In 2008: More on the iPhone as a controller
Another step on the way to the iPhone's place in music making today, from back in 2008. You can read it here.
Wotja 1.7.1 arrived
Here's what's new in Wotja:
And there's also the free version too.
- All new visualiser with 3 new settings: Vis, Size and Opacity
- Fixed the issue of occasional hanging notes
- Simplified the URL export to create "Wotja Music URLs" which include the tune, params and emoji, but no other text
- Now much easier to share Wotja Music URLs in instant messaging apps with goo.gl shortening
- New option to export Wotja Music URL directly into Messages app widget
- Revised Player Repeats/Range parameters to now define the total number of times a melody is played (play count), whether a variation or not, rather than to define the number or repeats of a variation; this means that after the play count is reached, no melody will play
- Improved Action/Sharing popup ordering
- Much nicer load screen
- Bug fixes
And there's also the free version too.
In 2007 we still wondered about 3rd party apps on the iPhone
We didn't have anything to worry about, but back then Apple had decided that 3rd party apps were a bad thing and web apps were best for everyone. Read the rest here
Secret Base Design launches Music IO: MIDI over USB (free at the moment)
Music IO : MIDI over USB between your iOS device and your Mac.
This is the MIDI-only version of Music IO, the only professional MIDI and audio-over-USB solution for iOS. This version of the app is free for a limited time; you can upgrade to the full version of Music IO to get both MIDI and audio, without needing to change the Mac server.
Easily send MIDI between your iOS and your Mac. It's fully bidirectional, simple, reliable, and near-zero latency.
THREE TEAMS
Music IO is a joint effort by three of the most respected iOS music app development teams. Confusion Studios makes MIDI Designer Pro, the most innovative MIDI controller platform for iOS. MIDI Designer is adored by users, loved by Music Industry press, and trusted on stages and in studios around the World. Audeonic Apps makes the pioneering MidiBridge app, an essential tool for routing and filtering MIDI messages on iOS; they also provide the MidiBus software library, which powers dozens of successful music apps (including Music IO). The Secret Base Design team has built a range of pioneering apps providing high-speed MIDI and audio connections over Bluetooth LE and WiFi, as well as unique signal processing apps.
The three teams have joined forces to build the only fully integrated USB audio and MIDI solution that doesn't require additional hardware. It's been in development for months, from developers with decades of experience. Music IO lets your iOS device become an integral part of a modern professional music production system.
FEATURES
- Send & Receive MIDI between any CoreMIDI apps over USB (Lightning or 30 pin) with no perceptible latency nor jitter
- Large sysex messages (eg. bulk dumps) handled seamlessly
- Choose "send to" ports (OSX and iOS)
- Choose "receive from" (OSX): route MIDI from anywhere to your iOS device
- BridgeClock, a ground-breaking inter-device MIDI-clock-synchronization technology, provides jitter-free sync between platforms
REQUIREMENTS
- Music IO is designed to work with iOS 7 or newer, and OS X 10.7 or newer. Audio is transferred in 32-bit stereo, at 44.1khz; other audio sample rates will be supported in an upcoming release.
GET CONNECTED
Download the free, companion app and plug-ins from the the Music IO web site (musicIOapp.com/mac) and get connected in no time. See the demonstration video: musicioapp.com/vid120
Back in 2009: Apple and the idea of casual music making
In many ways I still think that this is very valid today, and in fact I hadn't realised that it was back in 2009 when I first wrote about it. It seems like such a long time ago now.
Back in 2010: The mobile music alphabet - I
Surely everything starts with an "i" now? Anyway, here was my mobile music alphabet for "i" back in 2010. There are loads to choose from now of course, what would be yours?
Back in 2010: The mobile music alphabet - H
Another mobile music alphabet, this time for the letter H. Again, there are some of my old favs in there, and some things that are no longer available too, which is a shame. So what would your "H" entries be now?
Back in 2010: Phone Guitar
But this isn't like any kind of iOS guitar you might be used to now. It is interesting to see how people experimented a bit more back in 2010.
Back in 2009: Colossus running a Moog
Whenever I see this it reminds me that I never made one of these but always meant to get around to it. Great to see it in action though.
It's a sad day, this is the last DMT ...
It's with great sadness that I post this last video from DMT. It's the last of the regular shows, and they'll be greatly missed by me and many others I think.
