What are we expecting on the 9th of September?

The other day I mentioned the news that Apple are having their autumn event on the 9th of September. Just over a week away from now. So what are we expecting? What good stuff is going to come out? Will it be earth shattering or simply more of the same?

There have been lots of rumours about what the event will bring. Namely ...

• A new Apple TV
• An app store for Apple TV
• Siri for Apple TV
• iOS9
• iPhone 6S and 6S+
• Force touch on the new iPhones

Did I miss anything? For me, the only really interesting thing for me would be force touch on the new iPhone. I think that could be really interesting for music making. I think it could bring a lot of possibilities for apps and expressivity.

As for iOS9, that brings us the possibility of audio units for our mobile DAW hosts. I'm not convinced as yet that this is a good thing. My concern is that we'll just be flooded with loads of little effects apps that won't make a big difference. Time will tell.

Finally, and not related to mobile music I'd be interested to see where the Apple TV goes, if indeed that is something that does come about. I never found the existing Apple TV too much use, so it would be good to see a bit of hardware that was a bit more worthwhile.

Emo Chorus by Virsyn Demo for iPad with Guitar & Fretless Bass (video)

Using Moog Werkstatt-01 with Arturia Beatstep Pro (video)

Video description:

"I have seen people using many different configurations to connect with their Werkstatt using the CV expander board. Here is an example(several combined) using the Beatstep Pro that I posted on Facebook in the Moog Werkstatt group. I thought maybe this would help by uploading it to YouTube as well. Description of hook-up below."

miniAtmegatron Tutorial - Arduino Uno MIDI-hack (Windows)

Video description:

"This tutorial shows Windows users how to MIDI hack their Arduino Uno.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS ONLY FOR GENUINE ARDUINO UNO R3s AND CLONES USING 16U2 USB PROCESSOR (this is the processor next to the USB socket, not the main processor)."

GliderVerb 1.5 arrived

Here's what's new in GliderVerb 1.5:

• New: Stereo Sampler with scrubbing, loop-points fade, fine zoom selection etc…
• New: UI Skins
• iOS 8.4 SDK
• Audiobus 2.2
• Bugs Fixed

miniAtmegatron Tutorial - Assembly (video)

Video description:

"The tutorial shows you how to assemble your miniAtmegatron and upload the source code to the Arduino Uno (if needed).
It doesn't attempt to teach soldering or good soldering practices. There's plenty of videos on the Internet about that already!
I've aimed the video at all levels, so apologies to anyone who finds some of this a bit obvious!
If you need help, please use the forum: http://forums.soulsbysynths.com/
The miniAtmegatron is available from the Soulsby Synths shop: http://soulsbysynths.bigcartel.com/"

Elastic Drums 1.6.1 arrives

Here's what's new Elastic Drums:

• Midi settings get saved in app defaults now
• New sound presets for bass and drone synth
• Debugged: ED was not sending sync out via Virtual Midi Port
• Debugged: Outgoing midi notes have right note and velocity values now
• Debugged: When pushing 2 buttons in Jam screen and release them, the second release information could get lost
• Debugged: play button in Audiobus Connection Panel works now
• Fixed: Pinch Gesture in master effects param could cause a crash

iVCS3 Demo 180 Free Presets by Red Sky Lullaby

Video description:

"Demo of Red Sky Lullaby presets for iVCS3
3 Sound Banks (180 Free Presets).
Available within the Store section of the iPad app."

Looking forward to Audulus 3 ...

We've sent out over 50 beta versions of Audulus 3 to date. Audulus 3 is going to be big!

— Audulus (@audulus) August 30, 2015

What are the apps you really want to master?

What's the app you'd most like to master on iOS or any other operating system for that matter?

The complexity of apps on iOS and on android to a lesser extent has just exploded. Some apps on iOS actually rival the complexity of some desktop vstis in my opinion, and, as I've mentioned many times before I think that to a large extent we're replicating the desktop. But that's not what I want to talk about here. Instead I'm interested to know what app or apps you want to master and why?

Apps like Sunvox and Jasuto are just complex and difficult to get to grips with and require a big investment in time and effort. Others, like Audulus are capable of massive complexity and some of the patches I've seen created with Audulus defy reason in their design and execution. 

So where do you get started with some of these?  How do you find the time and the resources to get your head around some of these apps?

For example Noatikl and Mixtikl from Intermorphic often perplex people and leave them wondering how to get to a point of proficiency. 

It isn't easy. That's probably an understatement isn't it. 

So what are the apps you've either struggled to master or always wanted to devote time to or wanted to get good at, and more to the point, why in particular those apps?

Is this a coincidence or not?

So Apple have announced their next event, on the 9th of September, but at the same time, ROLI (a music hardware start up from East London) has also posted this on Instagram ...

The countdown begins! www.roli.com

A photo posted by ROLI (@we.are.roli) on Aug 26, 2015 at 3:33pm PDT

Is that a coincidence?

You might want to ask Siri this question ... "Siri give me a hint". See what you get ...

Now I might be putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5 (or more, or less). But it seemed like a bit of a coincidence to me and made me wonder. I wouldn't be surprised if ROLI had something to do with Apple, but of course, I could be wrong there ...

Combo Organ Model V, Plus, Lets Go Vintage Project, for iPad (video)

If you're thinking about doing something in the hardware space, then you should read this

I found this a very interesting and enlightening piece on hardware development, and thought it was well worth sharing in case there was anyone else who was interested in it.

Tutorial - Encode and import video files into Takete (video)

iLectric Piano for Android with iRig KEYS PRO (video)

MiMix, Mixer For Audiobus, Performance Demo for iPad (video)

iRig PADS midi controller setup and demo (video)

Video description:

"Here is a quick demo, how to set up iRIG PADs midi controller to play with Elastic Drums new Jam screen. It should work pretty the same with any other Midi controller. ED expects Midi notes for trigger buttons and continuous controller for knobs."

