iPhone App Directory

SoundLab Play Space: Ototo


You probably already know that I'm a big fan of Dentaku's Ototo board. I've been using the Ototo since I got mine from their Kickstarter campaign. I think it's a really interesting way of making music. It's versatile and simple to use, and it's battery powered!


Whilst you'll often see an Ototo used with fruit (a bit like we have it set up here), that really doesn't do justice to the hardware. The board can be connected to a wide variety of things, but in my view where it excels is in the use of its sensors.


I've got most, if not all the sensors that Ototo comes with now, but I have to say that using these makes it a really interesting device for trying out ideas.

Sadly we didn't have any sensors to use at the Play Space, but even so it went down very well indeed.


iELECTRIBE - editing pitches easier with Chrome / Web MIDI API / iSEQTRIBE



Video description:

"You can edit pitches, you can make melody on iELECTRIBE !
Chrome and Web MIDI API makes it easier and faster.
  • iELECTRIBE and iPad 2
  • Chrome and Windows Tablet (Lenovo Miix 2 8)
Wi-Fi MIDI network and rtpMIDI
  • This web app is "iSEQTRIBE"
https://webmidilab.appspot.com/iseqtribe/

suport only 1 bar, only SYN3 and SYN4
MOTION SEQ: TRIG HOLD"

haQ attaQ 100 - Argon synth - Vocal Synthesis [Tutorial] (video)



Video description:

"There's been a LOT of comments regarding throat-singing and vocal synthesis. And some of you have been asking if there are other synthesizers, that can produce the same type of sounds. Argon can! :)"

Another reminder for the app sales page

So here we are on Cyber Monday. My app sales page is still up and available, so feel free to check it out. I'll probably be taking it down soon enough.

haQ attaQ 102 - TC-11 Theremin Patch Tutorial (video)



Video description:

"TC-11 Theremin Patch Tutorial! It's been a while since my last video in the TC-11 Guide series, so I figured it was time!

I love the Theremin! Not only due to the sound the unit produces, but the way it's played. Now an iPad might doesn't incorporate a way of manipulating electrical fields. However, we do have something almost as good. TC-11 by Bit Shape!"

The Last Day of Movember

So today is the last day of the and I know that I keep on about this but, it is still Movember, at least for today! And I'd like you to still try and do something to support it, in fact any kind of support would be awesome.

I doesn't matter if you support me Movember or someone else. It doesn't matter at all, it's just important to do.

So if you'd like to support me in this then just click here, and make a donation, or indeed, just donate to someone else's campaign. If you can't do either, then please tweet or post or whatever else you can. It's all good, it all helps!

Audulus Patch - Fibonacci Sequencer (video)



Video description:

"This is a demo of my Fibonacci Sequencer patch using the new Audulus 3.0 module library.

Hywel Dda
https://soundcloud.com/biminiroadmusic/hywel-dda

http://biminiroadelectronics.com/audulus"

Audulus Module - Touch Feedback Clock (video)



Video description:

"This is a tutorial on how to use the Touch Feedback Clock module.

www.biminiroadelectronics.com/audulus"

Monovista update brings video recording

Monovista 1.1 brings video recording to this excellent app. If you don't know it already then now is the time to grab it. Seriously, go try it.

Thingamagoop 3000 sound modes overview (audio)



I posted about the Thingamagoop 3000 the other day. It's on pre-order right now and you can get it here.

Here's a nice video ... OP-1 Couch Creations



Video description:

"Teenage Engineering OP-1 track made on the couch. Raw recording"

SoundLab Play Space: School of Noise


School of Noise were a real find. I only met them about a fortnight before the Play Space event but they were so awesome we had to have them along for the day, and luckily, they could make it.


They brought a huge array of equipment with them from littleBits to Ototo to pedals and more. They're stuff was brilliant and what they do is incredible.


It's strange as I missed seeing School of Noise at WOMAD this year. They ran a workshop for kids using some of the gear you can see above. I wish I'd got a chance to be at that. But even so, it was great to have them at the Play Space.


From what I could see, and the brief feedback I got, they went down a storm. I'm looking forward to working with them a bit more in the future. Stay tuned for that!


If you want to know more about the School of Noise then check their web site here.

It's the last few days of Movember, so ...

I know that I keep on about this, and I know that you've probably spent everything in the Black Friday sales and that you've gorged yourself and hopefully have expelled all your G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome for those who don't know). But, it is still Movember! And I'd like you to still try and do something to support it, in fact any kind of support would be awesome.

I doesn't matter if you support me Movember or someone else. It doesn't matter at all, it's just important to do.

So if you'd like to support me in this then just click here, and make a donation, or indeed, just donate to someone else's campaign. If you can't do either, then please tweet or post or whatever else you can. It's all good, it all helps!

What to expect on Palm Sounds today

So here we are on the Sunday of the Black Friday weekend. There's still plenty of app sales available and you can find them in the app sales page. I'll be posting some more about the SoundLab Play Space, you can find all of those posts under the tag SLPS.

Also I'll be returning to more regular posting too, soon enough.

Back in 2007: Larva Labs apps for T-Mobile Sidekick

I can only barely remember the platform let alone these apps, but they were quite unique back then and looked pretty amazing. I never got to try them and I don't know what happened to Larva Labs. Here's the original post which had some pictures of the apps too.

SoundLab Play Space: LoopTree


I asked LoopTree to come along to the SoundLab Play Space and was so happy that they said yes. I'd never met Ed from Coding Cod Ltd (the makers of LoopTree), but now that I have I can tell you that he's an awesome guy and was a real star at the Play Space.


LoopTree seemed to have a constant stream of people having a play with looping, including Chris who came back 5 times I think!


Ed and LoopTree were a part of our App Zone, which we had to slightly rename the Apple App Zone as it turns out that there are no promo codes for Google Android apps! I only found that out recently and was quite surprised to be honest. That's probably a discussion for a different day anyway.

The App Zone ended up being a very busy space in the end, and we managed to give out a huge number of promo codes for apps which were very generously given to us by kind developers. I'll be thanking each of you in separate posts.

However, for now, I'd like to say a big thank you to Ed for his app, for coming along to SoundLab's Play Space and for being awesome. I really hope that both I and Heart n Soul get the chance to work with you again.

