# Embracing Technology in Music: An Evening of Creative Discovery
Last night, I underwent a technological revelation that changed my casual guitar-playing experiences into a lively and captivating creative outlet. As someone who has always loved blending my enthusiasm for music with technology, I found myself amid a perfect combination of gadgets and software that rekindled my passion for music creation.
## The Core: DigiTech RP155
At the core of my setup is the **DigiTech RP155**, a multi-effects processor that has been my reliable ally for 15 years. This device has withstood the test of time, allowing me to connect my electric guitar to an array of recording applications, including GarageBand. While I mainly use it for recording my playing sessions on video, its USB-B output has unlocked a realm of opportunities for music production.
## The Revolutionary Addition: Rockster Air 2
Recently, I included the **Fender x Teufel Rockster Air 2** Bluetooth speaker in my tech collection. This remarkable device stands almost two feet tall, weighs 30 pounds, and is crafted for portability with its integrated handles. Featuring a powerful 7,800 mAh battery that provides up to 58 hours of playback, it’s ideal for extended jam sessions.
### Highlighted Features of the Rockster Air 2:
– **Bluetooth 5.0** with support for aptX, aptX HD, and AAC codecs.
– **Inputs:**
– XLR microphone input
– Instrument input (6.3 mm stereo jack)
– AUX input
– USB-C port (also serves as a power bank)
– **Outputs:**
– XLR output
This speaker enables me to wirelessly play audio from my iPhone and iPad, power my USB-C devices, and connect my guitar for 80 watts of amplification. A standout feature is the ability to play guitar over music from my phone, with independent volume controls for each audio source. This functionality made jamming along with my favorite blink-182 tracks incredibly enjoyable.
## Delving into GarageBand
Before starting my playing session, I launched GarageBand on my iPad to adjust my guitar using its tuner feature. I also revisited the drummer feature that I hadn’t explored in a while. With the Rockster Air 2 already streaming music from my iPad, the drum track seamlessly meshed with my guitar, creating a rich and layered sound experience. The M4 iPad Pro acted as an excellent interface, enhancing my creative process with its user-friendly design.
## Recording with New Technology
In my quest to enhance my recording setup, I decided to use my **iPhone 16** as a webcam for Photo Booth on my Mac. I aimed to experiment with recording guitar and vocals separately utilizing the new **Rode Wireless Micro** lav mics. However, both my iPad and iPhone were already occupied. Fortunately, my new **M4 Mac mini** was right in front of me, featuring two front-facing USB-C ports.
To my excitement, linking the Rode Wireless Micro receiver to the Mac was successful. The LED indicators confirmed that both mics were securely connected, and the audio input interface recognized “Wireless MICRO” as a source. This arrangement allowed me to attach one mic close to the amp to capture guitar and drum sounds while placing another mic on my shirt for vocals.
## The Outcome: A Creative Breakthrough
With everything set up, I could record a session that combined video and audio effortlessly. The iPhone captured the visuals while the Mac handled the audio from both mics. The outcome was a casual yet liberating songwriting experience, enhanced by the synergy of my iPhone, iPad, Mac, and the remarkable audio equipment I had assembled.
This evening of exploration reminded me of the joy found in merging technology with music. It serves as a testament to how far we’ve advanced in making music creation accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts like myself. Whether you’re an experienced musician or just beginning, embracing technology can elevate your creative endeavors to new heights.
### Follow My Journey
If you’d like to stay connected with my musical experiences and tech explorations, feel free to follow me on [X](http://twitter.com/apollozac), [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/apollozac.bsky.social), and [Instagram](http://instagram.com/apollozac). You can also support my work by shopping for Apple products on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/3UQIaBK).
Let’s keep the music alive!
