"Ok, let's get straight to the point: If you don't already have a MIDI input device for your iPad/iPhone, go and order the iRig MIDI right now! - IK Multimedia have provided live performers with a fantastic way to incorporate their iPad and favourite Core MIDI compatible app into their setup."
iPadCreative, the prestigious news, reviews and techniques site for all things iPad related, has taken an in-depth look at iRig MIDI and SampleTank and have drawn some compelling conclusions.
Here is a selection of comments on iRig MIDI from expert reviewer, Phil Mabey:
"Setup is very straight forward. We had no trouble at all using our M-Audio Oxygen 8 test keyboard controller with any of the CoreMIDI compatible apps we had installed on our iPad."
"iRig MIDI worked flawlessly with our MIDI Keyboard and apps like GarageBand, Addictive Synth, Animoog and NLog Pro, all recognising the Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels without any further setup."
"The iRig MIDI is highly recommended by iPad Creative. For us, it certainly lives up to the promise."
and Phil's conclusion for iRig MIDI is very definite:
"Ok, let's get straight to the point: If you don't already have a MIDI input device for your iPad/iPhone, if you want one and can afford it, go and order the iRig MIDI right now!"
Phil Mabey then continues by taking a closer look at SampleTank for iOS:
"The full set of samples takes the app up to just under 1GB... this gives you a great range of sounds with a nice batch of Presets to get you started."
"We were especially impressed by the quality of the samples in the Woodwind sections such as the Sax samples and also the Piano and Keyboards sounded great."
"The app has been designed for live use and its design allows you to switch between one of the four instrument banks, play over riff loops and/or presets using a midi controller and the onscreen keyboard simultaneously. "
"The presets cover a good selection of styles from Pop through Reggae to Rock and a few Thrashy ones. There are also 3 pages of empty Presets for you to save your own customised versions"
and Phil's final conclusion for SampleTank is:
"Combined with iRig MIDI and an external controller though we think IK Multimedia have provided live performers with a fantastic way to incorporate their iPad and favourite Core MIDI compatible app into their setup."