With automatic level setting, an omnidirectional condenser, and a pair of phantom-powered XLR inputs, iZotope's latest puts a lot of recording power into your iOS device.
It just ... works. Very good mic. Easy to setup.
App is iOS only.
$299
iZotope Spire Studio (2nd generation)
izotope.com
Since COVID upended the world, nearly every serious musician I know has become at least slightly better at recording. And that uptick in engineering interest may make iZotope's second iteration of the Spire Studio portable multitrack recorder worth checking out for those looking to strike fast when they're inspired. I was up and tracking less than three minutes after unboxing the unit.
Simply plug in your headphones, hit the soundcheck button, strum a few chords, and Spire automatically sets your recording level. The onboard omnidirectional condenser mic sounded impressively clear with my acoustic guitar, but you can also go direct or use your own mics via two XLR/1/4" combo jacks—which even feature 48V phantom power.
Tracking multiple parts was a breeze, as was editing, overdubbing, and mixing them right from the app.
But the real magic is in the free mobile app, which lets you control the unit from an iOS device. Tracking multiple parts was a breeze, as was editing, overdubbing, and mixing them right from the app. The visual mixer is an extremely nice touch. It allows you to control panning and volume by simply sliding around icons that represent each track. What's more, you can seamlessly export either a mix or stems that work in just about any DAW imaginable. All in all, while Spire might not be your go-to method for creating a final mix for the masses, it's a fast, intuitive, convenient way to capture and shape fairly sophisticated musical ideas before they fade from memory.
Test Gear: Cordobá DC-9, Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Kemper GmbH today announced the immediate availability of PROFILER OS 8.5 for all Models of the acclaimed KEMPER PROFILER digital guitar amplification and FX System.
PROFILER OS 8.5 supports the new PROFILER Rig Editor for iPadOS which allows for wireless control of the PROFILER Stage, Head, and Rack This adds another dimension of parameter editing and fine-tuning of guitar tone at home, in the studio, at rehearsal, and on stage.
The Rig Editor for iPadOS connects to the PROFILER Stage via the onboard WiFi Chip, either directly or via WPS and a local router. The PROFILER Head and Rack are supported via a local router. For this even multiple PROFILERS just can get connected with LAN cables to a wireless router. Is the iPad connected to the router via WiFi all the connected PROFILERS can be edited wirelessly.
Kemper Profiler Tutorials - Rig Manager iOS (english)
Everybody knows that fine-tuning guitar tone works best when standing in the sweet spot of the speakers, where all the magic happens. Rig Manager for iPadOS provides exactly that, in a portable yet powerful editor solution.
You can add, swap and modify effects using the intuitive graphical user interface. You only need one hand to optimize your PROFILER performance while the other one is holding that power chord. It was never easier to get your best tone out of your PROFILER. The Rig Editor for iPadOS also can be used simultaneously with the KEMPER Rig Manager.
PROFILER Rig Editor for iPadOS Features:
CREATION AND MANAGEMENT of PERFORMANCES
Performances can hold up to five Rigs and prove extremely useful to live players for multiple reasons. In the upper section, you can rearrange and edit them on the fly.
CONTROLLING THE SIGNAL FLOW
Choose, select and edit all the effects on the signal chain. Control the amp stack, signal flow, and effects as well as the input and output section. Set up either a simple or sophisticated morph scenario in seconds. Use the spacious morph slider to simulate the movement of your pedal.
TURN A GENERIC RIG INTO YOUR INDIVIDUAL TONAL TREASURE
The entire lower half of Rig Manager shows a visual representation of the Rig you're currently playing. Using the Editor, it was never easier to adjust details of the Amp Stack or try out alternative effects and settings. Dive deep into a Rig and edit every aspect of how it sounds and how it reacts to your playing.
The PROFILER OS Version 8.5 for all PROFILER models is available from the KEMPER Website for free: https://www.kemper-amps.com/downloads
The PROFILER Rig Editor for iPadOS is available from the Apple App Store for free: https://apps.apple.com/de/app/rig-manager-profiler-editor/id1532734914
Further information:www.kemper-amps.com
Take a look at a powerful new USB interface loaded with Rupert Neve-designed transformers and new guitar-centric features in Cubase.
UR-RT4
The UR-RT4 is a premium six input, four output USB 2.0 audio and MIDI interface with switchable Rupert Neve Designs transformers on the front inputs. Combined with the onboard, high-quality D-PRE preamps, the Rupert Neve Designs transformers deliver a musical, more expressive sound with rich harmonics, which is especially beneficial for vocals, guitar and other instruments with a versatile dynamic range.
Offering a studio quality, mobile production platform with a range of input/output options for laptop and iPad, the onboard SSP2 DSP chip also delivers zero-latency FX for monitoring. The robust UR-RT4 is engineered to offer outstanding quality for its price class, making it the ideal portable production interface for PC, Mac or iOS.
Cubase
Cubase is one of the most powerful music creation software packages in the world. With its unrivaled range of flexible tools, you can create any kind of music quickly and intuitively. It comes packed with a wide range of virtual instruments, effects and thousands of sounds. Whether you're a professional composer or a music production beginner, Cubase provides you with everything you need for turning your ideas into music.