If you don't know LoopTree, then check it out on the app store. Think of it as a combination between Samplr and Loopy. What's more, it's on sale at the moment, and down from $11.99 to $6.99.

SoundLab Play Space: So, Why NESTA?


It occurred to me not everyone would know either who NESTA are, nor why it was a good place for the SoundLab Project to be.


Well the SoundLab project itself was made up of a number of organisations and was funded by NESTA (The National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts). So it made a lot of sense to have our event right there.

SoundLab Play Space: Making Sure that everyone knows what everything is


Not only was it a big day overall, but it we had a lot of people, staff, volunteers and people from all the technology companies we'd invited for the day. So it was important to make sure that everyone knew who was where and what needed doing where etc.


This was our chat space where Justin had a series of interesting talks with a wide range of people including NESTA's Tim Plyming, an Tim Exile as well.


This was our serious play space which was where you could come up and play on instruments in a band that sounded great irrespective of your musical experience or expertise. It took a long time to get the pop up band (as we call it) working the way we wanted it, but now that it is it's a great way to get almost anyone up and enjoying making a sound very quickly.

Getting set up for the SoundLab Play Space


The Play Space was a big event. We had a lot of different technology companies there and a lot of different performances talks and more. It was big. Big and complicated too, but it was worth it.

Just above you can see School of Noise (expect to hear a lot about them from me in the coming weeks) getting set up. They had some amazing gear with them, from littleBits to Ototo to MFOS, to coconuts (yes you read that correctly). More of them soon enough though.


This was our tech zone or market place, depending on who you were talking to, and, you might remember the gentlemen from Studio Amplify who were at the event and showing NOiZE.


And here's Mr Concretedog who came down to help on the day with Bare Conductive Pads and lots more besides.


On the other side of that space we had SubPac with their awesome speaker systems. Again, more of them soon enough.

Expect some stuff about the SoundLab Play Space


I mentioned yesterday that I was going to start posting a load of stuff about the SoundLab Play Space event that happened on Wednesday of this week, but I didn't get around to it and so it didn't happen.

Today is going to be different, and, at the very least I'll be posting a few things about the day and how it went.


The first couple of pictures above were just the entry space to where we were holding the event at NESTA's offices. In fact they're pretty nice offices and a very good location, so we were lucky to be able to use the venue.


This was our signage directing people around the space itself.

So that's just a starter, there'll be more on here today showing how the event went and also who was there and what they were showing.

Another quick reminder for the App Sales page

As the day goes on I'll post more stuff to the app sales page so keep checking to see if there's anything you want. Don't miss out!

I wanted to say a think a big thank you to Erik

Following on from my earlier post about Movember I just noticed what Erik had tweeted a while back from his app sale that he very kindly held to raise money for my campaign. He's a very kind chap. Here's what it looked like ...



So you can see it was pretty amazing.

If you don't know about Erik's apps, then you should take a look at them, they're all pretty amazing. The app he put on sale was STRNG, but he also has the amazing nils, Shapesynth, Voice Bot, E-l-s-a, Svärm, Brother, and there are many more besides. His apps are totally underrated in my view and I think a lot more people should take a look. That's a personal opinion of course.

Anyway, you should also check out his twitter page and website. Both are awesome.

Also, for the month of Movember, he changed his twitter logo to this ...


How amazing is that?

Just saying, but this is still on eBay if anyone is interested ...


It's been sitting in my watched items, and I guess I'm slightly surprised that it hasn't gone already, but I suppose that there's probably only a handful of people who would buy this now, I'm one. There are others I know of (I'm looking at you Jo).

Anyway, here it is. Rare as hell and no one wants it.

AKAI U5 TRACKMAN STUDIO 4 TRACK CASSETTE on eBay

It's the last few days for my Movember campaign!

I know that you've spent everything in the Black Friday sales and that you've gorged yourself and hopefully have expelled all your G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome for those who don't know). But, it is still Movember! And I'd like you to still try and do something to support it.

I doesn't matter if you support me Movember or someone else. It doesn't matter at all, it's just important to do.


So if you'd like to support me in this then just click here, and make a donation, or indeed, just donate to someone else's campaign. If you can't do either, then please tweet or post or whatever else you can. It's all good, it all helps!

Don't forget to check out the App sales page

It is stacked full of bargains and you're bound to find something in there that you've been meaning to get but has always just been too expensive. So, take a look in the app sales page today. I'll be adding a few more later too.

Have fun!

Reminder: Buy apps from the sites and blogs you love

Just a regular reminder that if you want to help support the blogs and sites that make up the mobile music community please do consider buying your apps using the iTunes links you find on those sites (including this one of course). Thanks.

SoundCloud group of the week is the FL Studio Mobile Group

What to expect on PalmSounds today

So here we are in Black Friday and I think that there are probably more apps on sale than I've seen in a very long time indeed. So today you'll get more of the same from yesterday. Lots of app sales posts, and of course the app sales page will get updated a lot too.

However, in addition to this I'll be starting to post a lot of photos and thoughts from the SoundLab Play Space from Wednesday this week. It was an awesome event and it went very well indeed in the end.
And we're back with more stuff, and, I expect, plenty of stuff that's on sale now in the run up to black Friday tomorrow. Be sure to check the
app sales page here as it gets updated throughout the rest of today, tomorrow, and the weekend.

A very quick thank you to everyone who helped and contributed to the SoundLab Play Space yesterday

I just wanted to get a brief thank you out to everyone who either came along to show their technology and what they do, or gave promo codes for us to give out, or helped in any other way. It was an awesome day and everyone who came seemed to have a brilliant time.

I will be posting photos and more detail about the event soon, but just wanted to say a quick thank you for now.

Sorry for the lack of posting

Yesterday was pretty full on with helping to run the SoundLab Play Space event so you might have noticed that there hasn't been too much going on here for a day or so. I'll be getting back to normal very soon though and our regular service will be resumed!

Back in 2007 this was a bit of a surprise

Today in 2007 Brian Whitman released Pushpin, his MIDI synth for GameBoy. This came as a bit of a surprise as he'd left the project unfinished for quite some time. Here's the original post.

