JAM from Apogee is a pocket-sized, plug and play interface that brings the legendary sound quality of Apogee to the iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4, and Mac. It allows the guitarist or bassist to interface with the guitar amps and effects in Apple's GarageBand software or other compatible applications.
The digital converter features PureDIGITAL technology which delivers high quality guitar sound for practicing, recording, or just jamming. A status LED on the top panel indicates whether JAM is connected properly while also functioning as an input level indicator. For optimum sound a rotary style wheel is located on the side for easy thumb access.
There's no difficulty involved in setting up or configuring JAM. Just plug it in, open your favorite software, and play away.
| Converter | 24-bit |
| Sample Rate | 44.1kHz |
| Input | 1 x 1/4" TS phone |
| Output | Apogee locking port with supplied cables |
| Controls | Gain knob |
| Display | Multicolor display for status and level indication |
| Power Requirements | Powered via connecting device |
| System Requirements |
iOS iPad2, iPad, iPhone 4 iOS 4.3 and later GarageBand or other iOS compatible music and guitar applications Mac Intel processor OS X 10.6.4 or later 1GB RAM minimum, 2GB recommended GarageBand, Logic Pro, MainStage or any Core Audio compatible application USB 2.0 connection |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 3.75 x 1.2 x 0.9" (95 x 30 x 23mm) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Easy to use, great sound and flexible!
I was a professional synth programmer and sound designer for many years and have what are considered "pro" ears. I wanted to get a small, portable and flexible audio input dev...Read complete review
I was a professional synth programmer and sound designer for many years and have what are considered "pro" ears. I wanted to get a small, portable and flexible audio input device to do some recording into both my iPad and my MacBook Pro. My needs were simple...
1) Great sound
2) Self powered
3) Fast and easy to use
4) Line in only (not for use with a mic)
5) Able to accept guitar and synth outputs
I looked all around at pretty much every "lower level" input device and the JAM fit the bill perfectly in every way. First off it comes with two cables; one that works with USB and any computer and another that mates with the iPad/iPhone.
I plugged it in and had really high quality signals showing up on the iPad and Mac immediately...no muss...no fuss...just great sound as one would expect from Apogee. The little volume knob and multi-color LED provide all the feedback I need to know that there is signal and how hot it is to avoid overload. I was able to get good volume direct from my Fender Tele as well as my analog modular synths with virtually NO noise...it is really quiet with a clear, articulate sound.
I can monitor sound via the line outputs from the iPad and/or Mac so that works fine. I have tried other devices with the Mac and I can say I notice increased resolution and detail with the JAM...as I have with other Apogee devices.
The only concerns I have, if there are any is that the device is plastic (but feels quite sturdy) and the output connenctor to the USB/iPad cables (they provide two) is unique so if I loose the cable thats an issue...so I'll be careful there.
All in all for both the novice and pro who can deal with a mono in, line level interface you can't go wrong with the JAM. Plug it in and you'll be jamming in no time!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
good, but could be better
I bought this to work out ideas on my iPad.. The sound is appropriately good, in that it matches the quality of GB on the iPad.But I find the physical design a bit clunky...Read complete review
I bought this to work out ideas on my iPad.. The sound is appropriately good, in that it matches the quality of GB on the iPad.But I find the physical design a bit clunky and cheap, leaving much to be desired. For $ it should feel more solid than the plastic it is. The connector is not standard and the cable is not a length that lends itself to good placement. I would also hope to see an app that allows me to use the device without GB.Given what's available, however, this is really the only choice for now.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 17 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-17
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Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
HOME STUDIO!
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
Guitar -> Apogee Jam -> iPhone/iPad -> Agile AmpKit is the perfect bedroom rig. Tons of gain, no feedback, low noise... Perfect.
Pros
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Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
Unlike others it converts to digital directly as opposed to the analog headphone jack. Only downside is that there is no way to power the iPhone while you're using it. But battery life is very long.
