Fender recently released a free new app, called Fender Studio, designed to record directly into an onboard DAW, which allows to record, arrange, edit, postprocess, etc. several tracks. It even has some tools for vocal editing. Audio tracks from elsewhere can be imported. The app runs on all devices and PC and supports Android, IOS and other operating systems.
It comes with a variety of presets and effects as well as a few jam tracks.
When you sign up at Fenders website, they provide some more functions, including a bigger variety of amps. The whole application is targeted on an easy approach to quickly record e.g. musical ideas or also for composing, or maybe when one is not at home. https://youtu.be/a9FE2Wr-YRg?si=E40Lr8fbVUJaO84m
Additionally they sell a small audio interface you can directly plug into the guitar and your device for direct recording into the DAW (otherwise the mic of your device will be used, as far as I’ve seen).
The interface is around 80 Euro. https://youtu.be/bmAE-CNfPOs?si=YiqdH4LqvJt6b-os
On first sight, this might be a very easy and straightforward option or setup for instant recording or self recording, maybe even for looping for those who are out for a simple approach.
The DAW might be a bit limited for more experienced users but maybe could be a first solution to get started. Or to do some quick recordings “on the fly” as they say.
The handling reminds me a bit of Garageband.
I’m currently recording acoustic for self assessment with my phone recorder and electric also just with the phone in front of the amp. Or I use Garageband on an older IPad.
I’ve downloaded the app yesterday and signed up with my account, but so far I didn’t get unlocked the extra amp models. I didn’t have the time yet to record something, so I can’t share my own experience at this point.
I’m curious, if somebody here already has some experience with this new tool and would like to share and if it’s worth going deeper.
Oh, yes, read about it.
On my main computer (WIndows), I’m well served already with a DAW, but I read that (like you said) there’s a mobile version of the new Fender DAW a bit like Garageband and for free with enough features for a small project.
Sorry, but I didn’t try it yet. I will, I promise!
I’d really wish the latency on Android would be lower!
(So you could use an effect on your voice/instument and listen to it in nearly realtime, so with no noticeable delay)
“Fender Link I/O™ is the best-sounding and easiest way to record guitar with your favorite device. Its high-fidelity audio, amp-like dynamics and zero-latency monitoring make it the ultimate tool for capturing ideas anywhere.”
(Fender website)
I don’t know, if this addresses the latency problems you’ve experienced…?
No, your text refers to Link I/O which is the audio interface. and if it features zero latency monitoring (like other AI do too, but to be honest I don’t know how big a percentage have that feature).
Of course it helps, but you’ll listen to what you put into the device, without effects.
So if you rely on an internal amp sim of Fender Studio or would like to put a reverb on your vocal, it will be quite a bit delayed in Android. (while some smartphones/tablets were not so far from being ok I think to remember)
I did have a look at it. It got me thinking that with the Fender Micro Plus there isn’t two way audio if I recall correctly but on the katana go there was two way audio therefore allowing you to connect you kantana go to you phone via cable to record yourself playing to backing tracks on your phone.
Hi James, thanks for the comment!
To be precise, I was mainly interested in exactely this new Fender Studio DAW App, as it may allow some quick recording and a set of options afterwards for non pros like me.
I actually own a Fender Micro Plus and it’s possible to run a BT through the Micro via Bluetooth and to record the guitar into an IPad via USB also.
I also have a Blackstar Amp I can play the BT through and record into my PC, but it sounds .
I don’t use a DAW so far (only had a few attempts to use Garageband).
I’m simply a bit limited in time and energy I can dedicate to guitar atm and it’s better used for practicing then to fumble around with setups.
So this App might be an option worth checking out also for others .
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