And if you're blown away by the track-mashing skills of top DJs, try Rocudo DJ Studio (Free with IAPs) - it's a loop launcher stuffed with pro-quality samples that will have you sounding like Deadmau5 in no time.
Enthusiast
It's easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer number of options for stepping up your game, so let's sort the sheep from the goats. Apple's iPad Camera Connection Kit (£25) doesn't just play nicely with photography gear - it also provides a sneaky way to hook up MIDI keyboards with a light power draw.
There are tons of quality compact 'boards out there - we like Korg's microKEY 25 (£49) for its velocity-sensitive keys and wicked pitch/mod stick. You can use controllers like this to play synth apps such as Korg's iMS-20 for iPad (£10.99), a virtual recreation of legendary hardware.
You can also use them to play the piano instruments in GarageBand and other digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Blip Interactive NanoStudio (£5.49) and Intua BeatMaker 2 (£13.99).
iPhone and iPod touch users can't use the CCK to connect, so they should investigate Akai's SynthStation 25 (£49), where Apple's hardware slots straight into the keyboard. Its app compatibility limited, but you can put together some cool ditties with the accompanying SynthStation app (£1.49), which boasts three synth layers plus a drum machine.
Propellerhead's Figure (69p) is an iPhone/iPod touch app that delivers lead synth, bass and drums powered by the company's celebrated Thor synth and Kong drum machine. With an innovative yet easy-to-grasp interface, it offers a unique, ephemeral method of putting together loops.
Music software behemoth Native Instruments has also brought its industry-standard technology to the iPhone with iMaschine (£2.99), a simple yet powerful beat sketchpad.
The world is an amp-shaped oyster for guitarists - connect your axe with Apogee Jam (£70) and you can rock out dozens of amps, cabs and pedals with AmpKit (Free, with IAPs) plus many other apps, including GarageBand.
Record audio into your iOS device by attaching IK Multimedia iRig Mic (£32) - this condenser mic teams up with the VocaLive app (Free, with IAPs) to create swash-buckling vocal effects. If you already own a mic, attach it to your iOS device through IK's iRig Pre (£25).
Singer/songwriters might prefer Tascam's iXZ box (£39) for connecting both a guitar and mic at once. You need to hear what you're doing, and M-Audio's Studiophile AV30 speakers (£70) are the men for the job - plug them into the headphone jack. If you've got some extra cash, splash out on their big brothers - the AV40s (£96).
Professional
An iPad can be the perfect complement to your studio setup, but what's the best way to get everything connected?
The Alesis iO Dock for iPad (£140) is about to become your new best friend - it's hosting a veritable port party. Through it you can hook up MIDI and USB MIDI gear, mics, instruments, headphones and sound systems to your iPad. You'll need some serious studio monitors, with the KRK Rokit 8s (£399) delivering an almighty bang for your buck. If you've got deep pockets, investigate the Genelec 8000 series (£575+).
If you need to make some recordings out in the field and your iO Dock is napping back in your studio, the pocket-sized Apogee Mic (£163) could be just the ticket - this little fella plugs straight into the dock connector.
Turn recordings into samples through SampleWiz (£6.99), a powerful app that offers both conventional and unusual editing interfaces. Voice Synth (£1.99) is an intuitive effect for turning vocal snippets into anything from T-Pain to a T-Rex.
Animoog (£6.99 for iPhone; £20.99 for iPad) brings the famously rich and dynamic sounds of the iconic synth manufacturer to your iOS device. If virtual analogue synths are your thing, also check out NLog MIDI Synth for iPhone (£2.99) and iceGear's Cassini (£2.99 for iPhone/ iPod touch; £1.99 for iPad). Alchemy Synth Mobile (Free with IAPs) is a port of Camel Audio's top-notch subtractive synth.
