iPhone App Directory

Some pictures of SoundLab at allsorts













Just a few pictures from our event at Allsorts earlier in the month. It was a great event and we made loads of music as you can see.

If you want to know more about the SoundLab project, then take a look at our website here.

Groovesizer Bravo - Feature Overview (video)

Sequential for iPad still at $0.99

Today is the last day for Sequential for iPad at just $0.99. Apparently there's a big update coming soon. I'm looking forward to whatever that is.

Ode To Joy (littleBits Synth Kit) (video)

So good to meet these guys at ROLI last month ...



Following on from me piece about meeting Roger Linn.

Here's what you can do with Mixtikl ...



SQUASHIT Multiband Distortion FX for iPad Demo and Tutorial (video)



Hypebot on SoundCloud's version 3 of their iPhone app

Hypebot's piece on SoundCloud's new iPhone app has got it just about right. I do hope that SoundCloud are listening, because this has upset a lot of people.

It's interesting though. I remember talking to SoundCloud about their strategy late last year, and at that point they were talking about doing more for the listener. Which I remember thinking was a good idea overall. However, I think that they've done exactly what Hypebot has said, they've thrown the baby out with the bath water.

What do you think?

Let's Play with Mitosynth: Patch Design & Commentary (video)



iKlip Xpand Mini universal mic stand support for iPhone, iPod touch, and smartphones (video)

Elsa arpeggio ...



Builderz Pro Introduction (Caustic video)

Sunrizer synth adds AB 2 state saving and more

Here's what's new with Sunrizer synth:
  • AudioBus 2.0 and state saving support
  • Inter-app audio support
  • Phrase sequencer works with MIDI
  • Minor bug fixes

Music Studio: DnB Beat (video)



Oscilloscope and Analyzer Demo for iPad, Very Useful Tools by ONYX (video)



SquashIt for iPad


This audio effect filter provides an unique distortion algorithm and should be essential in every music producers toolset. SquashIt doesn’t sound vintage, it just sounds good. SquashIt is developed by musicians for musicians.

Features:
  • SquashIt! is Inter app audio (IAA) compatible. This means you can use it with Garageband or other IAA compatible sequencers.
  • Load / Save presets.
  • Remembers hosts (will automatically load last used settings when a host connects)
  • Low cpu usage
  • Simple but yet powerful user interface
All for just $0.99 / £0.69.

Moog Werkstatt Analog Synthesizer - Nerd Audio (video)

Eyes, an experimental film made on an iPhone

Audiobus update brings improved audio and more

Audiobus version 2.1.2:
  • Audiobus now has improved audio input fidelity when you enable "Measurement Mode" in Settings
  • Added "Input Gain" controls
  • Assorted bug-fixes

Voices - Session 3 (xynthesizr) (video)



You Compose Demo and a trip into the dark and murky world of iOS MIDI (video)

Fat Analog Sounds: MicroBrute & LushOne Synthesizer #TTNM (video)

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.

PARAPHONIC MOOG VOYAGER - iPad app Patch Morpher (video)



A belated happy birthday to the original iPhone

The iPhone was released on June 29, 2007. Seems like a long time ago seven years, and look how far we've come since then ...

Nyko by Majojan



By Majojan in June 2014

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Secret Confusions by Hypervox



Made with Figure for iOS. Don't have Figure yet? It's a fun, easy and bargain-priced music making app that anyone can use! Read about it here: http://ift.tt/16XygCL

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Chill bill by mntcrisis



2014-06-25

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Marrakech Excess by Spacepan



First outing on the Korg Gadget.

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Trick Track by Fludio



Korg iPolysix

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Novecento (iPolysix) by John Van Morrison



Arp driven tune made with Korg app for ipad iPolysix, great reproduction of this 80ies Synthesizer

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Those That Maintain Metropolis by Mr. Hwantaw



Facebook: facebook.com/Hwantaw Twitter: http://ift.tt/1ckzXGv YouTube: http://ift.tt/1amhdtv

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Rambling Dream (KORG Gadget) by Cloudsounds!





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MEMORY by GIDERA





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SINGULARITY by Caustic Cheese



Composed and Produced on Android using Caustic3 app . Follow me also at http://ift.tt/1qQMNsn

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There Is No Redemption by Figure Filanthropist



No miracles. No mercy. No redemption. No Heaven. No Hell. No higher power. Just life. Just... us. Made with Figure for iOS.

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Arpeggio Dreams by Figure Filanthropist



To quote Neil deGrasse Tyson; "We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the Earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe, atomically." Think about it. If you're reading this, thank you. Much love.

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Rock It Robotic by Figure Filanthropist



One day technology will surpass the computational power of the human brain. When that day comes the world will truly know what it means to Rock It Robotic. Care to Remix? http://ift.tt/1iP3Et7 Made with Figure for iOS.

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Mission Objective by Figure Filanthropist



Ever wonder what you're made of? I do.

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Move Your Body by Figure Filanthropist



Your body is the greatest tool you will ever own. Love it, cherish it, and express with it! Feel free to remix, all I ask is you give credit where credit is due. Enjoy! Evernote file: http://ift.tt/1lm5vA8

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Traveling Mystery by Frozen Lonesome



Melody is a blend of Bass Station ll and Shruth1 with drum from SeekBeats and added sounds from Arctic Pro Synth, iMini and AUXFX:Dub.

