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Boom 2: Best Mac Audio Booster & Equalizer

a review by Tom Piper

Music and other sounds from my computer has always been a challenge to get the best results possible (particularly since I wear hearing aids). The Macintosh computer has the ability to produce sounds from a huge number of sources like iTunes, Spotify, web music, online radio, movies and so much more. But, the speakers on my MacBook Pro 15” Retina and iMac 27” Retina are barely adequate for most things, and earbuds or headphones are more direct, but still marginal. Over 4 years ago, I was introduced to the first sonic “boom” sound booster, and it was recently made a lot better by a terrific vendor who has just upgraded their enhancement product with incredible features and results.

The new version is Boom 2 from Global Delight Technology which transforms all the audio that comes out of my Mac to make it sound louder, clearer and better. It calibrates itself to suit my computers and offers fully customizable features. Now everything, including all my favorite services (like Netflix, Skype, Spotify, iTunes) now sound better than ever.

Boom 2 is a system-wide volume booster and equalizer that transforms all the audio that comes out of my Mac to make it sound louder, clearer and better. It calibrates itself to suit my Mac and offers fully customizable features such as advanced equalizers, intricate frequency controls, audio effects and much more. Interestingly, this software comes with a free remote app for the iPhone and iPad that can control Boom 2's features in addition to that of VLC, Spotify, QuickTime & iTunes on the Mac.

The future of Mac audio is here and it brings with it an all-new experience that is crafted for OS X Yosemite. Boom 2 is built to support 64-bit processors, shows a dashing new look and is incredibly friendly to use. Boom 2 enhances every sound to make my Mac’s speakers (or any attached to it) sound louder, clearer and better. I now enjoy every sound site or service with every detail being audible, whether I’m next to my Mac or in a noisy area.

This sound utility offers me the choice to customize my audio in a variety of ways such as choosing from preset equalizers or setting up my own with the help of 10-band and advanced equalizers. Boom 2 comes preloaded with equalizers like Bass Boost, Acoustic, Pop, Treble and more, or I can create my own to get the Mac sounding like a fully pumped-up audio unit. 

I can even control my setting wirelessly with Boom 2 Remote, a free app for my iPhone 6 plus (and iPads) that controls Boom 2's features in addition to that of VLC, Spotify, QuickTime and iTunes on my Mac. This utility also allows me to be more adventurous and get my Mac’s audio sounding brilliant by changing any band or using the powerful frequency constrain controls to extract every last bit out of my audio.

As if that isn’t already enough, Boom 2 packs a punch of all-new audio effects that completely enhance the quality of sound coming out of my Mac. It delivers an acoustic experience akin to actually being there when being played using Fidelity. It allows me to listen to crisp and sharp tones while being surprised at how clear my Macs sound.

Boom 2 is the best system-wide audio booster and equalizer for Mac-crafted sound exclusively for OS X Yosemite that comes with audio boosting, full equalizer controls and cool effects for enhanced Mac audio. It is simple and easy to use, while totally enhancing the sound experience on my Mac computers.

A single-user version (valid for use on 2 Macs/user accounts) is available for $14.99 at globaldelight.com/boom. A student/educator version (valid for use on 1 Mac) is$9.99, and the family pack (valid for use on 5 Macs/user accounts) is $24.99. You can also download a free 7-day trial version for OS X v10.10 (Yosemite) to test this great product. Discounts are available to original Boom 1.x users who wish to upgrade.

Global Delight Technologies also markets other great products at http://www.globaldelight.com including Voila ($29.99), Camera Plus ($1.99), Camera Plus Pro ($2.99), Game Your Video (free), and Voila Web Extension (free). I use all of these products with great success, and highly recommend them to improve your experience.

Qmadix: Amazing Products in Paradise

a review by Tom Piper

My life thrives on cool gadgets, and I am constantly striving to find reputable companies with reliable, resourceful and effective devices at reasonable prices. The iOS world with my iPhone 4S, iPod touch (first gen) and iPad 3 have provided me many hours of joy, a few times of grief, and many opportunities for new adventures.

