Music App Blog on CoTracks
CoTracks only arrived last week, but as the busy world of mobile music moves very fast indeed you may have missed this one. If you did then take a look at this comprehensive review from the Music App Blog.
SPC – Music Sketchpad version 2.2.0 arrives
Here's what’s new, version 2.2.0:
More information and detail at the Mikrosonic website.
- Improved low latency support for devices with a 48 kHz sample rate such as the Nexus 4, htc One, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3
- Support for Intel x86 CPUs
- Support for screens with HVGA resolution
- Improved Delay effect
- Improved Cut Off for the Filter effect
- 10 inch portrait view fix
- Reset knobs to zero position by double tab
- Sample preview in browser, start and stop pad by double tab
More information and detail at the Mikrosonic website.
Arctic ProSynth for iPad arrives
Arctic Pro Synthesizer / Vocoder is a modern subtractive synthesizer. It does not aim to accurately model or re-create vintage synths of yesteryear. Instead Arctic Pro offers the contemporary synthesist a rude, rough, bold and tough palette of sound to get stuck into. Including two massively fat HyperOscillators, dual filters, and easy to re-order master effects. While the Vocoder, used in conjunction with a suitable microphone, adds an extra dimension to your musical performance.
HyperOscillators
Combine two HyperOscillators and one Sub Oscillator for some seriously fat sounds. Layer up to 8 oscillators in unison to create very thick and powerful tones. Spread detune and Mix these separate oscillators in real-time. More than just a "SuperSaw" - it's also a Super-square and Super-triangle.
Powerful Presets
Legendary sound designer John ‘Skippy’ Lehmkuhl has exclusively designed the factory presets. John has worked as a professional sound designer since 1988 for Korg - making patches, combinations, drum kits as well as creating the sample data for almost every synth Korg has released since the M1. If you have owned one of these historic synthesizers you have heard John's presets.
Sharing
Arctic Pro includes everything you need to record and share your audio and MIDI with others. Live record to WAV and MIDI files. Upload to SoundCloud. Use AudioCopy, open audio directly in apps, or share with Kymatica AudioShare. Presets and Banks can be emailed and transferred via Wi-Fi and iTunes Files Sharing. And of course we also support Audiobus.
SPECIFICATION
- Synthesis: analog modelling
- Polyphony: up to 4 voices
- HyperOscillators: 2 per voice, alias free, saw, triangle and square with pulse width, hard sync, ring mod, noise generator, sub-oscillator
- Filter: 2 multi-mode resonating filter with 4 filter types and variable routing
- Envelopes: mod, filter and amp ADSR envelopes with adjust curve
- Modulation: 2 LFOs with multiple wave shapes, sample and hold, 3 routable destinations per LFO, independently sync-able
- Effects: stereo master effect processors with adjustable order: 3-band EQ, Distortion, Chorus, Phaser, Vocoder, Delay, Reverb
- Arpeggiator: classic arpeggiator with octave shift, MIDI-sync-able
- Sequencer: 16 x 4 gated step sequencer with multiple modulation destinations, MIDI-sync-able
- Keyboard: glissando, scroll, multi-touch poly pitch bend and aftertouch
- Works with Wizdom Music's Geo Synthesizer continuous pitch bend
- Polyphonic Aftertouch for use with CME Xkey
FEATURES
- Audiobus
- KORG Wireless-Sync Start Technology (WIST)
- Sonoma AudioCopy
- MIDI Learn
- Live phrase recorder with audio and MIDI export
- File and patch sharing via iTunes File Sharing, e-mail and Wi-Fi
- Supports external MIDI in and out via CoreMIDI Networking and USB with the Camera Connection Kit
- Audio background operation
- Virtual MIDI Ports
- Open Music App Collaboration compliant
Requirements:
- iPad 2 or later recommended
- iOS 5.1 or later
Arctic Pro is priced at $9.99
That Akai Trackman is still on eBay
My guess is that it's just too expensive for the kind of people who are in the market for this kind of vintage(-ish) hardware. It's certainly too pricey for me.
Anyway, if you missed if from a week or so ago, here's another chance to take a look.
AKAI U-5 Trackman Studio Multitrack on eBay
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AKAI U-5 Trackman Studio Multitrack on eBay
A Bleep Labs Thingamagoop 2 RGB on eBay
I love mine, they're loads of fun and this one is one of the see through ones too. I'd be tempted myself but it doesn't seem to ship to the UK.
Bleep Labs Thingamagoop 2 RGB on eBay
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.
Back in 2008: A first round up on iPhone apps
It's strange to think of a time when you could round up all the apps for a platform (like iOS) in a single post. But back in 2008 this is what I did. You can read the round up of the first batch of iPhone music making apps right here.
Polychord Mini arrives
Polychord, the award-winning music app for beginners and experts alike now fits in your hand.
Used in the studio by world-class bands to help write songs, polychord plays along while you discover interesting chord progressions and melodies.
Polychord Mini sports most of the features of our flagship app, all in convenient package that you can take anywhere. Special introductory price, get it while it's hot.
Polychord Mini is currently $1.99.
Back in 2008: miniSynth arrived!
Well it didn't take very long to get here. After a quick look yesterday miniSynth from Yonac arrived the next day (today). You can read the original post here.
A big happy 5th Anniversay to Yonac
I can't believe it's 5 years since Yonac first brought miniSynth to the app store. I can remember first playing with it, on a train in fact, and thinking that things were really starting to take off for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Since then Yonac have done amazing things and to celebrate, apart from putting lots of their great apps on sale, miniSynth 2 is free for a few more hours. So grab it, grab a bargain or two and celebrate a truly great developer who has been around since the start and keeps going from strength to strength.
All the best to the team at Yonac, and here's to the next 5 years!
Find miniSynth 2 and lots of other great Yonac apps on the app store:
Back in 2009: A surprise coming to Windows Mobile!
