Robin Johnson

Q: Needs work if its to be used with vocal input

I'm an average singer - not the world's greatest, but nowhere near the worst either.

 

I tried singing verses of a couple of well known songs into Music Memos (Sinatra's Strangers In The Night and the (British) National Anthem), then tried adding drums and bass. The results were completely - and I mean completely, totally, utterly and hilariously - random. They bore absolutely no resemblance to what I had sung. None whatever.

 

The App Store claims it works with vocals. At the moment it really doesn't!

Posted on Jan 22, 2016 2:23 AM

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Q: Needs work if its to be used with vocal input

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  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Jan 22, 2016 4:59 AM in response to Robin Johnson
    Level 10 (105,518 points)
    iLife
    Jan 22, 2016 4:59 AM in response to Robin Johnson

    Where have you seen that vocals are supported?  On this page (http://www.apple.com/music-memos/) I am only seeing:

     

    open Music Memos to record high-quality, uncompressed audio through the built-in mic in your iPhone, or connect an external microphone.

    Music Memos is optimized for acoustic guitar and piano, and it works with other musical instruments, too.

     

    When I tested, it worked well with a flute, that is slightly out of tune, and a harmonica worked well.  My acoustic guitar is too silent for the internal microphone, but the electric guitar is o.k., if I am using an audio interface.

     

     

    Added:  I found it - the App Store lists vocals as supported.!

     

    Screen Shot 2016-01-22 at 13.56.45GM.png

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Jan 22, 2016 5:31 AM in response to Robin Johnson
    Level 10 (105,518 points)
    iLife
    Jan 22, 2016 5:31 AM in response to Robin Johnson

    I made a test, Robin and recorded a simple vocal track. I recorded the same track to Melodyne to be able to check the pitch,  and the pitch and rhythm I am seeing in Melodyne are very close to what it should be.

    The signature is B flat major, 6/8.  In Music Memo I had to manually correct the signature to 6/8, and the chords are all wrong.

     

    One problem might be, that it is really hard to get a useful recording level using the built-in microphone of the iPad.  The results might be better if I used an external microphone.

     

    IMG_1530.jpg

  • by Robin Johnson,

    Robin Johnson Robin Johnson Jan 22, 2016 8:36 AM in response to léonie
    Level 2 (223 points)
    Safari
    Jan 22, 2016 8:36 AM in response to léonie

    Hi. As you've seen, if you go into the App store via iTunes it says:

     

    "Music Memos is the easiest way for songwriters to capture and organise new musical ideas. Use your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to record guitar, piano, voice or any musical instrument..."

     

    If you're getting into the realms of needing to carry an external microphone with you to use it effectively, because the iPad/iPhone/iPod microphone isn't good enough, then to me the whole point of an app that's described as "...the easiest way..." is lost!

     

    As I said in my OP, I think it needs more work before it can really be said that it works with voice.

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Jan 22, 2016 8:46 AM in response to Robin Johnson
    Level 10 (105,518 points)
    iLife
    Jan 22, 2016 8:46 AM in response to Robin Johnson

    you are right.

    As I said in my OP, I think it needs more work before it can really be said that it works with voice.

    I think, Apple is aware of it, because they omitted "voice" on the main music memos page (http://www.apple.com/music-memos/).

    When I first saw this, I thought it might have been an intentional omission.


    If you're getting into the realms of needing to carry an external microphone with you to use it effectively, because the iPad/iPhone/iPod microphone isn't good enough, then to me the whole point of an app that's described as "...the easiest way..." is lost!

     

    I nearly had to byte into my iPad to get it to register the vocals at all. I have not yet tried the iPhone. That is easier to hold close to the mouth.