StyleTap update
If you're interested in running Palm OS apps on your Android then you might like to know that StyleTap have added bluetooth support in the latest version of the Palm OS emulation platform.
More details here.
More details here.
Yellofier on the bus!
Yello's awesome app Yellofier is on the bus and more!
- Background audio
- Audiobus support!
- Preview sounds in pattern editor when tapped
- Improve drag detection in arrange view
- Various minor fixes and improvements
Retronyms on the iMPC and iMini updates plus a tabletop sale too
Lots of news from the lovely Retronyms. Over at their blog.
iMPC updates
Here's what's new:
Mute Groups
Assign a pad to mute when an another assigned pad is struck
Retrim
Enhanced integration with increased compatibility
Improvements
Audio Stability
Improved sequence audio stability when returning to Beat 1
Waveform Accuracy
32-bit and 24-bit audio files now show proper waveform graphics in Sampler window
Mute Groups
Assign a pad to mute when an another assigned pad is struck
Retrim
- Edit the start and end point on any sample at any time
- Fine-Grain Tempo Control
- Set your tempos with ultra-precise accuracy up to 1/100 of the BPM value
Enhanced integration with increased compatibility
Improvements
Audio Stability
Improved sequence audio stability when returning to Beat 1
Waveform Accuracy
32-bit and 24-bit audio files now show proper waveform graphics in Sampler window
Distraub Synchrotron Live @ The Orpheum
First time using Glitchbreaks in a live setting.
Distraub is Alex Matheu
Tampa, FL - April 27, 2013
"Unfortunately I didn't get a good audio recording, only the audio from the iPhone that was shooting the video, yep while setting up, I plugged the recording cable into the out of the mini disc recorder!"
Meteor DAW IAP upgrade to 24 tracks on sale at $0.99
Meteor DAW 16 - 24 Track Upgrade In-App now on special offer $0.99/£0.69... fb.me/UoHF21ca
— 4PocketsAudio.com (@4Pockets) April 30, 2013
Musical Android interview with Skarabee, winner of the first Android music competition
Makes for some interesting reading if you're interested in Android music making.
You can find the interview here.
You can find the interview here.
And the latest app to get on the bus is much beloved Alchemy Synth
In what can only be described as a huge update:
- 4-Track Sequencer - Intuitive song sketch pad with mixer and solo/mute
- Audiobus Support - Integrate Alchemy with your mobile studio
- Drum Pads - Create your own beats
- New Sounds - Piano, strings, guitar, drum kits, and more
- Improved Recording - Overdubbing, song position indicator and adjustable track length
- 8 Demo Songs - Hear what Alchemy Mobile can do
- iCloud - Backup and transfer your songs
- Improved Graphics - Now sharper and clearer
- Lower Latency - Snappier performance on iPad3/iPhone 5
- Tutorial - Learn fast
- Simplified Account Signup - Get 35 free presets in one minute
- Song Save - Save and export your songs
- Track Save - Save and load individual tracks
- Swing - Fine tune your groove with adjustable swing
- 8 Extra Demo Songs - Have fun remixing tracks
- Latency Control - Balance polyphony vs. latency
Sunvox on the updated dynamic library
The most important point you might want to take a look at is this:
"added iOS sample project + iOS library"
More details here at the Sunvox blog.
"added iOS sample project + iOS library"
More details here at the Sunvox blog.
Music Tech Fest coming up very soon now (17th to 19th)
Details and tickets (all free) available here.
Seline Ultimate - Ergonomic Synth
Seline Ultimate also adds the new Amidio file manager and fixes some Audiobus issues too.
Ninja Jamm review from Digital DJ Tips
If you wanted to know a bit more about the Ninja Jamm app you might want to take a look at this review from Digital DJ Tips.
OP-1 drumkit tutorial - CUCKOO
I got some request to make a tutorial on how to make a drumkit. And here it is! Now bring out the popcorn and enjoy ;-)
Here's a great update for Gestrument
It's a big update ...
- Add MIDI cc control of play cursor and sliders
- Add rhythm quantization setting
- Add glide function
- Add hold (sustain) toggle
- Play note when pressing pitch scale keyboards
- New help screens divided in several pages
- Add ability to email user presets
- Allow open-in for soundfont files
- Allow deletion of user sound fonts
- Auto-connect to hardware midi sources
- Remember last edited instrument when going back to settings
- Remember last lo/mid/hi quality setting
- Various minor improvements and fixes
Apple Announces developer talks for this fall (that's Autumn for us in the UK).