Emo Chorus for iPad/iPhone (video)

haQ attaQ 79 - MiMiX - setting up Tutorial (video)

iGrand Piano for Android with iRig KEYS PRO (video)

BIAS FX iPad - New Studio Rack Pack (video)

Video description:

"Need more tone? Now you can expand BIAS FX iPad with five of the most sought-after studio racks based on the LA2A® Compressor, PSA-1® Preamp, Manley® EQ, Echoplex® and Dual Spring Reverb. Get them now as in-app purchase in the BIAS FX store."

iGrand Piano for Android with iRig MIDI 2 + MIDI keyboard (video)

What's coming from Korg?

Something new coming soon...#Korgteaser pic.twitter.com/gqbi3e4b2O

— KORG USA (@KorgUSA) August 26, 2015

Probably not a new app I'm guessing, but what is it?

Realistic Choir simulator ranging from simple Chorus emulation to full ensemble Choir with 128 members.

Emo Chorus is a modulation effect used used to create a richer, thicker sound and add subtle movement. The effect roughly simulates the slight variations in pitch and timing that occur when multiple performers sing or play the same part. In contrast to most traditional chorus effect units Emo Chorus allows for astonishingly realistic big choirs with up to 128 voices !

Use live input from any source - Microphone, Guitar, Audiobus and Inter App Audio - or take a song from your iTunes library for processing.

Features:

• 128 voices chorus engine
• 20 factory chorus and flanger presets
• Unlimited user presets.
• Delay time up to 180ms.
• MIDI controllable parameter.
• Audiobus 2 compatible with state saving
• IAA compatible ( Auria, Cubasis, Garageband ).
• Integrated iTunes player.

Emo Chorus costs $1.99 on the app store (this is a 60% off discount)

Project Ara delayed and more thoughts on modular phones

A little while ago I wrote down some thoughts about modular phones and also about modular operating systems. Then, just a few days ago, Google's Ara got delayed, which I think is interesting. We all know (at least I expect we all know) that hardware is difficult to do, and hardware as complex as something like a modular phone is going to be very difficult.

So, why is Ara going to be delayed? Good question, I think that the official version of the story probably isn't too far from the truth, at least as far as it goes, and it doesn't go far at all. All they've said is that there are more 'iterations' than they expected. That's fair enough, but what does that mean?

I think it probably means that this is a really hard project to get working, and it's introduced way more complications in design than other hardware projects.

Personally I think that they should be talking to people involved in modular synths in order to get a better handle on this stuff. Perhaps it is the hardware, perhaps it is the OS, who really knows, it looks like they're not letting on for now.

I don't think that Apple will be doing anything similar soon, but I'd be interested to know what they think about it and how they might respond.

Patterning 101: Creating Patterns (video)

Patterning 101: Creating Patterns from _|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\_ on Vimeo.

Video description:

"Patterning 101: Creating Patterns

This video covers: Editing steps, selecting samples, setting amplitude, Start and End of sample, loop settings, envelope, applying effects, automation, layers, rotation, and the Pen Echo tool.

Patterning is an inspiring new drum machine from Olympia Noise Co. As beautiful as it is powerful, Patterning is a deep and flexible sample-based drum machine unlike any you’ve encountered before."

7 Minutes with an Ipad Synth - Ondes (Olympia Noise Co.) (video)

iVCS3 1.5 (video)

Video description:

"+ Essential and Recommended EMS Modifications: + Oscillators Synchronisation + Oscillator 3 Lo/Hi Frequency Switch + Oscillators 1 and 2 VC Shape + Noise Sample & Hold + Envelope Attack/Decay Time Extension + Inverted/Controlled Matrix Red Pins + Joystick Glide"

Stompwatch 1.1 -- Tamper Time! (video)

Video description:

"Stompwatch is a virtual MIDI pedal board app; it runs on iOS 7 and newer, and makes it easy to control synthesizers and sequencers. There are ten pages of controls, and each page can specify any number of MIDI destinations. On each page, there are ten pads; these can be configured to send MIDI notes, chords, or MIDI program change or control change messages. You can use MIDI over Bluetooth to allow one iOS device to control another.

A new feature of version 1.1 is support for the ION iCade. The iCade is a game controller, with eight physical buttons and a joystick; you can use this to trigger pads in Stompwatch. Because the iCade is inexpensive and durable, you can use it to create a MIDI foot controller. The iCade is also easily hackable.

Stompwatch also supports Audiobus Remote and the Apple Watch."

nils 2.0 arrives with some useful educational tips ...

Fun fact.. It's important to also be an educator. Nils 2.0: https://t.co/heaI0Nof7z pic.twitter.com/b4QgTnH5Mj

— Erik [unknown] (@humbleTUNE) August 25, 2015

Something new coming from Kymatica (plus other new things too)

The new mixer app is going forward.. https://t.co/1KwJobfTES

— J.Liljedahl/Kymatica (@j_liljedahl) August 25, 2015

@PalmSounds It may take a while, lots of more to do.. More AUFX are planned for later!

— J.Liljedahl/Kymatica (@j_liljedahl) August 25, 2015

Olympia Noise Co Patterning Rock Drums Kit (video)

Video description:

"Testing out some of my heavy hitting Rock drum kit samples in Patterning by Olypia Noise Co. Patterning is a drum machine app as well as a midi sequencer. You can import your own sounds as well as create midi patterns and send them out to your hardware."

Caustic - One minute track in one hour (video)

Video description:

"Set myself a small challenge to see what I could create in Caustic in one hour - this is it. Shows the potential of Caustic."

Korg littleBits improvisation #5 (video)

Video description:

"There is not much to say about this video. It's made the same way as the others: Me playing around with a Korg littleBits synthesizer :-)
Actually it's two sets - I borrowed one more..."