You were great DMT, really great. Hopefully we'll see a few one off shows, and I'm looking forward to the 'best of' too.
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.
Back in 2007: More first steps with Audio Box Micro Composer
I really should get this app out and give it another go. Back in 2007 I was just getting to grips with it and finding out about using the sequencer.
Conductr & CaboSanRoque: HiLo (teaser)
Video description:
"A short (REALLY short, actually) advance of "HiLo", a project by Conductr and CaboSanRoque.
To be premiered at Sonar+D 2015 (18, 19, 20 June, Barcelona).
More info soon."
In 2008: The iPhone gaining ground
It's funny to think back to a time when iOS (although it wasn't iOS back then) wasn't my primary mobile music OS. Looking at this post I was certainly not convinced of the iPhone's supremacy back then, and hence the comments in this post.
The mobile music Spotify list
If you're interested in listening to music made on mobile that's on Spotify, or if you want to add your own music that's on Spotify to this list please go ahead. Here's the link for the playlist. Enjoy!
Rhythm necklaces ...
Rhythm Necklace App from Rhythm Necklace on Vimeo.
Video description:
"Rhythm necklaces are circular representations of repeating patterns. They’ve found application in fields as varied as Crystallography, Radio Astronomy, Nuclear Physics, and Ethnomusicology. When applied to musical rhythms, circular representations show the underlying geometric properties that make them enjoyable, such as the degrees of evenness and symmetry. Computer scientist Godfried Toussaint has found that analyzing rhythms geometrically reveals surprising relationships between rhythms the world over. In fact, Toussaint has shown how a core group of geometric algorithms can generate rhythms employed in African, Cuban, Balkan, and Spanish folk music, to name a few. The Rhythm Necklace iOS app is a musical sequencer for exploring the geometry of rhythm necklaces, and for experimenting with generating rhythms algorithmically.
Rhythm Necklace is made by Meara O'Reilly and Sam Tarakajian."
Happy app birthday to Bacterial Orchestra
Bacterial Orchestra arrived back in 2009 on this date, but I have to admit that I never really got my head around it.
Back in 2010: The mobil music alphabet - G
Another mobile music alphabet from the past. This time G, with some apps that have disappeared from view and some old favourites in there too. So, what would be in your entries for G now?
Crystal Synth XT update adds MIDI input selection
Nice to see Crystal Synth XT get an update. Here's what's new:
"Added MIDI Input Selector. MIDI device and channel may now be selected. Also fixes a display problem with pop up menus on iPhone6. Positive reviews are always appreciated!"
"Added MIDI Input Selector. MIDI device and channel may now be selected. Also fixes a display problem with pop up menus on iPhone6. Positive reviews are always appreciated!"
Back in 2010: iSequence HD arrives
This was a big step forward and a really lovely app with great sounds and possibilities.
Back in 2010: A first look at the iRig
Amazing to think of a time before this stuff was around, but here we are, the first look at the iRig / AmpliTube combo from IK.
Propellerhead Reason and iOS Apps Demo by Sweetwater Sound (video)
Video description:
"Gerry Bassermann from Propellerhead Software demonstrates how Reason DAW software can interact with Propellerhead's apps for tablets and smartphones. After the video, click the link above for all the info on Propellerhead's Reason software."
In 2008: A look at the Chimera bC16
It's funny to think about the bC16 from Chimera back in the days when it was a new thing, but back then it was, or relatively so. Here's a video of it from back in the early days when Chimera was still a going concern. You can find the post here.
What kind of crowdfunding project would you fund?
I regularly post details of a wide variety of crowdfunding campaigns and I know that plenty of people do fund these things, as do I. But I thought it was a question worth asking. What kind of campaign(s) really appeal to you and what kind of project would really make you want to fund it?
Back in 2007: Pacemaker DJ arrived ...
To be honest I didn't think it was true when I first heard about it, but it was. You can find out about what I first thought, here.
iDousyn 2.0 arrives
Here's what's new in iDousyn 2.0:
- Over 500 presets
- iTunes File Sharing
- Redesigned app
- iOS 8 compatibility
- Record voice
- Bug fixes
Today in 2007: PSPSeq 2.10
Back in 2007 mobile music making news was scarce to say the least but on the 7th in 2007 there was good news for PSP users with a new version of homebrew PSPSeq. You can find the original post here.
