"The iRig MIDI brings full MIDI interfacing and recording to the table and it comes bundled with a few very clever custom apps. SampleTank FREE is an impressive app and the fact it won't cost you a penny is equally impressive. The sounds are superb and the app is capable of producing sounds in just about every style you can imagine".
MacProVideo, the expert reviews, tutorials and training site, has taken an in-depth look at iRig MIDI, SampleTank and iRig MIDI Recorder.
Reviewer Mo Volans, based in the deep north of the UK, is certainly impressed - here are some of his comments:
"The iRig MIDI brings full MIDI interfacing and recording to the table and just like its predecessors it comes bundled with a few very clever custom apps. Not only is the software free but can actually turn your iOS device into a fully-fledged sound module."
"With this basic [MIDI] connection established you can then launch any Core MIDI-enabled app on your device and start playing. This is literally plug and play and will work straight away. I had success with GarageBand and Moog's AniMoog synth."
"One other nice little touch here is the mini USB port on the side of the unit. This allows you to charge and power your device even when using the iRig. This is a great touch especially for iPhone users; using the device as a MIDI instrument can be pretty taxing on the phone's battery."
"SampleTank Free is an impressive app and the fact it won't cost you a penny is equally impressive. This app will run on both iPhone and iPad and is capable of producing sounds in just about every style you can imagine. You can even edit individual sounds once they are loaded."
"There are 900 patterns and grooves to help you build your mini projects. After a quick scan through the sounds they are superb and certainly build on the pedigree of the pro SampleTank instruments."
"iRig MIDI Recorder, another free app is very useful to the performing MIDI musician. This little app can record any incoming MIDI signal, save it and play it back. This is great for recording specific performances, ideas or programmed MIDI loops."
Mo's final conclusion is:
"...this is a great package and IK Multimedia should really be given its dues as this is the first system of its kind. If you love MIDI and own one of these iOS devices you should go and pick up this package straight away."
Read the full review here