I loved reviewing Gear4’s UnityRemote and continue to use and enjoy it. Now they have come up with a new “appcessory” called PocketLoops. PocketLoops is a “portable music creation studio for iPhone and iPod touch”. As the company explains,
An innovative platform for the musically-minded, PocketLoops is a powerful tool that combines app-based software with advanced hardware, allowing musicians to build their own loops, remix them into full tracks and share them with friends.
The hardware is $79.99. The app that turns the hardware into an “appcessory” is available from the iTunes App Store. You can learn more here on the Gear4 website.
Here’s the full press release.
Turn your iPhone into a music studio with PocketLoops
GEAR4 launch keyboard that turns an iPhone into a music production studioLos Angeles, Calif. November 9, 2011 – Just in time to jingle a few bells, GEAR4, a leading audio brand and global provider of innovative iPod, iPhone and iPad, is making musicians out of us all with the introduction of PocketLoops, now available in Best Buy, all quality retailers and online at www.gear4.com.
With PocketLoops, wannabe producers can start creating, remixing and sharing their own music at the touch of a key from PocketLoops app. Whether into heavy metal, house, hip hop, dub step or drum ‘n bass, PocketLoops offers beats, rhythm and synths to suit every type of music genre.
This keyboard connects to iPhone or iPod touch and allows users to create their own music tracks,via thePocketloops app, available to download for free on iTunes. Pocketloops was developed using GEAR4’s expertise in creating iPhone accessories and appcessories and through Novation’s expertise in music production. PocketLoops’ MSRP is $79.99 USD.
While the product looks like a miniature keyboard, luckily, no piano skills are required. The small device is able to deliver a serious musical punch, even for those who don’t know their F sharps from their B flats. The product is also user-friendly and comes with a step-by-step tutorial.
“GEAR4 is delighted to once again lead the way in product innovation with the launch of PocketLoops,” said Tom Dudderidge, founder and CEO of GEAR4. “Feedback on this product has been phenomenal and I predict that both music and iPhone lovers are going to love playing with it.”
PocketLoops also enables music fans to build up a unified sound using it’s advanced looping technology, which allows the user to record and layer loops like basslines, guitar riffs and melodies. Creating the sound they want, the user can then lay chunky beats with a selection of drum kits that match any style, and add effects to make the tune more dynamic with the three built-in effects, echos, chorus and the XY filter pad. Finally, they can polish the track off with solos using the 13 included synths, organs, pianos and more. Then when the track is finished, users can share it with their friends via email, straight from the app.
About GEAR4
Disruptive Limited is the owner and manufacturer of GEAR4, the UK’s leading iPod, iPhone and iPad audio brand. Founded in 2004, the company was one of the first companies in the world to launch a dedicated brand of iPod accessories. GEAR4 speakers are the best-selling iPod and iPhone speakers in the UK. GEAR4’s UK-based design, research and development teams work to deliver innovative devices and accessories for Apple products. Disruptive Limited is privately owned and operated, with its head office in High Wycombe, UK.