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Monkey Dance by Michaelw



" Bar the Asylum Doors...for I fear the approaching Monkey Dance.....Monkey say Monkey do " Guitars...Mr Groundwater...http://ift.tt/1mVh8iS

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Mitosynth Patch - Remember Me (read track info for more...) by Cinebient



First you hear the sound sources i used for this patch. A single piano shot and a short string sound. With Mitosynth it's fast and easy to make such a patch from it. No further processing here. Performed with virtual MIDI via SoundPrismPro. While i'm still working on the 200 Patch Package (don't expect much bread and butter patches here ;) for Mitosynth with various patches i want you to ask what kind of patches would you like to have most. I also would like to make some more packages in near future with special themes if people like it.... Stay tuned!

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She Took Flight by FigureAddict



Made with Figure for iOS. Don't have Figure yet? It's a fun, easy and bargain-priced music making app that anyone can use! Read about it here: http://ift.tt/16XygCL

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Never stop spining by Mike J Dayton



I fell into the pit of OCD never finishing anything but I better clear the decks so I can keep moving forward. Created with Korg Gadget and inspired by Hooping which seems to be all the rage with the local hippies.

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I Am A Robot (And I Can Love) by Cinebient



Can a robot fall in love...?....

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Incompetent Airwalk (KORG Gadget) by Cloudsounds!



Made with KORG Gadget

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Celebration by Frozen Lonesome



Celebrate the frst trip with Oscilab & Audiobus. Grab your headphones!

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Mini Progressive House (by Answer42 and I-Vision) by GrooveCloud



A little tune by I-Vision and Answer42 composed using a prototype of GrooveCloud.

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Food Chains by Piascyk





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Orchestra of One (One Patch from Mitosynth!! by Wooji Juice!!!!) by MariaCalfa-DePaul



Uploaded with AudioShare app - http://ift.tt/109HeHL My first touch of this awesome synth and I'm in love. I edited a patch called 1137 and came up with this one! I used the on screen keyboard and the built in recorder! What an amazing synth and I've only used ONE patch. This one's going to be on my iPad for a LONG time!! Thank you Wooji Juice!!

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Mito One by Frozen Lonesome



MitoSsnth - One Patch, One Take.

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Celebration (MitoStyle Remix) by Frozen Lonesome



A Mitosynth remix of my recent track Celebration. No external FX. http://ift.tt/1qwfYOS

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Telepath by Mood481



Created on my iPad Air using Alchemy, Mito Synth, Voltan Telepathy, Auria, Audiobus, Audio Mastering, Gestrument, Lemur, AUFX:Space and the power of my mind. Uploaded with AudioCopy just to see if it's as cool as SoundCloud says it is.

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ElePop#4_2014 by MOG_hidekinoway



I am back! *this is a remake of a remake of what I did back in the 90s. *this remake is done with Yamaha Mobile Music Sequencer. *the last remake was done with QY70 in 2000, so why not re-remaking the song with MMS this time, right? *Here is the QY70 version. http://ift.tt/TrLFNj

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ElePop#3_2014 by MOG_hidekinoway



I am back! *This is a remake of ElePop#3, which I recorded on a cassette tape MTR back in the late 90s. * I made this one with BeatMaker2 (iPhone version). * Sampled some drum sounds from BOSS Dr.Rhythm550mkII.

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MitoFloat 1 by Chris Catalano



This is just three little pads from the amazing, and beautiful new Mitosynth, from Wooji Juice, playing around a bit with one of my favourite chord progressions. I modified a couple of the patches...nice to have something so inspiring to play right out of the box...Painting done in Photoshop from a weird drawing I did...It is copyrighted ;)

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Working Failure (KORG Gadget) by Sinking Feeling





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Wielding Tools by Piascyk



Figure File: http://ift.tt/UTu4PN Studio + Buzzer Bazz + DIY Synth + 136 bpm + A minor Made with Figure for iOS. Don't have Figure yet? It's a fun, easy and bargain-priced music making app that anyone can use! Read about it here: http://ift.tt/16XygCL

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Catharsis by motorwrists



I was folding up an old receipt, without really concentrating, whilst watching a lengthy foreign film. I must have been folding it an unfolding for a couple of hours. Suddenly my fingers got really hot and tingly, and I smelt burning oranges (the best description I can think of). The paper was gone. I think I folded it out of here. I've never done it again. Sometimes I notice the scent again, its a little worrying when I do.

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Cinebient - Volume 1 (100 free Mitosynth Patches; read track info for more) by Cinebient



O.k.: I will not post here much like i said but i have still to share this here: O.k. i stripped some things a bit down and had also some trouble with a few patches after export/import. Well, however some of them are still more in a "beta" but i think it's another nice bunch to get you inspired to make your own or use the settings or put your own or additional sound sources into it. You have nothing to loose... all is free ;) Now it's a package of exact 100 patches including some tiny field recordings from me, a few sampled iOS synths (i'm sure you will hear the charcter of most of them even when i just used custom made patches of course) and a few royaltiy free samples (not the highest quality-gave them a tiny FX boost). The main thing is here to get you inspired to make your own and share them with the crowd. IOS need this really. Cinebient - Volume 2 will also include 100 patches but with more (mastered)field recordings and samples which i want to make exclusive for this prj... even when all is fine it could take some time :) Here we go: http://ift.tt/1wMmHqT Edit: There is a short description (or comment;) for each patch... If somethings seems broken or the link doesn't work, please tell me.... otherwise have fun....i'm going back into the wide spaces of the universe... Cheers!

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A little reminder ... Junglator is free, forever ...

The nice people at Amplify have made Junglator free forever because they won a rather awesome award for app design.

Mitosynth, Demo and Getting Started Tutorial for iPad (video)



In case you missed it ... Thoughts on Modal Pro

In case you missed it from yesterday I posted about Modal Pro, a very useful modular synth app if you're interested in getting into the world of modular synth apps, or beyond for that matter.

You can find yesterday's post here.

