Make a difference in the mobile music world
Well, why not make more people aware of how many excellent music making products there are out there? Here's a simple way of doing just that. Simply head over to the Pocket PC Mag awards site, and vote away!
The State of Mobile Music
Well, here we are half way through 2008 and it has been a very interesting year already. There's been a real expansion in terms of the number of platforms for mobile music making, and some very interesting new applications as well. So it I thought it might be worth stopping for a moment to think about where we are.
DS Platform
This year we've seen the Korg DS-10 announcement and Groovestep too, although the later have been very quiet for some time now, so I hope they're still going ahead with their app. Of course, both of these were in addition to the wide variety of homebrew apps already available, such as Protein, GlitchDS, and DS Synth, to name a few. What else will come up for the DS platform, and when the DS-10 does arrive how will it be received?
Palm and Windows Mobile
There's not been a huge number of new applications for either platform. However, we have seen SunVox, an amazing cross platform modular application that runs on Palm OS and Windows Mobile. Also, TrakAx, the multimedia tool for Windows Mobile has done great things this year, and of course Intermorphic have announced their new Mixtikl app for windows mobile coming later this year.
iPod Touch and iPhone
Of course the next big thing is the coming of the iPhone and iPod app store and real third party apps on this platform. Already we've seen miniMusic amongst a number of developers aiming at this platform. Will it be a real next step for mobile music?I hope so, but time will tell.
And also ...
Of course, there's more to mobile music than the platforms above. There's been a good deal of new hardware news too, like the release of the Pacemaker DJ device and the announcement of the Korg nano series. Also, there are more platforms on the way, like Google's Android platform, and ALP, and Palm's new Linux based OS too. Who knows what these will bring?
So far?
So good. If you'd asked me in 2006 or early 2007 what the future was for mobile music making I'd probably have said that it was grim at best. Now, I've changed my mind in a big way. I think that for the first time in a number of years mobile music has a real chance to take off, especially with mainstream (and cool) manufacturers like Apple getting in on the act.
So let's hope that the second half of 2008 is even more packed with applications, developments and mobile music making.
Discuss at the Palm Sounds Group ...
DS Platform
This year we've seen the Korg DS-10 announcement and Groovestep too, although the later have been very quiet for some time now, so I hope they're still going ahead with their app. Of course, both of these were in addition to the wide variety of homebrew apps already available, such as Protein, GlitchDS, and DS Synth, to name a few. What else will come up for the DS platform, and when the DS-10 does arrive how will it be received?
Palm and Windows Mobile
There's not been a huge number of new applications for either platform. However, we have seen SunVox, an amazing cross platform modular application that runs on Palm OS and Windows Mobile. Also, TrakAx, the multimedia tool for Windows Mobile has done great things this year, and of course Intermorphic have announced their new Mixtikl app for windows mobile coming later this year.
iPod Touch and iPhone
Of course the next big thing is the coming of the iPhone and iPod app store and real third party apps on this platform. Already we've seen miniMusic amongst a number of developers aiming at this platform. Will it be a real next step for mobile music?I hope so, but time will tell.
And also ...
Of course, there's more to mobile music than the platforms above. There's been a good deal of new hardware news too, like the release of the Pacemaker DJ device and the announcement of the Korg nano series. Also, there are more platforms on the way, like Google's Android platform, and ALP, and Palm's new Linux based OS too. Who knows what these will bring?
So far?
So good. If you'd asked me in 2006 or early 2007 what the future was for mobile music making I'd probably have said that it was grim at best. Now, I've changed my mind in a big way. I think that for the first time in a number of years mobile music has a real chance to take off, especially with mainstream (and cool) manufacturers like Apple getting in on the act.
So let's hope that the second half of 2008 is even more packed with applications, developments and mobile music making.
Discuss at the Palm Sounds Group ...
TrakAx Mobile on the verge of a major upgrade
TrakAx Mobile is expecting a huge upgrade very soon. There are some amazing new features in this release, including:
trakAxMobile - Sneak Peak! from Catriona Barry on Vimeo.
This is what the new mix screen will look like:
Here is the expanded transitions and new effects:
The pan and zoom features for still images will make using them mixed in with video far more straightforward.
Searching for media looks like it will be easier using a date driven search.
All in all this will be a really significant upgrade to TrakAx Mobile. It is excellent to see it being developed and going from strength to strength.
- Pan and zoom effects for still images
- Expanded transition choices
- Photo and video effects and borders
- Improved text rendering and colour choice
- Improved media search
- Themes for credits
trakAxMobile - Sneak Peak! from Catriona Barry on Vimeo.
