Apogee Launches Jam+ Third Generation Instrument Input Interface for iOS, Mac and PC

October 11 2018, 00:10
Apogee Electronics announced a new much improved version of its Jam portable interface. The all new Jam+ is a studio grade USB instrument input and output that connects an electric guitar, bass, keyboard or any acoustic instrument with a pickup, directly to any iOS device, Mac, or Windows PC. With an adapter (sold separately) users can also connect a dynamic microphone. The new third generation version adds a stereo output to connect headphones or powered speakers, offers low latency monitoring, and now comes bundled with the Positive Grid BIAS FX Jam emulation software.
 

Not only is the Apogee Jam+ a practical recording interface, but the new generation makes it much more attractive for musicians to practice, improving on the features needed when connecting the unit to musical instruments and explore the possibilities of  emulation software. The bundled Positive Grid BIAS FX Jam software offers amazing algorithms for audio signal processing, with detailed and authentic emulations of analog pedals, studio rack gear and tube amplifiers. Specifically, this bundle includes a premium selection of 3 amps, 6 effects and a collection of essential pedals. With the Jam+ not only can musicians practice anywhere with the best sound possible, but they can take the same setup on stage and capture the best moments with studio quality anywhere they go.

In 2010, Apogee introduced Jam in Apple stores worldwide as the first studio quality digital instrument input to connect guitars to GarageBand on iOS devices and Mac computers. The original Jam set a new standard in mobile recording by making Apogee’s renowned conversion specs and components available in a simple and portable instrument input. The second generation improved upon the specs and design, introducing 26-bit/96kHz support. Jam+ continues the evolution in the series by bringing the latest advances in Apogee’s design and engineering to an all new metal chassis with enhanced PureDIGITAL circuitry for the greatest true-tone audio resolution.
 
From left to right, the three generations of Apogee Jam instrument interfaces, with the new Jam+ now using a more rugged metal construction.

This is a completely new redesigned circuit that combines an analog overdrive stage, instrument preamp and high quality A/D and D/A 24-bit/96kHz converters in the device. Apogee has designed each part of Jam+ to deliver the highest quality signal possible with the lowest noise, improving the resulting connections for guitar, bass, keyboards, synths, or any acoustic instrument with a pick-up. The analog overdrive stage also improves the audio recognition from the emulation software, turning virtual amps and effects even more realistic.

But the new Jam+ also adds much more, starting with an analog stereo output to connect to headphones or powered speakers. Not relying only on the output of the computer or iOS device for monitoring the results, enables lower latency monitoring, while getting much better volume. And Apogee also added a Blend feature, where users are able to adjust how much direct instrument input they can hear mixed with software playback, enabling to dial the perfect setting. And to better support the expected additional use, Apogee improved the construction, now using a rugged metal body with soft touch base and three multicolor LED indicators to guide the user on status, input level and blend setting.
 

And on the computer interface side, the Jam+ removes the proprietary connector used in the two previous generations, now using a standard Micro USB connector and already supplies USB to Lightning, USB A, and USB Type-C cables. Otherwise, there's no configuration needed, with the device also recognized on most audio and music recording software for iOS, Mac and Windows PC.

The Jam+ is now available for $159.99 (USD).
www.apogeedigital.com
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