Recently, I have been working with a great company called Qmadix which offers a wide array of products that fit neatly into my gadget world. In this review, I am sharing my impressions and descriptions about a few items from their online store (www.qmadix.com). The picture above shows some of the products which accompanied me to the Secrets Resort in Huatulco, Mexico, and helped enhance my visit there with music and power. 

Docking Station Adapter for Apple iPhone 4S/4 is a great little connector that allows me to dock my iOS devices while using my favorite protective case. The thicker protective cases usually require removal prior to using them with most docking devices. To avoid this inconvenience, this slim 30-pin adapter extends my connector height, providing a convenient docking solution without removing the case. It is lightweight, compact one-piece design that is easy to use, small for transport, and a necessity in my gadget bag. An excellent accessory at only $19.99. 

Protective cases are very important for my iPhone 4S, and I am very impressed with the Metalix Snap-On Covers for Apple iPhone 4S/4 (I tested both the black and gray accent versions). As advertised, these cases are stylish, sophisticated and protective for my device. They are durable, but lightweight, textured polycarbonate border helps to keep a firm grip on your device.  Aluminum alloy accents enhance the look of your device without adding bulk or unwanted weight. The form-fitted design allows access to all buttons, cameras and ports which protects from scratches and bumps, is easy to install, and available in black, gray, blue, purple and red. These are priced at $29.99. 

For truly rugged protection, the Qmadix Xtreme Protective Case integrates innovative design and engineering to provide maximum armor around my iPhone 4S/4. This shielded portable solution offers a dynamic blend of shock absorption material with a revolutionary Duro-Vest Protector to give me the ultimate defense against drops and jars. It includes a double layer, impact-resistant protection with an integrated kickstand, raised silicone edges to protect the screen, and durable ratcheting swivel belt clip on holster. At $34.99, this case is well worth the price.

Portable power is a travel necessity as provided by Boostpac Battery Solutions. For quick backup energy, I use the Qmadix boostpac quick shot Rechargeable Auxiliary Battery Pack. It is conveniently equipped with iPod, iPhone and Micro USB connectors which are compatible with many small portable devices. This nifty box includes LED indicator displays for estimated remaining battery life, smart technology that prevents overcharging, a compact design with collapsible connectors, and a standard USB to micro USB Cable. It uses a 1000 mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery with rated input/output of DC 5V, and measures 2" x 1.4" x 1". This can be a lifesaver at $39.99. 

As an alternative for night charging and backup energy, I took with me the Qmadix boostpac eclipse Rechargeable Auxiliary Battery Pack. It is also equipped with iPod/iPhone and Micro USB connectors, a standard USB to micro USB Cable. and is compatible with most devices including iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Samsung. It too is small, smart, and cool blue LED indicators to display estimated remaining charging power. It pops open to become a desktop stand for iPod or iPhone, and charges from any Mac, PC or laptop. This unit boasts a 1500mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery with rated input/output of DC 5V, and measures 2.7" x 2" x 0.9". The price for this battery pack is $49.99.

 Portable power when I’m driving is also important where I use the Qmadix USB Twin Tablet Charging Kit 4.2 which gives me maximum power on the go when charging my tablet or other mobile device. This hub allows you to simultaneously charge two different devices in your vehicle. It includes a dual-port system with 10W (2.1 amps) for quick mobile charging, compatible with most standard USB charging cables, sonically sealed for seamless appearance, and advanced smart circuitry prevents over-heating or over-charging. It includes a 4 foot long USB charging-data sync cable which is made for all iPod, iPhone and iPad devices (an additional cable can also be used). This is a travel essential for my car and motorcycle which sells for only $39.99.