App sale page updated

I've just updated the app sales page this morning to bring it up to date a bit. There will be more updates later today, but I'll post a quick reminder about that when I've got it done.

Audulus 3 looking good ...


Can't wait to see what's coming in version 3.

Now that Link is nearly here, what will happen to WIST?

It's something that struck me the other day that Korg are going all out to add Link to their iOS apps, but that made me realise that it was Korg that pioneered WIST, which was the original sync standard over bluetooth. I'm pleased that Korg are going down the Link route. It already feels like Link is going to be a defacto standard for sync with mobile apps, and it also feels like a very smart move for Ableton. However, what happens to WIST?

WIST always had its problems, it would only sync at the start and didn't maintain any time sync after that, which was a real pain. It also only worked over 2 devices, which always seemed strange as bluetooth will connect 9 devices. Anyway, there's already lots of apps who've removed WIST, and I'd like to think that most if not all will add Link.

So WIST will fade into the long term history of mobile music making and only a few of us will remember it and remember how tricky things were back then!

Goodbye WIST and thanks for all your help!

That iMaschine 2 pack deal is big and I mean big

I couldn't resist that iMaschine "all you can eat pack", especially as it was only £0.79 ($0.99). You should try it out, but if you do, just be aware that whilst it is a really good deal, and a great price, you'll be downloading about 1.3gb of content.

Just thought I'd mention that.

Don't forget that the app and the IAP are both on sale at the moment.

SoundScaper - An experimental sound mini lab. Morphing scenes (video)



Video description:

"SoundScaper is an experimental sound mini lab for creating unusual soundscapes, atmospheric textures, drones, glitches and noises based on circuit bending ideas."

Now this should be good for Android ... "Free The Music | Stagelight on Android Mobile"



Video description:

"Stagelight gives you the power to make beats, songs, loops and vocal tracks even if it's your first time. Stagelight offers in-app lessons, and touch screen piano/drum pads. Try the best MIDI Sequencer DAW on Android! http://bit.ly/Stagelightandroid
Learn more about Stagelight at www.openlabs.com"

Kuvert Swedish Envelopes, Demo for iPad (video)



WretchUp universal update 1.5 iPad demo (short vers.) (video)



The Thingamagoop 3000 is coming ... Here's a First Look video



This is amazing! I'm so glad to see this, it's made my day!

As a loyal Thingamagoop user I can't wait to see the new one. Here's loads of information about the new Thingamagoop, including where to get one.

The Thingamagoop 3000 is a light controlled synthesizer, effect, and noise friend.
  • 16bit, 44kHz Audio in and out
  • MIDI in and out via the included 1/8″ dongles.
  • USB for reprogramming and MIDI.
  • Programmable CV in and out.
  • Built in speaker.
  • Black, powdercoated aluminum enclosure with milled eyeball.
  • 9v battery or USB powered
  • Choose from 4 LED and 8 front plate colors (More info soon).

After almost two years of development, the next Thingamgoop is here with all new sounds and effects modes. Simple controls give you access to rich and diverse sounds, from simple square and triangles waves to complex FM laser battles.

The SELECT button allows the three knobs to select and adjust modes easily.
Hold it down, turn it to the mode you want and let go. The knob is now adjusting that mode.

The BLEEP button activates the sounds. It can be momentary or latched (SELECT + BLEEP to change).

LEDacle waveforms can be smoothly shaped using the SELECT button. Ramp to triangle to saw, pulse width of square, and glide for random.
  • Five FX modes add even more sonic ridiculousness.
  • Square and sine Amplitude modulation – Tremolo to Tune in Tokyo.
  • Rate reduction – Smooth adjustment from a little buzzy to completely destroyed.
  • Low pass filter – Two pole filter with a slight resonance.
  • Delay – Microseconds to ~1 second of delay with a tape like response.

Patches:
  • Most use bandlimited wavetable synthesis to provide clean sounds while still retaining harmonic richness.
  • Square, triangle and saw waves – Adjusting them brings in up to 4 octave of sub oscillators.
  • Detuned saw. Control over distance between two voices
  • Triangle with LFO – Four voices modulate each other in different ways.
  • Sine AM+FM – Four voices interact while adjusting this patch.
  • Vowels – Vintage digital vocal samples morph with the adjust knob. SAY IT.
  • Noise – Pink, white, and Hypnotoad.

The eye switch allows the photosensitive eyeball to change either the frequency of the sound, the patch adjust, or the fx adjust. When patch or fx is selected, that knob become the frequency control.

The USB jack allows the device to act as a USB MIDI device and can be used to reprogram it from the Arduino IDE. In the future we’ll be releasing new code as well as guides to make your own noises!

Use the device like a monosynth by plugging in a keyboard or sequence the frequency, modulators and much more by plugging it into a DAW.

The volume knob on the left controls the speaker and audio out volume and turns the device on and off.

When something is plugged into the audio input, the patch knob becomes the input mode selector.
AM square and sine – higher frequency that the effect.
Granular sample – Captures a tiny piece of incoming audio and uses it for wavetable synthesis.
Glitch shift – Change the pitch of the incoming sample. Adjustment for grain size.
FFT sine reconstruction – The input signal goes through a 256 bank FFT. The highest frequencies are then synthesized as sine wave. Adjustment for decay.
FFT AM – The original signal is multiplied by the sines with interesting results.

Go over to the Thingamagoop page on the Bleeplabs site.

The App Sales is back

A few people have asked about this, and, as there's a few bits and pieces worth being aware of right now, and I expect there'll be a few more for black Friday, so the app sales page comes back, for now anyway!

You can find the page here.

haQ attaQ 101 - KUVERT by KLEVGR



Video description:

"KUVERT by KLEVGR, Swedish envelopes at it's best! I've been testing this app for some time and finally it's released and I can talk about it!"

Reminder: Korg's Module for iPhone is still at the launch price

Don't forget that Korg's Module app for iPhone is still at its launch price of $19.99 (Regular price $29.99). It stays at that price until the 30th of November.

WretchUp update 1.5 iPad demo with Audiobus & Patterning (video)



Video description:

"This video shows the new 1.5 iPad/Universal version of Wretchup. Wretchup is creating effects of a loop from the Patterning app inside Audiobus. As always update 1.5 will be free for everyone. With the update you will be able to use Wretchup with your iPhone (portrait) and your iPad (landscape)."

