The latest version of GarageBand — 2.1 for those of you keeping track at home — brings a bevy of new features to iPhone and iPad, including Live Loops, Drummer, and more.
Live Loops was inspired by DJ setups and lets you create music by tapping cells and columns in a grid, each of which triggers a loop or instrument sample. Each loop or sample can be played, arranged, and remixed live, and GarageBand will automagically keep everything in sync, from beat to time to pitch. There are several templates and a library of 1200 Apple-provided loops to get you started, including EDM, Hip Hop, Dubstep, and Rock, and you can also create your own.
Grammy Award-winner T-Pain tried out the new version of GarageBand and had this to say:
I recorded my first album using GarageBand and I continue to use it in my music today. I love how the new Live Loops in GarageBand lets me quickly build tracks and beats, and even perform effects like a musical instrument. It'll change the way an entire generation makes music."
The Drummer feature that first launched on GarageBand for OS X in June 2015 is now present in the iOS version of GarageBand. It brings an automatic drum machine to your music, featuring nine EDM and acoustic drummers, each with its own unique sound, along with additional choices of amps and bass players. There are new automation features, new controls, and a new, simplified EQ.
On the iPad Pro, GarageBand takes advantage of the extra space by surfacing more controls and giving you even more room to play. On the iPhones 6s, GarageBand has picked up 3D Touch support to bring even more life to your finger strikes.
GarageBand is available now on the App Store. It's a free upgrade for anyone who already owns it and anyone who recently bought and iOS device. It's $4.99 for everyone else. iOS 9 required.