Pros
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Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
The Jam far exceeds the other connectors by Griffin, iRig and the like. No feedback, solid connection to the Pad, and gives my cheaper axes a nice "direct box" punch of fatness. Further, this can connect via USB to computer--no one trick pony here. Apogee's got a great reputation for a reason. Perhaps would like a way to anchor the device to a table when using with the Pad. Works great with GarageBand.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
Simple to use, great sound quality. Highly recommended.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
I use this to record my guitar directly onto Garageband, and it works flawlessly!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
Works well. Good sound quality. Especially with nice headphones.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
I bought this to work out ideas on my iPad.. The sound is appropriately good, in that it matches the quality of GB on the iPad.But I find the physical design a bit clunky and cheap, leaving much to be desired. For $ it should feel more solid than the plastic it is. The connector is not standard and the cable is not a length that lends itself to good placement. I would also hope to see an app that allows me to use the device without GB.Given what's available, however, this is really the only choice for now.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
It just works. Bring up iTunes, plug the Jam into you iPad, your guitar into the Jam - and Rock 'n' Roll - for real!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
Use with iPad and iMac with included connectors. Was tough choice between this and iRiffport, but reputation for sound quality and ability to swap connectors if they change in the future were key to my decision. I'm very happy with it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
I was a professional synth programmer and sound designer for many years and have what are considered "pro" ears. I wanted to get a small, portable and flexible audio input device to do some recording into both my iPad and my MacBook Pro. My needs were simple...
1) Great sound
2) Self powered
3) Fast and easy to use
4) Line in only (not for use with a mic)
5) Able to accept guitar and synth outputs
I looked all around at pretty much every "lower level" input device and the JAM fit the bill perfectly in every way. First off it comes with two cables; one that works with USB and any computer and another that mates with the iPad/iPhone.
I plugged it in and had really high quality signals showing up on the iPad and Mac immediately...no muss...no fuss...just great sound as one would expect from Apogee. The little volume knob and multi-color LED provide all the feedback I need to know that there is signal and how hot it is to avoid overload. I was able to get good volume direct from my Fender Tele as well as my analog modular synths with virtually NO noise...it is really quiet with a clear, articulate sound.
I can monitor sound via the line outputs from the iPad and/or Mac so that works fine. I have tried other devices with the Mac and I can say I notice increased resolution and detail with the JAM...as I have with other Apogee devices.
The only concerns I have, if there are any is that the device is plastic (but feels quite sturdy) and the output connenctor to the USB/iPad cables (they provide two) is unique so if I loose the cable thats an issue...so I'll be careful there.
All in all for both the novice and pro who can deal with a mono in, line level interface you can't go wrong with the JAM. Plug it in and you'll be jamming in no time!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
Best sounding guitar plug-in for I-pad by far.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
Good quality sound. Plug and play - no problems. I use it with my iPhone and Mac Book Pro. It plugs and it plays!
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
I use this product mainly for my hobby of playing and recording adaptation of songs.
Sound reproduction is clear. Very easy to use. No crosstalk. No noticeable delay. If you do play on iPad or iPhone as a hobby, this probably is the best interface if you want your recordings to be as professional sounding as possible.
Only one thing I didn't like is the plastic enclosure. It looks like it is susceptible to breakage. Other than that I give this equipment a very good rating mainly for what it does.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
So far I've only used this to screw around on my ipad2 with my electric. Haven't tried recording yet but I love the tones I can get with the presets in garageband. Definitely a good product. The only thing keeping it from earning 5 stars is that it's build is a little on the cheap side. Of course, for [$] you're not getting a titanium shell.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
The Jam is exactly as described! It worked perfectly straight out of the box and I was jamming on my iPad within a few minutes. Every GB guitarist should buy one today.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Electronics JAM - Studio Quality Guitar Input for iPad, iPad2, iPhone 4 and Mac:
I surprised how easy this was to plug into my iPad2 and record into garageband. The should quality of the amps in G'band with the Jam rivaled any pedal effects pluggin I've used to date. Great investment for another way of getting your guitar into the digital realm.
Displaying reviews 1-17