jamx's built-in analog compressor introduces an all-new feature to the jam family. Choose from 3 presets that respond to how much you drive the input gain. By applying compression before your virtual amp sim, you'll find new life in your guitar tone. With jamx, you'll have endless inspiration developing your own tone. Jam+ is readily compatible with iPhones, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XS, Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5. A useful Blend option (via thebutton above the main dial) switches in direct monitoring so you hear your input signal before it’s processed through your computer, thus cutting down latency – perfect for recording in time (although our Mac/Logic setup had very little latency to start with). It boasts the blend mode for low-latency recording. It offers resolution up to 24-bit/96kHz for excellent sound quality. All in all, you get a noise-free quality sound.

The Apogee products that came before the Jam series of interfaces have inspired years of riffs, songs and melodies, and the Apogee Jam X is the latest in a long line of useful, practical and well-designed interfaces. The unit plays nicely with multiple operating systems, allowing you to jump between a laptop, desktop computer or an iPad, for example, with no break in audio quality. The Jam X USB is a tool that just about every music maker needs, whether you’re equipped with a full on, home studio situation with a need for a more portable solution, or simple recording equipment that could benefit from professional-grade audio conversion and handy on-board compression. Apogee have again elevated a seemingly perfect design, reinvented in the Apogee Jam X USB Audio interface. The Apogee Jam Plus USB input comes with three cables so that you don’t have to buy them separately. One of them is used to connect to your PC. JAM is designed to capture the true tone and warmth of electric guitars. Perfect for any playing style and genre of music, JAM lets you record, practice, and jam with the authentic sound and responsive feel of a classic tube amp. Dynamic Microphones

$195

Jam+ combines a digital overdrive circuit, an instrument preamp, and high-quality A/D and D/A converters into a single, portable device. Apogee has engineered each component of Jam+ to provide the highest-quality signal possible with the least amount of noise - what they term pure-digital. Mac Models are also compatible with Jam+.The models which are smoothly compatible are MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018 - 2019), MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015 - 2017), MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016 - 2019), MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012 - 2015), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016 - 2019), MacBook Pro (Retina, 15?inch, Mid 2012 ? 2015), MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015 - 2017), iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019), iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017), iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015), iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019 - 2020), iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014 - 2015), iMac Pro (2017), Mac mini (M1, 2020), Mac mini (2018), Mac mini (Late 2014), Mac Pro (Late 2013). The display is user-configurable. You can change the colour from 10 presets or make your own via Peterson Connect, and these colours are not just useful from a visibility point of view but allow players to assign different colours to different tunings. This flexibility for the input signal gives you extra shaping power over your sound before it's even reached any virtual amp sims you might be sending it too. Apogee says that with this at the front of the signal chain, guitarists will experience added sustain and dynamics, or can use Jam X to fatten up weaker source sounds. For further information on this topic, refer to our article on 10 MAJOR Difference Between Mixer vs Audio Interface as well.

For the Jazzmaster owners Fender is going bigger with two set options – recognising that its offset model is being embraced by another new generation, while still beloved by established guitar tinkerers. In addition to your current reading, you may find this other article on 10+ Reasons You Need an Audio Interface worth your time.

What’s in the box?

Out of phase, split-coils, parallel wiring, all are achievable and more. And your signal path remains 100 per cent analogue - the digital bit lies in how your smartphone communicates this information to the guitar.

With a built‑in analogue compressor, Apogee’s Jam X is designed to get your guitar sound right from the start. The Apogee Jam Plus and iRig HD 2 are two highly popular USB inputs with many insane features. Both are quite capable and have excellent tonal characteristics.The Apogee Jam Plus USB input is compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS devices. However, make sure to read all requirements before using it, as it may not be compatible with some older versions of Windows. Of course, that is made possible with the help of USB or Thunderbolt output ports. But what if your device does not have an output port? It is seen that many traditional mixers, PCs, and other devices don’t have ports on them. There's a Cunife Wide Range set and one with a Cunife / Cobalt combo. Both will fit a standard Jazzmaster with no modifications to body of scratchplate required. As far as the construction is concerned, no other USB input beats the iRig HD 2 digital USB input. It features a 1/8″ headphone output, a dedicated top-quality preamp, and a volume level dial.

Overall, the Jam is an excellent value for the intermediate-level guitarist who wants portability and ease of recording. The Jam exceeds my expectations, enough so that I’m selling one of my main amplifiers. I sell it because I don’t play through it enough to justify keeping it. I was getting value from my iPad before I bought the Jam. But now that I play primarily through the Jam, the iPad is a real multi-function value for me. Conclusion In addition to that, you won’t have to go through any hassle of configuring it. It goes without saying that configuring a device can be a time-consuming and complicated process. Now coming to its performance, the iRig HD 2 digital USB input is as good as anything. It sounds exceptionally well and captures pure, noiseless, high-resolution guitar signals at 96kHz sample rate and 24-bit analog to digital conversion. First things first, the iRig HD 2 digital USB input is compatible with iOS devices and PC. The devices include iPad, iPod Touch, and Mac laptops. It also comes with an audio stream input/output driver for the best experience on PCs.While JAM is optimized for electric instruments such as guitar and bass, you can record vocals, acoustic instruments, or even your guitar amp by connecting a microphone such as an SM58 to JAM. With its 40dB of input gain, JAM can be used with certain dynamic microphones by using an XLR to ¼”cable or adapter. Electric Bass The Jam X USB is capable of keeping up with the most discernible ears, as recently displayed in the launch video featuring Polyphia’s Tim Henson exploring the compression modes. Other tech specs for the StroboStomp Mini include its 390Hz - 490Hz Concert A Reference, +5 to -6 Transposition, and it runs on a 9V DC pedalboard power supply or via USB-C bus power. Then, you get a lightning cable to connect it to the iOS devices. And if your PC supports a USB-C, that won’t be a problem either, as you get a cable for that as well. iRig HD2