Well in 2009 as everything was moving more and more towards iOS (as it was to become) I didn't expect to see 4Pockets announced Aurora for Windows Mobile. It was a complete surprise although not in any way unwelcome at all. I still have it on my Windows Mobile PDA. Read the original post on Aurora for Windows Mobile.
Back in 2008: A first look at Yonac's miniSynth
Yonac's first ever iPhone app, miniSynth was an amazing step to see a little synth on your iPhone. You can read the original post (with video) here.
Hold The Line (iPhone Mix)- Unreleased by charlienorth
Written whilst waiting for someone to finish a phone call. Created entirely on the iPhone 4S. Apps used: Nanostudio Figure iKaossilator AudioShare
Animoog gets new vintage synth packs as IAP
Animoog Expansion Packs are available as an In-App purchase in the Animoog Store.
Monster Moog Expansion Pack
167 Timbres and 48 presets. This massive expansion pack was crafted using harmonic content extracted from new and classic Moog instruments including a System 15 Modular, Minitaur, 904a Filter, Freq Box, Bode Frequency Shifter, Sub Phatty, and more.
Vintage Vibe Expansion Pack
114 Timbres and 46 presets. This expansion pack was created using vintage synthesizer VCOs and Filters to shape unique timbral content, resulting in Timbres and Presets with the sound and vibe of the beloved synths of the 1980’s.
Vintage FX Expansion Pack
41 presets and 53 timbres.This expansion pack's Timbral content has been extracted from a wealth of vintage modular, rack, and stomp box effects including multiple analog delays, phasers, frequency shifters, resonant filters, & vocal phase filters."
Animoog on the app store:
Monster Moog Expansion Pack
167 Timbres and 48 presets. This massive expansion pack was crafted using harmonic content extracted from new and classic Moog instruments including a System 15 Modular, Minitaur, 904a Filter, Freq Box, Bode Frequency Shifter, Sub Phatty, and more.
Vintage Vibe Expansion Pack
114 Timbres and 46 presets. This expansion pack was created using vintage synthesizer VCOs and Filters to shape unique timbral content, resulting in Timbres and Presets with the sound and vibe of the beloved synths of the 1980’s.
Vintage FX Expansion Pack
41 presets and 53 timbres.This expansion pack's Timbral content has been extracted from a wealth of vintage modular, rack, and stomp box effects including multiple analog delays, phasers, frequency shifters, resonant filters, & vocal phase filters."
Animoog on the app store:
And another lovely sound toy from noiseToySound ... SpiralSet
SpiralSet - Soundtoy for iPad from Andy Dolphin on Vimeo.
Following on from my post from last night about interfaces I think that this and the two apps that I've just posted from the same developer shows what I mean about alternative interfaces and also about putting playfulness back into music making.
And actually, these apps are fun to muck around with. They're sound toys, you have to play, right?
And something else very playful from noiseToySound, SonicScan Touch
SonicScan Touch - Soundtoy for iPad from Andy Dolphin on Vimeo.
I do love these playful and very different interfaces.
A few thoughts about SeekBeats
It's only been a few weeks since this app arrived. I know that it's easy for us to forget about stuff like this quite quickly as new apps and updates arrive, and it's also quite easy to miss stuff like this with the huge amount of mobile news.
So I wanted to say a few things about SeekBeats. This is an app from the developer of TweakyBeat which is another great drum synth, but SeekBeats goes way further and it isn't until you start to dig in to this app that you realise just how flexible it is. I love synth drums and the more extreme the better. SeekBeats is going to fill all my synth drum needs for quite some time. Here's why ...
One of the great features, just one, is that you can adjust the filter to only work on the noise element of a drum patch or on the whole of the patch. How coll is that? The flexibility in the sound design of this app is amazing and very easy to overlook, which is something you shouldn't do.
So, if you missed it, if you overlooked it, then take the opportunity to check it out. You won't be sorry.
In case you missed this, here's iOS Music Community's guide to Modular Synth from Pulse Code Inc
What a great idea, iOS Music Community has published a PDF guide to Pulse Code Inc's new app Modular. You can find the guide here.
And you can get Modular on the app store. It's free.
Some pictures from the Beautiful Octopus Club
I've mentioned this event before, and you should expect to hear more about it too as I was a part of this event running the Sound Lab zone. You can see a big bunch of pictures of the event and one picture of the Sound Lab too.
The pictures are on flickr here.
The pictures are on flickr here.
5 creative ways to promote your music with SoundCloud
I've been meaning to post a link to this because actually some of these ideas are very creative indeed and well worth considering and using in some ways in promoting your own work.
I thought you'd appreciate it.
I thought you'd appreciate it.
Twitter news from @suggathang
@PalmSounds pic.twitter.com/kKnajW4PZA
— suggathang (@suggathang) September 27, 2013
In case you missed this from Wednesday, "Lava" by Doc Pop from his forthcoming album "Destroy All Presets"
And Doc Pop says ...
The first song off of my upcoming album, "Destroy All Presets", coming this November on Monobomb records. "Lava" was written and performed on a Game Boy Advance using Nanoloop 2.5. This video was made one warm afternoon in SF using the Mixx music video app on my iPhone 4S.
I'm so looking forward to this album!
Yellofier still on sale
Yellofier is on sale for the bargain price of $1.99 between September the 24th until October the 10th.
Last day to register to pitch at Music Tech Pitch 4.5 in October
DEADLINE FOR PITCH APPLICATIONS AND EARLY BIRD TICKETS THIS FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER! (THAT'S TODAY!)
Music TechPitch 4.5 is a platform to enable startups specifically within the music-tech industry from all across Europe to showcase their business proposition to a relevant wider audience, including VCs, music industry professionals and experts, journalists, as well as other aspiring and successful music and tech entrepreneurs. This pitching event is a unique opportunity to build more awareness, receive productive feedback from an expert panel, and network with key music-tech industry players.
