NodeBeat HD the iPhone version have been around for a little while now, and I've had some time to play with them both, especially iPad version, so I thought I'd tell you what I think of these apps.
To start with when I opened up the HD version I didn't get the app at all, in fact it took a few goes for me to 'get into' the app, but when I did it was really worth it.
I think that what stopped me getting into the app was that I was expecting it to do something different form what it does do, and once I'd got past that it all made perfect sense.
So, what does it do? NodeBeat is a great generative app. Nodes move around each other and make connections and music. After playing with it for a minute or two it can become really mesmerizing. In fact I've found myself using the app for prolonged periods just playing around with the settings to get the app to make more complex or minimal music.
The sound from the app and the amount of control works well although some more control over the sound forms themselves could be good. I'm sure that the developer has a list of things to come though.
In some ways it makes me think about other generative applications like Bloom or the other Brian Eno apps, but NodeBeat seems to give a lot more control and the developer is already adding recording which I think will make this app really useful. In fact, I'm looking forward to this being a more integrated part of my overall workflow in the future.
Here are the current features:
- Adjustable Node Physics
- Node Add/Remove
- Pitch Shift
- Adjustable Pulse Rate and Beat Sync
- Adjustable Echo, Attack, Decay, and Release for creative sound sculpting
- Audio Waveform Display- Landscape and Portrait Views
5 comments:
While I enjoy NodeBeat, I wish it had a broader sonic palette, either through more synthesis control/options the ability to add user samples, or both.
Hopefully in a future update.
Thanks for the kind review. We've been listening to feedback and hope to add more features as we update. The goal for launch was to be feature simple as to not confuse the average user. As we move forward, we hope to add more sounds/features for the audiophile.
Eric, we're looking into both options as methods to broaden the sound spectrum. :)
If there are any specific requests, feel free to let us know. We love hearing new ideas. feedback[at]nodebeat.com
-Seth
NodeBeat Team
Really cool-sounds good-for me hits the Mark that aura flux and reactable don't
Congas
thanks for the comments Seth, I look forward to seeing future features in the program.
In terms of suggestions, I think it would be interesting to use the spatial location (either of sound nodes or trigger nodes) in the overall "field" for some kind of additional variation. I can picture different zones where there are different filter settings, different reverb amounts, tempo-delays, etc that alter the node output as they pass through. That would allow for a more varied output, while still being simple for new users to approach.
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