SoundLab Play Space Shout Out: Bare Conductive

I've been a fan of Bare Conductive's TouchBoard for a long time, even though I'm not sure that a lot of people get how it can be used in a musical context. I think it has a really interesting set of possibilities for use in all kinds of musical contexts, and hopefully we'll be showing some of these at the SoundLab Play Space on Wednesday.

So if you're coming along to the Play Space on Wednesday then take a look at what's possible using the TouchBoard.

Ableton Link (Beta) and Patterning (video)



Video description:

"Tested out Ableton Link and Patterning on the iPad w/ my wife.
Read the article: http://www.theproducerskitchen.com/ableton-link-and-patterning-ipad-app/

Tempo from Live, iPad and Mac in separate rooms: 0:00
Tempo from Patterning: 2:52
Live and iPad in same room: 4:09"

SoundScaper 1.4 is here

Here's what's new in SoundScaper 1.4:
  • New feature - morphing scenes in auto or manual mode.
  • Additional panel with scene hotkeys.
  • Improved oscillator circuit filter mode.
  • Option for use standard midi commands.
  • Added record time counter.
  • Fixed midi start / stop in background.
  • Supports Audiobus updated.
  • Built-in description updated.
  • Minor bug fixes.

FigureAddiction 8 - Dual Figure WIST & Hardware Setup (video)



midiSequencer 1.12 arrives

Here's what's new in midiSequencer 1.12:
  • Complete rework of all graphics to allow retina iPhone 4,5,6,6+ screen resolutions - including zoom feature (+ button on extreme left)
  • Retina enabled.
  • Now contains code to be fully multi-threaded - needed for new upcomming clip sequencer app which can run 20 instances.
  • New midiFX - Rotator - a chord with rotating middle note
  • Latest Audiobus sdk 2.2.2
  • Improved touch
  • Transpose now ranges from -24 to +24
  • Set the Start & End of sequence using [ & ] buttons
  • Improved midiFx blurred graphics
  • Moved Shift L/R to reset menu
  • Midi Fx - Echo - now allows 2 decimal places in gain (0.00 to 2.00)
  • Double tap tempo slider brings up panel to enter integer tempo (like Transpose slider)
  • Added new hardware midi CC mappings : moog Sub 37, moog Sub Phatty and Analog 4.
  • Increased bank snapshots to 100 (from 40). Added new < button on performance panel to scroll backwards
Plus some fixes too ...
  • Bug Fixes Was not playing first step on SLAVE start 
  • Was not able to save to slot 11 
  • Was not resetting %probability to 100% when reset all done 
  • MidiFx - Echo - fixed issue with echo note off - only apparent on monosynths 
  • Removed WIST - it wasn't working anyway 
  • OMAC disabled in IOS9 - awaiting fix from MidiBus as IOS9 security limits access to other apps. 
  • Transpose only loaded from snapshot if Include Controls enabled - was always doing this.

If you're an Ableton user you might be interested in this beta

The latest beta of Ableton (9.5.1) now includes Ableton's new Link technology according to Synthtopia. So if you want to try it out head over to Synthtopia and find out more.

Miditure for iPhone arrives


Miditure is a MIDI controller app for the iPhone, it can be used to control any instruments, apps, software and hardware that accept MIDI input.

Miditure has been designed to exploit the expressive potential offered by 3D Touch capable devices (iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus), but is compatible with older devices as well.

Miditure includes a pad controller for sending MIDI note messages and an XY pad (XYZ pad if used with a 3D Touch capable device) for sending MIDI control change messages.

Each of the nine configurable pads can send from 1-4 notes with velocity, and on 3D Touch capable devices, polyphonic aftertouch.
Velocity can be set to use the devices accelerometer or can be determined from the location of the touch that triggered the pad.

The XY (XYZ) pad can be configured to send control change messages for up to 3 controls per axis.

NOTE/CHORD PAD FEATURES:
  • Independent polyphonic aftertouch on 3D Touch capable devices (6s and 6s Plus)
  • Nine fully configurable pads for sending notes and chords
  • Each pad can play from 1-4 notes
  • 3 velocity modes: impact (using the accelerometer), position (vertical), and fixed
  • 7 velocity curves
  • The impact velocity sensitivity can be adjusted

XY (XYZ) PAD FEATURES:
  • z input (touch pressure) on 3D Touch capable devices (6s and 6s Plus)
  • 3 assignable Control Change outputs per axis; control up to 9 parameters at a time with one finger.
  • Adjustable range for each Control Change output.

GENERAL FEATURES:
  • Controls apps locally using coreMIDI, or control external software and hardware over Wi-Fi, or by using a compatible interface.
  • Save and load configurations

PLEASE NOTE:
  • This is a MIDI controller, not an instrument, it does not make any sound itself.
  • The app can use bluetooth MIDI on compatible devices if the connect is established by another app, it does not have the capability to establish the connect itself.

Miditure costs $2.99 on the app store:

BeatMaker 2 still on sale and iPad Pro ready now

BeatMaker 2 has gone iPad Pro ready in the latest update to the app. Also, it's still on sale at the moment at half price and down from $19.99 to $9.99.

SoundLab Play Space Shout Out: Coding Cod

Many of you will already know the excellent LoopTree from Coding Cod, but what you won't know is that Coding Cod will be joining me at the SoundLab Play Space this Wednesday to show off their app to a wide and diverse audience of musicians and educators.

It's great to have people like these guys who are happy to help out at important events like the play space. I'm really looking forward to it and to meeting them for the first time too.

In 2013, Apollo MIDI over bluetooth arrives

Today in 2013 the innovative Apollo MIDI over bluetooth arrived. Happy birthday!

Kuvert from Klevgränd Produktion AB has arrived for your iPad


Kuvert - Swedish Envelopes from Klevgränd produktion on Vimeo.

Kuvert allows you to draw five different envelopes. These envelopes control different effect parameters, and can be drawn freely or onto a grid. The envelopes are looped, while the incoming audio isn’t (unless you’re feeding it looped material of course). This is a powerful & fun way of altering your sounds to a whole new level, sometimes not even recognizable! Thanks to the looping nature of the plug-in, it will fit very well into any musical context. One way of using it would be to revitalize any looped material within a few seconds.