The evening pitch competition will show-case 8 new music-tech startups. Some of the startups will have participated in the TechPitch 4.5 Workshops, complimentary and open to European tech startups. Music TechPitch 4.5 brings together music-tech startups, music industry, investors, and entrepreneurs.
APPLY TO PITCH AT MUSIC TECHPITCH 4.5!
Deadline: This Friday - 27 September 2013
By getting up on stage and pitching your business idea and model, in this case to the panel of experts we have put together for Music TechPitch 4.5, you will gain exposure and interest from both potential users and potential funders, as well as from media in general. And you get to practise and receive immediate feedback on your pitch.
The pitch session is not about achieving funding immediately, but gaining interest, making connections, and hopefully starting relevant discussions, so if you like the idea of pitching you will be good!
Pitches at 2Pears events are free-of-charge for the pitching companies, which means that the person pitching receives a complimentary ticket for the event. All other company members and interested parties will be required to purchase tickets at best available rate to attend the event.
What we need from you in order to confirm you are eligible to pitch and to make a fair selection of companies for Music TechPitch 4.5 is for you to download the application form and complete all questions on this form and submitting it by 27 September 2013 by email to rassami@2pears.com.
Early bird tickets are available until 27 September 2013 - register here...using promo code PALMSOUNDS for a 10% discount
Music TechPitch 4.5 is a platform to enable startups specifically within the music-tech industry from all across Europe to showcase their business proposition to a relevant wider audience, including VCs, music industry professionals and experts, journalists, as well as other aspiring and successful music and tech entrepreneurs. This pitching event is a unique opportunity to build more awareness, receive productive feedback from an expert panel, and network with key music-tech industry players.
The evening pitch competition will show-case 8 new music-tech startups. Some of the startups will have participated in the TechPitch 4.5 Workshops, complimentary and open to European tech startups. Music TechPitch 4.5 brings together music-tech startups, music industry, investors, and entrepreneurs.
- Music TechPitch 4.5 judges:
- Marie Burmiston, Map Entertainment and Crush Music
- Martin Kummer, Ministry of Sound
- David Fisher, Edge Group
- Mick Grierson, Goldsmiths Collge
- Tom Frederikse, Clintons
- Alan Wallis, Ernst & Young
APPLY TO PITCH AT MUSIC TECHPITCH 4.5!
Deadline: This Friday - 27 September 2013
By getting up on stage and pitching your business idea and model, in this case to the panel of experts we have put together for Music TechPitch 4.5, you will gain exposure and interest from both potential users and potential funders, as well as from media in general. And you get to practise and receive immediate feedback on your pitch.
The pitch session is not about achieving funding immediately, but gaining interest, making connections, and hopefully starting relevant discussions, so if you like the idea of pitching you will be good!
Pitches at 2Pears events are free-of-charge for the pitching companies, which means that the person pitching receives a complimentary ticket for the event. All other company members and interested parties will be required to purchase tickets at best available rate to attend the event.
What we need from you in order to confirm you are eligible to pitch and to make a fair selection of companies for Music TechPitch 4.5 is for you to download the application form and complete all questions on this form and submitting it by 27 September 2013 by email to rassami@2pears.com.
Early bird tickets are available until 27 September 2013 - register here...using promo code PALMSOUNDS for a 10% discount
So, no more vintage top trumps, but it made me think
I wonder what it would be like if we had app top trump cards and what criteria we'd have for apps? That would be a cool kickstarter campaign wouldn't it?
Reminder: Mixtape Alpha Crowdfunding has until the 15th of October
It's very good value at just $42
Elvis Costello's album, "Wise Up Ghost", made in part using an iPad
I posted a link to the Music App blog's very interesting post on Elvis Costello and his use of an iPad in the production of this album. At the time it wasn't out, but now it is. So, for anyone who's interested, you can find it on iTunes by clicking below.
n-Track Studio Multitrack Recorder 3.0 is a big update!
n-Track Studio Multitrack Recorder 3 has arrived and it's a big update. Here's what's new:
New features available via in-app purchase:
- Built-in metronome with programmable tempo changes
- EQ now appears as a popup window
- 2D frequency spectrum sonogram
- iOS 7 compatibility
New features available via in-app purchase:
- MIDI tracks with builtin multi instrument synth
- MIDI editing in the Piano Roll window
- On screen MIDI keyboard
- 3D frequency spectrum
- Support for multiple audio output when using compatible USB devices
Reminder: "Drop Some Acid" Challenge from the iOS Music Community
Twitter news from @j_liljedahl
AUFX:Dub 1.0.4 is now available, with inter-app audio support! https://t.co/ArTenekhMJ
— J.Liljedahl/Kymatica (@j_liljedahl) September 27, 2013
Using Audiobus on a slightly older device? There's some useful tips on how to get the most out of your system
A useful thread on the Audiobus forum on how to get the most out of your system if you're using an iPad 2 or an iPad Mini. Well worth a look so you can get the most out of your hardware.
Phonebloks: Modular LEGO-Like Smartphone Design Cuts Down on Waste
I posted this a few weeks ago and I absolutely love the idea, so much so that I thought I'd post it again.
Twitter news from @GetOfaMahLawn
@PalmSounds Audiobus (iphone) Route of the Day:the quickest way to clear out a room: pic.twitter.com/Lq8HTE6DSL
— Dave Gabriele (@GetOfaMahLawn) September 27, 2013
Shiverware Musix Pro contest ending on the 1st of October
If you'd forgotten about this contest then there's still a little time to get in and submit for it.
You can find all the info you need here.
Cotracks into sale ending on the 30th
Cotracks is only $4.99 until the 30th. After that it goes up to $9.99.