No actual details as yet, but it's good news for those who missed out on WWDC, which is almost everyone right?
Announcement here.
Announcement here.
DMT 129: Twitter Music and more
Another great episode of Digital Music Trends. Well worth a listen if you're interested in the wider music business.
OMGuitar 2 Demo (new iPad guitar app)
OMGuitar 2 is a free update to all the existing OMGuitar owners. Due to many requests, we decided to optimize the interface (which has been redrawn from scratch using 3D modelling) and replace the CH#RD matrix with the pre-defined chord boxes like in Futulele app. This video shows only pure unprocessed sound and some internal FX. A demonstration of OMGuitar with effects via Audiobus will follow soon!
iMini still 50% off at the moment
iMini is still 50% off in case you missed it. It's down from $19.99 to $9.99
BeatPad running on a Zodiac 2 using GM and Krikit sounds
Interesting to compare the difference between the GM sounds built into the Zodiac 2, and the Krikit engine sounds.
Bhajis Loops on the Zodiac and extra screen space
Just showing the extra screen space available for Bhajis on the Zodiac
Microbe for Palm OS on the Zodiac
Showing the extra screen space available for using Microbe on the Zodiac 2
Sequencing 4 voices out of the CZ101 using Genome
A bit of experimentation with the CZ101 using Genome to access 4 voices in mono.
Music Hack Day Philadelphia (18th and 19th May)
Music Hack Day Philadelphia is coming up very soon. Details here.
MINT.io Groovebox Synth - Music In No Time updated
MINT.io Groovebox Synth gets an update with a new Advanced File Manager. Good to see Amidio keeping the updates coming.
Amidio to release details of their DAW over the next few days
We will reveal the details about our DAW in the next few days! Stay tuned
— Amidio (@AmidioInc) April 29, 2013
Happy Birthday GlitchBreaks, 1 year old today!
#Glitchbreaks is 1 year old, happy birthday :)
— Alex Matheu (@distraub) April 29, 2013
Many happy returns, and ...
@causticsunshine Thank you, I hope I can work on a sibling soon :D
— Alex Matheu (@distraub) April 29, 2013
Maybe a chance of a sibling too ...
Secrets of Subtractive Synthesis, Rob Papen's book, the 4 element synth
Just got this and it looks completely amazing.
I'll be posting on this over the next few weeks as I get into it. It's a big book, with 4 DVDs containing over 10 hours of video.
Music Radar's top Android making music apps
I thought that this might be handy. There's nothing new in there, but you might find an app or two that you didn't know.
Music Radar's top Android making music apps.
Music Radar's top Android making music apps.
The first iOS focussed label arrives, Lazer Kat Records arrives
It was bound to happen sooner or later. Lazer Kat Records arrives. You can read all about what they want to achieve here.
We hope for great things.
We hope for great things.
Amidio Remote - for Futulele and OMGuitar
Here's what's new in Amidio Remote - for Futulele and OMGuitar:
- Support for the all-new OMGuitar guitar synth app! Take a look at it!
- New graphics, iPhone 5 support
- Connection stability improved
That's what it is!
I've always wanted one of these and I finally got one for just £30! As I get used to it I'll show you what it can do.
Anything new for the wait list?
It's Monday, is there anything that needs adding into the wait list? Let me know if there is, or just take a look and see what's coming up.
BitWiz Audio Synth is on the bus and more
Here's what's new:
- Full Audiobus support: input/filter/output slots!
- Add main output level slider (in Library menu screen)
- Fix code update when deleting characters
- Various minor improvements and bugfixes
StepPolyArp - Midi Step Polyphonic Arpeggiator on the bus
StepPolyArp - Midi Step Polyphonic Arpeggiator is now on the bus is version 2.1.
Here's this week's round up
So it felt like not quite such a busy week as the last few. Even so there were a few things going on in Mobile World. Here's the round up.