This is what the new mix screen will look like:
Here is the expanded transitions and new effects:
The pan and zoom features for still images will make using them mixed in with video far more straightforward.
Searching for media looks like it will be easier using a date driven search.
All in all this will be a really significant upgrade to TrakAx Mobile. It is excellent to see it being developed and going from strength to strength.
Apple's own iPhone applications ...
There's been lots of news today about the possibility of Apple offering a free iPhone app to control iTunes 7.7 over wifi. That set me thinking.
Since Apple announced that they were going to make third party applications available on their iPhone platform lots of bloggers have been talking about which developers would enter into the iPhone app market and what would they bring. I've been talking about it too. But, what will Apple themselves bring to the platform?
Let's face it, they are very good at creative applications at all levels, from entry / home user to pro. So, why wouldn't they use their expertise to offer up some really interesting applications of their own?
Since Apple announced that they were going to make third party applications available on their iPhone platform lots of bloggers have been talking about which developers would enter into the iPhone app market and what would they bring. I've been talking about it too. But, what will Apple themselves bring to the platform?
Let's face it, they are very good at creative applications at all levels, from entry / home user to pro. So, why wouldn't they use their expertise to offer up some really interesting applications of their own?
Mixtikl on the way
There's a new post on the intermorphic blog giving a little bit more news about Mixtikl.
Can't wait to see it in action.
Can't wait to see it in action.
CDM on MIDIFY for Nintendo handhelds
CDM has a post on MIDIFY which lets you add a MIDI port to you Nintendo handheld.
CDM also has an interesting post on a load of new and updated DS homebrew. Well worth taking a look.
Things are really getting interesting for the DS platform...
Mobile Music Workshop 2008 Creative Interactions
The Mobile music workshop have published a catalogue of the last 5 years contributions to the workshop, which is a good way to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the workshop. I hope they run many more, especially if they can be in the UK next year.
You may have noticed ...
That the posting has been somewhat erratic, or in fact none existent lately. Well, things have been a little unsettle over the last week or so, hence the disruption to Palm Sounds. However, hopefully things are returning to normal, and so the posts should flow again soon.
If you've emailed me at Palm Sounds in the last week or so and I haven't replied, please email again as I may not have received it.
If you've emailed me at Palm Sounds in the last week or so and I haven't replied, please email again as I may not have received it.
Gearwire on Korg Nano Series
Gearwire have got their hands on the new nano series of controllers from Korg.
There's also some early indication on price here, which isn't bad really.
What I'd love to see though is someone making these compatible with the Korg DS-10!
There's also some early indication on price here, which isn't bad really.
What I'd love to see though is someone making these compatible with the Korg DS-10!
LDB: Java Drum Midlet for mobiles!
I should check the Palm Sounds mailbox more regularly. Thanks to Johan for this. He's built this excellent looking java midlet drum machine.
You can find out all about it and a link to download it here.
Alesis ProTrack
The FutureMusic blog has this from Alesis. They seem to have made a real commitment to iPod related products.
The FutureMusic blog has all the details. Whilst I think it looks like a good addition to an iPod, I am struggling to see just how this product goes further than what is already available.
Flash Player for iPhone (via iLounge)
Ilounge has a story on Adobe getting flash player running in the iPhone emulator.
Whilst in many ways flash is not something that is great for stand alone music applications it could open up possibilities for using online music services via an iPhone.
Whilst in many ways flash is not something that is great for stand alone music applications it could open up possibilities for using online music services via an iPhone.
Did anyone go to the DS-10 event?
Did anyone manage to get to the DS-10 launch event on Saturday? Any news or pictures would be great.
iPhone apps limited to 2gb?
TUAW has an interesting post covering both the size and cost limits being imposed by Apple on iPhone apps. Whilst the cost will be of interest, I think it is interesting that they are limiting app size to 2gb.
For most users this won't be a big problem or issue in any way. However, for mobile musicians it may be. Music apps and suites in particular can be very large indeed and I wouldn't want to think that apps have to limit their technical ability in order to comply with a preset size barrier.
I'd be interested in any developers who have views on this.
What annoys me about Palm Sounds is ...
Following a comment post anonymously by a reader about the way items are posted I thought it might be a good idea to find out if anyone else finds anything irritating or annoying about the blog or posts etc, or indeed if anyone had any good suggestions on how to improve it.
If any of the above applies then feel free to give your opinion here.
If any of the above applies then feel free to give your opinion here.
What are Korg up to?