So, who misses the bus route of the day?
I haven't posted any routes for a while now and I wondered if anyone was still interested in seeing or sharing routes? If you are, let me know ok?
So, about interfaces ...
I started to think about this again after a long time and also following a brief discussion on twitter to do with interfaces that were innovative. Let's face it, mobile music has moved a long way from the early days when Palm Sounds started in 2006. A lot has changed and there has been a huge amount of innovation. But even so I don't think that we should let the debate end there.
More recently I've seen lots of new iPad synth apps with some great sound design capabilities, but increasingly, with a common theme in terms of the interface. What's the theme? I'm sure you can guess. Lots of synth apps now have a very similar look and feel with the keyboard occupying the bottom third of the screen and the controls occupying the rest of the screen real estate. Now I'm not saying that this is a bad design. It works, and the reason it works is because users can relate to it very easily. It looks like hardware synths look. That's fine, I understand that, but it doesn't mean that it's the only design for a tablet synth, not does it mean that it's the best.
There are of course many synth apps that don't have this design, like TC-11, Jasuto, Audulus, Reactable etc. These apps and many besides have taken a range of different design styles that suit their own purposes. All of them different, all of them requiring the user to understand how to interact with the UI as well as the controls for the synth itself.
So what am I saying? Well, my point is this, the tablet and the phone are not synth hardware. They lend themselves to mobile use by design and so interfaces that take advantage of this very fact should be where mobile music creation apps are heading. That's my opinion. If I look back to the innovative work that RJDJ did with interfaces and gesture based apps I wonder where this has gone.
So, I'd like to see more interfaces that are suited to being mobile and making music whilst mobile, and also interfaces that are more playful and that encourage exploration and experimentation too.
You may agree with me, you may not. Either way, I'd like to see more debate on this, and I'd like to think that within the overall mobile music community we have the ability to take different approaches.
So, what do you think?
More recently I've seen lots of new iPad synth apps with some great sound design capabilities, but increasingly, with a common theme in terms of the interface. What's the theme? I'm sure you can guess. Lots of synth apps now have a very similar look and feel with the keyboard occupying the bottom third of the screen and the controls occupying the rest of the screen real estate. Now I'm not saying that this is a bad design. It works, and the reason it works is because users can relate to it very easily. It looks like hardware synths look. That's fine, I understand that, but it doesn't mean that it's the only design for a tablet synth, not does it mean that it's the best.
There are of course many synth apps that don't have this design, like TC-11, Jasuto, Audulus, Reactable etc. These apps and many besides have taken a range of different design styles that suit their own purposes. All of them different, all of them requiring the user to understand how to interact with the UI as well as the controls for the synth itself.
So what am I saying? Well, my point is this, the tablet and the phone are not synth hardware. They lend themselves to mobile use by design and so interfaces that take advantage of this very fact should be where mobile music creation apps are heading. That's my opinion. If I look back to the innovative work that RJDJ did with interfaces and gesture based apps I wonder where this has gone.
So, I'd like to see more interfaces that are suited to being mobile and making music whilst mobile, and also interfaces that are more playful and that encourage exploration and experimentation too.
You may agree with me, you may not. Either way, I'd like to see more debate on this, and I'd like to think that within the overall mobile music community we have the ability to take different approaches.
So, what do you think?
Twitter news from @onereddogmedia
Arctic ProSynth preset demos https://t.co/d1UdumHCPX
— One Red Dog Media (@onereddogmedia) September 26, 2013
Twitter news from @onereddogmedia
Available soon pic.twitter.com/tJl3It1JX7
— One Red Dog Media (@onereddogmedia) September 26, 2013
CDR Berlin workshop with AYBEE (deepblak) showing DrumTrack8 running on an iPhone
CDR Berlin workshop with AYBEE (deepblak) from CDR on Vimeo.
Good to see my old friend Tony talking to AYBEE who's using an iPhone running DrumTrack8. It's a long video, he starts talking about the app around 33 minutes in if you wanted to skip to it.
DrumTrack8 on the app store:
The Deep - Drake Music Scotland
This is a great way to integrate touch based hardware and apps into music making. Given my recent experience working with Heart n Soul on the Sound Lab project it is of especial interest.
So a big thank you to Discchord for posting it.
Bruno Mars Treasure iPad/Voicelive cover by Ellen Once Again
It's been a while since I posted one of Ellen's videos and I nearly missed this one! Sorry Ellen.
For this track she used FunkBox for the beat & Loopy for the parts, and the sisters of Voicelive handled the background vocals & harmonies.
Interested in bespoke little MIDI units? Then take a look ...
A friend pointed me at this site not so long ago and I thought that I really ought to share it as I'm sure that there are people than just me who like to check out interesting MIDI gear like this.
So go visit MidiSizer see cool stuff.
Twitter news from @j_liljedahl
Ok, AudioShare 2.5.4 bugfix update (re)submitted, now on to implementing an IAA host inside AudioShare..
— J.Liljedahl/Kymatica (@j_liljedahl) September 26, 2013
BeatMaker 2.5 feature list announced
Intua have just published the feature list for BeatMaker 2.5 and it's pretty amazing. The highlights are:
And the full feature list:
- Apple Inter-app audio hosting: Record, sequence and control your favorite audio apps inside and outside BeatMaker 2.
- INTUA Sound Store: Get free and paid high-quality extension kits through in-app purchases
- MIDI learning directly on the drum sampler pads, and every automatizable controls in BeatMaker 2 (pad note, mixer controls, etc.)