Mitosynth 102 — Saving Patches (video)



Mitosynth 101 — Orientation (video)



Sylo Synthesiser 1.4 makes Pro free

Here's what's new in Sylo Synthesiser 1.4:

To celebrate both Sylo Synth's upcoming 4th birthday and the launch of our new app Mitosynth, this new version of Sylo Synth is now completely free — including all features that were previously "Sylo Synth Pro" only!

I hope you enjoy the features! If you do, please take a moment to check out Wooji Juice's other synths, Grain Science and Mitosynth!

Conductr | Free Ableton Live controller for iPad (video)



Reminder ... NIME Hackathon is next week

Just another quick reminder that this year NIME is being held at Goldsmiths and will include an open day and Hackathon. The Hack has two challenges, set by Heart n Soul (the SoundLab project that I'm working on) and also Drake Music.

You can read the challenges at the hack space blog, where you can register too. If you're going to be there, say hi!

Introducing Mitosynth (video)



Nice work Junglator ...


Groovesizer Bravo & Korg Volca Demo (video)

SoundCloud 3 for iPhone is pretty amazing

Here's what’s new in v3.0:

The iPhone app has been completely redesigned, so everything is new. Highlights include:
  • Beautifully simple design. Cleaner look. Simpler controls
  • ‘One thumb’ interface. Play, pause, skip and explore on the go
  • Open another user’s profile straight from a track or playlist
  • Your likes and playlists are now all in one place, making it easier to play more of your favorite tracks and artists

(For now, the iPad version is staying the same. iPad updates are being worked on for a future release.)

Smule people having a good time ... Smackathon 2014 (video)

SunVox 1.7.5 is here

Here's what's new with SunVox:
  • 64bit CPU support;
  • SunVox file type association: now any SunVox-compatible documents (sunvox, midi, xm, mod) can be opened from other apps (Mail, Browser, etc.);
  • new module - Pitch Shifter;
  • customizable curve of the values has been added to MultiCtl module;
  • MIDI Octave Offset option has been added to the MIDI Preferences;
  • PR (Set note period) command has been renamed to SP (Set pitch);
  • main menu has been divided into two separate menus: the Main Menu (left side) and the Pattern Menu (right side);
  • UI design slightly changed;
  • new simple song examples: crossfader;
  • new song examples: Twistboy - Translucent, unspoken_words;
  • bugs fixed.

What's your workflow?

Everyone has a different workflow and a different way of working and getting the sounds you want. So what's yours? How about sharing it and explaining why it works for you? Just get in touch (check the 'about' page) and tell me all about your workflow.

[KORG DSN-12] MUST !! / Keishi Yonao (video)

What's your app of the week?

What's the app that's been most useful or the most inspiring this week? Or maybe just the app that's been your work horse for the last few days. Tell me which one it is and why.

Ep.65: atVenu helps you track all your merch sales on tour (DMT 1-2-1)

DMT 189: UK Charts, T-Mobile Music Freedom, YouTube contract leaks, BBC, Patreon

iMPC Pro has been submitted


JASUTO v1.6 for iOS and Android on the way!

NEW FEATURES AND UPDATES FOR JASUTO v1.6 iOS
  • MIDI-In & Out support with tempo sync
  • Nodes can now be grouped together
  • Solo nodes and groups
  • New Convolution Module
  • New nodes: Abs, Clamp, Delay2, Pan, Group/GRecv/Gsend, MidiNote, MidiCC & Synced
  • Sampler node is now in stereo & has higher quality interpolation
  • Bands can now edit individual bins while frozen
  • Fixed insert bug
  • Additional bugs and behind the scene fixes
  • Delay 2 node is tempo syncable
  • LFO is triggerable, syncable & now has 4 shapes
  • New Scenes and Samples added

***Removal of Jasuto Store and In-App Purchases***
  • All previous In-App Purchase nodes (Chorus, Detuned, Dirty, Morph & Space) and HI-FI audio are now free & included w/ initial purchase of app.

FEATURES AND UPDATES INTRODUCED IN v1.6 ANDROID
  • Updated UI graphics
  • Zillions of bugs squashed
  • A shiny new manual
  • Added background audio support
  • Low latency audio (256 samples)
  • Sample sharing through SoundCloud
  • Dropbox syncing of samples/scenes
  • New ADSR2, AP, Brick, EXP, Mix, Power, ZeroX, Tanh, Gain Node Modules
  • High Fidelity (HI-FI) audio
  • Additional Node Modules: Chorus, Detuned, Dirty, Morph and Space
  • MIDI-In & Out support with tempo sync
  • Nodes can now be grouped together
  • Solo nodes and groups
  • New Convolution Module
  • New nodes: Abs, Clamp, Delay2, Pan, Group/GRecv/Gsend, MidiNote, MidiCC & Synced
  • Sampler node is now in stereo & has higher quality interpolation
  • Bands can now edit individual bins while frozen
  • Fixed insert bug
  • Additional bugs and behind the scene fixes
  • Delay 2 node is tempo syncable
  • LFO is triggerable, syncable & now has 4 shapes
  • New Scenes and Samples added

Jasuto on the iOS app store:

Modal Pro, a first look and some other thoughts on modular synth apps


Modulars are never easy let’s face it. Some people love them others just don’t get them, but one thing is for sure, they represent a very good way of getting a better understanding of the building blocks of synthesis. So, why is that important? Good question. Simply as it can help you when making your own patches in a variety of synth apps, whether they’re mobile apps, desktop apps, or even hardware. Of course, there’s a downside too. Lots of people say that using modular apps is just the first step to getting into modular synths, and I can say from personal experience that it is tempting, although so far I’ve managed to resist the temptation on the whole.

