iPad for Music: Useful Products & Accessories for iPad

When the iPad was launched not many expected the device to be so popular, more so with musicians. But the fact is that the iPad has turned out to be the perfect device for musicians and DJs.

iOS is a mobile operating system developed and distributed by Apple Inc, originally developed for the iPhone, but now supports several other Apple devices such as iPad.

There are many musicians who swear by Apple products when it comes to creating music. When it comes to making music, Apple’s iOS devices are natural performers.

iPad and tablets are portable, powerful and ‘smart’, and are now the must-have devices for people who work in the entertainment industry.

The iPad is like a small, mini computer that allows you to work with several professional music apps, and its usage for music creation has only gone up in recent times.

Here are some useful apps, products and accessories for iOS devices for recording.

Music Production Apps

A music production app is an app for music creation for iPad. These apps allow you to create music, choose from various (and even create) layouts (with pads, controls, knobs, faders, sliders) as per your requirements and convenience. Most controller apps also give you shapes that are specifically designed for DJs.

iOS interface/dock

Its easy to turn your iPhone, iPad, or iPod into a mini-studio that you can use for writing, recording, and performing music, on the go.

If you want to use your iPad or iPhone to make music, you need a MIDI interface that will help you connect your keyboard (and other equipment) to the iOS device.

You just need an interface/dock to connect your music instruments and microphone to your Apple device (you’ll also need a recording software).

iOS MIDI interfaces allow you to connect your keyboard, electronic drum kit, or any other MIDI instrument to your iOS device. Combined with music creation apps like GarageBand, these interfaces are a songwriter’s dream as you just have to hook it to your iDevice or computer and start playing on the keyboard to create music.

Focusrite iTrack Dock Studio Recording Pack

iTrack Dock is an iPad recording interface that provides all the control and functionality you would expect in a traditional recording interface. Features dual Focusrite microphone preamps, two line inputs, instrument DI, stereo monitor outputs, USB port. Just dock, plug in and hit record; create whatever type of music you want.

Related: Best midi controller keyboards

Rode iXY stereo microphone

With the Rode iXY stereo microphone, you can turn your iDevice into a miniature audio recorder, just by plugging the mic into the dock connector. The Tascam iM2 and Tascam iM2X can capture your ideas with brilliant sound quality thanks to their own built-in condenser mics and preamps.

The iRig PRE allows you to connect any microphone to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. The interface comes with two free apps: iRig Recorder and VocalLive. With these apps, you can easily record, edit, and add effects to your vocals.

IK Multimedia iRig Midi for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad

The IK Multimedia iRig is an inexpensive device that helps you create music your iPad/iPhone. Its ligthweight and comes with 3 MIDI ports: IN/OUT/THRU.

Korg iMS-20 iPad synthesizer

The Korg iMS-20 is an iPad synthesizer which comes with a sequencer as well as a drum machine. This is probably one of the best synthesizers out there for the ipad, incorporating the analogue synthesizer style. A pair of oscillators, LFO, three and five stage envelope generators, VCA, and the wide range of filters comes along with the Korg iMS-20 mono synth. It has an excellent sound and wide variety of options make it a favorite among musicians.

4Pockets Aurora Sound Studio HD

If you are a fan of electronic music, the 4Pockets Aurora Sound Studio HD is the best choice for you as it comes with synthesizers, a mixer, a sampler and effects all in one app for your iPad. You are able to compose electronic music track, however you cannot record anything via this app.