INNOVATION: Although it contains a few bugs and drawbacks, the Voice Jam application bundle is a powerful tool for aspiring musicians.
By Miguel Toner, Staff Writer
Holding true to its promise of being “your access to performing, creating and sharing amazing musical compositions,” the Voice Jam application (app) bundle by TC-Helicon is a must-buy for aspiring musicians. With its looping-based software and low price, not much can get in the way of this app’s success.
The app bundle includes a variety of functions that add to the overall effect on the user’s experience. The main app is called Voice Jam: Vocal Looper and is the only way to actually record audio. Other apps include a cheaper version called Voice Jam Lite that includes fewer features.
With Voice Jam priced at $6.99 and Voice Jam Lite at $1.99, they are a great buy for musicians who do not want to spend upwards of $500 for looping computer software like Ableton Live. Although these programs are better suited for more serious musicians, Voice Jam is the app for on-the-go musicians who just want to have a good time. It allows them to simultaneously record an audio file while singing a track over it. This gives the user the chance to better understand how to compose something using only their imagination and what they can come up with on the spot. “I use looping softwares all the time, […] such as Loopy HD and GarageBand, but Voice Jam has a few bugs, so I use it recreationally,” Poly student Adrian Gamero (11) said. Gamero further discussed some of the drawbacks he experienced when using the app, such as “faulty recording mechanics” and problems with “saving [his] recordings.”
Some of these faults can be attributed to a user’s smartphone. The app operates by utilizing the phone’s microphone and speakers, but headphones are recommended while using the app to provide users with high-quality audio. Poor audio quality results from the microphone’s inability to filter out surrounding sounds.
Voice Jam also makes saving and sharing recordings difficult. Although you are able to save your recordings within the app, there is a long and complicated process to save and share them outside of the app. You first have to save it to a separate audio file, then save that file to your SoundCloud, which connects your information to other secondary devices. After saving the files to your SoundCloud, the process becomes easier, but it is an additional inconvenience that can take away from the overall experience.
This app, despite its faults, is great for musicians of all skill levels. As a user, the app is fantastic when I want to mess around with harmonies and rhythms. I would recommend this app to anyone who is looking for a casual way to get started in music.