Keeping the screens clean on my devices is always important (just like the glasses I wear), so I use Qmadix Smudge-Free Dry-Foam Cleaning Kit which is formulated to safely clean my devices from smudges, dirt, grime and makeup. This dry foam formula utilizes smudge-resistant properties that help minimize the transfer of most smudges. It is safe for mobile devices, computer monitors, televisions (Plasma, LCD and LED), E-readers, tablets, keyboards, household electronics and more (it works great on my glasses). The cloths included are anti-microbial micro-fiber cloths treated with DURABAN EPA No. 85798-4, and are machine washable up to 50 times without losing the effectiveness of this anti-microbial treatment. As expected, this cleaning does not leave any residue or streaks, and is anti-Static and dust resistant. The package includes one 3oz can and two cleaning cloths measuring about 10” x 10” (one fluffy and the other satiny smooth). At only $14.99, this is a big improvement over my other cleaners. 

Being somewhat hearing challenged (I wear hearing aids), good sound is vitally important to me. My new companion has become the iharmonix Q-i-7 Extreme-Performance Mobile Earphones. These wonderful earbuds include noise canceling, inline mobile microphone with controller, extreme dynamic performance for superior sound accuracy, double-flanged silicone ear gels (three pairs, S-M-L) improved noise isolation, lightweight alloy micro design with high gloss black finish, gold-plated 3.5mm music/voice audio DC jack (L-shaped for minimum projection), and leather storage pouch. I used these on the airplane with my iPad 3 to watch movies with great success. They were louder and better at noise exclusion than any I’ve previously used (including my over-the-ear Bose noise-canceling headphones). I also used them at the resort hotel for Skype and iChat (now iMessage) discussions with my family back home. These are well worth the $79.99 list price. 

At the resort, I enjoyed wireless music from my iPhone through the marvelous iharmonix Q-i-sound Stereo Bluetooth Speakers by Qmadix which are compact and lightweight delivering true stereo sound for an optimal listening experience. Amazingly, a full duplex microphone is included for two-way wireless cell phone communication. This pair of untethered speakers have rechargeable lithium-polymer batteries, will play up to 8 hours of continuously, has up to 240 hours standby time (10 days), a full charge takes only 3.5 hours, the speakers can be up to 33 feet away from paired device (left and right speakers may be separated up to 15 feet), the AC wall charger includes custom Y-split USB cable, and the carrying case neatly cups the speakers (it would have been nice to also have an attachable case for the charger and cable). These speakers now go with me everywhere with their cool blinking blue lights, and excellent button controls (power, volume, and song forward/reverse). With a price tag of $149.99, they are for the discriminating listener (that’s me, and I fully recommend them). 

This has just been a sampling of the wide array of products available at www.qmadixonline.com. There are additional cases, chargers, cables, bluetooth accessories, and much more for Apple products and many other phone manufacturers. From my review, I am convinced that they have excellent products at reasonable prices. They also have a strong interest in supporting Apple user groups.

iRig and SampleTank 1.1: Spectacular iOS Device Sound

a review by Tom Piper

So, you’ve got a MIDI keyboard, and you have tried GarageBand, but want something different that will reflect your creativity. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could plug your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch into that keyboard, then create and record your music?

IK Multimedia has announced the availability of iRig MIDI and SampleTank for iOS (now available as a universal app with version 1.1). The latest update adds a 4-track MIDI recorder, a new beat-making interface, an expanded set of instruments and patterns, more compatibility with third party docks, and much more.

iRig MIDI is an ultra-compact standard Core MIDI interface for iOS that connects any MIDI compatible device to the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. It connects to MIDI keyboards, drum machines, drum pads, pedal boards and more to an iOS device to control a world of MIDI-compatible apps such as GarageBand. You can also use iOS apps to control external MIDI equipment such as sound modules, DAWs or lighting systems right from the mobile device. This unit has three MIDI ports: IN/OUT/THRU which connect to any standard MIDI jacks using the included 2 x 1.6m/5.2’ cables, and two LEDs for displaying the MIDI activity on the IN and OUT ports. The micro USB port (with included cable) connects to any standard USB power supply source so that it can stay fully powered during long sessions.

SampleTank is a pro-quality, sample-based sound and groove workstation for the iOS mobile platform. It can be played directly from the app or can be used live with any MIDI keyboard or pad controller with the iRig MIDI adapter. This app enables the mobile musician to record beats, grooves or complete songs anytime and everywhere. The new recorder features quantize and loop functions, export to audio and integration with the built-in pattern player making SampleTank a full-featured mobile sound and groove workstation. Plus the new beat-making interface with assignable pads makes groove creation a breeze.

