did.
The controller is well built for a powerless piece of plastic (i say powerless because it is not a pre-amp or anything, it does require batteries). I own the LPK25 and the LPD8, and the SS25 is pretty similar in design with the exception of the pitch and mod wheels (drum pads are controlled via the touch screen). There is no on board speaker, and keys played don't play through the ipod's speaker, so you NEED headphones or to use the line out. Get an RCA to 1/8" adapter and you are set. I really like this because I make the noise in my band and it is difficult to do what I do without a computer. This essentially puts Garage Band in my pocket and I've spent many a night on the couch completely oblivious to my wife and kids while I amuse myself and actually get some work done at the same time; the portability is just awesome.
Software:
AKAI SS25 Software: 1/5 stars. It turns on when the ipod is plugged into controller unless another app is running which I find completely annoying. Also. I have yet to figure out how to record a freaking song with this software. UI just plain sucks and is not at all intuitive. If this were the only software available for the controller nothing could have redeemed it and i would have given the keyboard a 1/5 also. BUT luckily...
Nano Studio: 4/5 This software has everything the SS25 app lacks: friendly interface, decent library of sounds, and modeled after your typical track by track software. My only complaint is the drum and synth selectors on the keyboard behave a little strangely and don't necessarily correspond to tracks in an obvious way. Still, after a week I've produced some very pretty sounding tracks that are unique from one another. The best part of NS for me is that it can connect directly to and upload to Soundcloud.com, which I was already using for my regular band. You can also connect via Nanosync and transfer wirelessly to a computer. VERY HANDY.
Music Studio (full version): 4/5. Essentially the same as Nano Studio, but with more of a Garage Band sort of quality to it. The sound library is decent and expandable and laying track by track is easy. Exporting is also simple with MS, you can connect to a computer via your phones IP address and transfer files to a computer. I like Nano Studio just a tad more than MS, but only because I had been using NS for a day or so before getting MS and I'm a brand loyalist. However, I AM actively using both NS and MS apps.
Long story short: Get the controller, don't waste 99 cents on the Akai app, DO invest $15 in Nano or Music Studio, and go to town.

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Amplitube Live Review

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(More customer reviews)To my ears, the software is quite good. It does take the raw signal from an electric guitar and process it in such a way that it sounds like it is coming out of a selection of real amplifiers. This way you get some classic sounds without having to go out and buy a half dozen amplifiers--and you don't have to lug them around! The software also includes noise gate, reverb, delay, distortion pedal, etc.
To correct a few erroneous comments in other reviews . . .
Even if you have a fast computer, you can still have unacceptable delays between when you strum your guitar and when the processed sound comes out of your computer. This is not Amplitube's fault. You also need a high quality sound card and low latency drivers such as ASIO or WDM, and you need to know how to optimize the latency settings. If you are using a laptop with a generic sound card and MME drivers, your delay will be long regardless how good your computer is.
You can use Amplitube LE for recording, but you will need a host software such as Cakewalk, or Cubase. You can't record if Amplitube is all you have, and I don't think they made that claim.
As I said, Amplitube sounds pretty good and realistic to my ears, but of course, that is a matter of taste.

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AmpliTube Live includes the AmpliTube LE plug-in for most major formats (VST, Audio Units, DX, and RTAS), so you get a standalone app and plug-in in one box! Combine 3 different preamp models and related EQs with 3 accurately emulated cabinets to precisely craft a wide palette of guitar sounds ranging from clean to crunch to lead. A set of 4 classic effects, including a spacious spring reverb and 3 stomp-like effects wah-wah, delay, and overdrive are all modeled on acclaimed classic guitar effects. In addition, there's a chromatic tuner so you always know you're in pitch. AmpliTube takes full advantage of ASIO, DirectX, and Mac OS X Core Audio drivers so it plays without any perceptible latency. Extremely easy to use, and works with built-in Mac and PC audio cards. AmpliTube LE is designed to work in all major audio sequencers, including Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic, Sonar, Digital Performer, GarageBand, or any Audio Unit, VST, DX, or RTAS-compatible host application. Record guitar tracks, fully integrating AmpliTube LE in your DAW. Both AmpliTube Live and LE come packed with killer presets that can be changed with a MIDI footcontroller.

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Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer Review

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(More customer reviews)Plugged-in it worked right out the package. Very cool to finally use a kybd with iphone app too.
I'd give it 5 stars.......but for one omission in the design - a big one imo.;
as I worked on file I wondered how the iphone battery was doing. The app I use is rather hard on power. That's when it occurred to me that there's no way to run this device except on battery power. It uses the same port. Never thought of that before.
One may think that an hour or so is plenty, but that aspect still needs to be noted here I think.
Not sure why line6 didn't add a usb port for power at bottom of device. Or power jack. Maybe they were concerned about hanging too much weight off the bottom of iphone/pad/pod? Whatever the reason, charge-up good before starting a bigger project. Or wait for the snythstation25 product. I believe that one has power at the docking jack. Apps will start appearing for it in the next couple months I've read.
Other than that, again, very cool.
Cheers.

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