Preview: KV331 Audio Synthmaster Player IOS (video)
Video description:
"This is a preview about KV331 Audio Synthmaster Player IOS
SynthMaster Player for iPad is the mobile player version of SnthMaster. It is targeted towards users who prefer to use presets rather than designing their own sounds during music production. Although it is a preset based player, users can edit the following parameters:
- 8 easy parameters assigned by the sound designer
- 2 XY Pads assigned by the sound designer
- Effect bypass states and send amounts
- Layer bypass states and volumes
- Master volume, polyphony
The free app comes with 100 factory presets. When users complete registration by entering their names and email addresses they receive another 100 factory presets as a bonus. After completing registration, users can upgrade to the Pro version of the app by purchasing the "Factory Presets" bank via In-App-Purchase (IAP) for $9.99. With the Pro Upgrade all of the 800 factory presets are loaded and also the following features are unlocked:
Users can save the changes they have made to the presets
Users can purchase additional preset banks via In-App-Purchase (IAP)
Existing SynthMaster users can download their previously purchased SynthMaster preset banks inside the app, so that they don't have to purchase them again
Existing SynthMaster users can export their own presets in SynthMaster v2.7 and import them into SynthMaster Player for iPad using iTunes."
Flection – the ultimate waveshaper for iPad
Flection is the ultimate waveshaper for iPad. Select one of the more than 30 base transfer functions and adjust it with exceptional accuracy and flexibility. Use the pre-equalizer for additional frequency-specific shaping. No less than six different real-time audio visualisations (including spectrum difference view and I/O audio histogram) give you a complete picture of the audio before and after processing. Mix between your four favourite shaping presets in performance mode. Full Audiobus and Inter-App Audio compatibility allows for the interconnection with other iPad apps.
Flection is an advanced precision tool for shaping your sound. It offers high quality stereo audio processing at very low latency, flexible control and multifaceted visual feedback. Waveshaping is typically known to work great for guitar distortion, but you can use Flection just as well to spice up your drums, mangle your vocals or enhance your synths.
Flection – the ultimate waveshaper costs $9.99
Things really have changed haven't they
I can remember a time not so long ago when this headline would have had a 'Don't ...' prefixed to it. Not so now. Things have really moved on now and mobile, especially iPad based music has really become quite mainstream already.
Happy birthday to Melodica, which arrived in 2009
Melodica first arrived on the app store today back in 2009, and its free version followed up a few months later.
Back in 2010: The mobile music alphabet - F
Another mobile music alphabet post. This time for the letter F, which is going to be very different now I think. So what would you put in for the letter F now?
Back in 2010: DXi FM Synth arrives
Back in 2007: My Mobile Studio - ThumbMusic
Not to be confused with more modern apps of a similar name, and certainly when you have a look at it you'll see there's very little resemblance. Of course back in 2007 with Palm OS this was still a fairly simple app, but then of course there wasn't that much to choose from back in those days.
Back in 2009: RecTools 02 was released
RecTools 02 was the first in a number of recording apps from Yudo. Back in 2009 today 02 was released. It's a shame they didn't do more with these though. Read the original post here.
M01D and DS10+ Continuous (video)
Video description:
"Got carried away. I imagined a 20 minute thing. Turned into 40 something minutes. haha. It's been too long since I've made anything for Youtube. So here it is. Some new material and some old. Enjoy!"
Back in 2010: The mobile music alphabet - E
Another mobile music alphabet post from 2010 for the letter E which had a few things in there which have fallen by the wayside now. What would your entries be for the letter E now?
Back in 2009: Psynth for iPhone arrived
An app that was really very complex and ambitious for its time, Psynth arrived back in 2009 and you can read all about it here in the original post.
Back in 2008: Talking about PalmBuzzer
Back in 2008 I was still talking about the Palm OS and its apps quite a lot. This post was some thoughts about PalmBuzzer, which was an unexpected app that turned up back then. You can read it here.
Teenage Engineering PO12 HACK (video)
Video description:
"I added a beat repeat and big buttons to the PO12 so I could play it live.
more info here http://www.allymobbs.com/blog/?p=907
www.soundcloud.com/allythemobbs"
Mobile Music Pinterest board
If you're a pinterest user you can find my mobile music pinterest board here. You might find some interesting stuff there, you never know.