Apps on the bus:
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Apps on the bus:
- Beat Twirl got on the bus
- Different drummer got on the bus
- Portable Dandy on the bus too
- GuitarTone is on the bus
- Novation LaunchKey is on too
- Crystal Synth XT is on the bus
- Changeling sequencer adds new features
- Unity gets some MIDI love
- Circle Synth for Android arrives
- G-Stomper 2.5 arrives
- LIVKONTROL arrives for Android
- Music Tech Fest coming in May
- Oscillator app coming from Kymatica
- Audio Mastering Studio coming from the maker of MIDI Pattern Sequencer
- Audulus, how to install patches
- nds4droid opens a forum
- Smite Matter turns 2 years old
- A great look at how Sunvox has evolved over the last few years
- iDesignSound also turns two
- Monotron MIDI-if demo
- GuitarJack 2 USB is due in June
- Musical Android contest 2 announced
- emSynth, affordable breadboard modular coming
- MeeBlip Micro Black is coming at the end of May
- Amidio says Hexatone 2 is coming and they're still working on their DAW
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Crystal Synth XT on the bus
Crystal Synth XT adds Audiobus support (at least an iPhone 5 or IPad 3rd gen recommended for use with Audiobus.)
Wobble Bass Station HD is now free
Wobble Bass Station HD for iPad is down in price from $0.99 to free.
iOS Music and you podcast: Genome MIDI Sequencer Interview
Great to hear David Wallin interviewed about his excellent apps. Listen to the podcast here.
OP-1 - Bärbar syntheziser
OP-1 - Bärbar syntheziser from Stora Designpriset on Vimeo.
Now that's an interesting video showing how the OP-1 evolved.
Results from Record Store Day
As Record store was only last week I thought it would be useful to share some of the results from hypebot:
- Total album sales increased 60% over the previous week
- Vinyl LPs at independent record stores sold 200,000 units vs. 147,000 units last year
- 244,000 vinyl albums were sold during the entire week from all retailers
- Vinyl albums were 37% of all album sales in any format that week
- 14 vinyl albums sold more than 1,000 copies each
- 82% of vinyl LPs last week were sold at independent record stores
- Album sales in all formats at indie stores was up 59% percent over sales from the previous week
MIDI MIND update
Guess what? More MIDI functionality comes to MIDI MIND:
- MIDI IN & OUT are separately selectable
- Multiple MIDI OUT(s) can be selected
- Virtual MIDI IN & OUT available
- Keyboard function extended
- More Octaves available in Keyboard output
- Harmonies shown on Keyboard output page
MIDI TEST BOX LOGGER update
MIDI TEST BOX LOGGER update:
- MIDI IN & OUT are separately selectable
- Multiple MIDI OUT(s) can be selected
- Virtual MIDI IN & OUT available
Pictures of, and links to the forthcoming Audio Mastering Studio
A few pictures of the new app from the maker of MIDI Patter Sequencer. More details available at the MIDI Patter Sequencer blog, and Motion Soundscape blog.
Novation Launchkey on the bus
Launchkey is on the bus and more. Here's what's new:
- Introducing Audiobus support: Now you can stream live audio directly to other Audiobus-compatible apps! See http://audiob.us for more information
- Can now set Tempo, use the ARP/TEMPO button to switch control
- Can now set Volume, use the OCTAVE/VOL button to switch control
- 10 New Patches
- Now set all app settings from in-app menu
- Now allows MIDI Input Port selection
- Find useful links in the about section
Unity Synthesizer updated with some cool new MIDI features
Here's what's new:
- multiple MIDI channel support, up to 16 MIDI channels with GM drum support on channel 10
- MIDI legato pedal (CC#68) support puts program in 'legato last' mode when the pedal is pressed
- MIDI expression (CC#11) supports accent volume properly
- restoring after previous failed/incomplete restore displays restore status properly
Mobile Music Production gets the scoop on a new iPad app: Audio Mastering Studio
Mobile Music Production (site) has the scoop on a great looking new tool for your iPad. Made by Igor Vasiliev of the MIDI Pattern Sequencer (iPad), this looks quite amazing.
Peavey Ampkit LiNK HD
AmpKit LiNK HD is a pure digital guitar interface that connects via USB on the Mac, and also supports iOS devices via the 30-pin or Lightning port.
Features:
iOS, Mac and PC compatible: Includes cables for both. Works with all newer iOS devices including iPad, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), iPad (4th generation), iPad mini, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPod touch (4th and 5th generation).
* Low latency PC performance requires ASIO4ALL Universal ASIO Driver
Input and output: LiNK HD not only provides guitar input, but also separate headphone and line out jacks. Ideal for live shows and recording.
Control at your fingertips: LiNK HD includes control knobs for guitar input level and headphone output level. No need to launch an app to adjust levels.