- Version 2.5 is fully compatible with the new iPhones 5S/5c and iOS 7
And the full feature list:
- Compatible with Apple iOS Inter-App Audio (iOS7 only, iPhone+iPad)
- INTUA Sound Store for getting new kits and sound banks
- MIDI note learn on drum machine: configure each drum sampler exactly like your MIDI controller
- MIDI Clock and MIDI transport messages improved
- Quick MIDI CC touch’n'learn on instruments, mixer and effects controls
- Every instrument will listen on MIDI Channel #1 by default
- Take-over mode for reading back sequencer automations
- Looping will no longer reset automations
- OMNI disabled by default
- MIDI Clock messages are sent by default
- Auto-saved sessions (“Last Session”) now saved with project name, in a special directory “Auto-saved Sessions”
- MIDI configuration templates will now save custom note mapping
- GM Drum mapping mode in Drum Machine MIDI configuration panel
- Note length can be edited directly on the pattern editor
- Missing samples will still be displayed on pads and keyboard mapping editor for easier recovery (prefixed with a cross)
- Update to Audiobus SDK 1.0.2
- Other fixes and enhancements
Meeting Mr Junglator!
You might remember this video from a while ago. Well I was lucky enough to meet Mr Junglator (which isn't his real name) last Saturday for a chat about the app and where it's going. I can tell you that the app looks a bit different now, a lot more polished. I got a chance to play around with it briefly and I can tell you that this app is going to be loads of fun to play with. In fact I think that it's appeal is going to be quite a lot wider than the current mobile music community, which is only a good thing in my book.
So, not too long to wait for Junglator now I hope. Expect to hear more about this in the near future.
Midi Controller Pro update
Midi Controller Pro updates with a few nice enhancements. Here's what's new:
- Donut control added (multiple round buttons).
- Script enhancements.
- More iOS 7 compatibilities fixed.
- Limited knobs added.
- Multiple timer added.
Amplify.IO site gets a refresh
The Amplify.io site gets an update and looks very nice indeed. But more than that there's an interesting page called Project DAWN ...
Electromagnetically Prepared Piano — iPad Feedback Controller using TouchOSC
An interesting use of TouchOSC. Discchord points out the it becomes a little more interesting around 4 minutes in, but I think it's worth watching the whole thing.
Twitter news from @mikrosonic
New SPC House Scene Pack with sounds from @Loopmasters for the SPC - Music Sketchpad available now on Google Play: http://t.co/lWmO5I5R4S
— mikrosonic (@mikrosonic) September 26, 2013
iOS Music Community talks to One Red Dog Media about Arctic Pro
Some very interesting stuff in this short interview with One Red Dog, not all about the app either. Well worth a read. You can find it here.
A very small update on Borderlands ...
making slow, but good progress on v 2.0. thank you all for your patience! audiobus support, res filters, scene saving, + more on the way...
— Borderlands (@BorderlandsiPad) September 25, 2013
Just a few hours left to get Conductr at 50% off
Conductr is still 50% off as part of the 48 hour party sale, but there's only a few hours to go now. The price is down from $21.99 to $10.99, but only for the next 48 hours.
Twitter news from @omeniesoftware
Preferences pane in progress - MIDI for the people! pic.twitter.com/CcL1vHFAFl
— Omenie (@omeniesoftware) September 26, 2013
The Oscillator is still free
From Kymatica who make the amazing BitWiz and AudioShare, The Oscillator is free at the moment, so grab it and oscillate away ...
Interersting debate on MIDI as an IAP in Auria at the Audiobus forum
There's always been a lively debate about the use of IAPs which has diminished since IAPs first became available to developers as a way of bringing in additional revenue in the absence of upgrade pricing (which I think most agree would make life much better).
However, MIDI has been a source of contention with some seeing it as a basic element to an app rather than an add-on. Although the overall view of this has changed too over time.
Anyway, this debate at the Audiobus forum shows just how views have changed over time and it's a positive thing in my view.
However, MIDI has been a source of contention with some seeing it as a basic element to an app rather than an add-on. Although the overall view of this has changed too over time.
Anyway, this debate at the Audiobus forum shows just how views have changed over time and it's a positive thing in my view.
Minor Different Drummer update brings some nice social features I'm in favour of
Although this update is about half fixes and stuff, I do like the idea of being able to 'like' a preset you've downloaded. I think that there should be more apps with social features like this.
Here's what's in this update to Different Drummer:
Here's what's in this update to Different Drummer:
- Fixed Audiobus issue
- Added instant load option in Settings for downloaded presets
- Added like button in Wave View to make it easier to like presets you've downloaded
- Adjusted UI for iOS 7
The latest challenge from the iOS Music Community wants you to go drop some acid ...
Here's the latest challenge from iOS Music Community. The 'Drop Some Acid' challenge. Go take a look.
Galileo 1.1 update arrives
The lovely people at Yonac have been very busy. Yesterday with a big update to Magellan for iPad (version 3.0), and today they've released version 1.1 of Galileo. Here's what's new:
- Inter-App Audio: use Galileo as an instrument plugin with Inter-App hosts (iOS 7)
- Completely updated & tested for iOS 7!
- Inter-App Audio MIDI support
- Dedicated drum & horn acceleration parameters for the rotary cabinet simulator
- Selectable rotary drum operation mode (BOTH: drum rotor works in both Slow & Fast modes; FAST: drum rotor works in Fast mode only; OFF: drum rotor is always off)
- Keyclick Tone parameter to adjust keyclick tonality (organ panel)
- Other improvements
Some happy news for users of Audulus on iPad and Mac
Just got iCloud working for transferring patches between iPad and Mac. This is pretty nice :-)
— Audulus (@audulus) September 26, 2013
Back in 2009: TweakyBeat arrived!
I find it amazing to think that TweakyBeat has been around since back in 2009 and is still completely brilliant and one of the best drum synth apps around. It's easy to forget how long apps have been around and how they've developed and matured and really come on to be a part of your core set of apps, as TweakyBeat is for me.
