Using a Smartphone to Emulate an Amp for Live Performance

This video offers examples of how to use a smartphone to get an amplified blues harmonica tone rather than an amp and pedals. Software such as Amplitube, used here, will not only model various tube and solid state amplifiers, but also offers effects, recording, mixing, looping, and the ability to play along with backing tracks… as well as other features.

The various interfaces available also offer a variety of channels and features, including microphone and instrument inputs, MIDI, and footswitch/footpedal style controllers. For this video the iRig Pro Duo was used.

About John Shirley

John Shirley is a Professor of Music at the University of Massachusetts Lowell teaching in both the Sound Recording Technology and Composition for New Media programs. John is also a fellow student at BluesHarmonica.com. John’s genre-busting EP, Not So Blue, contains music using various harmonicas (diatonic, chromatic, XB40 and bass) and is available for listening on his YouTube Channel. On his channel you’ll also find experimental electro-acoustic pieces for live solo harmonica (one originally written for, and performed by, Howard Levy entitled 8-Bit Attitude