Noteworthy features:
  • Volume envelope
  • Low cut filter envelope (with resonance)
  • High cut filter envelope (with resonance)
  • "Glitch" envelope (alters timing)
  • Delay send envelope (with tempo synchronised time, filter and feedback
  • IAA (With tempo sync if host sends it)
  • MIDI clock sync
  • Load / Save presets
  • Audiobus
  • Documentation (on the product web page)

The current price is $4.99. but this will go up on Dec 1st to $7.99

Heavy Brass arrives for your iPad


Heavy Brass delivers the most flexible and innovative approach to funk, pop and soul brass sounds ever provided by a virtual MIDI instrument!¹ With this ultimate brass app your productions and live performances will gain such powerful and amazing tone you previously were only able to retrieve from a real brass section!

This app contains the following instruments: Trumpet, Trombone and Saxophone sampled in four different brass sections.

Watch and listen to the demo video on our product website!

This app supports Apple's "Inter-App Audio" System, Audiobus and the JACK Audio Connection Kit for audio & MIDI connections from/to other audio apps. External MIDI keyboards and controllers are supported as well of course.¹

There are three fundamental sound categories: „Singles“, „Switches“ and „Combis“, where „Switch Sounds“ allow you to either switch or crossfade between configurable articulations. Some „Combi Sounds“ allow you to switch or crossfade between predefined articulations as well.

Single Sounds:
Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Crescendo, Growl, Doiks, Shaker 1, Shaker 2, Staccato 1, Staccato 2, Staccato Sax 1, Staccato Sax 2, Falls 1, Falls 2, Falls 3, Falls 4.

Switch Sounds:
Five base sounds: Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4 and Crescendo, which are switchable or crossfadeable to four alternative articulations: Shaker, Growl, Doiks or Falls.

Combi Sounds:
Sections Velocity Layer 1, Sections Velocity Layer 2, Sections Velocity Layer 3, Sections Velocity Layer 4, Sections Velocity Layer 5, Sections Velocity Layer 6, Sections Modwheel Layer 1, Sections Modwheel Layer 2, Staccato Layer 1, Staccato Layer 2, Staccato Round Robin 1, Staccato Round Robin 2, Staccato Round Robin 3, Sections & Staccato Round Robin 1, Sections & Staccato Round Robin 2, Sections & Staccato Round Robin 3.

General Features:
  • Low latency disk streaming.
  • Polyphony up to 140 stereo voices.²
  • Configurable audio latency down to 5 ms.
  • Integrated effects with 18 presets.
  • 16 parts.
  • Support for Apple's "Inter-App Audio" system (iOS 7 or higher).
  • Audiobus support (iOS 7 or higher).
  • JACK Audio Connection Kit support (up to iOS 6.1.3).
  • MIDI velocity response curve editor.
  • Scale tuning editor.
  • App can keep running in the background, so you can play on your keyboard while e.g. using Safari or another app to display scores or surfing the Internet.
  • Virtual on-screen piano keyboard with velocity support, scalable & scrollable.

MIDI Player / Recorder:
  • Record, save and load your songs in standard MIDI file format.
  • Unlimited amount of tracks.
  • Configurable target MIDI channel per track.
  • Unlimited recording and playback length.
  • Open MIDI (.mid) files directly from other apps (i.e. from Safari, Mail).
  • Download or upload MIDI files with iTunes.
  • Load your favorite songs as MIDI files from the Internet, and watch at the virtual keyboard how to play it.
  • Metronome.
  • Use the "Tempo Zoom" dial knob to i.e. slow down playback at any time and learn your favorite songs more easily.

¹ For more informations about supported adapters and MIDI keyboards, please visit our product website.

² Various sounds are using several voices per note. Polyphony depends on the exact device model being used. You find a polyphony table on our product website.

Anti-Spy Commitment: We take your privacy very seriously. None of our apps contain so called „spy” behaviors and we committed ourself to a very high privacy standard. For more informations read our „Privacy Policy for Mobile Apps”.

Heavy Brass is on LIMITED INTRODUCTORY PRICE $9.99 /€ (later $19.99 /€)

Don't forget that Music Production Expo is on this weekend

So, If you're in London today, don't forget that the Music Production Expo is on again today.

There are some really good seminars and a load of very good companies exhibiting there too. If it's anything like last year I expect there'll be some good deals to be had at the event too.

Please support my Movember campaign

I've posted about this a few time, but as we're getting into the last week of Movember I wanted to give you another prompt to support this important cause. If you don't know about it already, Movember is a month to support men's health and into the bargain grow a hopefully awesome Mo!

So if you'd like to support me in this then just click here, and make a donation. If you can't do that, then please tweet or post or whatever else you can. It's all good, it all helps!

Don't forget: iMaschine 2 launch price

You can get iMaschine 2 from Native Instruments at 50% off the normal price (just $4.99 rather than $9.99) until the 1st of December.

Find it on the app store by clicking below.

SoundLab Play Space Shout Out: Dentaku


I'm a big fan of Dentaku since I first of them and they started their Kickstarter campaign. We've had them work with us before at Heart n Soul at the 2014 Beautiful Octopus Club, so it's great to have them back for next week's SoundLab Play Space.


The Ototo is such a useful device and so much fun to play with. You can do pretty much anything with it. So if you're coming along on the 25th then you've got a real treat in store for you with Ototo from Dentaku.


SoundLab Play Space Shout Out: Audanika

I wanted to take a little opportunity to say a thank you to some of the firms who are supporting the SoundLab Play Space next week.

Audanika have been really generous in providing us with codes for our App Space. Audanika have given us codes for SoundPrism Pro, SoundPrism Electro, and SoundPrism Electro Mini, all of which are excellent apps to help people to start to make music and so they fit really well with a project like SoundLab.

I've been a fan of SoundPrism Pro since the day it came out, and I still am, it's such an expressive instrument, and you can really loose hours just playing with it. So I'm looking forward to sharing it with the audience at the SoundLab Play Space next week, and once again, a massive thank you to Audanika for supporting us.

iRig Acoustic - The first acoustic guitar mobile microphone/interface



Don't forget: Module for iPhone launch price

That's right, Module for iPhone is still at it's launch price until the November 30! Sale Price US$19.99 (Regular price US$29.99)

SoundCloud group of the week is the Loopseque group

iSEM now an AudioUnit

iSEM Synthesizer is now an AudioUnit Extension. Very cool indeed.

