GigBaby! four track recorder, metronome, drum machine
Description of App
Gigbaby! is a practice, rehearsal and performance tool for musicians that play solo or in groups. It comes with:
metronome
four track recorder
drum machine
set list manager
Share songs with others
Free Mac and PC transfer utilities available! Import your recordings into desktop applications:
Use it anywhere and any time to practice harmonies, capture and record ideas, compose new music, and share your music with others over the network. Great for karaoke, remix, and jamming with friends or strangers!
Gigbaby! includes a precision metronome with dozens of rhythm patterns, multi-track digital audio record and playback, Set list management to quickly recall the setup for any song, and network sharing to exchange audio tracks with other members of your band or with friends, family, or fans! With GigBaby! each member of the group can record their own tracks, then swap tracks to bring together the whole song.
Features
Audio Tracks
Record and layer multiple audio tracks with CD quality sampling rates (44.1kbps). Monitor any mix of tracks (including the rhythm pattern) during your recording sessions. Use separate tracks to layer harmonies, guitar, bass, keyboard, backup vocals, etc. Independent volume controls let you set the mix, and individual mute buttons to quickly cut out specific instruments.
Automatic latency compensation ensures that the audio tracks and rhythm pattern are always in sync - including tracks that others send you over the network.
Recording on the iPod touch requires the use of an external microphone.
Rhythm Patterns
The rhythm patterns (beat pattens) cover many of the basic musical styles including Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz, Waltz, Hip-Hop and Latin. During audio recording and playback the selected rhythm track is automatically started and synchronized with the audio tracks. Selections in early versions of GigBaby! are limited, but future versions are expected to include dozens more. Visit our web site to learn how to submit your own midi rhythm patterns for inclusion with future versions of GigBaby!
Metronome
The GigBaby! metronome includes a "tap" feature to quickly set the tempo by feel. Or you can easily move to a known tempo with the calibrated slider bar, or enter a tempo to microsecond resolution using numeric keyboard. The beat pattern volume is adjustable, and can be muted with a quick button tap. The display shows current beat based on the time signature of the selected beat pattern, and time in seconds based on the starting time of the beat pattern. Tempo is adjustable from 30 beats per minute to 210 beats per minute.
Setlist
The setlist manages all of your settings for the songs you perform. The configurable settings include the song name, the associated beat pattern the tempo, any backing tracks that you previously recorded, volume settings for the beat pattern and audio tracks. You can quickly move through your setlist using presets. No fiddling with knobs and buttons! From the setlist detail view you can share tracks with your bandmates, friends, family, and fans.
Sharing with other devices or with desktop systems requires WiFi.
GigBaby! user guide is available at www.iometics.net/GigBaby!/
Host file sharing utilities for the Mac are are available at our web site:
http://www.iometics.net/GigBaby!/
We are adding new features to GigBaby! all the time. You can join the GigBaby! Beta program at www.iometics.net/support.html
Version
Free or Paid
Compatibility
Device(s) App Was Tested On
VoiceOver Performance
Button Labelling
Usability
Other Comments
Perhaps I'm just being picky; it did take me a while to get comfortable with the interface, but there is lots you can do here so the interface is necessarily nontrivial. If you want a four track mixer, it probably makes more sense to go right for 'gigdaddy' instead.
Accessibility Comments
Works as advertised: I have found no accessibility problems so far.