TC-11 get an update for iOS& and much more
Here's what's new in TC-11:
Improvements:
Bug Fixes:
Improvements:
- Support for iOS 7
- 8 new patches:
- Arpeggio Gnome
- Batteries Included
- Chordy
- Electric Sheep
- Heliosphere
- Sine Pad
- Tips
- Un Lugar
- Black / white color sets are back!
Bug Fixes:
- Stuck sequencers fixed
- Fixed crash when setting AHDSR triggers
- Minor fixes
RD4 Groovebox gets on the bus
It hasn't been around for long but RD4 Groovebox from mikrosonic is on the bus already.
MUSIC TECHPITCH 4.5 is on the 23rd of October - Pitch deadline is this Friday!
DEADLINE FOR PITCH APPLICATIONS AND EARLY BIRD TICKETS THIS FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER!
Music TechPitch 4.5 is a platform to enable startups specifically within the music-tech industry from all across Europe to showcase their business proposition to a relevant wider audience, including VCs, music industry professionals and experts, journalists, as well as other aspiring and successful music and tech entrepreneurs. This pitching event is a unique opportunity to build more awareness, receive productive feedback from an expert panel, and network with key music-tech industry players.
The evening pitch competition will show-case 8 new music-tech startups. Some of the startups will have participated in the TechPitch 4.5 Workshops, complimentary and open to European tech startups. Music TechPitch 4.5 brings together music-tech startups, music industry, investors, and entrepreneurs.
APPLY TO PITCH AT MUSIC TECHPITCH 4.5!
Deadline: This Friday - 27 September 2013
By getting up on stage and pitching your business idea and model, in this case to the panel of experts we have put together for Music TechPitch 4.5, you will gain exposure and interest from both potential users and potential funders, as well as from media in general. And you get to practise and receive immediate feedback on your pitch.
The pitch session is not about achieving funding immediately, but gaining interest, making connections, and hopefully starting relevant discussions, so if you like the idea of pitching you will be good!
Pitches at 2Pears events are free-of-charge for the pitching companies, which means that the person pitching receives a complimentary ticket for the event. All other company members and interested parties will be required to purchase tickets at best available rate to attend the event.
What we need from you in order to confirm you are eligible to pitch and to make a fair selection of companies for Music TechPitch 4.5 is for you to download the application form and complete all questions on this form and submitting it by 27 September 2013 by email to rassami@2pears.com.
Early bird tickets are available until 27 September 2013 - register here...using promo code PALMSOUNDS for a 10% discount
Music TechPitch 4.5 is a platform to enable startups specifically within the music-tech industry from all across Europe to showcase their business proposition to a relevant wider audience, including VCs, music industry professionals and experts, journalists, as well as other aspiring and successful music and tech entrepreneurs. This pitching event is a unique opportunity to build more awareness, receive productive feedback from an expert panel, and network with key music-tech industry players.
The evening pitch competition will show-case 8 new music-tech startups. Some of the startups will have participated in the TechPitch 4.5 Workshops, complimentary and open to European tech startups. Music TechPitch 4.5 brings together music-tech startups, music industry, investors, and entrepreneurs.
- Music TechPitch 4.5 judges:
- Marie Burmiston, Map Entertainment and Crush Music
- Martin Kummer, Ministry of Sound
- David Fisher, Edge Group
- Mick Grierson, Goldsmiths Collge
- Tom Frederikse, Clintons
- Alan Wallis, Ernst & Young
APPLY TO PITCH AT MUSIC TECHPITCH 4.5!
Deadline: This Friday - 27 September 2013
By getting up on stage and pitching your business idea and model, in this case to the panel of experts we have put together for Music TechPitch 4.5, you will gain exposure and interest from both potential users and potential funders, as well as from media in general. And you get to practise and receive immediate feedback on your pitch.
The pitch session is not about achieving funding immediately, but gaining interest, making connections, and hopefully starting relevant discussions, so if you like the idea of pitching you will be good!
Pitches at 2Pears events are free-of-charge for the pitching companies, which means that the person pitching receives a complimentary ticket for the event. All other company members and interested parties will be required to purchase tickets at best available rate to attend the event.
What we need from you in order to confirm you are eligible to pitch and to make a fair selection of companies for Music TechPitch 4.5 is for you to download the application form and complete all questions on this form and submitting it by 27 September 2013 by email to rassami@2pears.com.
Early bird tickets are available until 27 September 2013 - register here...using promo code PALMSOUNDS for a 10% discount
DJ Player pro upgrade is on sale
DJ Player upgrade is on sale at $7.99 for the next few hours apparently
Recorded TweakyBeat+AnaDestro+AnaphobiaMini-trimmed by NAKAMURA Tetsuo
Uploaded with AudioShare app - http://kymatica.com/audioshare
Details of new Synth coming to Android G-Stomper
G-Stomper just gets better and better. Here's what's coming in the new synth:
2 oscillator assemblies, each has 6 waveforms:
Every waveform can be shaped with its own shape algorithm:
Ever waveform can be synchronized:
Modulation between the 2 oscillator assemblies:
Distortion RingModulation:
Distortion:
Filter FM:
FM and differential FM:
RingModulation:
LFOs:
Envelopes:
Integration in G-Stomper:
It'll be most likely a new additional sequencer module, but it's not decided yet in detail. The first release of the synth will be a standalone app, just to play around with, or generate samples. Once this is done, it'll be integrated in G-Stomper Beat Studio.
2 oscillator assemblies, each has 6 waveforms:
- saw, pulse, triangle, sine, noise, dual sine
- The dual sine is an assembly of 2 sines (where the secondary is pitched one octave higher).