Roland SoundCanvas App Review by Sweetwater

Video description:

"Mitch takes a look at the Roland SoundCanvas app on his iPad. The original SoundCanvas module was a breakthrough for MIDI composers, allowing multi-timbral operation and lots of polyphony. The SoundCanvas app boasts 1,600 sounds, 63 drum kits, and 64 insert effects. Check it out in this episode of the iOS Update, then click the link below to get this and other music-related apps."

Oscilab by 2Beat Update Demo for iPad (video)

MelodyMiner ... "A Song Idea Turns Into Melodies Over Chords" ... Interesting app arrives ...

Got an instant song idea? Bring it to life within seconds. Simply sing out your original melody and MelodyMiner will generate multiple songs with unlimited sets of chord progression in different tempos.

In each generated song, your voice will automatically be tuned to match the chords and instruments will play along.

Easy To Use

• Open up the app, choose a tempo, and start recording.
• Play and navigate through generated songs with varied chord progressions, tempos, and settings.

Editable Chord Progression and Tempo

• Pick a chord of your choice at any position. Almost all types of chords used in popular music are available.
• Allowed to change tempo after recording.

Vocal Tuning Options

• Change the level of vocal tuning from Off to High.
• Enable or disable harmony effect.
• Allowed to increase overall pitch of vocal up to 12 semitones (1 octave)

Backing Instruments

• Choose any combination of piano, guitar, and drums with bass.
• Four different basic patterns are selectable for piano and guitar.

Share

• Share vocal track as MP3, AIFF, or MIDI file.
• Share via Email, AudioCopy, or other installed apps that support specified file format.

Are you a seasoned musician or a songwriter?
Then, MelodyMiner will greatly assist you in all aspects while you are in an idea-developing phase.
Besides ease of song-prototyping, it will even bring you new inspiration by generated songs.
Transfer output vocal as a MIDI or an audio file and continue working on your masterpiece on other applications seamlessly.

If you are new to songwriting, have some fun of making your own songs.
Find yourself being creative in music-making even if you haven't ever played a note on guitar or piano.


Known Issue:Record in full voice. Otherwise, some parts of recording may not sound, or noise will tick in playback time, especially at a tempo setting other than the original one.

MelodyMiner costs $2.99 on the app store now

Patterning: Sequencing IOS / Plugin Synthesizer (MIDI) (video)

Video description:

"Patterning is the drum machine from Olympia Noise Co. The app offers an unique way to sequence and offers users Midi Out via Music IO or Midimux. In this video I sequence a IOS Synthesizer (iPolySix) and a range of VST Plugins from Applied Acoustics Systems. You can trigger each drum line with an own midi out channel."

What's coming next in Lorentz ...

The next version of LORENTZ Synthesizer for iPad. pic.twitter.com/BMyeWP2JJX

— iceGear Instruments (@iceGearMusic) August 24, 2015

Volca Sample iPhone Controller Demo 2 - Fast Melody (video)

Genome MIDI Sequencer is actually on sale until the end of September

I mentioned that Genome was on sale this morning, but didn't realise that actually it is on sale now until the end of September.

Also, version 2.0.1 is coming soon, and here's what's coming:

• Added new 'preview' button whenever you select some notes in the pattern editor (so you can hear a part that you are working on).
• Now when you press the 'fit to view button' and you have notes selected, it will just zoom in on those notes.
• Fixed MIDI Exporting
• Now when you change the length of the pattern while the song is playing, genome will restart the pattern so that it stays in sync with the other patterns, instead of allowing it to continue playing and be 'off' by a bar.
• Re-added ‘edit’ option for sequencer long tap menu
• Updated to latest Auduiobus

So the sale price is $6.99 (it was $12.99 before).

MiMiX - Mixer for Audiobus 2.0 has arrived

Here's what's new in MiMiX - Mixer for Audiobus 2.0:

• Audiobus Remote support with customizable trigger setup
• State Saving support
• MIDI capabilities upgrade:
• Virtual MIDI port handling
• In-app settings
• Presets
• Knob Pickup
• Multi Solo option
• Remember Mute States option
• Latest Audiobus SDK (2.2.1)

Volca Sample iPhone Controller Setup (video)

MultitrackStudio for iPad 2.2 brings some new things

Here's what's new in MultitrackStudio for iPad:

• Pro Extension now features multichannel audio playback. Tracks, groups and effect returns get an output selector to choose from the Master section and all stereo output pairs other than the one the Master section uses.
• Rotary knobs can now optionally be controlled using vertical movements. See the 'Allow vertical movements' box in the Preferences pane.
• IAA, Virtual MIDI and External MIDI instruments no longer solely rely on 'all notes off' MIDI messages to mute pending notes. It appears many iOS apps don't respond to this message.

Volca Sample iPhone c=Controller Demo 1 - Slow Melody Song (video)

And more coming from Art Kerns ...

Still working on a second MIDI app, hopefully finishing it up soon.

— Art Kerns (@artkerns) August 24, 2015

Which sounds good to me. Something else to look forward to ...

midiLFOs v1.1 is coming

midiLFOs v1.1 with some bug fixes has been submitted to app review. Fixes MIDI quirks, adds a ramp waveform, plus misc other little things.

— Art Kerns (@artkerns) August 24, 2015

Tangible Instruments: Arpeggio Mixed Demos

Volca Sample Controller (universal) arrives

Something new for all you Volca Sample owners. A new Controller app called simply ... "Volca Sample Controller". Here are the details ...

Play a beautiful tune on your beloved volca sample!

This app send all volca sample available MIDI CC and note on/off command from your iOS devices. The CC commands are send real time to the volca as you adjust on your iPhone or iPad. The Copy and Paste makes it easy to build the parts. Each part remembers the 12 parameter settings. The app has an octave from 3 to 5.