Don't forget that iMaschine 2 is on it's launch price until the 1st

You can get iMaschine 2 from Native Instruments at 50% off the normal price (just $4.99 rather than $9.99) until the 1st of December. Find it on the app store by clicking below.

Building a jam in under a minute with iPad and jamstik (video)

If you're looking for something to do today ...

And also if you're in London then it would be worth taking a look at Music Production Expo. Which I went to last year and plan to go again this year (probably tomorrow though).

There are some really good seminars and a load of very good companies exhibiting there too. If it's anything like last year I expect there'll be some good deals to be had at the event too.

Mixtikl 7 Generative Music & Loop Mixer with 12 Track Cell Sequencer arrives


It is great to see a new version of Mixtikl on the app store, I am really looking forward to trying this out. For now, here are all the details of Mixtikl 7 together with the videos released today as well.

Enjoy ...



Love working with generative music or audio loops? Create something new by mixing them together! Users say of Mixtikl: "the premier generative music app", "highly inspiring", "musical antidote to every other synth and DAW I've ever used", "works on so many levels.","Enjoyable, addictive, creative and helpful.", "Love this app, one of my favorites!"

WHAT OTHERS SAY
Computer Music Magazine said Mixtikl's end results are "in a class of their own when it comes to generative music”.

WHAT IS MIXTIKL?
It's a dedicated multi-platform generative music editor, mixer, arranger and cell sequencer. It includes many modifiable generative music templates that you can easily mix together. Sound generation is via the Partikl Sound Engine, a powerful stereo sound source comprising a modular synth with Soundfont (SF2)/DLS support + live FX.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT…
Generate high quality, user-customisable, royalty & loop free background music from ambient (relaxation / drone / sleep / meditation etc.) right through to more intense melodic and beat-based loop-tastic EDM mashups using your own or 3rd party loops.

TOP NEW FEATURES IN V7
  • Many gorgeous new templates that take advantage of the uprated Partikl Sound Engine 3 (PSE 3)
  • Major PSE 3 enhancements:
    • Now supports stereo and more advanced synth & fx networks, allowing richer & more interesting sonic capabilities and complete sound "presets"
    • Network Editor and all 17 PSE Sound & FX unit UIs have been significantly reworked for much easier use, control and accessibility
    • Greatly improved Wavetable Sound Unit now supports stereo SF2 (SoundFont) samples (up to 24bit), allows modulation of pitch, pan, amp & portamento parameters + has integrated envelope editor (linear/log) - all useful for sound shaping
    • Improved the PSE-included IM SF2 wavetables with extended "IM Synths" and all new "IM NT3-MT7"
    • Amp and Pan controls added to several PSE Sound Units allowing more compact synth networks
  • Major useability improvement through combining Mixtikl Sound and FX Attacher screens one Generator Network screen (accessed via Content Cell > Synth & FX button)
  • Support for AudioBus 2 and Audiobus Remote Trigger and transport control

OTHER KEY MIXTIKL FEATURES
  • Total of 48 independent content cells in 12 tracks for mixing/cell sequencing + many customisable generative music templates ("parts") [For older Tiklpaks see: Menu > Settings > Show MT6 Tiklpaks]
  • Integral "Partikl Sound Engine" (PSE) featuring a SF2/DLS MIDI & modular synth, many high quality wavetables + wide range of Tone Generators, FX units & control units
  • Mix in your own / 3rd party WAV / Ogg audio loops (loops not included, but see Tiklpaks below)*
  • Transfer in/out recordings, loops, mix files + your own content Paks**
  • Play & record (live or mixdown) at up to CD quality (device dependent)
  • Edit / customise generative rules & sound networks; adjust mix tempo/root
  • Add in pieces you've created with Noatikl (not included)
  • MIDI out via CoreMIDI / Virtual MIDI (so you can drive external synths)
  • Support for Inter-App Audio, Audiobus, Retronyms AudioCopy & AudioPaste



WHY GENERATIVE MUSIC?
Generative music is "endless music created by a system". Use it to create new ideas, relax, break creative blocks or just to try something different!

MORE INFO & LINKS

NOTES
• Mixtikl 7 Desktop software not included but available to purchase separately.
* FREE add-on Tiklpaks (some including audio loops) - intermorphic.com/tiklpak/download
** via Retronyms AudioCopy, iTunes App File Sharing

Mixtikl 7 for iOS is available on the app store for $7.99:



Noatikl 3 Generative Music Composer & MIDI Generator System has arrived!


It is no secret that I am a big fan of the work that Intermorphic do and have done over the years. In fact I think I've known of their work for nearly 10 years and I've known Tim from Intermorphic for the last few years, and we were talking about the latest release of Noatikl the last time we got together for a few drinks and dinner.

So it's great to see the latest version of Noatikl come to iOS (and OSX too).



Love creating generative music or discovering new ideas? Get Noatikl, an immensely deep & powerful app for generative MIDI music composition AND sound design. Users say of Noatikl: "the only serious generative music composition tool on IOS", "Very deep, very unique and intelligent. Good MIDI implementation.", "by far the most unique and complex modular music maker in the AppStore. You'll get addicted!", "5 stars is not enough."

WHAT OTHERS SAY
Computer Music Magazine described Noatikl, our evolution of SSEYO Koan Pro, as "One of the best interactive composition tools on the market" and said "Noatikl picks up where Captain Eno's beloved Koan left off".