So, what’s so good about Modal Pro? There are a small number of modular type apps on the app store (and I’m only going to focus on iOS for the moment). Within that small group there are a number of varying types of app that can be broadly classified as follows.

Visual patching modular apps

In this category I’d include Modal Pro, Jasuto Pro, Modular, and Audulus.

Other Modular apps

The three above of course are not the whole story. There are a number of other apps which have a modular component or deliver modular capabilities in a different way from the more traditional ‘patching’ concept. In this category I’d include:
  • Sunvox: of course it’s much more than a modular, it’s a full fledged production environment, but its approach to synthesis is very modular)
  • TC-11: A very unique interface and a very powerful app that deserves a whole review of it’s own.
  • Thor: An excellent modular environment

So, those are my very high level categories, and probably need another whole post to talk about the whole modular app thing, but for now I’m going to concentrate on Modal Pro and try to not get lost in modular rambling, which is always a danger.

So, what’s different about Modal Pro? Well the easiest thing would be to start to compare it with the other apps in the category I’ve put it in. Modal Pro is a relatively simple app when compared to Jasuto and Audulus. That’s not to say that it’s just a simple synth. It isn’t, but when compared to these two it is. That’s from the perspective of getting to grips with what modular synthesis is and how to start constructing patches.

The first thing I noticed when I opened up Modal Pro was the ‘getting started’ tutorial, which I have to say is excellent. For anyone who wants to not only understand the app, but also get a grasp of how to construct a modular patch this is excellent. In fact, I can’t stress enough how useful I think this feature is. The tutorial explains the modules and how to connect them to each other. It also explains how to adjust the parameters for each module to achieve what you want to with your patch.
Once you’ve gone through this tutorial, using the app is very simple and straightforward.

The app has all the normal elements you'd expect in a modular app, like oscillators, ADSR, Amplifiers etc. Each element or module for creating patches can be connected using virtual cables, and you can make some pretty complex patches using Modal Pro.

Overall I think it’s an ideal app for getting started with either learning modular synthesis or if you wanted to learn the building blocks of synthesis itself. Whatever you motivation you’ll get a lot out of this app.

The app costs $9.99, which isn't bad at all for a complex app like this.

iOS MARS has a good write up on TC-Data

TC-Data is a really intriguing app and incredibly powerful. If you're interested in it but want to know a bit more this write up from iOS MARS is worth a read I think.

Don't forget that Sequential for iPad is on sale for just $0.99

Sequential for iPad stays on sale until the 1st of July for just $0.99 and apparently there's a big update coming after that.

Music on the Move Episode 2: Midi Fighter Twister & iPhone (Capital Cities - One Minute More Remix)



I really like this. It is really what the whole this about isn't it? Being able to create, remix or whatever, wherever you are.

Video Description:

"In Episode 2 we are using DJ TechTools' Midi Fighter Twister (which is bus powered) with an iPhone 5 using the USB camera connection kit, while running the iOS app Loopy to create a live remix of Capital Cities song "One Minute More".

All samples are taken from Capital Cities' stems, and a few select loops from Loopmasters.

This is meant for demonstration purposes and not as a live performance.

Video Credit: Alex Medvick

For DJ TechTools members: the Traktor Remix Kit for this can be downloaded here: https://sounds.djtechtools.com/sounds/44"

Frozen Lonesome: God of Fire (official video)


Frozen Lonesome: God of Fire (official video) from Frozen Lonesome on Vimeo.

Awesome track and awesome video.

TC-Data Mere Mortal (video)



Video description:

"Quick demo of the RC-Data patch I created for the track Mere Mortal. The synths are Alchemy, Cube, and iGrand Piano."

TC- Data on the app store:

iKlip Xpand universal mic stand support for iPad and tablets (video)

Build your own instrument workshop at the V&A in July

This looks like it could be a great workshop for anyone interested in circuit building and electronic instrument making. It's at the V&A (London) which is a lovely place for a day long workshop.

Full details here.

Naughty Boy - Home ft. SAM ROMANS - Dawson Live iPad Loopy HD cover (video)



Something new coming from the maker of Audio Mastering Studio ...


This looks really impressive indeed. A convolution reverb for iOS, and from the sounds of it universal too?

Via the Audio Mastering blog.

Making Music with the Web Platform for Android (video)



Thanks to feastoftones for posting this link into the comments. I'd like to hear from any developers in the Android space as to what they think about this and how it might change Android for music making.

Official AMPLIFi Tone Examples Volume 2 | Line 6 (video)

BIAS Desktop Amp Matching - Randall Ch2 - Will It Match? (video)

BIAS Desktop Amp Matching - Randall Ch1 - Will It Match? (video)

One Man iPad Band - Street Spirit fade out Cover - RadioHead (video)

Wotja adds background images and more

Here's what's new in version 1.3.1:
  • New: Change screen "Background image" option (from Camera roll) with auto-panning (great fun!)
  • New: Send wotjas with background images via mail attachments (not as tweets, however)
  • Tap tap left/right of text area to hide/show toolbar (great if you want to see more of the picture)
  • Now supports rotation to landscape mode on iPhone (already did this on iPad...)
  • No longer shows interstitial ad every 3 presses of Randomise button
  • Default values changed
  • Revised Change screen control order
  • Bug fixes

Don't forget, it's free ...

If you're in London this weekend and want to learn about Arduino ...



Introducing Arduino workshop 28th of June!

What could be better than spending time learning about Arduino, the favourite open source hardware hacking platform for designers, artists and hobbyists.

Join Technology Will Save Us for a 1 day intensive weekend workshop to get you started. Aimed at anyone and everyone who wants to learn the basics of Ardunio, simple electronics and building interactive projects.