This combination is very impressive. The number of included instruments has doubled in the regular version and now exceeds 500 total available instruments. SampleTank now also includes over 1,000 professionally programmed patterns so that anyone can make music regardless of prior musical ability. Instruments and patterns are organized into 16 categories including Pianos, Organs, Strings, Basses, Guitars, Drums, Synths, Woodwinds, Brass, Ethnic Instruments, Percussion and more all instantly accessible from a single app to create any style of music.

If you are like me, and want to get the most out of your keyboard, this is a great combination to have. There are so many variations that you can fully express your musical stylings, and record them for others to enjoy.

The iRig MIDI is immediately available at www.irigmidi.com for $69.99. SampleTank 1.1 is available on the iTunes App store for only $19.99 with 136 high-quality instruments and over 1,000 patterns included. A free version of SampleTank is also available with 8 sounds plus their selection of patterns. An additional 22 expansion sound packs are available for in-app purchase starting from as low as $4.99 each or all together for a competitive bundle price. Owners of iRig MIDI will also get an exclusive sound set of 48 sounds for free simply by registering. The 1.1 update is free to existing users.

For more information about SampleTank, go to www.sampletank.com/ios. To heard the sounds, go towww.ikmultimedia.com/sampletankipad/. This can be the answer to your musical expressions in a variety of venues.

IK Multimedia: iPhone/iPad Sound Mastery

a review by Tom Piper

Recording sound like musical instruments and singing has always been a challenge, whether at home, live at an event, in a studio or elsewhere. It used to require lots of sophisticated and expensive equipment, but this task has just gotten easier, more portable and a lot more fun using iPhone and iPad technology.

IK Multimedia has introduced a series of apps and accessories to make quality audio and vocal recordings anywhere on your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The following descriptions are more fully described at http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products. 

It begins with the iRig Mic ($59.99) which is a handheld high-quality condenser microphone designed for all of your mobile sound needs. The iRig Mic features a unidirectional condenser-electret microphone capsule for quality recording in both close mic and long distance mic conditions, and provides real time monitoring with its dual mini-jack connector design. A three-level gain switch makes it instantly adjustable for any sound pressure condition. Its familiar form is perfect for handheld performance, plus it allows you to mount it on any mic stand leaving your device free for operating your favorite app. Its rugged metal body is road-ready for the mobile musician with a 6.5’ cable and a 1/8” jack. iRig Mic also works with a wide variety of other vocal and audio processing apps for the iOS platform.

AmpliTube iRig ($39.99) is a combination of an easy-to-use instrument interface adapter and guitar and bass tone mobile software (described further below). With AmpliTube iRig, you can plug your guitar (or other instrument) into your iPhone/iPod touch/iPad and jam anywhere with world-class guitar and bass tone right in the palm of your hand. Simply plug the iRig interface into your mobile device, plug your instrument into the appropriate input jack, plug in your headphones, amp or powered speakers, and use AmpliTube free for iPhone or for iPad. You’ll have at your fingertips the sound and control up to 4 recombinable simultaneous stompbox effects + amplifier + cabinet + microphone just like a traditional guitar or bass stage rig! 

But, that’s not all! To get the most out of this mic, IK Multimedia provides VocaLive free (a new real-time effects processor suite for the singer and vocalist), plus AmpliTube free (for guitar players) and iRig Recorder free (an app for quick audio recording and processing). These are incredible tools for musicians and non-musicians alike.

VocaLive is the first professional practicing, performing and recording vocal processor for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Singers and songwriters have are provided a suite of 5 dedicated real-time vocal effects (pitch correction, choir harmonizer, voice doubler, vocal morpher and de-esser) plus 7 effects tailored to vocal processing (reverb, EQ, compressor, delay, envelope filter, chorus, phazer) that can be combined on a 3-processor vocal rig chain. This app also includes dozens of presets to help you get up and running in seconds. VocaLive can also be used with the built-in iPhone microphone, earbuds with built-in mic, or the iRig Mic. 

