MusicRadar Verdict
A flexible bit of kit and essential if you already use IK Multimedia's apps.
Pros
- +
Easy to use. Fairly rugged. Extra inputs.
Cons
- -
Might not stand up to touring.
MusicRadar's got your back
The only problem with playing guitar on your mobile device is that there are too many wires. So when IK Multimedia decided to make a foot pedal controller for its Mac and iOS products, it made the right choice by dispensing with cables altogether in favour of Bluetooth.
The iRig BlueBoard is a rugged and well-built, albeit plastic, pedal board that features four backlit rubber buttons. Powered by four AAA batteries, the BlueBoard also features two extra MIDI inputs to connect expression pedals. Complete with its own app, the BlueBoard converts the control signals to MIDI, allowing you to pair the device to AmpliTube, or other Core MIDI software.
The BlueBoard feels like it can take a knock or two despite the plastic chassis. The unit itself is quite solid and features rubber feet to prevent it moving about on most surfaces. Having gone from the use of the traditional latching button on the iRig Stomp, the blue backlit rubber buttons feel a bit too lightweight under foot. However, the board itself is a good size and the buttons are a good width apart, so the burliest size 13 shouldn't be hitting two buttons at the same time.
Programming presets to the board's four buttons is easy, you can either go for a simple on-off approach with the effects pedals, or have whole amp, mic and effects set-ups with each preset.
The BlueBoard will seamlessly integrate itself with most apps from IK Multimedia, the most obvious being AmpliTube. The unit will also lend its preset hopping skills to SampleTank, VocaLive and iGrand Piano to name but a few.
I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.
“Meticulously crafted analogue and digital circuits all curated from the ground up for bass-centric tonal expansion”: Fender unveils the Bassman effects line – 5 pedalboard essentials for bassists
“A full range of controls for instruments and DAWs, along with a semi-weighted keyboard that’ll please the players”: Novation Launchkey 49 and 61 MK4 review
“It's not quite as dark, but it explores other subjects a little bit more”: Robert Smith confirms existence of ‘companion’ album to Songs Of A Lost World