Hardware requirements:

• iPhone 5 and above
• a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter from Apple
• a USB to MIDI cable ($10 at amazon or your local IT shop)

Full support:

• I am committed to support this app. First you are guarantee to be able to play melody on your volca sample via your iPhone or iPad. Second, you will be able to save 9 parts of parameter settings. Please contact me at ustransit74@gmail.com for support.

Specification:

• At least 3 Octave of notes
• Automatic remember 10 parts of settings
• 12 MIDI knob settings
• Copy and Paste for the parts
• Similar layout design to Korg Volca Sample

MIDI Command

• Note On/Off for 3 Octave at default note value C4
• Sample Start Point for 0 to127 at default value 0
• Sample Length for 0 to 127 at default value 127
• Sample Hi Cut for 0 to 127 at default value 64
• Pitch Speed for -63 to 63 at default value 0
• Pitch EG Int for -63 to 63 at default value 0
• Pitch Attack for 0 to 127 at default value 0
• Pitch Decay for 0 to 127 at default value 64
• Amp Level for 0 to 127 at default value 127
• Amp Pan -63(L) to 63(R) at default value 0
• Amp Attack for 0 to 127 at default value 0
• Amp Decay for 0 to 127 at default value 64

Use your phone to play samples at different pitches. The 9 parts corresponds to 9 different samples. Use it to play beautiful tune with a range of 3 octave. Play as you are in a performance. There are 9 parts in the app. Each part will trigger a different sample in volca sample. Each part has its 12 parameter settings (including one octave which volca sample does not have). Quickly build a part from another part's parameters using the copy and paste feature.

Volca Sample Controller costs $6.99.

How to import samples into Patterning plus free Moog drums (video)

VoiceJam Studio: Exploring Waveform Touch Modes (video)

Video description:

"Our master programmer Stephen Evans walks us through the different waveform manipulations found within our flagship looping app, VoiceJam Studio."

Limiter - Amazing Noises Audio Processor version 2 arrived

Here's what's new in Limiter - Amazing Noises Audio Processor:

• Sampler with scrub and fade
• Saturator Color
• Normalizer Gate
• Panning

Shnth Kits for Patterning (video)

Shnth Kits for Patterning from _|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\_ on Vimeo.

Video description:

"The new app Patterning by Olympia Noise Co includes two really slick Shbobo Shnth Kits- "ShnthDrum" & "ShnthString". This is a quick preview. Many thanks to Steve and Peter!"

Just in case you didn't know, Elastic Drums has dropped in price a bit

Yep, Elastic Drums was $9.99 and now is $7.99, which is a good price for this awesome drum synth.

Patterning In Depth : Standard Loop Mode (video)

Fleksi - Impaktor Jam (Live @Grimsbury Festival 2015) (video)

Elastic Drums Update 1.6 - New features (video)

New presets from Elastic Drums update 1.6 (video)

Elastic Drums 1.6 has a lot of new stuff

Here's what's new in Elastic Drums 1.6:

• Added Audiobus Remote Triggers and a Jam view to jam with you current preset
• Added 2 new synth-engines: bass and drones
• Lots of great new presets from various users
• Polyrhythms possible with new in between time settings in each sequencer
• Improved Song editing: Move pattern by long tap and dropping somewhere else
• Improved Midi synchronization, especially outgoing sync
• Added Midi input channel
• Simplified synced audio recording
• Preset import works again

haQ Vlog 22 - Propellerheads Discover Like button! (video)

Olympia Noise Co Patterning Drum Machine using MIDI to control modular makenoisemusic intellijel / pittsburgh

#Patterning Drum Machine using #MIDI to control #modular @makenoisemusic intellijel / pittsburgh.

A video posted by Olympia Noise Co (@olympianoiseco) on Aug 20, 2015 at 1:18pm PDT

Soulsby Synthesizers miniAtmegatron in 90 seconds (video)

Video description:

"The miniAtmegatron is an 8-bit synthesizer shield kit for the Arduino Uno. This video provides an introduction to what it can do.
The miniAtmegatron goes on sale on the 24th August: http://soulsbysynths.com/buy/ and at dealers all around the world.
Recommended retail price: $39 / €39 / £29"

haQ hattaQ 77 - Xynthesizr Randomised MIDI notes (video)

Remember that Oscilab is on sale until Sunday

Don't forget that Oscilab is half price at the moment (down from $9.99 to $4.99), and, as you know it's just been updated, but if you didn't know, then you can find the details here. The half price deal ends tomorrow.

How-To Learn Guitar with jamstik+ - Lessons App Overview (video)

There's a new Mute Synth II coming on the 7th of September

Another Mute Synth will be available soon. The previous limited addition versions are all sold out, and this is a new version, and it's orange, or so they say. Looks more yellow to me.

Details on the Mute site.

Peter Kember invites Patchblocks for an interview (video)

Video description:

"The awesome Pete Kember (Spacemen 3 / E.A.R. / Sonic Boom) was up for a nice interview and demo session with Patchblocks. Special thanks to Peter and Gus for this cool piece of footage ;-)"

Patterning : Drum Machine from Olympia Noise Co is one of the best apps I've seen in a while

I have to say that I am loving this app completely and in every way. The moment I started playing with it I was smitten completely. I'll be writing up a few more thoughts about the app soon, but for now here are the details of the app itself.

As beautiful as it is powerful, Patterning is a deep and flexible drum machine unlike any you’ve encountered before. With its elegant circular interface, Patterning transforms the iPad into a seriously inspiring tool for making beats.

Create dynamic drum patterns with the swipe of a finger. Make evolving, poly-metric rhythms, four-on-the-floor dance party jams, or laid back R&B grooves. Use Patterning’s independent loop settings to explore untapped rhythmic possibilities. Automate parameters to create intricate & complex beats. Arrange patterns on the timeline to construct songs. Use the built-in effects--delay, reverb, distortion, and 3-band EQ--to add atmosphere, shimmer and noise. Connect to other apps with Audiobus, Inter-App Audio, and MIDI.