Rugged: Sturdy jacks, robust cable connectors, rubberized non-slip coating.
Charged iOS devices as you play: With the optional AC adapter, you can charge your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch while you play - a must for gigging.
What's you fav app and what do you want from it?
So, which app is keeping you busy right now and what would you really like to see it get updated with? What's the feature you really want to see? Comment it in and here.
The Oscillator, universal iOS tone/noise generator on the way
"The Oscillator, universal iOS tone/noise generator with
From the maker of AudioShare and BitWiz. It'll be amazing!
Lucky Frame get lucky with Wave Trip store promo
Nice to see Wave Trip on the wall in the Apple Store Glasgow!
WWDC Promises a look at iOS 7
So, what would we like to see in iOS7? A cleaner design?
I have to admit that iOS is looking a little messy at the moment.
What would you like to see?
I have to admit that iOS is looking a little messy at the moment.
What would you like to see?
Music Hack Day - Philadelphia May 18 - 19, 2013
Registration is open and all the details can be found here.
Gestrument Facebook page
Not sure if you knew that there was a Gestrument facebook page. I don't think I knew until yesterday. I was especially pleased to find some of my own Gestrument videos there.
Digital DJ Tips on Toaster, iOS DJ Splitter with a difference
It's an interesting spin on the splitter idea, and a good write up as usual from Digital DJ Tips.
Mixtikl update
Just a little one, but this app has been updated so many time (for free) that it's worth pointing out another completely free update:
- Improved Tempo control, to allow it to be set as low as 10 BPM.
- Fixed issue where custom cell effects were not applied immediately on load or copy/paste.
A new app being "thrown together" by J.Liljedahl/Kymatica?
Throwing together a small oscillator app.. :) twitter.com/j_liljedahl/st…
— J.Liljedahl/Kymatica (@j_liljedahl) April 24, 2013
Doesn't look too bad for something being "thrown together".
Yellofier still free for now
Yellofier is still free for now, but not for too much longer, so if you've missed it so far go get it now.
Amidio: Hexatone 2 coming soon, still working on their DAW
Our next update - Hexatone 2! For iPad, coming soon. Meanwhile, we are still working on our DAW.
— Amidio (@AmidioInc) April 24, 2013
Discchord: Update on iConnectMIDI release dates.
Discchord gives a clearer view on when to expect the iConnectMIDI devices to become available.
Sonoma's GuitarTone gets on the bus
This is great news for a lot of reasons. Firstly it's great to have another excellent app on the bus. Secondly, it's great to see Sonoma heading down the Audiobus route. I really hope we see them add the bus to FourTrack and StudioTrack soon.
Anyway, here's what's in the new release of GuitarTone:
Anyway, here's what's in the new release of GuitarTone:
- Audiobus added, GuitarJack Model 2 24-bit firmware update and bug fixes.
- Audiobus Input and Filter support now included: Record your guitar with the great sounds of GuitarTone in Audiobus enabled apps, like GarageBand, or filter the output of another app, like NLogSynth, before recording it.
- GuitarJack Model 2 24-bit firmware update: Update firmware on your GuitarJack Model 2 iOS I/O interface to get full 24-bit recording and playback using apps that support those features. Also, with this firmware update, input level controls in GarageBand and Multitrack DAW now work with GuitarJack Model 2. See sonomawireworks.com for instructions on how to update your firmware.
- GuitarTone sounds best with Sonoma's GuitarJack Model 2 audio I/O interface with 1/4 inch input, 1/8" stereo input, an 1/8" stereo headphone/line out with increased drive, 24-bit AD/DA converters, impeccable sound and no discernible noise. Perfect for studio quality audio on-the-go!
GetLoFi at Maker Faire 2013 in San Mateo – May 18th-19th
GetLoFi Will be at the Maker Faire 2013 in San Mateo – May 18th-19th. Go say hi if you can, they'll have lots of goodies there.
Audio on Android interview with Image Line on their release of FL Studio Mobile for Android
Available from Audio on Android here.
LIVKONTROL now on Android
Available at Google Play.
Turning drawings into a music game with Arduino and other cool things ...
A post about this at the Arduino blog. It has an interesting mix of technologies, from Arduino and Android to conductive ink.
Mutable Sounds ...
A mix of tracks made with gear from Mutable Instruments. Contains tracks made using Synths like the Shruthi-1, Ambika and Anushri. It's meant to showcase the instrument's sonic capabilities through actual tracks.
