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Inspirational Apple Loops for
Mac, iPad and iPhone Garageband

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Apple Updates GarageBand

Apple today release a new set of updates for iLife 11 including Garageband (Desktop version). You can update your copy by simply using Software Update in the Apple Menu. Details for the update are as follows:

GarageBand 6.0.4
GarageBand 6.0.4 fixes an issue with lesson downloads from the GarageBand Lesson Store. It also corrects issues with tempo-based effects falling out of sync and resolves problems with Magic GarageBand project files.

The update is a 53.72MB download requiring Mac OS X 10.6.7 and is recommended for all users of GarageBand '11.
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Sunday 10 July 2011

Apple Loops and iPad GarageBand

We love GarageBand, that's why we write loops for it. We also love our iPads. When Apple announced that GarageBand was coming to the iPad, we were delighted, they were combining two of our favourite things.

We looked at the launch as a double win for us. We would get to use a great portable version of GarageBand and also we might be able to offer our GarageBand loops to a new audience. Well the later seems to be an issue.

Our Apple Loops are fully compatible with iPad GarageBand however installing them is a different matter. This is the same for everyone producing Apple Loops and not just Tune-Up. Apple did include an import feature in one of the latest updates however it fell far short of delivering a solution for users wanting to add third party Apple Loops

At present the only way to get third party Apple Loops into iPad GarageBand is to use iTunes to import them. This does load the loops onto your iPad but don't expect them to appear in the loops browser within iPad GarageBand. The imported loops will simply sit hidden in the file system somewhere. To get a loop into iPad GarageBand you must open a new or existing song and then tap an empty audio track. This brings up a dialog box that allows you to import a file. You are then presented with file selection screen which let's you choose a loop, be warned though, there is no previewing of files so you must know the name of the loop you want. This will then bring the loop into GarageBand and give you the same flexibility of any other preinstalled loop. If you expect that loop to then appear in the loops browser you'll be disappointed, the imported loop will live in your song and that's it.

Now we have heard of other methods that are possible but because they involve jail breaking and accessing the inner workings of the iPad file system, we don't see them as a serious suggestion and seem rather extreme for just adding a few extra loops.

Why Apple chose this method is a bit of a mystery. Our guess is that the App Store has something to do with the limited importing. We can see them providing third party loops as in-app purchases in the future offering the same 70/30 split with providers as they do with other App Store purchases. We'd be happy with that however we have a funny feeling that initially the only extra loops available would be cut down versions of Apple's own Jam Packs. While these are excellent packs it would great to see a little more openness.

In the meantime we will keep our eyes peeled for an update or an easy way to get Tune-Up onto iPad GarageBand. Stay tuned.
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Thursday 7 July 2011

What is an Apple Loop?

What exactly is an Apple Loop?
The Apple Loops format was designed by Apple for use with their music creation packages such as GarageBand, Logic Express and Logic Pro. Apple Loops have the built in ability to be time-stretched, meaning that they can be used at a different tempo and even musical keys. These properties of Apple Loops are unfortunately only available in software packages that support them. Apple Loops can also be tagged with musical information to help users identify suitable loops by categories such a genre, style, key and instrument.

At it's core the Apple Loop is an AIFF file, meaning it can still be used with any other package that supports the AIFF format. Users of other music packages, such as Ableton Live on both Mac and PC, can still enjoy Apple Loops.

People are even starting to use Apple Loops with iPad applications such a SoundTrends Looptastic HD.

What can I do with an Apple Loop?
Apple Loops are perfect for anyone that wants to create music but has little musical ability or knowledge of software. The simplicity of just dragging loops into a project and listening to them blend into something new is magical. Everybody has a desire to be creative and packages such a Garageband make that a reality. That is not to say that Apple Loops are only suitable for beginners or non musicians, like all creative tools it's how you use them. Many advanced users will use Apple Loops as an inspirational start to their projects whilst others will use an Apple Loop as a finishing touch.

What makes a good Apple Loop?
There are many producers of Apple Loops offering a dazzling range of products. If you are buying Apple Loops make sure you get them from a good supplier, just because they have a fancy website it doesn't make them good loops. You may think you're getting hundreds of new Apple Loops but you might end up with endless variations of the same synth, bass or guitar sound. Also listen to any demos the site may have, keep an ear out for bland muzak style compositions that lack contemporary sounds. Most importantly look for reviews from third parties or customer feedback, if people really are happy with the loops on offer, the website should be shouting about it. If you are new to Garageband and music creation, try to buy a pack that offers variety rather than specific instruments or genres. Apple's own Jam Packs are an excellent choice along with our very own Tune-Up Select range.

Why buy Apple Loops from Tune-Up Loops?
Tune-Up prides itself in creating Apple Loops that inspire and enhance your creations. We treat each Apple Loop as an individual musical composition. The sounds and effects we use are chosen to complement the melody or attitude of that particular loop. We write loops that we would want to use in our own music and like the Apple products our loops are primarily aimed at, we aim for great quality and attention to detail.
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