Patterning comes loaded with classic drum machine samples as well as exclusive drum kits created and curated by contemporary producers and musicians. For the independent producer, it’s easy to create custom kits with your own samples.

With an extensive and uncommon feature set, Patterning redefines what an iOS drum machine can be.

Recommended for iPad 3 and newer.
For a complete list of specifications, please visit http://www.olympianoiseco.com/apps/patterning

Patterning costs $9.99.

Last day, and actually the last few hours of the Korg summer sale

All of the Korg apps are on sale up to today, the 21st of August, so you've got a few more hours to  grab a bargain. Here's what's on offer from Korg:

• The Korg iM1 is down from $29.99 to $19.99
• Module is on sale from $39.99 to $29.99
• Gadget is down from $39.99 to $29.99
• iPolysix is now only $19.99 (it was $29.99)
• iMS-20 is also only $19.99 (it was $29.99)
• iKaossilator is now just $9.99 when it was $19.99
• iElectribe Gorillaz edition is now just $9.99 when it was $19.99
• and iElectribe itself is also now just $9.99 when it was $19.99

Patterning : Drum Machine (video)

Ninja Jamm - Coldcut’s music making app now on Android & iOS (video)

Video description:

"Check out the superpowerful yet easy to use music making app Ninja Jamm, designed by legendary DJ duo Coldcut. You can touch, swipe, tilt and shake your mobile device to cut, glitch, mash and mix in 1000 different ways. Dive in and start creating your own electronic music: It’s Your Rhythm.

The best music app you’ve ever played with or your money not back (it’s free BTW).

The app comes free with two Samplepacks from Loopmasters, which enable you to create studio quality tracks from a wide collection of beats, bass lines, synths, vocals and fx drawn from a variety of genres. Plus 2 more free packs from Coldcut and Roots Manuva.

Download now via Google Play http://smarturl.it/NJAndroid"

Ninja Jamm on iOS ...

Shut Up and Play Addictive Synth by Virsyn, Demo for iPad

GrainProc 4.2 is here

Here's what's new in GrainProc: live granular synthesis:

• NEW: Update to Audiobus 2.2.1
• Improved audio quality for pass through signal - no more issues with degraded sound quality or "underwater" effects!
• Now with a Preset Manager so you can save those awesome presets inside GrainProc itself!
• Community option so that people can share the awesome presets that they make!
• Bugfix where the "dry" slider would reset when changing between the 2 synths.

Korg littleBits improvisation #3 (video)

Video description:

"Again I have made an improvisational whatever-it-is in four tracks on Korg littleBits synthesizer."

Soulsby Synthesizers Atmegatron in 90 seconds (video)

Video description:

"The Atmegatron is an 8-bit MIDI synthesizer. This video gives an overview of what it can do.
From the 24th August, the Atmegatron will be back in stock here: http://soulsbysynths.com/buy/ and at dealers all around the world.

Recommended retail price: $299 / €299 / £199

Music by _ensnare_ and created entirely on the Atmegatron. Hear the full track hear: https://soundcloud.com/ensnare-1/ensnare-vs-soulsby"

Patchení s Nikol #1 Co to je Modulár?? (What is Modular??) (video)

Video description:

"First episode of Patcheni s Nikol is here! Youll get to know what is Modular and why is it awesome!"

SeekBeats adds support for Audiobus Remote

One of my all time favourite iOS drum machines, SeekBeats has now added support for Audiobus Remote in the latest update. Excellent app, just gets better all the time.

If you don't know SeekBeats, then you need to fix that.

A Quick Peek at the Nexus 9 for Mobile Music Production (video)

Video description:

"Can HTC's Nexus 9 tablet stand up to some of the most powerful audio and music production apps on the Android platform? Take a look and find out..."

Reminder: The Korg Summer Sale ends on Friday

All of the Korg apps are on sale up to this Friday, the 21st of August, so don't forget to grab a bargain whilst you can. Here's what's on offer from Korg:

• The Korg iM1 is down from $29.99 to $19.99
• Module is on sale from $39.99 to $29.99
• Gadget is down from $39.99 to $29.99
• iPolysix is now only $19.99 (it was $29.99)
• iMS-20 is also only $19.99 (it was $29.99)
• iKaossilator is now just $9.99 when it was $19.99
• iElectribe Gorillaz edition is now just $9.99 when it was $19.99
• and iElectribe itself is also now just $9.99 when it was $19.99

7 Minutes with an Ipad Synth - Elastic Drums (video)

Video description:

"A new Episode of 7 Minutes with an Ipad Synth. This week I jam on Elastic Drums. This amazing app is a modular drum synthesizer and drum sequencer in one. Personally the automation of the parameters during the sequence is a fantastic way to make some crazy drum actions."

Doo Wop (That Thing) - Lauryn Hill (cover using a looper and voice) (video)

Three core technologies of Minim explained (video)

Video description:

"In this video chief product engineer Mark Demay explains the three core technologies of Minim."

I'm really on the fence here with this campaign, I'm very tempted, but I've back so many things recently ...

looping on the op-1 (video)

Video description:

"laying down some more beats on the op-1."

STOPP i trafiken Super Lo-fi productions 2015 (video of track made entirely using Sunvox on Android)

Video description:

"I´m on a roll... The last tune “STOPP I trafiken” for my first 4-song Super Lo-fi concept Ep – “Tunnelbanetrudelutter” is finished (+ a quick video). This one is based upon samples from various speaker voices announcing problematic stuff like delays and mechanical issues going on in the subway system."

