Positive Grid BIAS Amp Designer (IOS)

Started by BackDAWman, November 14, 2013, 08:10:30 PM

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whippinpost91850

Not my cup of tea, but available if you want

whippinpost91850

Elantric, I know a couple of days ago you posted your new go to live rig, but i searched and cannot find it

Elantric

#52
QuoteElantric, I know a couple of days ago you posted your new go to live rig, but i searched and cannot find it

hmm - my recent posts are here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=4


but my live rig is a moving target

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7653.msg71157#msg71157

QuoteSo can I now assume i should be able to realize my dream of using the air+Behringer IS202+Jamup pro+bias+sampletank+loopy simultaneously for live performances? ?

I would not get too carried away with that concept, until real world trials can be performed. IOS7 has new Inter app Audio and the iPad Air is powerful - but managing 4 CPU / memory intensive apps simultaneously  - and more importantly -  having screen real estate for real time User Control to make minor course corrections mid song (without page flipping or multiple app minimize/expand)   - and playing guitar and singing is not my idea of a good time. 

I'm a believer in having plenty spare margin of horsepower at live gigs. But lately I'm playing lots of low volume "open mic"  / 6 acts per night / 30 minute set/ 5 minutes setup time gigs.  So I intend to run Irig Pro interface to iPad Air for Guitar BIAS  / Jamup Pro XT ( possibly with Auria too) and  iPad mini running FTP and Sampletank - both iPad headphone outputs  feed a battery powered,
ROLLS MX44s Mini-Mix IV

   
Then to a stereo volume pedal

and output of ROLLS MX44s feeds a ROLLS DB24 Stereo Direct Interface - to PA


and i will use an IK Blueboard to control Jamup Pro.

I'm still trying out which "rig" suits my needs best - its helps I'm playing many live gigs again with a "normal band" where I want to use these toys  (as opposed the pure vintage surf band for past 7 years where all I required was my '62 Fender Tube Reverb unit.)
 

supernicd

#53
For me, metal reached its peak somewhere around 1990 with Metallica's Master of Puppets and Ride the Lightning.  I really enjoyed those albums, and found them to be innovative, progressive, and musical.  Today's metal music seems to be about how far you can drop tune your guitar and getting someone who can do pig squeals to do vocals.  But maybe I'm just getting old.  ::)

One thing is for sure.  When I do happen to see a metal band playing somewhere today, they are always turned up way too loud.  I get it - it's metal and you can't whisper it, but I didn't set out in search of hearing damage either.

Quoteand i will use an IK Blueboard to control Jamup Pro.
Just curious - Is this working out for you so far?  Have you tried using expression pedals with the Blueboard?  For volume or wah control?  The blueboard currently has one review on Sweetwater and it's not very favorable.
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------

Elantric

#54
Blueboard is working very well for me
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9724.0


Here is the jam-up Pro manual that lists the supported MIDI Control communications 
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8378.msg71491#msg71491

supernicd

QuoteBlueboard is working very well for me
Thanks for the confirmation.  May have a look at one of these at some point.  BIAS & Jamup will need some kind of foot control if I use it live.


Regarding the TouchOSC template for GR-55, I re-read the post and it is coming back to me now.  It still requires an OSC-->MIDI converter such as the Missing Link to use it, right?  Pretty sure that's why I never had  a go at it, as it looks super cool.
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------

Elantric

#56
Quote
Regarding the TouchOSC template for GR-55, I re-read the post and it is coming back to me now.  It still requires an OSC-->MIDI converter such as the Missing Link to use it, right?  Pretty sure that's why I never had  a go at it, as it looks super cool.

Correct

That why moving forward I feel TBMIDI Stuff holds promise - since it supports bi directional MIDI  - so iPad status indicators should be in sync with reality on the GR-55  - and works with a cheap MIDI cable
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8393.0


https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.msg70970#msg70970

Just need to find time.



Published on Apr 3, 2013
for more info and answers head to www.craigkickbush.com

So all these things, iPad, Roland GR55 and iRig MIDI are great, except until now they haven't talked both ways...meaning when you change a patch with TB Midi stuff, the current settings weren't reflected in the iPad (ie the GR55 messages weren't getting back to the iPad). Well since the latest TB Midi Stuff update, it NOW WORKS!