Rhythm Necklace for iPhone arrives ...
From the maker of the excellent MIRA app for Max (you might remember this interview), comes a new app called Rhythm Necklace for iPhone, and it looks very lovely. Here's what the app store says about it.
See music from a new perspective with Rhythm Necklace, the playful yet powerful tool for improvisation and composition. Tap, flip and rotate simple shapes to explore complex polyrhythms. Gestural control of beat distribution algorithms allows for the step-by-step generation of rhythmic shapes. Layer intricate beats in a matter of minutes, then save them for later or export to MIDI.
- Build rhythms on up to four necklaces.
- Adjust the length of each individual cycle to quickly create complex rhythmic ratios
- Use a collection of rhythm building algorithms and geometric transformations to create and morph your rhythm.
- Tap your tempo, use a slider for transitions, or manually type the global speed of your song
- Choose from a variety of pitched sounds and percussive sample sets.
- Quickly modulate between notes in four musical modes (pentatonic, major, minor, chromatic) and five octaves.
- Customize the attack and panning of sounds to suite your composition
- Save your sessions and export them as midi.
- E-mail copies of midi sessions to yourself. These can be opened and edited on most DAWs.
- Midi in/out allows you to fully customize your sounds and record your compositions in real time within an external DAW environment.
The term ‘rhythm necklace’ is used in music to refer to circular representations of repeating patterns. By thinking about rhythms as shapes rather than a linear timeline, it’s easier to see geometric properties that make them enjoyable, such as evenness and symmetry. Often, even subtle changes to the visual interface can completely transform how a rhythm sounds. Rhythm Necklace is a tool for both advanced and novice musicians alike, as well as anyone who wants to think about rhythms in a new way.
Rhythm Necklace costs $2.99 on the app store
If you're a DS user, then you have 3 days to check this out
I wish I had a DS that would run these, but I don't. If you do, then consider getting these, they're on sale right now, but only for another 3 days.
Back in 2011: The first look at Caustic on Android
Amazing to think that Caustic goes back this far. I can remember having a play around with it when I started doing Android stuff, but here you can see it first appearing on Palm Sounds.
Back in 2010: The mobile music alphabet - D
Another mobile music alphabet today. Now on the letter D. So, what would you entries for the letter D be now? How much have they changed since 2010?
Back in 2010: The first iPad Guitar?
Well this was really just a bit tongue in cheek at the time, but fun nevertheless.
Happy birthday to RecTools02 from Yudo
It was a big deal in 2009 when YUDO first brought out this recorder app. I wish they'd kept it up, but sadly that wasn't to be the case.
Back in 2007: First steps with Audio Box Micro Composer
4Pockets Micro Composer was a really big deal back in 2007. Apps like this were few and far between, and this one was really very powerful indeed in terms of what was available for the Windows mobile platform back then, So here I was taking a few first steps with it and writing about them in this post
Back in 2007: MiniTones for Palm OS
I can't even remember this little app for the Palm OS, but I did post on it back in 2007, and back then any new music or sound orientated app was something to talk about.
Are you using Dropbox with your apps?
If you're not using dropbox then it's something you should to check out as loads of apps are now using it as a default for online storage and for a variety of other purposes too, and it works quite well in my view. If you're not using it you can get your own dropbox by clicking this link, and what's more you'll get an extra 500mb just for using this link (and so will I)!
Happy birthday PianoFly Pro Synth!
PianoFly Pro Synth from miniMusic was first released today, the third of May, in 2009. Of course, miniMusic are one of the original pioneers of mobile music, starting with their ground breaking Palm OS apps, so it was great to see them bring out PianoFly back in 2009.
Back in 2011: Things that I missed back then
And to an extent, I still do miss them, but Palm OS really is over, and even though I like to tinker with it occasionally I can't see me doing anything really serious with it. However, never say never, right?
Back in 2010: The mobile music alphabet - C
Another mobile musical alphabet that would look very different now than in 2010. So what would your apps or hardware beginning with C look like now? Here's what it was for me in 2010.