Rusningstrafik, Super Lo-fi, Bunker gardens 2015 (video of track made entirely using Sunvox on Android)

Video description:

"Where else to spend a rainy summer but the subway? The result is newest tune from the Super Lofi project: RUSNINGSTRAFIK (rush hour). Recored, composed, edited and mixed on the subway trains and platforms of the Stockholm transit system, using the ever so awseome SUNVOX software and a Galaxy-S3. And when its no fun being outside anyway, why not make another subway video to go with it? Stay tuned for more sounds from the underground :)"

Loopy Masterpiece: I'm Doing Science And I'm Still Alive (video)

Video description:

"Not dead, you guys. Just working on something I'm not quite ready to show you yet. It'll be worth the wait, though."

Deftones' Stephen Carpenter on BIAS FX (video)

Shut Up And Play The Arturia iMini, Demo for iPad

Rave Droid Music with uFXloops (video)

Video description:

"A Rave Mini project produced by uFXloops user hardstyler."

You might want to see Palm Sounds a bit differently today ...

If you do, then try this ... It's just a bit of fun.

Empire Hip Hop Piano Groove made with uFXloops (video)

Video description:

"Piano melodies produced by uFXloops user hardstyler, loops compositions by looperman user Aereas combined with a fat acoustic groove ending."

SeekBeats support for Audiobus remote coming soon

An update for SeekBeats that supports @AudiobusApp's Remote for triggering drums and changing patterns should be available next week.

— Rugoso (@rugoso) August 14, 2015

Sex On The Dancefloor Music made with uFXloops (video)

Video description:

"A uFXloops community project demo song, produced by uFXloops user dtrancefx."

A bit more on the new app from Wooji Juice ...

For once, the ducking autocorrect is ducking correct :) pic.twitter.com/ap6HkR6Grk

— Wooji Juice (@wooji) August 18, 2015

libpd for JUCE (video)

Video description:

"Fabian from JUCE talking about the possibilities libpd for JUCE would offer and about the open tasks libpd should solve

more info about JUCE: http://www.juce.com
more info about libPD: http://libpd.cc

Download a JUCE libpd project by Oliver and Karl here: https://github.com/logsol/JuceLibPd/"

As per the last video I know that this isn't really mobile related but it is kind of as it's libPd and from Oliver Greschke (maker of the excellent Elastic Drums)

PD Pulp: A VST plugin to load PureData patches (video)

Video description:

Here we are presenting our VST plugin (created with JUCE & libpd), where you can import your own Vanilla PureData files and use them as VST

download the VST: https://github.com/logsol/JuceLibPd/tree/plugin

have a look at another video about the plugin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsPwRh1xSps

more info about JUCE: http://www.juce.com
more info about libPD: http://libpd.cc

So I know that this isn't really mobile related but it is kind of as it's libPd and from Oliver Greschke (maker of the excellent Elastic Drums)

App Preview: apeSoft iVCS3 1.5 (Beta) Historical EMS Modifications

Video description:

In the upcoming update of iVCS3, they will be some important new features: Historical EMS Modifications

• Oscillator Synchronisation
• VCO3 Lo/Hi Frequency Switch
• Noise Sample & Hold
• Envelope Attack / Decay Time Extension
• Inverted / Controlled Matrix Red Pins

Oscilab 1.5.5 brings MIDI and Universal support

Oscilab has always been a fav of mine. I think it has a really interesting and quite unique interface and method of making music, so it's great to see it become a universal app. In fact I'd like to see more apps going from iPad back to the iPhone (but that's a longer conversation for another day). So well done to 2Beat for that.

Here's the rest of what's new in Oscilab:

"Oscilab is now also a MIDI controller, fully integrated within the app!
Use waves to control other apps and devices, mapping individual channels to different destinations, sending notes, beats, velocity and other customizable CC messages.

Universal App: we've added support for iPhone and iPod touch devices."

LoopTree Tutorial: Multi-channel audio interfaces and MIDI control (video)

The Build — Wej housing iteration (video)

Video description:

"In this episode of The Build, JP shows the latest iteration on the silicone housing that holds the circuit board."

haQ VLog #21 - Good lighting? Help please! (video)

Korg Gadget, Lets Compose With Marseille, Demo for iPad (video)

Groovecloud jam party

First saturday jam party. Composing some beats with some #Groovecloud Friend. @appmusik @OnlineMusicEng @PalmSounds pic.twitter.com/cipujnJGCj

— GrooveCloud (@theGrooveCloud) August 14, 2015

Animoog | Interactive Interface (video)

Video description:

"Sculptor / programmer / interactive interface designer, Chas Llewellyn, explores the form and function of a large-scale light sculpture he designed using Moog Music's Animoog app as the control source. From his former Wedge Studios workspace in Asheville's River Arts District, Chas details the multiple electronic communication protocols that he integrated into the final working installation."

SunVox 1.9 brings goodies galore ...

SunVox 1.9 brings loads of new stuff for you to play with:

• additional UI language - Russian; you can change it in Preferences -> Interface;
• engine is now optimized for OpenGL ES 2.0;
• new module - Feedback (see the examples);
• new module - Filter Pro (High quality IIR filter);
• number of MIDI slots (in Preferences) has been increased to 4; so you can use four MIDI controllers simultaneously;
• now any external MIDI knob can be connected to any number of SunVox controllers of any modules;
• now any SunVox shortcut can be connected to external MIDI button (Note, CC or Program Change);
• click twice (or right click) on the controller to open the new Controller Properties window;
• you can do the following operations in the new Controller Properties window: change, reset, randomize, write to pattern, assign MIDI IN;
• MultiSynth: new controller "Phase" - the starting position of the sample or the starting phase of some Generator;
• MultiSynth: added support of the "Set Sample Offset" pattern effects 07 and 09;
• MultiCtl: new controller "Quantization" - the number of quantization levels;
• Sampler: new controller "Rec threshold" - the level at which the Sampler should start recording;
• Sampler: ability to import the loop points from WAV;
• Generator: "P.Modulation" controller has been renamed to "Freq.Modulation input";
• Filter: new controller "LFO waveform";
• Amplifier: new controller "Fine volume";
• Modulator: "Phase Modulation" mode has been added;
• new functions in the Pattern Editor menu: selection begin, selection end;
• slightly redesigned Pattern Editor;
• new pattern effect: 13 - Set Bypass/Solo/Mute (BSM = XYY) flags; example of mute: 13 0001; example of solo: 13 0010;
• new pattern effect: 14 - Reset Bypass/Solo/Mute (BSM = XYY) flags; example of bypass reset: 14 0100;
• Song has been renamed to Project;
• new instruments from NightRadio, Pavel Ti, SolarLune and other authors;
• new simple song examples: feedback, feedback2, modulator (phase modulation);
• new song examples: 4004, music_in_our_souls, awakening_city, Transient - Tablerock, SunVox Compo 2015.02 Winners (Sirmooge - Phalanx, Pavel Ti - Boomer, KnyazIvan - Cold Summer);
• bugs fixed.