WHAT IS NOATIKL?
It's a 16 track MIDI generating powerhouse with 120+ parameters & many included generative music templates. Sound generation is via the integral Partikl Sound Engine, a powerful stereo sound source comprising a modular synth with Soundfont (SF2)/DLS support + live FX, but Noatikl also supports MIDI out if instead you want to drive external MIDI synths/samplers etc.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT…
  • Use it to help break composer's block with new melodies & ideas
  • Experiment with generative (MIDI) music composition and sound design
  • Create high quality, royalty-free, totally custom generative music / soundscapes: ambient, drone, relaxation, experimental etc.
  • Play / control external MIDI synths, samplers and other MIDI controllable units
  • Use your own SF2 in the Partikl Sound Engine
  • Create / share / edit Noatikl pieces for use in Mixtikl (not included)

TOP NEW FEATURES IN V3
  • Many gorgeous new templates that take advantage of the uprated Partikl Sound Engine 3 (PSE 3) [Note: For older Tiklpaks see: Menu > Settings > Show NT2 Tiklpaks]
  • Major PSE 3 enhancements:
    • Now supports stereo and more advanced synth & fx networks, allowing richer & more interesting sonic capabilities and complete sound "presets"
    • Network Editor and all 17 PSE Sound & FX unit UIs have been significantly reworked for much easier use, control and accessibility
    • Greatly improved Wavetable Sound Unit now supports stereo SF2 (SoundFont) samples (up to 24bit), allows modulation of pitch, pan, amp and portamentp parameters + has integrated envelope editor (linear/log) - all useful for sound shaping e.g. nice smooth ambient sounds
    • Improved the PSE-included IM SF2 wavetables with extended "IM Synths" and all new "IM NT3-MT7"
    • Amp and Pan controls added to several PSE Sound Units allowing more compact synth networks
  • Support for AudioBus 2 and Audiobus Remote Trigger and transport control

KEY NOATIKL PARAMETERS
  • Voice types: Ambient, Rhythmic, Repeat, Follows, Fixed Pattern - used to generate MIDI notes
  • Rules: Scale, Harmony, Rhythm, Next Note – used to constrain and filter the notes composed
  • Chords: Many parameters for controlling chording and arpeggiation
  • Controllers & Micro controllers: Many parameters for controlling MIDI
  • Note to MIDI CC Mapping: Used to emit MIDI controller data instead of MIDI events, useful for controlling synths and other parameters
  • Many more ... see the extensive Noatikl Music Engine Guide for detailed information on all parameters



WHY GENERATIVE MUSIC?
Generative music is "endless music created by a system". People want to explore it for a whole host of reasons - from wanting to create new ideas to break creative block to a curiosity to try something different.

MORE INFO & LINKS

NOTES
• Noatikl 3 Desktop Standalone not included but available to purchase separately.

Noatikl 3 for iOS costs $9.99 on the app store, click below:



Launchpad for iOS Announces 'Remix This' Competition



I'm fairly sure I've mentioned this already, but with less than two weeks to go now I thought I should give you another shout that it's on and worth taking a look at especially if you're a LaunchPad user.

Here's what Novation have to say about their competition:

We’re excited to announce our very own remix competition using a brand new pack that we've had created especially.

We want you to put your own spin on it, upload and submit for a chance to win some amazing AIAIAI headphones, Novation Bass Station II, as well as promotion of your remix across our channels.

The remix pack is free to download - bursting with authentic drums, astral synth patterns and plenty of bass. There are no rules on genre - flip it however you like. We’ll be judging on performance, originality and style. If you have Launchpad for iPad, you can bring in your own sounds and loops using the Audio Import feature too.

Watch the trailer below where we hear from Kit Records (NTS Radio), Sam Bristow (VideoGameMusic) and heavyweight deep house producer Chris Simmonds about the art of building a remix.

The competition is now open, and will be running until 30th November.

Entry guidelines
  • Remix the pack to make a track lasting 2-5 minutes long
  • Anything outside this time limit will not be considered for entry
  • iPad users may import their own audio but must maintain at least 1 melodic and 1 drum pad at some point throughout their submission
  • Must be age 16+
  • Maximum entry 1 submission per user
  • iOS 7.0+ compatible
  • The latest version of Launchpad for iOS 1.17
  • Must have SoundCloud Account
  • Full terms and conditions can be found here
  • About Launchpad for iOS

Launchpad for iOS has become one of the most successful music making apps for iOS. Used everyday by countless music makers and remixers across the globe, the app has achieved over 3 million downloads.

Launchpad lets you easily make and remix electronic music on your iPad or iPhone, then record and share your performances online.

Launch up to eight loops at a time using a special 8x6 version of the famous Launchpad grid. Experiment with ready-to-perform sessions from a variety of genres, download the hottest new Soundpacks to expand your collection, or make custom sessions with your own sounds on iPad.
Built-in time stretching and synchronisation keep your loops locked in time, whilst you use volume sliders and filters to control your mix on iPad, and dynamic filter, gater, stutter and delay FX on iPhone. Making and remixing music has never been so much fun.

Another little reminder that iMaschine is on it's launch price right now

You can get iMaschine 2 from Native Instruments at 50% off the normal price (just $4.99 rather than $9.99) until the 1st of December. Find it on the app store by clicking below.

Editing Automation — Ferrite Recording Studio (video)



Video description:

"As well as recording automation live, you can create it from scratch. Or if you already recorded some automation, you can edit it, to tweak it to perfection."

Zero Chorus by Blamsoft, The Second AU Plug-In for iOS, Tutorial (video)



Zero Chorus arrives

Looking for a rich chorus effect without a muddy low end? Zero Chorus is a high quality Roland Dimension D style chorus plug-in. The addition of a feedback control improves versatility by enabling flanging effects. Zero Chorus is an Audio Unit Extension that works inside host apps. Just open up your favorite host that supports Audio Units and add it as an effect. The controls expand when touched so they can be easily seen while tweaking. Zero Chorus brings a superb chorus algorithm to your favorite iOS DAW.

Blamsoft brings their experience creating top notch plug-ins for the desktop to iOS. The same algorithm is found in the popular Zero Hybrid Synthesizer Rack Extension for Propellerhead Reason. The available parameters allow you to dial in a wide variety of chorus effects, from transparent to heavy. It's great for thickening electric guitar or synth parts. You get a desktop quality algorithm at an iOS friendly price.

Zero Chorus costs $2.99 on the app store:

Audio Damage Odio and IOS Apps: Ep4 - Amazing Noises Reverb (video)



Video description:

"Subscribe this channel for more videos about Software, IOS and Hardware Synthesizers. Leave your comments below so I know what do you think about this amazing module.

In this video, I connected my iPad with the Reverb - Feedback Delay Network App to the Audio Damage Odio Module. I want to show you how easy IOS Effects integrates into EuroRack Modular Synthesizers.

