Apple Introduces Two New Jam Packs

Apple today introduced two new Jam Packs for its GarageBand music creation software, giving musicians and aspiring musicians alike all of the loops and software instruments they need to create music in the genre of their choice. Jam Pack 2: Remix Tools makes it easy to produce compelling dance, hip-hop and electronica tracks; and Jam Pack 3: Rhythm Section offers songwriters a complete backing band to help build a professional sounding foundation for their rock, alternative and country music.

“GarageBand and the original Jam Pack made it possible for anyone, regardless of their musical background, to easily create great sounding music on their Mac”, said Rob Schoeben, Apple's vice president of Applications Marketing. “With these two new Jam Packs, musicians and aspiring musicians can delve deeper into their favourite genre. GarageBand just got better”.

Jam Pack 2: Remix Tools offers more than 2,000 additional loops, 20 new beat kits (Techno, R&B, House, Trance), new synth and sound effect instruments and classic drum machines from Roland (TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, CR-78), turning the Mac into an easy-to-use, all-in-one dance and urban music production tool. Jam Pack 3: Rhythm Section includes an additional 2,000 loops and over 50 new instruments to make GarageBand an even more powerful music creation tool. New drums (Jazz Brushes, Indie Rock, Warehouse Kit), basses (Motown, Liverpool, Progressive Rock, Unplugged) and guitars (Dobro Slide, Bluegrass Banjo, Bluesy Acoustic, Heavy Metal Electric) are a sample of the professional-quality software instruments that come with Rhythm Section.

“With GarageBand I have an amazing backing band even when I'm writing songs at home”, said Ed Robertson, guitarist and vocalist for the Barenaked Ladies. “The instruments and loops in the new Jam Pack 3: Rhythm Section sound incredibly realistic and natural — even acoustic and folk instruments, which are typically difficult to recreate on a computer”.

“I've listened to all of the sound modules and libraries out there for dance music and the quality of Remix Tools is the best I've ever heard”, said Chris Cox, Grammy nominated dance remix producer for artists Madonna, Britney Spears, Cher, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera. “I can literally use these loops and instruments to cut a record today. It's almost scary to know that everyone will have access to so many great sounds”.

GarageBand, part of Apple's award-winning iLife '04 suite of digital lifestyle applications, allows both novice and seasoned musicians to easily play, record and create amazing music using a remarkably simple interface. With GarageBand, recorded performances, digital audio and looping tracks can easily be arranged and edited like building blocks to create a song. Songs made with GarageBand can be imported into iTunes and used within movie or slideshow projects created with iMovie, iPhoto and iDVD.

Apple offers a complete line of integrated music creation tools that addresses the needs of consumers, students, educators, creative pros and professional musicians alike. For consumers, GarageBand turns the Mac into a high-quality musical instrument and complete recording studio. Logic Pro 7 is Apple's professional music creation and audio production software line for musicians and audio engineers. Logic Express 7 is a streamlined version of Logic, providing a basic set of professional tools for students, educators and advanced hobbyists. GarageBand Jam Packs, including the new Remix Tools and Rhythm Section packs, provide additional professional quality loops and instruments for GarageBand, Logic Express 7 and Logic Pro 7 for £69 (inc VAT). Projects created with GarageBand can be easily imported into Logic Express 7 and Logic Pro 7, providing an easy upgrade path for music hobbyists who are ready to graduate to a more advanced audio production tool. Additionally, everything learned in Logic Express 7 is directly transferable to Logic Pro 7.

Pricing & Availability:

The new Jam Packs are available now through the Apple Store and Apple Authorised Resellers for a suggested retail price of £69 (inc VAT) each. Jam Pack 1 is also available for a suggested retail price of £69 (inc VAT). GarageBand comes bundled with all new Macs and is available as part of iLife '04, for a suggested retail price of £39 (inc VAT) through the Apple Store and Apple Authorised Resellers.

GarageBand and Jam Packs require Mac OS X v10.2.6 or later, QuickTime 6.4 or later, a Macintosh computer with PowerPC 600MHz or faster G3, G4, or G5 processor, 256MB or more physical RAM and a 1024x768 or larger display. A G4 or G5 processor is required for GarageBand software instruments.

Press Contacts:
Apple UK and Ireland Public Relations
Email: media.uk@apple.com
Phone: (020) 8218 1440