Shut Up And Play The Arturia iSEM, Demo for iPad

LoopTree: Instrumental demo (video)

Dirty Electronics will be live on NTS this coming Friday

Dirty Electronics ensemble will be live on NTS this coming friday between 8am to 10am. As I've seen them live and been at their workshops too I'll hopefully be able to either tune in live or hear it recorded, but I thought you should know in case you wanted to hear it.

App Preview: Muckraker (video)

Video description:

"Muckraker is an free upcoming app from Matthew Caldwell best known for the Frobulator App. Muckraker is a experimental digital distortion effect for IOS.

The sounds coming from Arturia iSEM and Patterning (Beta) from Olympic Noise Co."

Takete for iPad (video)

haQ attaQ 76 - 7 apps 4 Trap - Top List (video)

In case you missed it, Tangible Instruments have launched their new site ...

#new site #launch #online at www.tangibleinstruments.com #arpeggio is here! #synth #music #tech #hardware #startup

A photo posted by Tangible (@tangibleinstruments) on Aug 14, 2015 at 6:16pm PDT

I posted about this on Saturday, but if you missed it you can find more information about them here, and also audio demos and more information about the device.

Go check it out.

MICROGRANNY 2.4 FIRMWARE RELEASE (video)

Video description:

"Check out new firmware version for MicroGranny2! All MG units are now also equipped with brand new samplebank to explore MG's sonic possibilities."

Modular basics with Nikol teaser (video)

This looks like fun!

The Tangible Instruments web site is now live

I've been posting (and almost certainly will continue to post) about Tangible Instruments new Arpeggio synth, which is hopefully coming to a popular crowdfunding site soon.

Now they've got their site up and running here, and you can find audio demos and a bit more information about the device.

Go check it out.

Are there too many synths?

So many synths look like this, but why?

This is something that's been on my mind for a while now. Do we actually have too many synths on iOS, and especially for the iPad?

There are now so many apps for making music on iOS that the choices are completely overwhelming at times and of course there are more and more new apps arriving almost daily. So how do you decide what to check out, what to buy, and what to just ignore?

I think a lot of that choice is around having a clear vision for what is going to work for your music and what isn't. What will help you musically, and what won't. All too often it's easy to just grab new apps and play with them for an hour or so without knowing how this will take your music forward. I do this at times but more recently I find myself holding back and trying to think about how this or that app is going to help me in moving my own ideas forward or indeed take me in a new direction. I find that it helps me to do this now.

But I do wonder whether we're going to reach a point soon where the market for iOS synths will reach complete saturation. Some of you may argue that we're there already. You could be right. 

My concern around this is that it seems that many synths are made as replicas or ports of their desktop equivalents. That's not a terrible thing in itself, but it doesn't really move on the mobile world. It just brings it closer to the desktop world. I know that some people think that's good, but I'm not sure I agree. It just means that mobile becomes an extension of the desktop music world. And once again, I'm not sure that's such a good thing. 

Of course now with iOS9 on the horizon and the fact that it'll bring audio units will only accelerate this. My guess is that we're going to see a lot more VSTis arriving on iOS when iOS9 lands. But we've talked about this before and I was interested to hear your views on the subject.

Some will say this is a good thing. There'll be loads more options available to a mobile musician but also it also means that iOS becomes increasingly like the desktop instead of standing on its own. 

Anyway, I'm getting off the point, which is about the number of synth apps that exist on iOS and whether we just have too many of them or not. Sometimes it's difficult to know which synths are worth trying out and which are just iterations and remain very similar to existing synth apps. 

As I mentioned earlier, this proliferation of similar apps can lead to is a kind of musical procrastination, spending your time just trying out new synth apps or other music making apps and not actually making music, which is, after all, what most of us want to do right? Of course there's a case for spending time experimenting with sounds and new forms of synthesis and for learning. I'm not arguing against that at all.

My main point, or question, is around whether the number of synth apps is bringing anything new to music making on iOS or not. I think I've made my views clear. I'm happy to see more but I want to see innovation and not repetition.

So, that's what I think. What about you?

Don't forget to take advantage of the Korg summer sale

All of the Korg apps are on sale up to the 21st of August, so grab a bargain whilst you can. Here's what's on offer:

• The Korg iM1 is down from $29.99 to $19.99
• Module is on sale from $39.99 to $29.99
• Gadget is down from $39.99 to $29.99
• iPolysix is now only $19.99 (it was $29.99)
• iMS-20 is also only $19.99 (it was $29.99)
• iKaossilator is now just $9.99 when it was $19.99
• iElectribe Gorillaz edition is now just $9.99 when it was $19.99
• and iElectribe itself is also now just $9.99 when it was $19.99

And then Ninja Jamm came to Android ...