I'd previously verified the GR55 was sending sysex by routing it's MIDI out thru my firewire interface through my laptop and using Bomes Send SX and rtpMIDI to send the messages back to the iPad over wifi. Obviously this wouldn't be a great solution live.

Anyway, this is just to prove that it now works! More videos of other templates soon.
Category

Bill Ruppert

Does anyone know if the newer iPad mini-retina has the same processor power and the new full size iPad? 
Thanks Bill

supernicd

Quote from: Bill Ruppert on November 22, 2013, 08:13:18 AM
Does anyone know if the newer iPad mini-retina has the same processor power and the new full size iPad? 
Thanks Bill

It does.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------

Elantric

#59
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9882.msg71025#msg71025
Full Size iPad Air Retina
Built-in 32.4-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery



Ipad Mini Retina
Built-in 23.8-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery


slightly slower and less battery life - but the form factor is nice - although for many GUI intense control screens the physics of smaller density  = higher odds of finger missing your target.

(I own the 1st gen iPad Mini)

also note the full size iPad Air needs a 12 watt Power adapter


While Mini Retina uses a smaller 10 watt adapter

(10 watt adapter on left vs 12 Watt on right)


This is due to the higher current demands of the larger battery and faster CPU in full size iPad Air

At minimum - get the 32GB version, you WILL run out of room with a 16 GB version.

==

Compare iPad Air to iPad Mini
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/11/12/retina-ipad-mini-has-1-3-ghz-a7-processor-with-5x-better-performance-than-original-mini/

Apple's new Retina iPad mini includes the same 64-bit A7 chip used in the iPad Air and the iPhone 5s, which offers significantly better performance than the A5 chip found in the original iPad mini.

According to new Geekbench 3 benchmarks, the Retina iPad mini is running at 1.3Ghz, much like the iPhone 5s. The iPad Air, however, clocks in at 1.4Ghz, giving it a slight performance edge over both the iPhone 5s and the new mini.


The Retina iPad mini scored a 1390 on the single-core test and a 2512 on the multi-core test, which was similar to the iPhone 5s score of 1399/2523, and lower than the iPad Air at 1466/2856. Compared to the 261/493 score of the original mini, the Retina iPad mini marks an incredible boost in performance speeds.

It is unclear why the mini is clocked at 1.3Ghz instead of 1.4Ghz like the iPad Air, but in terms of real world usage, users are unlikely to notice the small speed differences. It is possible that Apple chose the lower clock speed in the iPad mini to improve overall battery life or to reduce heat within the smaller chassis.

Apple's Retina iPad mini went on sale last night at midnight and is currently still available from the Apple Online Store and in Apple retail locations via Personal Pickup.



===

I took delivery of an Ipad Air 128GB 3G today - it flies thru tasks  that stall and halt my old ipad2 cold.

Been playing my bigsby JTV-59 into Sonuus I2M + Apple Lighting USB  Camera adapter as audio interface and Skullcandy Titan II travel buds for headphones with the iPad Air

Positive Grid Bias is really amazing -  I dare to say its a spectacular time to be a guitarist. Bias has very good Clarity, The Amps sound and react very close to the real thing, best Tube Amp tone toolbox on IOS today (Nov 2013) with many controls to satisfy those who crave getting inside, its all emulations of circuits and a  Great amp in the room simulator. I was obtaining great tone in seconds  reminiscent of Ritchie Blackmore playing opening to 'Lazy' off the  Deep Purple Machine Head record. sounds great to my ears  Worth the $19.99, and marries into JamUp Pro XT very well. Very Happy.

review with crucial MIDi setup info for using IK BlueBoard with JamUp Pro
http://www.musicappblog.com/irig-blueboard-review/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bias-amps!/id711314889?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jamup-pro-xt-multi-effects/id454702113?mt=8

supernicd

Interesting.  Same processor performs slightly better in the larger unit.  Guess they had to slow down the clock probably due to heat dissipation? 
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------

