Audio

Apple releases brand new Logic Pro X with Virtual Drummer, updates MainStage

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 9, 2016

Good news for fans of Apple's pro audio software as the company has just announced this morning an update to MainStage 3 and a major new version of Logic Pro with Virtual Drummer and Flex Pitch features, plus an iOS Remote application to go along with it. Apple pulled a Final Cut Pro X here as Logic Pro X appears to be a reboot of the previous version.

The next-generation audio editing for the Mac, according to Apple's global marketing chief, features a set of advanced tools and a modern new interface designed to streamline the process of creating professional quality music. "Musicians are going to love creative new features like Drummer, Flex Pitch, Track Stacks and the Arpeggiator," he was quoted in a press release...

Apple patents smart audio splitter

Ed Sutherland ∙ May 7, 2013

Many of us have shared a pair of earbuds with a friend. The problem crops up when you enjoy rocking out at max volume while your friend enjoys a more modest audio level. Enter Apple with what's essentially an intelligent audio splitter.

Instead of enduring the default sound level of the iPhone or iPod, an adapter envisioned by Apple would allow you to customize your individual audio, according to a patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Tuesday.

Additionally, the headphone splitter would permit two people to use built-in mics to speak over the soundtrack, opening up some wild possibilities with gaming...

Avid launches iOS-compatible audio interfaces

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

Avid, a highly regarded name among pro audio engineers, today announced a pair of mobile audio interfaces with native support for Apple's iOS platform and the iPad. The Avid Fast Track Solo and Fast Track Duo let you record your guitar, vocals and other instruments through a high-quality mic pres and inputs and tight integration with its Pro Tools Express suite for Mac or Windows PCs. Each interface has a bus-powered USB port on it and allows for a direct iPad connection without the need for Apple's iPad Camera Connection Kit interface...

AudioExplorer+ lets you extract audio from any app and import as a ringtone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

Looking to create some awesome ringtones? Then look no further than AudioExplorer+, a new jailbreak tweak, which scans all of the apps you have installed on your device in search of audio files. You can then use the audio files found, and import them into iTunes and use as ringtones.

After a few minutes of usage, I can firmly say that AudioExplorer+ is worth its $1.99 asking price, especially if you're someone who likes to have custom ringtones. This means that any music contained with an app — whether it's an email client with a particular jingle that you enjoy, or the music from your favorite game — can be used as a ringtone, or saved to your iTunes library. Check inside for a demonstration as to how it works.

Audible launches iPad app

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 20, 2013

In the speeded up world I'm increasingly finding myself listening to audiobooks because I just don't have the time for long reads. Besides, reading is rarely a background activity.

That's what I love about spoken word: it saves time. I can enjoy my audiobooks while jogging, cooking, commuting and what not. Heck, I sometimes even listen to audiobooks while I simultaneously blog about technology.

Amazon-owned Audible sells some awesome digital audiobooks, radio and TV programs and today they've finally launched an iPad app. And let me tell you, it's been a worthwhile wait.

Of course, the Newark-based company has had an iPhone app in the App Store since July 2010. That piece of software, too, has received a major refresh today, bringing out a revamped interface, quick sign ups / sign ins and other tidbits...

Philips launches four new eye-candy speaker docks with Lightning I/O

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Consumer electronics maker Philips unveiled four interesting speaker docks designed for Apple's latest iOS devices that incorporate Lightning I/O (the iPad mini, fourth-generation iPad with Retina display, fifth-generation iPod touch and the seventh-generation iPod nano). Of course, built-in Lightning I/O means music lovers can dock/charge Lightning enabled iOS devices and play their music at the same time. One portable speaker and three units for indoor use all feature eye-catching modern design and those who had a chance to personally test these boom boxes claim they sound every bit as good as they look...