A number of sites and blogs have picked up the new Korg nanoSeries now. I wonder what Korg's strategy is on new product development? They appear to be miniaturizing lots of products (KP mini, Kaosillator, DS-10 etc), so where will it go? Where will it end up, and will anyone else get going on the band wagon?
Korg nano series (via CDM)
CDM has a post on these new tiny controllers from Korg. They look aweseome. Of course I'd like to see these in use with mobile devices too, that would make loads of sense, and if Korg wanted to be really joined up then you should be able to use their 'nanoKey' to control the DS-10 over wifi. Why not?
Sims DJ for iPod
I've read some of the reviews of this on iTunes and it doesn't sound great so far. I can't believe that the developer missed the trick of allowing you to use your own music in the game in the same way as Phase. It seems like such a wasted opportunity.
DS-10 Launch party in London (via CDM)
I can't believe that the DS-10 launch is in London and I can't make it!!!
miniMusic developing for the iPhone !
The big news for today is that minMusic have announced that they are working on a number of different iPhone music applications covering notation, performance, education and audio editing.
This is excellent news and starts to make the iPhone even more appealing.
CDM on Mixtikl and generative music
Good to see CDM picking up the news of intermorphic's Mixtilk app coming later this year, and interesting thoughts about generative music in general. Really worth a read.
WWDC and mobile music
Well, I think that whilst Apple haven't brought anything that wasn't expected at least they've actually showcased the kind of apps we can expect later this month, and that has to be a good thing.
Of course, the much rumoured Mac Nano still hasn't surfaced, but maybe it will someday.
Even so, I think that the iPod Touch is looking like a really good platform for mobile music applications, and I'm seriously thinking of buying one now.
Of course, the much rumoured Mac Nano still hasn't surfaced, but maybe it will someday.
Even so, I think that the iPod Touch is looking like a really good platform for mobile music applications, and I'm seriously thinking of buying one now.
'Band' App gets a demo at WWDC!
I got this from the live feed from Macrumurs.com. This was one of the applications that has been shown today. I think it is really significant that a mobile music application is shown alongside blogging apps and games, I think it says a lot about Apple and how they see the OSX mobile platform developing.
Intua Beatmaker Suite (via CDM)
Now this is the kind of thing I'm hoping we'll see lots more of after today on the app store. If developers can come up with this kind of application / suite then the iPod Touch / iPhone starts to look like a really viable platform for mobile music. I guess we'll be finding out very soon indeed.
SunVox news
The SunVox forum has a great to do list on it:
* new module: delay
* new module: reverb
* FM
* LFO
* stylophone
* zoom in pattern editor
* parallel synth playing
* OSX port
* switch instruments / sampler etc by using the hardware buttons
* live mode (DJ mode)
All of which I'm really looking forward to, but even more so now as Alex is going to provide more documentation which will make this app even easier to use.
* new module: delay
* new module: reverb
* FM
* LFO
* stylophone
* zoom in pattern editor
* parallel synth playing
* OSX port
* switch instruments / sampler etc by using the hardware buttons
* live mode (DJ mode)
All of which I'm really looking forward to, but even more so now as Alex is going to provide more documentation which will make this app even easier to use.
How long should you wait?
I've posted another application into the palm sounds group. This time it is a little metronome application that came from a developer called Clever Parrot. They've disappeared sadly, but when they were around I downloaded all their free applications just in case. So I can't see any problem with this being available now.
However, I did set me wondering. If a developer has vanished is it ok to make their commercial or shareware applications available? If it is ok, how long should you wait?
I only have one app that falls into this category, and I think I will make it available at some point, but I'd be interested in other people's views on the subject, and if you have any apps that might be useful to others then why not post them at the group.
However, I did set me wondering. If a developer has vanished is it ok to make their commercial or shareware applications available? If it is ok, how long should you wait?
I only have one app that falls into this category, and I think I will make it available at some point, but I'd be interested in other people's views on the subject, and if you have any apps that might be useful to others then why not post them at the group.
Update on Treo 650 replacement
Well, I've bought a Treo 750 on eBay. One that has been upgraded to WM6 already. It should be an interesting experience moving to WM for all my day to day stuff as well as music related applications.
I'll keep posting on how things go.
I'll keep posting on how things go.
Comment from Korg DS-10 Producer!
There was a comment on the DS-10 videos I posted yesterday that they sounded a bit rough. Following that, this comment arrived this morning from the Korg DS-10 producer/director:
Nice to know that Korg are reading!
Thank you for watching videos!!
This bit-rough sound does not comes from DS-10 but compressions by video camera and YouTube.
sanodg
KORG DS-10 producer/director
Nice to know that Korg are reading!