Elantric

#61
QuoteInteresting.  Same processor performs slightly better in the larger unit.  Guess they had to slow down the clock probably due to heat dissipation?
Yes - all that - and  I feel its based on a target of less to carry with the iPad Mini.

the 10 watt adapter is much smailer



Another piece of trivia
Apple power adapters that look like this are either 5 watt or 10 watt - (must read the fine print)



jassy

Interesting read about BIAS, sounds promising, although some time ago I tried Jamup Pro and while some amp sounded very organic and interesting to me others not where very much of my taste so it was under the impression it would be a bit limiting. The most disturbing thing are the comments about it to be equivalent in quality of the emulations to Kemper  ??? , because I have just ordered one and Im wanting to receive it any day soon!. 
We all know how personal is this matter, I own an AXEFX and used many other amp modelling gear and I yet like very much the Roland amp emulations (VG99 and GR55), but thats another history.
Anyway at this small cost Im thinking about to buy BIAS to my Ipad3, so the question I wanted to ask is: the BIAS amps are better than the Jamup ones? so its redundant to purchase any of the Jamup amp addons? What would be the ideal setup BIAS+JamupXT+effects addons? or with this I'm going to miss something important?

Elantric

#64
Quotethe BIAS amps are better than the Jamup ones?

IMHO - yes, more definition, clarity , realism - but thats only what I'm hearing.

QuoteWhat would be the ideal setup BIAS+JamupXT+effects addons?

You Must get a 24 bit ipad audio interface - my current pic is the iRig Pro because this also has a MIDI IN, so I can use any MIDi Foot controller to control BIAS+JamupXT+effects.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpro/
I paid $143 for mine (used some of my IK Bonus points)

I will probably rig up  iRig Pro+iPad into the FX loop on my HD500X  - and use BIAS for all amps, and run a MIDI cable from HD500 MIDI Out to control BIAS+JamupXT.


and realize every few months Positive Grid has a "FX Sale" - I purchased all for 50% off during an Easter sale last spring (I currently own all JamupXT addons)
(learned about these sales here -
http://www.iosmusician.com/
I got Auria for $25 last summer during a 2 day sale)

I like the JamupXT 8 track recorder too (if only I had this when i was age 18!)
(All JamupXT details here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8378.0

FWIW - Guitar Center will have a bundle with iRig Pro, Condensor Mic , Headphones for $199

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3207.msg70989#msg70989

http://9to5toys.com/2013/11/11/guitar-centers-black-friday-ad-leaks-instruments-sennheiser-headphones-irig-pro-15-off-store-wide-more/#more-78084

Look mid page here

supernicd

Quote from: jassy on November 22, 2013, 10:12:13 AM
the BIAS amps are better than the Jamup ones? so its redundant to purchase any of the Jamup amp addons? What would be the ideal setup BIAS+JamupXT+effects addons? or with this I'm going to miss something important?
Only your ears will tell you.  But I agree with Elantric's conclusion.  I had a similar experience to you.  I liked some of the JamUp amps -others I did not care for.  I did feel that JamUp XT Pro was the best of the iOS amp sims until now.  I am liking all of the amps in BIAS.  They all sound very high definition to my ears.  Not to mention the ability to tweak them to the nth degree.  In my opinion, Positive Grid could take JamUp FX and BIAS amps and roll them up in a hardware box with some high quality I/O and charge KPA/AxeFX prices for them, and get it.  I'm glad they didn't.

I can't say whether the amp add-ons are redundant as I never bought any. Just JamUp Pro XT.  I'm not feeling the need to buy any amp bundles at this point (they may have shot themselves in the foot with future JamUp amp bundle sales) but I will be loading up on FX.  The amps you create in BIAS and export to JamUp stay there.  I haven't compared the amp models in the JamUp expansions to what's in BIAS but seems like there would be a lot of overlap, and I'm not sure the JamUp models would be as good as the BIAS ones.  My ears are telling me that Positive Grid had some sort of algorithmic mega-breakthrough with this product.
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------

sixeight

I tested the free version of Jamup yesterday and bought Bias today. Great stuff. I only noticed quite a lot of digital noise, both using the VG99 in standard mode through the camera connection kit and using an old behringer interface through the camera connection kit. Not suree what the source of this can be. Any ideas?