Via 8Tracks.
Molecule Synth on eBay goes today
The last day for this molecule synth on eBay. It seems there's been some interest in it now. At the time of posting it's up to about $150 with just under 10 hours to go.
A Molecule Synth on eBay
Portable Dandy on the bus
Here's what's new in 1.2:
- AudioBus support
- UI improvements and bug fixes
- new Icon
Read Discchord, you won't regret it
Whether you're a mobile musicians or developer (or both), you should check out Discchord for news and opinion, and if you're a developer take a look at the test services on offer too.
MeeBlip micro Black, the micro evolves and will be with us in late May!
Having already got the MeeBlip SE I think that the micro is going to be an essential next step for me. The micro Black has some awesome new features:
- A compact, surface-mount design. Keeping micro little is a big goal. We’ve added features without expanding the footprint. As you can see in the image, that has meant squeezing a lot onto the board.
- A USB port. MeeBlip micro still has standard DIN MIDI connections, but it adds USB. That means:
- MIDI over USB. You can now connect to a computer without the need for a separate interface. (Class-compliant support means the iPad works, too, via a Camera Connection Kit.)
- Easier programmability, over USB. The USB port also works for modifying MeeBlip micro’s firmware, so you can hack your micro or use firmware updates from us and other users – no more need for an additional hardware adapter.
- Knobbier than ever. 16:1 multiplexing now lets you add more knobs – you can have one for each parameter and still have knobs left over. We have direct switch inputs, too.
- No more lost patches. A snapshot save button writes the current patch to memory so that it’s saved when you turn off MeeBlip. You can change the default MIDI receive channel with that button, too.
emSynth Affordable Breadboard Modular Synth coming soon
This is amazing! A tiny, and I mean really tiny modular synth for about a 1/20th of the cost of a traditional modular. I'll be keeping an eye out for this.
Details here, and the news page for emSynth here.
Via Matrixsynth.
Details here, and the news page for emSynth here.
Via Matrixsynth.
G-Stomper 2.5 arrives
This excellent Android drum machine / sequencer goes from strength to strength. Here's what's new:
- New Note Grid Sequencer: Matrix like 2-dimensional sequencer module to create melodies (in the Select View Menu)
- New Auto-Complete Modulation: Set Key Steps and connect them automatically with a smooth movement (special thanks to Karl for the hint and his help)
- Samples are now played when hitting the piano roll on running sequencer
- Fixed an issue with the Android 4.2 SdCard mount path
- Minor bugfix in the Note Step-By-Step record mode
- Minor bugfix in the note shifting module
NinjaJamm prototyped in Max and TouchOSC
Who knew? The NinjaJamm app was prototyped using Max and a favourite of mine, TouchOSC. You can read a little bit more over at Cycling 74.
New MIDI features in FunkBox are awesome
I'm just saying because the 3.3 update is really good. The new MIDI features are just great.
Gestrument through BitWiz AudioSynth
Gestrument processed through BitWiz Audio Synth (connected by Audiobus)
Magellan Jr video
As my app of the week last week was Magellan Jr for it's lovely little sequencer I thought I'd make a little video of it running.
Why not join the iOS Music Community?
The iOS Music Community looks like a good place to share stuff. Take a look at the site.
Melody Monsoon, new album made with an OP-1
Part Beat Tape
Part Instrumental Pop
Created Entirely on a Teenage Engineering OP-1
In case you missed it, there's a Chimera bC16 on eBay (as used by Depeche Mode apparently)
I think that this is the bC16 that was on eBay a week or two ago. Anyway, it's still very rare, and if you want it, it starts at $350.
Chimera Synthesis BC-16 rare modular synthesizer
GuitarJack USB due in June
GuitarJack 2 USB planned release in June 2013... fb.me/GCMKAkWJ
— Sonoma Wire Works (@sonomawireworks) April 22, 2013
Waldorf Rocket Paraphony Test
Video description:
The internal oscillator of Rocket can act as single voice or eight (virtual) voices with pre-ordered parallel harmonization or paraphony under MIDI keyboard control.
I'm getting more and more tempted ...
Chimera bC16 on eBay (again)
I'm sure that this is the bC16 that was on eBay a week or two ago. Anyway, it's still super rare, and if you want it, it starts at $350.
Chimera Synthesis BC-16 rare modular synthesizer