This is an introductory level course for beginners.

Over the day we will cover:
  • Basic electronic components, and theory.
  • Introduction to the Arduino programming environment
  • Introduction to the Arduino platform.
  • How to use digital inputs (switches) and outputs (lights and motors)
  • How to use analog inputs (sensors) and outputs (light brightness & motor speed)
  • How to wire up and use sensors with your ideas
  • How to make lights (LEDs) turn on and off, fade up and down, and generally blink at your command.
  • How to make motors spin. Then its up to you to take it to the next level and start building your own projects!

There are 2 types of tickets:
  1. With Full Ardunio Kit: which gets you your own Arduino board and kit, complete with LEDs, sensors, motors, electronic components and more to take home.
  2. Workshop only: No kit will be supplied. You're welcome to bring your own kit and selection of components. Or if you need to borrow something, let us know and we will arrange to have Arduino's and components to loan to you.
  • What do I need to bring?
  • Your own Laptop!
  • What else do I need?

To install the Arduino software before you arrive at the class. Download and installation instructions can be found here http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage

Recap of details:

10:00am -- 5pm (6hrs to get your Arduino on with a 1 hour lunch break. There will be coffee breaks too. Optional drinks afterwards. Either BYOAK (Bring your own Arduino Kit) or get starter kit as a part of the ticket. All prices Include all VAT.

http://www.techwillsaveus.com/workshops/introducing-arduino-little-programming-electronics-lot-pleasure-5/

Mitosynth arrives ...


Synthesis without the spaghetti.
Special launch price 33% off — limited time only.

From the creators of Grain Science and Sylo Synth (used by Gorillaz and The Flaming Lips).
A powerful hybrid synthesiser with a magical interface.

Pick from 100 built-in patches — or design your own. Start with additive synthesis, wavetables, or a sophisticated mix. Add rich modulation, effects and filters, controlled by powerful LFOs and beyond. Make vibrant leads, vast soundscapes, compelling basses, warm bath or deep sea pads, and so much more.

The sound is complex, but the controls are not. Synth engine and UI both offer clarity and power — you’re holding in your hands a miracle of touch-screen technology, why limit it to the switches and dials of decades-old hardware?

Mitosynth takes a simple approach: With a tap, almost any dial can be switched out for a graph with automation controls, including LFOs, 5-stage DADSR envelopes, ingenious noise generator, BPM sync — and MIDI, of course. Plus XY pads for the hands-on approach.

And you can combine them. Use one automation to control which (or how much) of two others affect a setting. Many of the automation controls are themselves automatable. You can repeat this, going to deeper levels. LFOception!

The flexible FX chain means no messing with complicated routing tables, or stringing cables around until your screen looks like a plate of pasta: Slot the distortion, filter, delay and other effects you want, in the order you want. Simple!

Powerful like a modular synth. Clean and straightforward like a modern iOS app.

Quick List of Things You Might Want To Know Mitosynth Supports:

• Core MIDI • Virtual MIDI • Background Audio • Audiobus • AudioCopy/Paste • AudioShare • Dropbox • Performance Recording • Universal App •

Also features:
  • Filters, crushers, distortion, warm fuzz, flanger, phaser, echo, tube resonance and chorus. Install up to four in any order — plus a high-quality reverb
  • AM, PWM, Phase Mangulation, Supercharger unison mode
  • Mono and Polyphonic glide, and Regular, Toggle and Latch sustain, customisable keyboard
  • Slick patch and audio management with search and tagging
  • Easily share patches with friends, including any additional audio they require
  • Complete manual built-in, and available for download too
  • ...and far more features than can be listed here. Check out the website for the full details!

Note: Wooji Juice thinks spaghetti is great providing it is on a plate with a nice sauce, not your screen :)

Mitosynth's launch price is $9.99.

Why the Theremini is so important ...


I'm sure you've seen Moog's new Theremini which is due to start shipping shortly. It's a lovely machine, very compact with great features including CV output and MIDI IO through a USB mini jack. But what's really important is that it's built on Moog's Animoog engine, and for me that's really significant.

No, it's really really significant. I mean, how many physical instruments can you name that have their sound engine derived from an app? Not many I'm guessing. This is a point in music technology where things start to get really interesting. Where apps become embedded in hardware. So I applaud Moog for developing this instrument. Personally I'm really looking forward to using it in workshops and live as well. Having the Animoog engine inside guarantees fantastic sound and amazing synthesis.

Well done Moog, this is the beginning of something really important.

So, Google IO, did they announce anything that we might be interested in?

So I've been hearing a lot of stuff during the day about amazing things that Google have announced at their I/O conference. I have to admit that a lot of it is very exciting in terms general tech stuff. However, the one thing I expect lots of mobile music people may have been wondering is what, if anything will Google do in terms of the latency issues in Android. So far I'm hearing nothing at all.

Now that's not to say that they won't announce something later. After all, improving music making apps isn't going to be their headline stuff for the conference keynote, so there might be good news after all. Who knows?

Earhoof still on sale

Still at only $2.99 / £1.99 at the moment, which is 40% off the normal price. You might want to grab it while you can for that.

Don't forget, Junglator is free, forever ...

The nice people at Amplify have made Junglator free forever because they won a rather awesome award for app design.

SyncMix arrives, looks like just what I've been waiting for


SyncMix is a tool that brings three generations of sync together, all controlled from your app.

Nothing beats playing music together with your friends. Now, SyncMix makes it very simple and affordable. Just hook up all the gear to your device, set your tempo and off you go.

It’s also an inexpensive way to get all your own gear in sync.