Elantric

#67
QuoteI'm not feeling the need to buy any amp bundles at this point


https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jamup-pro-xt-multi-effects/id454702113?mt=8




Skip the amp bundles but buy the Jamup FX:

* Effect Expansion Pack
* 8 Track Recorder
* Tube Comp

Its important when feeding a high gain app like Bias to use the best  / lowest noise audio source  / audio interface for your guitar.
QuoteI only noticed quite a lot of digital noise, both using the VG99 in standard mode through the camera connection kit and using an old behringer interface through the camera connection kit. Not suree what the source of this can be. Any ideas?

I would not consider that combo  as meeting those goals IMHO.

I use my guitar straight into IK Multimedia iRig Pro 24 bit audio interface.
http://www.musicappblog.com/irig-pro-news/


Also If you go cheap - you get crap - as in AVOID all Ipad Guitar interfaces that use the Ipad / iphone Mic Headset jack (which is the majority of them)

Review our Working  Audio Interface thread here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.0

I would only recommend these 24 bit  / lightning port audio interfaces.

* iRig HD
* iRig Pro
* Apogee Jam

jassy

Quote from: Elantric on November 22, 2013, 10:27:15 AM
IMHO - yes, more definition, clarity , realism - but thats only what I'm hearing.
So then I suppose that I dont need to purchase any of the amp addons offered by PositiveGrid.
In fact the amps included or the ones offered by in app purchase probably can be done with BIAS or better yet maybe many of the already included with BIAS (it includes a lot, even more than they offer with Jamuppro, right?


Another question I ask myself is: BIAS is based in a general purpose/neutral amp or it has different amp preconfigurations to tweak just like AxeFx do?

QuoteYou Must get a 24 bit ipad audio interface - my current pic is the iRig Pro because this also has a MIDI IN, so I can use any MIDi Foot controller to control BIAS+JamupXT+effects.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpro/
I paid $143 for mine (used some of my IK Bonus points)

Now I have an Irig which is horrendous with a lot of noise problems, but I have a Scarlett 18i6 which I use with my laptop (not as good as my desktop RME FF800 but very decent and has served me to record many 12-14 track events) and its IOS compatible and has all I will need (instrument and mic inputs, midi i/o, etc) so I hope it would work. If not iRif Pro would be an interesting option, thanks for your informed suggestion.


Elantric

#69
QuoteSo then I suppose that I dont need to purchase any of the amp addons offered by PositiveGrid.
In fact the amps included or the ones offered by in app purchase probably can be done with BIAS or better yet maybe many of the already included with BIAS (it includes a lot, even more than they offer with Jamuppro, right?
Correct!
Quoten Irig which is horrendous with a lot of noise problems,

Agreed! As I said before
AVOID all Ipad Guitar interfaces that use the Ipad / iphone Mic Headset jack (which is the majority of them)

Quotebut I have a Scarlett 18i6 which I use with my laptop
I also have a Focusrite scarlett-18i6
http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-18i6



The "hurdle" is getting the iPad to reconfigure one of the Scarlett 18i6's Mic Inputs to swap to the Hi-z Guitar Input mode.

Rumor Is this can be accomplished if you

1) Connect scarlett-18i6 to your PC/MAC
2) Run the scarlett-18i6 COntrol app  and change a Mic Input to the Hi-z Guitar Input mode.
3) Power down , remove Scarlett-18i6 from your PC/MAC
4) Use an Apple Camera Connection Kit adapter for ipad and Connect scarlett-18i6. 


jassy

Quote from: SuperNiCd on November 22, 2013, 10:54:33 AM
Only your ears will tell you.  But I agree with Elantric's conclusion.  I had a similar experience to you.  I liked some of the JamUp amps -others I did not care for.  I did feel that JamUp XT Pro was the best of the iOS amp sims until now.  I am liking all of the amps in BIAS.  They all sound very high definition to my ears.  Not to mention the ability to tweak them to the nth degree.  In my opinion, Positive Grid could take JamUp FX and BIAS amps and roll them up in a hardware box with some high quality I/O and charge KPA/AxeFX prices for them, and get it.  I'm glad they didn't.