Every waveform can be shaped with its own shape algorithm:
- saw: can be morphed from sawtooth to pulse
- pulse: adjustable pulse width
- triangle: as more shape as more get the peaks cut off (more timbre)
- sine: can be morphed from sine to saw(approximated)
- noise: adjustable noise color
- dual sine: as more shape as more gets the secondary sine mixed in
Ever waveform can be synchronized:
- In this special case, every waveform has a secondary (inner) sync sine aboard, which is responsible to sync the main waveform: Furthermore in sync mode the shape amount controls the main waveforms pitch (rather than the waveform shape). This will create the typical sync sounds known from many synthesizers.
- In sync mode the dual sine waveform has its own behavior, the first sine modulates the second using frequency modulation (rather than syncing the waveform).
Modulation between the 2 oscillator assemblies:
- Dist RM, Dist, Filter FM, FM, Diff FM, RM
Distortion RingModulation:
- A special modulation type to create very unique and raw sounds. It's a combination of amplitude/ring modulation and distortion. The modulation signal is generated by a third (hidden) oscillator assembly whose pitch gets controlled by the modulation amount. This modulation signal modulates the output of osc1 and osc2 (depending on the osc mix setting)
Distortion:
- Passes the the output of osc1 and osc2 (depending on the osc mix setting) through an overdrive distortion.
Filter FM:
- Yes, of course there are filters (at least 7 types, maybe more). Using Filter FM means that osc2 modulates the filter cutoff frequency (controlled by the modulation amount). Filter FM creates a wide range of sounds from weird effects to crazy resonant sounds.
FM and differential FM:
- The FM setup features two types of frequency modulation: FM and differential FM.
- The difference between FM and DFM is as followed: In DFM the modulated frequency range is the same in all tone frequencies, which means in other words, it's easier to control than normal FM and the results are usually tonal playable all over the keyboard range. FM on the other side is rawer and creates brighter sounds. Since everything is implemented as phaseFM (at least in the default setup), almost every FM sounds are tonal playable.
- In FM and DFM, osc1 is the carrier and osc2 is the modulator.
- The combination of FM/DFM with the dual sine waveforms is very powerful. Using dual sines on both oscillator assemblies turns the synth in a 4 operator FM engine, which allows to create very complex FM sounds.
- As already mentioned, the base FM setup is implemented as phaseFM (like in DX7) which is the easiest to control. Additionally the FM framework supports log+FM, log-/+FM, lin+FM, lin-/+FM; all of these additional modes produce sounds that are not usually tonal playable, but they're very useful for effect sounds.
RingModulation:
- Ringmodulation is typically used to create disharmonic and metallic or bell-like sounds. Also in RM, osc2 is the modulator and osc1 the carrier.
LFOs:
- The setup contains 3 LFOs (having the usual waveforms: triangle, saw, reversed saw, pulse, random, smooth random).
- Each LFO has its own level and can be assigned to one of the following parameters: osc modulation amount, osc mix, volume, panorama, osc1 shape, osc2 shape, osc1+2 shape, osc1 frequency, osc2 frequency, osc1+2 frequency, filter cutoff, filter resonance.
- The lfos are not 100% finished yet, so there'll be more about these later.
- And of course there's a vibrato in addition to the LFOs.
Envelopes:
- These are not finished yet. But there will be at least 2 adsr envelopes, once for the amplification and one for the filter cutoff, maybe a third simple attack decay envelope to be assigned like the LFOs.
Integration in G-Stomper:
It'll be most likely a new additional sequencer module, but it's not decided yet in detail. The first release of the synth will be a standalone app, just to play around with, or generate samples. Once this is done, it'll be integrated in G-Stomper Beat Studio.
Conductr is still 50% off
Conductr is still 50% off as part of the 48 hour party sale. The price is down from $21.99 to $10.99, but only for the next 48 hours.
Twitter news from @jugendingenieur
New parts just arrived! Oplab soon available again! #oplab #parts #thankyou #teenageengineering http://t.co/buSwE0Kxhd
— Teenage Engineering (@jugendingenieur) September 25, 2013
GrainProc now on the bus and still free
GrainProc the expressive control surface for granular manipulation of real-time audio inputs is now on Audiobus at last, and, it's still free. So click below and grab it on the app store.
Looptical 1.0.1 is no small release and includes CCK for iPhone on iOS7
There's a lot in there for the first update to Looptical. Here's the list:
Note to users of older devices: The demo tracks were composed on an iPhone5 and sound best with an iPhone5 or newer. Looptical detects slower devices (iPhone4S or older, iPad2 or earlier) and unpacks a second version of the demos with a reduced number of effects. Devices with a much slower CPU than the iPhone5 may be overloaded by the number of effects used in the demos and experience audio glitching. This is perfectly normal, and you should compose your own tracks to suit the power of your device. For more information see the Looptical manual on System Resources and Song Complexity.
- "Filter And Volume" option added for the vertical axis in Scale Keyboard, allowing you to fade in a note with both volume and filter frequency with a single gesture for increased emphasis.
- Left-handed guitar mode added to the Chord Guitar, stringing the guitar EBGDAE instead of EADGBE and flipping the preset chord patterns accordingly.
- New for iOS7: use the Camera Connection Kit to attach a compatible USB MIDI Interface or Keyboard to your iPhone and use it to control Looptical.
- Start octave setting is now applied in the Guitar Chord Edit screen.
- Graphical glitch on 3.5 inch display devices where the mute / solo / FX buttons on channel 6 were always lit has been fixed.
- New demo track added: "DEMO - WubWub".
- Fixed an issue with importing user-created instruments from iTunes Shared Folder and email.
Note to users of older devices: The demo tracks were composed on an iPhone5 and sound best with an iPhone5 or newer. Looptical detects slower devices (iPhone4S or older, iPad2 or earlier) and unpacks a second version of the demos with a reduced number of effects. Devices with a much slower CPU than the iPhone5 may be overloaded by the number of effects used in the demos and experience audio glitching. This is perfectly normal, and you should compose your own tracks to suit the power of your device. For more information see the Looptical manual on System Resources and Song Complexity.