Protein DS
More good use of the the DS Protein (previously DScratch) app. According to YouTube:
I have used the homebrew program protein ds to replicate muses kaoss jam using a sample of the kp2 patch. Sorry for the bad camera work, it's hard to hold a camera still and operate a ds at the same time ;)
Files on the Palm Sounds Group
I thought it would be useful to put stuff on the Palm Sounds Group that had been on either the old Palmgear or is still on the old Palm Sounds site. I hope you find the stuff useful. If you have any suggestions for other files I should put up then let me know.
Mobile Music Workshop 2008 proceedings now online
The proceedings from this year's mobile music workshop are now available online.
Blog roll
Palm Sounds now has a blog roll. You can find it a little way down the page. If you have any suggestions for other blogs I should put on it please let me know.
OT: Big savings at Intermorphic
Off topic I know, but also in a way topical as Intermorphic have announced their new Mixtikl application suite for later this year. Anyway, if you wanted to get aquainted with their applications in advance they've announced some summer specials over at their store.
Brighthand's predictions for WWDC on Monday
There's lots of people making predictions for Apple's WWDC on Monday. This set from Brighthand are quite interesting. I think I agree that this year is likely to be all about the iPhone and maybe a new version of OSX, but I'm not sure about a tablet or 'Mac Nano', whilst I'd love to see a device like that I just don't think it is going to come around this time.
Apple MID device?
AppleInsider has a post on rumours of a new Apple MID (mobile internet device) in 4" and 7" sizes. Now, there have been lots of this kind of rumour before, so who knows it it will come about, but if they did make something that was like a cross between the iPod Touch and a Mac that would be really interesting.
Korg DS-10 blog: Interview on Amazon.co.jp
The Korg DS-10 blog has been updated and shows some news of an interview (I think) on Amazon.co.jp. Interestingly the Amazon site has the DS-10 for NDS listed.
Little GP Tracker minor update
LittleGPTracker has a few minor updates today, and raises the question on whether anyone is going to develop for the openPandora.
I posted about this device a while ago and it looks really amazing.
I posted about this device a while ago and it looks really amazing.
My Treo 650 replacement
Thanks for all the suggestions following my post on what I should do to replace my Treo 650. I'm now looking at the Treo 750 (WM) and also the HTC Mogul although this model doesn't seem to be available in the UK as yet. I'll keep you posted on how I get on with my research!
I need some help
For a long time I've used a Treo 650 as my main PDA. I use it for everything really, phone, email, diary, Bhajis loops and many other music apps, short video clips etc etc.
However, it is 4 years old now and whilst it is still going strong some of the keys are showing signs of wear, and I know it won't last forever. There have been a few unexplained resets (very annoying when you're in the middle of working on a new track and haven't saved as yet), and it doesn't have a huge amount of memory on board.
So, I've been thinking about what sort of thing I'd want as a replacement for it. I started thinking about my requirements. Here's what I've got so far:
However, it is 4 years old now and whilst it is still going strong some of the keys are showing signs of wear, and I know it won't last forever. There have been a few unexplained resets (very annoying when you're in the middle of working on a new track and haven't saved as yet), and it doesn't have a huge amount of memory on board.
So, I've been thinking about what sort of thing I'd want as a replacement for it. I started thinking about my requirements. Here's what I've got so far:
- Must be able to run StyleTap and therefore Bhajis / Microbe
- Must have a decent camera for video capture and stills
- Able to use TrakAx mobile to create and mix content on device
- MUST be able to use Mixtikl whenever it becomes available
- Ideally should have a keyboard
- Bluetooth
- WiFi
Anyway, any suggestions, advice, and especially devices to avoid would be really useful.
PocketTunes on WM
There's been a bit of Pocket Tunes news over the last couple of days. It made me think about applications like Pocket Tunes, and devices like the Pacemaker. What I don't really understand is why someone hasn't come up with an application that gives you functionality like the Pacemaker device but on an existing handheld?
Surely something like that for an iPod would be a massive seller, so why hasn't anyone done it? I would have thought that even devices like the current iPod Classic would have enough power to be able to handle an application like that, and the likes of the iPod Touch should be able to do even more.
So why hasn't anyone gone down that route as yet?
Surely something like that for an iPod would be a massive seller, so why hasn't anyone done it? I would have thought that even devices like the current iPod Classic would have enough power to be able to handle an application like that, and the likes of the iPod Touch should be able to do even more.
So why hasn't anyone gone down that route as yet?