I can't say whether the amp add-ons are redundant as I never bought any. Just JamUp Pro XT.  I'm not feeling the need to buy any amp bundles at this point (they may have shot themselves in the foot with future JamUp amp bundle sales) but I will be loading up on FX.  The amps you create in BIAS and export to JamUp stay there.  I haven't compared the amp models in the JamUp expansions to what's in BIAS but seems like there would be a lot of overlap, and I'm not sure the JamUp models would be as good as the BIAS ones.  My ears are telling me that Positive Grid had some sort of algorithmic mega-breakthrough with this product.

Thanks for your response to my questions, yes that was my impression, BIAS seems to be all we would need in the "amp department" with Jamup, but also it seems a bit strange that Positive Grid has gone aparently against their own interests, thats why I asked, maybe with more time we will see other opinions on this matter and we will have a broader perspective


supernicd

QuoteIn fact the amps included or the ones offered by in app purchase probably can be done with BIAS or better yet maybe many of the already included with BIAS (it includes a lot, even more than they offer with Jamuppro, right?
It includes 36 factory amp models.  But really my understanding is that these "amp models" are more like presets that Positive Grid has built up using the technologies available in BIAS.  So you could start out with the factory amp model for the '67 Blackface Duo, but then go change out tubes, cabinets, settings, etc. and turn it into the Mark IIc+ model.  And to take it one step further you could create a model for an amp that's not included in the factory presets at all by designing it using BIAS's components.  This could be some other amp that actually exists and that you can buy today, or something that doesn't exist - your own model.  E.g. maybe someone will build a "Splawn" model in BIAS and share it.  Who knows.

Now most of the above is a bit beyond me at this point, other than trial and error, and how well it could work is TBD, but I'm sure some clever person who really understands tube amp design technology will put it to the test soon.  For my level of understanding, all I can really say is that I think the 36 included factory presets sound amazing, and you can sure get some interesting and good sounding results by playing with the controls in each one whether you really know what you're doing or not.
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------

sixeight

I would only recommend these 24 bit  / lightning port audio interfaces.

* iRig HD
* iRig Pro
* Apogee Jam


The irig pro does look. Ice, but you still need to use the headphone output of the ipad to connect to the rest of the system. That is a pity.

I am trying to work out some way to use Jampro/bias with the VG99, because the virtual guitars of the VG99 are better than my Charvel guitar. Maybe there is a solution with the digital output of the Vg99...

Elantric

#73
Quotebut you still need to use the headphone output of the ipad to connect to the rest of the system. That is a pity.


IMHO - there is nothing wrong with the Apple iPad DAC  / headphone out. It has better S/N +THD specs (and important - lower latency) than many "pro" audio interfaces.
http://ifixit.org/5582/ipad-mini-retina-display-teardown/
Apple 338S1213 Cirrus Audio Codec on far left

http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2013/11/11/cirrus-logic-tumbles-on-ipad-amplifier-loss/



I feed my iPad headphone out to one of these with great results
Rolls DB-24


If you want to go upscale use one of these
Radial ProD2™ Stereo Direct Box
http://www.radialeng.com/r2011/prod2.php


supernicd

#74
Quote from: sixeight on November 22, 2013, 01:31:08 PM
I am trying to work out some way to use Jampro/bias with the VG99, because the virtual guitars of the VG99 are better than my Charvel guitar. Maybe there is a solution with the digital output of the Vg99...
This is the next thing on my list to try.  I don't have a VG-99 but I want to try it with the COSM guitar models on the GR-55, and see how it reacts, because I really do like some of the COSM guitar models, and I don't have all those guitars.  I may try the guitar out port, or maybe the regular 1/4" outs into either the Apogee Jam or Alesis IO Dock (if it will even work with the iPad air and lightning adapter).
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------