Apogee Electronics has released high audio quality updates to its JAM guitar interface and MiC microphone, which were introduced in 2011, the former as part of Apple's keynote presentation for the iPad 2 and GarageBand suite. The company says that the new JAM 96k has been designed to mimic the kind of magic you get when you plug your guitar into a tube amp, and promises studio-quality instrument sound whether you're practicing, recording, or jamming. The MiC 96k retains the same look and feel of the original, but offers much higher resolution recording opportunities.
The JAM 96k professional guitar interface for the iPad, iPhone and Mac now caters for up to 24-bit, 96 kHz analog-to-digital audio resolution recordings. Its upgraded circuit design includes a Class A Input Stage that's said to deliver authentic tube tone and responsive feel via the music-making app of choice, and a studio-quality preamp which offers up to 40 dB of gain.
The black plastic of old has been replaced by a stylish nickel-plated finish, the device features an integrated input level adjustment knob to the side and a multicolor LED status light to the front. It can be used with an electric guitar, bass or pickup-packing acoustic, and is powered by the iOS device or Mac its connected to.
The JAM 96k is available now for US$129, and comes supplied with a Lightning, a 30-pin and a USB cable.
The MiC 96k professional digital microphone, again for iPad, iPhone and Mac, has the same classic miniature studio microphone look as the original, with a metal body and steel mesh housing hiding the cardioid condenser within. It can be used for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, lectures, interviews and so on at up to 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution, and features a studio quality microphone preamp with up to 40 dB of gain.
Like the JAM 96k, the new MiC 96k is bus-powered, so no need to recharge or search for compatible batteries, has gain control to the side and a status LED to the front, and comes supplied with a Lightning, a 30-pin and a USB cable. It's also available now for $229.
Product pages: JAM 96k, Mic 96k