So Ninja Jamm has arrived for Android users, which is excellent news! Here's what the Google Play store says about the app

"I really like the app: it just says ‘Go have fun and if you’re enjoying it... dig deeper” - Amon Tobin
"I should take it to my show tonight and just play this... I’ve not seen anything like it.” – Bonobo
"It’s the perfect toy… but it’s more than a toy, it’s actually a powerful tool. It’s really got me thinking on so many levels… from how to do live shows to how to meditate” - Roots Manuva

UK independent dance label Ninja Tune’s Ninja Jamm puts you behind the wheel of an app that is a revolutionary combination of music and software. Instantly useable yet powerful, it will stun you with the music you can create. Build your own tunes from Samplepacks, and remix Tunespacks from Ninja artists. Touch to mix and mash clips in the clip matrix, trigger and scratch one shots, tilt and shake to apply radical FX, and record and share your jamms.

The app is FREE with 4 packs of content from Coldcut, Roots Manuva and sample dons Loopmasters. Purchase the Share+ extra to access all the Share options and the Android-only special function MultiScreenLayout which opens up even more fun, for less than half the price of a coffee!

"Ninja Jamm is another example of creative thinking; this is another way for us to consume the music we love, creating something new as a result. We’ve seen several other remix apps before, however Ninja Jamm feels like the best and carefully thought out app so far." 4/5 Stars Digital DJ Tips

"Even a quick tinker with Ninja Jamm reveals it to be a potent yet intuitive tool." - Clash Music

"It packs a fairly dizzying array of sonic options." Create Digital Music

"A powerful Remixing toy, intuitive yet deep" Billboard

"Ninja Jamm has had a lot of thought, love and cracking tunes poured into it. We can't keep our hands off it." - Kit Monsters

"I can remix all my fav Ninja artists! Brilliant. And so many features to play with." Cellardore, 5/5 stars
"Incredibly powerful and intuitive. Like Ableton in your pocket." Infinaneek, 5/5 stars
"This app redefines remixing music. So simple and entertaining. Bravo!" Megon Krinston, 4/5 stars
"Best app I own,...so much fun, so intuitive and quick to grasp" One Reasonable Man, 5 Stars

Combining aspects of music making, DJing and remixing, Ninja Jamm makes it easy to Enter the Mix:

• Touch, tilt + shake to cut, effect, glitch + mix
• Wild selection of clips let you take each pack in many directions
• Fire one shot bonus samples over your mix
• New interactive music format
• Packs contain HD lossless audio...none of your mp3 rubbish :)
• Artists include Bonobo, Amon Tobin, Roots Manuva, Coldcut, Mr Scruff, Martyn, Machinedrum, Lapalux
• Upload and share mixes on Soundcloud
• Share mixes via Facebook, Twitter +Tumblr
• Includes free classics by Coldcut and Roots Manuva 'Witness' AND killer Samplepacks from Loopmasters
• Purchase more packs in-app

The app was conceived by Coldcut, the DJ duo who started Ninja Tune and helped define both the modern REMIX with "Paid in Full" and the MASHUP with "Journeys By DJ".

Unlike many other music apps, the experience is very hands-on, intuitive and immediate. Instant FX and functions let anyone dive right in, yet Ninja Jamm is deep enough to engage DJs, musicians and producers...and anyone who has ever wanted to have a go at making electronic music!

Download for FREE, let your creative instincts run wild, Enter the Mix and Jamm On!

How to use Octave Shift Optical Sensor & Sustain Optical Sensor on your C.24 (video)

How to change the name of C.24 (video)

How to play C.24 with CASIO CZ App for iPad (video)

LORENTZ Polyphonic Synthesizer - Live performance (video)

How to play C.24 with KORG iMS 20 (video)

Korg Gadget, Lets Compose with Helsinki, Demo for iPad (video)

How to play C.24 with Piano Maestro by JoyTunes (video)

Tutorial - Exporting set from Ableton for Takete (video)

How to update the firmware on your C.24 (video)

op-1 + bleepdrum --- live jam (video)

How to connect C.24 to iPad (video)

Arpeggio Synth detail on Matrixsynth

If you've been following along the posts about the forthcoming Arpeggio Synth then you might be interested in this round up of detail and videos over at Matrixsynth. This little box is hopefully coming to Kickstarter soon.

7 Minutes with an Ipad Synth - Casio CZ App (video)

Will iOS 9 bring us joy or pain

When some of the finer points of iOS 9 became known a lot of people got quite excited about where mobile music could go with the next iteration of the iOS OS. But I've been wondering if this is actually a good thing or not. You'd expect that right?

Although you might in some ways think that it's a strange thing to ponder on, so I'll explain my thinking here. 

Sure, iOS9 brings the potential for getting audio units (sort of) that work across the desktop and mobile and my expectation is that there will be a lot of new effects that appear after the launch of iOS9. But my question is, will that be a good thing? I'm not so sure.

My worry is that we'll end up with the same situation that desktop music has. We'll have loads of nice little audio units that can be fun but a swamped market and almost too much choice and little room for innovation or for new models to spring up. 

iOS9 offers the possibility of bringing the desktop and mobile worlds even closer but that's not necessarily a good thing, it might be an easy thing. It might even be an expedient thing, and possibly for developers it could be a good commercial thing. But, once again, is it a good thing for making music?

Mobile music is a different paradigm from desktop (in my opinion, and you may disagree with that of cours) and as such it requires a different mind set to the tools that you might use, and that work well in a desktop context. That's where I think that in some ways the mobile world has taken the easy route. It's simple to go straight to the desktop model and bend that to a mobile context. That's really in many ways where we are and where we're going to an increasing degree in my view.

You can see how this has happened just by looking at the design of a handful of ipad synth apps. The Ui design is broadly the same. Whilst that not necessarily a bad thing it makes me wonder where the next innovation will come from. Will we see it in iOS9? I'd really like to hope that's true but at the moment I can't see it. All I can see is replication of the desktop model and bringing the two closer together, and I'm not sure it's good.

It remains to be seen whether this will all work out and I'll be very happy to be proved wrong here. I can assure you of that.

So, what do you think?