MIDI is handled through the connector port together with Apple Camera Connection Kit or Lightning Pin depending on your Apple device. CV sync goes through a mini stereo audio cord connected to the headphones output. Wireless sync runs through any music application using WIST running on another device.

MIDI
There are two ways to connect MIDI to your gear.

Laptops
Make sure you use the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter for 30 pin connector devices or the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit for the Lightning pin connector devices. Then with a USB to MIDI cable you can connect to any MIDI interface you use with your laptop.

MIDI Hardware
To connect with MIDI Hardware you can use the same as above or if you want to bypass your MIDI interface you can explore the products from IK Multimedia that works for your setup.

CV
Connect a 3.5" mono or stereo audio cable from your device to your CV gear. Depending on your setup you may or may not need to boost the gain of the signal. In our testing we have used the Volca series without any need to boost the gain. For Eurorack Modular users, audio gain boost for the clock signal can be achieved via the Steady State Fate Ground Control and PTG, Circuit Abbey Gozinta or Doepfer A-119. The modules where used in our testing but theoretically any other gain module should work.

WIST
You can now for the first time jam with your favourite WIST compatible app. Setup up your SyncMix app device as the Master and your other device with the music app with WIST as the Slave. Once the connection is made you can sync all of the above protocols at once.

Known limitation - You have to have a cord attached to the headphones output at all times for SyncMix to work properly.

SyncMix costs $3.99 / £2.49, which is not bad at all I think.

Now there's some news! A new SoundPrism app in the works ...

You shoud have a listen to this for sure ...



It's a lovely album and I've been really enjoying it.

LinnStrument Blues Harmonica (video)

LinnStrument Pedal Steel (video)



Following on from my post yesterday I thought I'd post this, a new video from Roger on the LinnStrument.

Hit the Road Jack - live vocal loop cover (video)

Playing With GuitarCapo+ (video)



Some first thoughts from SoundLab



Chill Eurorack Jam (w/ Volca Beats & iPad Little MIDI Machine)



Nic Collins video tutorials

I only just found these, but I know that they'll really useful to someone, probably a lot of people actually. Of course, if you like these, you should get the book.

Ok, here's the book on iBooks, which is in fact an updated version from January this year.

iConnectivity iConnectMIDI2+ MIDI Interface Demo - Sweetwater's iOS Update, Vol. 76 (video)

In case you missed it ... Meeting Roger Linn at ROLI

In case you missed it from yesterday here are my thoughts on meeting Roger Linn at ROLI last month, and seeing his new LinnStrument.

littleBits Ardunio Sequence Recorder (video)

SoundLab is now on twitter

Korg Volca Bass x2, Keys/Beats (Sunday Drive) (video)

Don't forget, Mitosynth is coming tomorrow ...

Not long to wait at all now! This excellent universal app will be with us tomorrow, and it will be worth the wait. I've been playing with it for a few days and I'm really impressed with it. I think you will be too.

"Disco" KORG DSN-12 for Nintendo 3DS downloads Demo Song (video)

In case you missed it ... Amplitube Orange review

You may have missed it on Monday, but here's the link to the Palm Sounds review of Amplitube Orange comparing with a couple of other apps in the same space and also with hardware too.

"Lissajou" KORG DSN-12 for Nintendo 3DS downloads Demo Song (video)

KORG DSN-12 for Nintendo 3DS downloads (video)

Detune post the first details of their new Korg DSN-12, the evolution of their awesome DS-12


Here's what they say ...

Analog synthesizers have been growing in popularity in recent years. Featuring simple operation that utilizes Nintendo 3DS stylus, the "KORG DSN-12" software makes it easy for anyone to enjoy serious sound-creation and song production with analog synthesizers.

The software provides twelve monophonic synthesizers. Each one lets you add three effects, allowing a broad range of powerful sounds that you would not expect from a game machine.

You have seamless access to all of these synthesizers and their sequences. Since you can make your ideas take shape very quickly, you can enjoy constructing songs in real time while performing in a DJ-like manner.

You can assemble sequences into patterns, and memorize up to 64 patterns for use. Even more complex and interesting songs can be created by freely connecting these patterns together.

Don't miss the world's first* 3D display oscilloscope screen. A visual indication of the audio can heighten your interest and deepen your understanding of how sound is created.
* For Nintendo 3DS software as of September 2014

You can also use the communication functionality to exchange songs and sounds, encouraging collaboration between users.

KORG DSN-12 Main Specifications:
  • Product Name:KORG DSN-12
  • Product Summary:The analogue synthesizer software for Nintendo 3DS Downloads (only available on Nintendo eShop)
  • Contains 12 virtual analog monophonic synthesizers
  • Up to 64 sequence steps
  • Freely place sequences in up to 64 patterns
  • Pattern Program mode lets you chain patterns in up to 99 scenes; muting can also be programmed for each track
  • Three effects are provided; choose from delay, chorus, flanger, compressor, kick, and reverb
  • Local communication allows users to exchange song data and sound data
  • The world's first* 3D display oscilloscope screen; Wave and Lissajous modes are provided (* For Nintendo 3D software as of September 2014)

So you have until September to get yourself a new DS, or at least, I do!

Meeting Roger Linn at ROLI


The first thing I have to say is that I've been meaning to post this for ages now. I actually was at this event in May and I've been meaning to get around to it since then. Anyway, let's get on with it ...

I was very lucky to get a ticket to a select event to hear Roger Linn speak about his new instrument, the Linnstrument. I think that there were only about 20 or 30 people there in total, so the atmosphere was intimate and there was plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. Before I go any further though, I should firstly mention that the event was put on by ROLI who have been pioneering some truly amazing events in their space in East London. The work that they’re doing in bringing people together from the various parts of the music community is really important, and really valuable, and I hope that they continue to do this, as I for one have benefitted from it a great deal.