Odio is a 2-in 2-out USB audio interface that runs at modular audio levels, designed primarily for use with iOS devices such as the iPad and iPhone. Easily integrate iPad effects and instruments in to your modular rig for live performance or sketchpad recording, or use a Microsoft Surface Pro or netbook and a simple host to use VST plug-in effects as inserts in your modular."

Synthmaster Player Sounds Of The World Soundpack Demo for iPad (video)



midiSequencer update on the way


Video recording coming to Monovista!

Which is going to be completely awesome isn't it!

Yonac's Steel Guitar is currently free

Yonac have made their Steel Guitar app free for a while to celebrate the 2.2 version arriving. 2.2 includes:
  • Optimized for iPad Pro
  • Addresses sample rate compatibility issue with certain new devices
  • Provides both landscape orientations
  • Other improvements, fixes & optimizations

haQ attaQ 99 - Synthesized Throat singing - Tutorial (video)



Video description:

"Synthesized Throat singing! In this modulation tutorial, I am showing you a way to simulate throat singing with a synthesizer."

Tiger Lily Tremolo, Demo for iPad, Superb



Nodebeat & Expert Sleepers FH-1 - Generative Eurorack Demo (video)



Video description:

"Generative patch, Expert Sleepers FH-1 converting 4 pitch/gate pairs from Nodebeat and sequencing:
  • Square = Mutable instruments Peaks (DMC firmware) random kick
  • Red circle = Mutable instruments Braids 'Harm' algorithm
  • Green circle = Mutable instruments Braids 'wtx4' algorithm
  • Blue circle = Intellijel Shapeshifter chords processed by Shelves"

FourTrack is updated

FourTrack has been updated for the first time in just over a year. I'm really pleased to see that it's now iOS9 compliant, and getting fixes too.

v7.1.1
  • Fixed issues with Dropbox sign-in and upload/update.
  • Fixed audio artifacts in Metronome on 32-bit devices.

v7.1
  • Updated for iOS 9
  • Added AudioCopy 3: Copy and paste audio between other AudioCopy 3 enabled apps.
  • Added support for upcoming GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini

Mitosynth Preset Sounds played by Stefan Gisler (video)



trigger seq for iPad is here and is free until the 1st of December


A new little controller for your iPad is a trigger based sequencer for MIDI instruments.

FREE UNTIL 1st December
  • 4 rows with individual clock division, velocity, gate, note selection and mute on/off.
  • Allows to sequence any device that understands MIDI.
  • Internal (60-200 BPM)/external clock.
  • Adjustable row priority.
  • Create groovy sequences on the fly!

trigger seq is free on the app store:

Recording Automation — Ferrite Recording Studio (video)



Video description:

"Automation is a valuable tool for creating more sophisticated, professional-sounding audio. In this video, you can see how to record live changes to settings into the timeline."

Zero Reverb arrives

Tired of the stock reverb in your DAW? Looking for a more modern sound? Zero Reverb is an Audio Unit Extension that works as a plug-in inside host apps. Just open up your favorite host that supports Audio Units and add it as an effect. The controls expand when touched so they can be easily seen while tweaking. Zero Reverb will soon become your go-to reverb plug-in on iOS.

Zero Reverb is a high quality Feedback Delay Network reverberator in the Audio Unit Extension format. The algorithm has rich feedback with smooth decay for a modern hall-like reverb character. Blamsoft brings their experience creating high quality plug-ins for the desktop to iOS. The same algorithm is found in the popular Zero Hybrid Synthesizer Rack Extension for Propellerhead Reason. The available parameters allow you to dial in a wide variety of reverb textures.

Zero Reverb costs $2.99 on the app store:

PULSE* - Play any musical instrument with smart 3D control on Kickstarter



Yeah, I know it isn't really a mobile thing, but it is really impressive. I know, I was at the launch at Abbey Road studios (name dropping shamelessly) at the actual launch of the new Abbey Road RED (also shamelessly name dropping). I met the team and this thing is for real. I was impressed.

It isn't cheap though, and I can't see myself picking one of these up for some time now. However, it is an amazing piece of hardware and I thought I should share it.

Were you thinking about getting Phase84 on Android? Read this

Or rather read this actually, from Musical Android and give it some thought.

Amplitube Acoustic, Demo for iPad using iRIG PRO



So, what's this about then?

Ducking — Ferrite Recording Studio (video)



Video description:

"Ducking allows music to be turned down automatically when someone is speaking. For fine control, you can use Automation (which the next video will explain), but Ferrite's automatic ducking can be a useful time-saver. Tell it which tracks are which, so it knows what to duck, and what not to, and it takes care of it."

RARE AKAI U5 TRACKMAN STUDIO 4 TRACK CASSETTE on eBay


I've been meaning to post this for a couple of days so I'm just glad that it's still there on eBay. These are pretty rare these days and I think I've only seen a handful in the last few years.

The price isn't bad at all.

AKAI U5 TRACKMAN STUDIO 4 TRACK CASSETTE on eBay

SpringSound 2.0 arrives with more to come app

Here's what's new in SpringSound 2.0:
  • MIDI MPE compliant (compatible with Haken Continuum, ROLI Seaboard, Linnstrument, Madrona Labs Soundplane, etc.)
  • IOS9 update
  • iPone 6S and 6S Plus compatibility
  • Small bug fixes
  • A bigger update (with new functional features) is on its way

Heavy Brass by Crudebyte, Sneak Preview for iPad (video)

Borderlands coming to iPhone? Not soon though ...



Make music anywhere with iMASCHINE 2 (video)



Video description:

"iMASCHINE 2 is the full-featured app for producing on the go with your iPhone or iPad. Watch LA-based producer TK Kayembe create an entire track in one day using iMASCHINE 2. 

Create tracks on the go – whenever inspiration strikes. Fingerdrum your beats or lay them down quickly with the new Step Mode. Play always-in-key chords, melodies, and basslines with the Smart Play keyboard. Then, turn your loops and scenes into full tracks with the Arranger.

And you also get a vast, updated sound library, features for iPhones that support 3D Touch, and more.

Download iMASCHINE 2 from the App Store and start making music instantly – wherever you are"