Ceiling Cat is Watching! - Remix of A Hole in the Ceiling by Brewmiesterbean by TjTheEpicOne
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Space Hill - Remix of Cobble Hill by Mikehrom by TjTheEpicOne
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Eclipse by Vasile Plesca
Сделано с Figure для iOS. У вас еще нет Figure? Это веселое, простое и доступное музыкальное приложение, которое может использовать каждый! Узнайте больше: http://ift.tt/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
New Promise by R3z0n8r
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Sunday Groove by Professor Loop - Figure
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
In my head by Professor Loop - Figure
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Brand Nu by mikehrom
Northeast / Nubass / Kaseotone / 112 BPM / D major so nu! so bass! link: http://ift.tt/1GQ3Kf6
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Stargazer by mikehrom
Maskin / Not Pickaxe / Speo / 80 BPM / B major tonight: look up and use headphones! link - http://ift.tt/1GQ3MDP
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Vibin' off of you Remix based on the originall by R3z0n8r by Göran Nilsson
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Test print 2 by deadarmz
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Totally rockin by Captain Figure
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Halon by Göran Nilsson
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/1rywUnA
Get the SoundCloud app to listen on your iDevice.
Back in 2010: The Mobile Music Alphabet - B
There were a lot of things beginning with B and there are even more now, so the question is, what would your mobile music alphabet for B be now? Here's the original post if you'd like to see what it was back in 2010.
Back in 2010: A Palm PDA like you've never seen it before
I've seen and played with this PDA and it's great for using live.
Back in 2009: Was this the new YUDO multitracker?
It certainly did look good back then, and even now I think it could have been amazing if they'd kept it up to date. You can find the original post here.
Remember the Palm Sounds T-Shirt?
Back in 2009: It wasn't often you'd see a music app for the N810
It really was a rarity to see a music app for the N810, but here it is. I don't think this really ever took off as a platform for mobile music, but it's interesting to remember nevertheless.
Some reasons why I love elastic drums so much
I've mentioned elastic drums on many occasions before. You've probably noticed that. It's an app I'm very fond of, but why? Well I'm planning to answer that here.
I'm a big fan of drum machines but specifically drum synths. Samples are fine but most of all I love using synthesis for drum sounds. There aren't too many drum synths and far fewer really good ones so finding a really top class drum synth is a joy. Elastic drums is just such an app.
So why is it so good? Simply put it is just so versatile and flexible. In fact you might even say it's elastic.
So let's take a look at what makes elastic drums so good. I'm not going to run through its features in oSome sort of coherent I rder. I'm going to tell you the features that I like.
First off, automation:
I love being able to automate parameters and with elastic drums you can automate everything. All parameters for each drum sound can be automated with total ease. It is a complete dream. I love it.
And then of course there's randomness:
We all have times when there's just no inspiration around and at those times a little bit of randomness can be just the ticket. Elastic drums has a wonderful range of randomness built in. But it isn't just random randomness, if that makes any sense to you. Elastic drums gives you options for randomness, and I like that. Here's what you can randomise:
- Random sequencer - Very handy for some pattern variation
- Random instruments - For hopefully interesting sounds
- Random instruments and sequencer
- And finally, random everything!
So, those are two of my favourite features of elastic drums but that really is just the tip of the iceberg. Elastic drums has so much to offer, and I suppose most of all, it sounds great.
So why should you try out elastic drums? That's maybe what you're asking yourself. Well if your looking for a drum machine app that gives you nice natural or realistic drum sounds you can stop now. Elastic drums isn't going to be for you. However if you're looking for a drum app that's going to give you almost complete flexibility to create unique drum sounds then you've found what you're looking for. Elastic drums is it.
The sound design possibilities in elastic drums is fantastic. It has a lot of presets to get you started, but actually making sounds in Elastic is a doddle. There are some nice categories to work things out, but if you've ever used a drum synth, or for that matter any type of synth you'll find yourself right at home.
So what does it actually sound like? Have a listen ...
So what does it actually sound like? Have a listen ...
So, if you like what you hear, what you've read, you should get it. If electronic drum sounds are what you like, you'll never look back ...
Back in 2011: Bhajis Loops Tutorials
Back in 2009: New apps coming from YUDO
Things you can do to help the world of mobile music: 8
If you're so inclined, start your own blog about mobile music making devices apps and more. Let people know what you think.
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.
Back in 2010: The Mobile Music Alphabet - A
It's interesting looking back on posts like these to see what were the important things back in 2010, at least in terms of the letter A anyway.
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