So, Roger spoke for about 45 minutes about the evolution of the the Linnstrument, and covered a lot of ground in terms of his own career in developing musical instruments. As you probably know, he has had a pretty amazing career to date, and if you don’t know you should check out his site. The device itself is an interesting piece of hardware. It’s actually based on the Arduino Due, which makes it eminently hackable so it’ll appeal to a very wide range of users. You could replace the code with your own and get it to do almost anything you wanted and work with almost any software. But probably the most impressive thing about the Linstrument is how expressive it can be. Each note or pad has full X, Y and Z control. Coupling this with the ability to re-write the code for the controller means you could effectively do almost anything with it that you can possibly think of.


Physically the instrument is a bit like a really long tablet. It can be played like a guitar, well sort of anyway, and Roger played it like this in his demo. However, it would seem to be just as well suited to being played on a desktop. It’s difficult to describe how expressive an instrument it is. It does go beyond what’s come before it and I can see it having appeal to a lot of performers. However, at present the price point is looking to be between $1,000 to $2,000, which will be prohibitive to a lot of users even at the low end.

One of the most useful things about the evening as whole was getting a chance to sit and talk to Roger about his views on mobile music. He was very positive about the range and diversity of apps available, and came across as very pro mobile music on the whole. It isn’t often you get a chance to speak to someone with Roger’s vision and experience in the music technology world and it was very gratifying to hear that he thought along similar lines with regard to mobile devices providing greater access to music making and creativity.

Whilst I really do like the look of the linnstrument, I don’t think it’s something I’ll be rushing out to buy. Not just because of the price tag, but mostly because it doesn’t fit for me. I can see how it would be a massive pull for a lot of electronic musicians who are looking for a way to put more expressivity into their sound. If that’s what you’re looking for, I think you may have found it in the linnstrument.

Arturia BeatStep with Thumbjam (video)



Inter App Ecosystem — iMPC Pro Log (video)

Novation Launchpad, Demo of Two New Soundpacks for iPad (video)



Junglator wins a UK App Design Award, and is now free forever!


Well done to Amplify for winning a UK Mobile & App Design Award. Here's what they say:

"Earlier this month you may have seen that Junglator was shortlisted for a 2014 UK Mobile & App Design Award. Today, we are excited to announce that we went on to win in the Music and Performance category!"

You can read the whole story on their site.

As a result they've decided to make Junglator free, forever! 

SequenceApp breaks silence ...



The Eno • Hyde app gets updated with a new track

Eno • Hyde's app, the one that does the cool stuff if you have their first album on vinyl. Anyway, they've updated it with a track from their next album that's out at the end of the month I believe.

The app is free if you want to hear the new track ...



Also, the first album is really good in my opinion, so take a listen:



Also you can find the new album on iTunes as well, but as I said before, it's out at the end of the month:

Interesting interview with Bruno Zamborlin of Mogees on the Cycling '74 blog

I've posted quite a bit about Mogees and I met Bruno at an event last month as well. This is a nice piece that puts the work that he's done on Mogees into perspective and is well worth a read if you're a backer or just interested in the app and Max.

Via the C74 blog.

Mitosynth Patch - Remember Me (read track info for more...) by Cinebient



Description:

"First you hear the sound sources i used for this patch. A single piano shot and a short string sound. With Mitosynth it's fast and easy to make such a patch from it. No further processing here. Performed with virtual MIDI via SoundPrismPro.
While i'm still working on the 200 Patch Package (don't expect much bread and butter patches here ;) for Mitosynth with various patches i want you to ask what kind of patches would you like to have most. I also would like to make some more packages in near future with special themes if people like it.... Stay tuned!"

Who's helping the SoundLab?

Just one other thing about the SoundLab project and site. I thought you might be interested in seeing who has been helping us out on our thanks page. I think we've done very well so far.

e-l-s-a update brings an unsorted arpeggiator

Here's what's new e-l-s-a:

Adding unsorted arpeggiator.

Settings:
  • Note selection (up/down/random).
  • Octave selection (up/down/random).
  • Nr of octaves 1-8.
  • Time signature/divider 1,2,4,8,16,32 or 64.


A date for your diary: Brighton Mini Maker Faire this September

I went (briefly) last year and it was pretty awesome, so if you can go I'd say that it's worth it. The date is the 6th of September, and you can find out lots more details here.

The Perfect Kiss (New Order) iPad Garageband Cover (video)




Oscilab 1.1 has arrived with Audiobus and more

Oscilab 1.1 has arrived. Here's what's new:
  • Audiobus support
  • Background-audio menu option
  • Fixed scene-switching glitches
  • Several bugfixes


MIDI Designer retiring lite versions and moving to Pro only

This post from MIDI Designer explains the how and the why. I do accept that it's easier to understand though, but I'm interested to know how users will respond.

IK Multimedia's EZ Voice is also on Android

I hadn't realised that IK's new app was also on Android, but it is, you can find it here on the Google Play store.

Reminder: NIME is next week ...

Just a quick reminder that this year NIME is being held at Goldsmiths and will include an open day and Hackathon. The Hack has two challenges, set by Heart n Soul (the SoundLab project that I'm working on) and also Drake Music.

You can read the challenges at the hack space blog, where you can register too. If you're going to be there, say hi!

Audiobus 2 SDK gives developers IAA out of the box and more

It looks like the response to Audiobus' 2.0 SDK has been nothing but good from developers so far. The chaps at Audiobus seem to have made life easy for their developer community yet again.

If for some reason you've not seen it (and you're a developer) then you can find it here.

The daily picture ...


Whatever happened to these?