AmpliTube is a complete multi-effects processor, recording studio and learning tool which is always in your pocket. You can turn your iPhone or iPod touch into the ultimate mobile guitar, bass, keyboard and vocal multi-effect processor and recording studio. If you add the AmpliTube iRig interface adapter to connect your guitar, bass or keyboard to your mobile device, then you are ready to entertain yourself and all around you. You’ll have an entire guitar/bass rig at your fingertips. If that’s not enough, you can capture your ideas quickly by recording your performances with the built-in recorder featuring re-amping capabilities, then share your track by exporting high quality audio files or M4As. You can record your track, then go back and completely change the sound of it without having to re-record it. You have full control of volume, pan, apply fx, send fx, plus the ability to import audio directly into each track. Bounce feature lets you bounce all tracks to one freeing up track space to record additional material, giving you unlimited recording ability.

iRig Recorder is a powerful and flexible audio recording app for your iOS device that is convenient and easy to use. You can have a professional recording tool at your fingertips anytime, anywhere along with practical editing functions and various export options to fit your audio needs wherever your mobile life takes you. You can use iRig Recorder's intuitive editing tools to cut, crop or loop your audio and its powerful effects processors to optimize tone for speech or music, clean up background noise, brighten your voice for clarity and presence, smooth your voice in harsh or overly bright recordings or change the speed of your tracks without affecting their pitch. iRig Recorder organizes your recordings by date and time and also tags them with a geo location for easy and reliable file management of your recordings. You can export your files via e-mail, Wi-Fi, FTP, SoundCloud or iTunes File Sharing in a variety of sizes and formats (including 16-bit 44.1 kHz uncompressed). 

There’s more . . . the iKlip for iPad ($39.99) is a multi-angle lightweight iPad microphone stand adapter. This makes it easy for you to use your iPad and iPad 2 in any live setting such as on stage, in the studio, at school or in the boardroom. You can now securely position your iPad for optimal viewing and accessibility, while all controls, buttons and connection ports remain free from obstruction. It is constructed from dense thermoplastic molded components or extreme durability and secure holding abilities under the most demanding situations. As a Guitar or Bass player, you can now use iPad on stage with AmpliTube iRig as your guitar amp and effects unit, with controls accessible right in front of you on your mic stand. Or, if you use tablature and scoring apps, use iKlip to put the iPad within easy viewing range for learning and performing. As a vocalist or presenter, you can now have the perfect companion for song showcase performances to create and share set lists with your band members, complete with scoring, lyrics and notes. You can also add iPad 2 adapters for $9.99 which are easy to install on the original iPad iKlip.

My experience with the accessories and apps above has been both frustrating and rewarding, both based on my own knowledge and skill levels. Frustrating because I am not a good guitar player, so I’m not getting the most out of these products (yet). Rewarding because I see huge potential here, not just for musicians, but also for public speakers. For example, the iKlip is a very secure, no-nonsense holder for the iPad that makes it easy to attach to a mic stand (or other tube-like holder) for convenience access by a presenter. Whether using teleprompter or slideshow software, control is right at your fingertips. The iRig microphone is sensitive, rugged, and adaptable as the audio input to most recording software. Although the free apps VocaLive and iRig Recorder work only on the iPhone (not in iPhone mode on the iPad) with or without the iRig mic, the AmpliTube apps have both free iPhone and iPad versions that are very sophisticated in their controls.

These are only the items I’ve tested, IK Multimedia has a lot more to choose from including the StealthPlug guitar/bass USB audio interface cable, amplitude Fender Studio, StealthPedal, StompIO, Total Studio Bundle, Total Workstation 2  Instruments Bundle, and much much more. From the novice to the professional, this company has a variety of effective sound management tools that use our favorite iOS devices effectively and creatively. They make a complete range of reasonably-priced sound and tone solutions for Guitar & Bass players, Keyboardists, Sound Designers, Engineers and Producers. Their motto is “Musicians First”, and they do a great job of serving anyone who needs to play, mix, record, and share their sound sensations.