"Lava" by Doc Pop from his forthcoming album "Destroy All Presets" (which is going to be excellent from the sound of this)
And Doc Pop says ...
The first song off of my upcoming album, "Destroy All Presets", coming this November on Monobomb records. "Lava" was written and performed on a Game Boy Advance using Nanoloop 2.5. This video was made one warm afternoon in SF using the Mixx music video app on my iPhone 4S.
I'm so looking forward to this album!
Twitter news from @MusicHackspace
Music Hackspace co-founder @jbthiebaut on a panel this morning on Digital Music Trends http://t.co/QcThNxHNEn
— Music Hackspace (@MusicHackspace) September 25, 2013
I Am Robot And Proud / Touch/Tone by 7e.p.
from album "touch/tone" (epcd071) 2013/9/4 on sale! 日本盤のみボーナス・トラック2曲収録。日本先行発売。
krust by Caustic sunshine
Made with mikrosonic RD4 - Groovebox app for iOS so i made a track after uploading to soundcloud on playback i noticed some stuttering either in the upload to the cloud or its the app that has some minor bugs so apologies hope this gets ironed out as its a nice little app
Conductr is 50% off
Conductr is 50% off for 48 hours. The price is down from $21.99 to $10.99, but only for the next 48 hours.
iTuttle Lite is available
As you'd expect with a 'lite' version, this one has a few limitations.
Lite version of iTuttle, an Awesome Fat & Warm Subtractive Monophonic Synthesizer.
Fat by Design with its 9 oscillators section, all waveforms (but Sinus with oscillators) use generalized PWM (called "Ratio"), so you can tune/modulate the waveform of each oscillator / LFO.
Its huge modulations capabilities lets you create a very large sound styles.
The arpeggiator includes an 8 steps sequencer and lets you mute, change the gate duration, the groove and the velocity of each step. In addition, you can use the global Shuffle to humanize your arpeggios.
Specifications of Lite version :
iTuttle Lite is free
Lite version of iTuttle, an Awesome Fat & Warm Subtractive Monophonic Synthesizer.
Fat by Design with its 9 oscillators section, all waveforms (but Sinus with oscillators) use generalized PWM (called "Ratio"), so you can tune/modulate the waveform of each oscillator / LFO.
Its huge modulations capabilities lets you create a very large sound styles.
The arpeggiator includes an 8 steps sequencer and lets you mute, change the gate duration, the groove and the velocity of each step. In addition, you can use the global Shuffle to humanize your arpeggios.
Specifications of Lite version :
- 9 Oscillators section organized on 3 Oscillator Modes (8 waveforms)
- White Noise
- Full Stereo path (from Oscillators Section to FX)
- 24dB/oct Filter (Low Pass, Band Pass & Hi Pass)
- 3 Envelopes
- 2 LFOs (11 waveforms with Generalized PWM, even with Sinus/Cosinus)
- 2 Modulation Slots (12 Sources and 67 Destinations !!!)
- Arpeggiator with Shuffle/Groove and Step Controls
- Stereo Delay with delay time modulation capability
iTuttle Lite is free
OSC Commander for Android
Musical Android tells us of a new OSC Android app called OSC Commander. I've only had a brief look, but it does seem quite an interesting controller with an editor available for creating your own layouts.
Music Radar App of the year 2013 is open for votes
Whilst it seems to be a little early if you ask me to be deciding what the app of the year is as it's only late September and there are probably a few apps that haven't even come out as yet. I mean, we're waiting on iVCS3 still aren't we? There will be others too. It also doesn't have quite a few apps that I think should be in there. I won't go through them all, but as it doesn't refer to itself as an iOS list, why isn't Caustic in there for instance?
Anyway, if you want to vote you can do right here.
Anyway, if you want to vote you can do right here.
iTuttle for iPad arrives
A new synth for your iPad arrives. Here's what iTuttle is all about:
iTuttle is an Awesome Fat & Warm Subtractive Monophonic Synthesizer.
Fat by Design with its 9 oscillators section, all waveforms (but Sinus with oscillators) use generalized PWM (called "Ratio"), so you can tune/modulate the waveform of each oscillator / LFO.
Its huge modulations capabilities lets you create a very large sound styles.
The arpeggiator includes an 8 steps sequencer and lets you mute, change the gate duration, the groove and the velocity of each step. In addition, you can use the global Shuffle to humanize your arpeggios.
Specifications :
- 9 Oscillators section organized on 3 Oscillator Modes (8 waveforms)
- White Noise
- Full Stereo path (from Oscillators Section to FX)
- 24dB/oct Filter (Low Pass, Band Pass & Hi Pass)
- 3 Envelopes
- 2 LFOs (11 waveforms with Generalized PWM, even with Sinus/Cosinus)
- 2 X/Y Pads
- 8 Modulation Slots (20 Sources and 67 Destinations !!!)
- Arpeggiator with Shuffle/Groove and Step Controls
- Stereo Delay with delay time modulation capability
- Full MIDI implementation
- Background Audio
- Korg WIST support
- User Bank sharing with Mail/Safari
The app is priced at $9.99
vjay for iPhone updated
Here's what's new:
- Enhanced for iOS 7 with new UI
- Optimized for the new A7 processor on iPhone 5s, fully leveraging the new 64-bit architecture
- HD video playback, mixing, effects, and recording on iPhone 5s
- Colored waveforms + beat grids
- Advanced BPM and beat detection
djay 2 for iPhone update
Here's what's new:
- Optimized for the new A7 processor on iPhone 5s, fully leveraging the new 64-bit architecture
- Added Harmonic Match™ (key detection and pitch shift) on iPhone 5s: create harmonic mashups by transposing songs in real-time to match their key with another song
- Up to 2x faster audio analysis on A7 using fully optimized 64-bit processing
- Bug fixes