KORG monotribe - Galaxian (video-ish)



Wow, that took me back ...

Reminder: iOS Musicians Forum

I posted about this a while ago, but it does deserve a reminder. If you haven't been there already then you might want to check out the iOS Musicians Forum. It's relatively new and a new place to discuss iOS music making and also to promote your music as well.

In case you missed it ... the vidibox competition has started

I posted about it yesterday. You've got until the 13th of July to enter the vidibox competition, but if you want to make the most of it you probably need to get a move on as soon as you can.

My original post is here.

Arturia releases a firmware update to BeatStep

Here are the release notes:

BeatStep firmware 1.1.0.

New Features
  • Provide additional settings locally. There is now a way to set up some parameters directly on the unit while in SEQ mode. Shift + Knob 1: set gate time (50%..99%) Shift + Knob 2: set swing (50%..75%) Shift + Knob 3: set legato mode (off/on/on reset)
  • Transpose pads with Controller in CNTRL mode It's now possible to transpose pads in CNTRL mode, using Shift + big knob, on a +/-24 half steps range.
  • Extend sequencer big knob transposition range Transposition range (big knob) has been extended from +/-12 to +/-24 half steps

Bug Fixes
  • Knob acceleration too slow Knobs are now accelerated properly when turned fast
  • Default start up memory should be 1 At power up, sequence from memory #1 is recalled (previously, a default sequence was loaded)
  • MIDI channel pad highlight in Controller mode. Pad back-lighting is now restored after channel setting and similar operations
  • Stuck note in CV while switching CV channel while playing Changing CV channel while playing a sequence no longer produces stuck CV note
  • RPN/NRPN fine mode not working RPN/NRPN fine mode now works as expected when activated with MIDI Control Center
  • Big knob value update between CNTRL mode and SEQ mode Setting rate/transpose in SEQ mode no longer affects the volume setting internal position in CNTRL mode
  • Bad handling of SPP (Song Position Pointer) message Fixed Song Position Pointer message handling (when EXT SYNC is active), leading to better compatibility with Maschine®
  • Inverted MIDI Values for pads/encoders It's now possible to program a pad or knob with min value & max value (useful for pads in switched control mode)

AmpliTube Orange review and comparison

Whilst I still enjoy playing a bit of guitar now and then I'm nowhere near as competent as my friend Paul who offered to take a look at IK Multimedia's AmpliTube Orange app and compare it against other apps and hardware to see which he thought came out best. Here's what he decided ...

How to get the sound of an Orange guitar amplifier without actually owning one....

With the release of AmpliTube's Orange apps, I thought it would be interesting to compare the sounds with those produced by some other Orange emulators. Sadly I don't own a real Orange amp but have always enjoyed the distinctive edgy crunch that characterises this established British manufacturer.

The following comments are of course totally subjective and reflect my personal opinion and taste.

The contenders are:
  1. AmpliTube Orange as endorsed by the real Orange company.
  2. JamUp Pro's OR30
  3. Bias "British Rock 50"
  4. Tech 21 Oxford (Sansamp). This is a hardware guitar pedal with analog electronics

Audio was sent through the iPad via a Roland Duo Ex interface.


Clean sounds:

My personal favourite was the AmpliTube AD30 with a full bodied "rounded" sound, whereas the the OR50 seemed a little too "thin" despite attempts to manipulate the eq section. The Tiny Terror is an excellent value amp head in real life, but has just a single tone control which is duplicated here. It didn't hit the spot for me (but see my comments on the over-driven sounds below). The Jam-up and Bias emulations sounded fine, but perhaps lacked the character of a real amp.

The Oxford pedal stood up well against the digital emulations with a warm, less brittle (digital?) sound. It has a very flexible (and sensitive) tone stack and a little tweaking leads to a huge range of sounds.

Over-driven sounds:

This is more up my street. Crank up the gain and immediately the AmpliTube models start spitting out that British crunch complete with authentic hiss and noise. All the models demonstrated a distinctive harmonic distortion mostly noticeable on the high strings and I believe this is a characteristic of the real hardware.

I did an A/B comparison between the Rockerverb 50 and the Oxford and managed to get the tone suprisingly close... picture the opening riff for T.Rex's 20th Century Boy. Fantastic! Again I found the AD30 had a rounder tone and I was able to dial in more bottom end (which is the sort of sound I go for). This time the Tiny Terror's tone control did actually produce a useful range of sounds and I found myself thinking that maybe I should invest in the real thing! The Thunderverb channel A produced an interesting "raspy" drive which could cut through in the right sort of mix but was not entirely to my taste and the OR50 was my least favourite. Prior to the AmpliTube offering, I had always enjoyed JamUp's "Orange" amp but was suprised to find it rather thin and lacking in character when compared to the others. There was also a lack of tone variation and quite a
strong compression component to the sound.

But still, I have had it sounding great in a mix so it can't be all bad! I only played with the basic Bias model and didn't dig in and fiddle with the internal components; it was similar to the JamUp model but with less compression and more background hiss. It might be that something as simple as changing the position of the simulated microphone would bring the two models closer sonically. The Tech 21 sounds fantastic when cranked up and has a character control the allows radical re-modelling of the sound. And there is that harmonic distorion that I mentioned earlier...

Some conclusions:

AmpliTube offers a fantastic suite of Orange models and in my opinion outguns the Jamup version. Although interestingly this exercise has proved to me the quality of the Tech 21 Oxford and what can be done in the old fashioned analog domain. But you have to remember the Oxford will set you back £159 whereas the AmpliTube Orange is just £10.49. And of course a real Tiny Terror costs a whole load more....


Amplitube Orange on the app store ($14.99 / £10.49)