Cybersonica monome: open practice project:
Sadly it seems that Cybersonica's monome project is being postponed due to a lack of funding:
UPDATE: We found out recently that our monome: open practice project Arts Council England (ACE) Grants For The Arts application was unsuccessful. There's a full post at the project website explaining the situation.
There's more information on their project site, so let's hope they can get funding and get the project off the ground.
OT: Playing with a theremin
Whilst I was away for a few days I had a chance to play a real theremin, it was brilliant. It made me realise that whilst something like an X-Y pad or similar is fun to use and can give some excellent results, they don’t really give you the theremin experience.
One thing that occurred to me was that perhaps someone could make an app using the sensors on a device like the iPod Touch. I think that would be an excellent use for an iPod Touch.
One thing that occurred to me was that perhaps someone could make an app using the sensors on a device like the iPod Touch. I think that would be an excellent use for an iPod Touch.
Palm Sounds is 2 years old !!!
Palm Sounds is two years old. Sadly not today, I actually missed it by a few days. It was on the 25th of May. I had no idea that it would last this long.
Happy Birthday Palm Sounds!
Happy Birthday Palm Sounds!
WWDC in a week
Apple's WWDC (World Wide Developers Conference) starts in a week. So what are the best rumours around for what they're going to release? Here's my personal pick:
1. New iPhone. I know lots of people have been talking about it, but I reckon they'll at least announce it.
2. iPhone 2.0 firmware.
3. iPhone SDK version 1.0
4. App store: With this I am hoping for some real applications not just games or web apps, but something that will really show what the platform can do. What I'd love to see is some kind of 'iLife suite' for iPhone / iPod Touch from Apple, that would show their committment to the platform.
What I don't think you'll see:
1. A new Apple Newton
2. A tablet device
1. New iPhone. I know lots of people have been talking about it, but I reckon they'll at least announce it.
2. iPhone 2.0 firmware.
3. iPhone SDK version 1.0
4. App store: With this I am hoping for some real applications not just games or web apps, but something that will really show what the platform can do. What I'd love to see is some kind of 'iLife suite' for iPhone / iPod Touch from Apple, that would show their committment to the platform.
What I don't think you'll see:
1. A new Apple Newton
2. A tablet device
Pixilang Competition results
Now available on the Warmplace site. If you follow the link from there you'll see the results which are all in Russian.
iPod DJ blog
I found this blog by accident. It has some nice ideas about iPod DJ'ing, especially the Nano MPC which would be a great idea.
Mixtikl from Intermorphic
Well, after talking about it for a few weeks here's some more detail on the new mobile application from Intermorphic. Most of this is taken from the Mixtikl page on the Intermorphic site. Here's what we can expect from Mixtikl:
For Windows and Mac OS X, there will plugin versions for e.g. Logic (Audio Unit [AU]), Sonar (VSTi), Cubase (VSTi), Ableton Live (VSTi), Reaper (VSTi) etc. as well as a standalone version, very useful in its own right, for where there is no suitable plugin variant, e.g. Pro Tools.
For mobile, there will be versions at launch for Windows Mobile 5/6, followed by by versions for iPhone and iTouch, Series 60 V2/3, and Antix Game Player.
the applications themselves:
I think it is fantastic that Intermorphic are not only getting back into the mobile space, but also extending and building on the work they did with miniMIXA and taking it to the next natural step.
- Capture/Mix/Work on content on the move on your mobile; finesse on desktop using plug-in later; move back to mobile whenever you want.
- Use loops, midi, generative music and modular synthesis for your sound palette.
- Perform music on your mobile with the powerful 'Perform' application.
- Play generative music on your mobile, using the integrated Noatikl engine.
- Create quick mixes, and mix and match sounds (yours, or in add-on Tiklpaks) with the 'Remix' application.
- Pitch shift your loops and apply realtime FX.
- Act as VST or AU plugin in your VST/AU enabled sequencer.
- Have fun making/mixing hi-quality music on your mobile!
For Windows and Mac OS X, there will plugin versions for e.g. Logic (Audio Unit [AU]), Sonar (VSTi), Cubase (VSTi), Ableton Live (VSTi), Reaper (VSTi) etc. as well as a standalone version, very useful in its own right, for where there is no suitable plugin variant, e.g. Pro Tools.
For mobile, there will be versions at launch for Windows Mobile 5/6, followed by by versions for iPhone and iTouch, Series 60 V2/3, and Antix Game Player.
the applications themselves:
- Mixtikl features a number of applications for making and mixing music on the go. Further details will be provided later, but at launch these will include (subject to change):
- Mixtikl Remixer - create, EQ and save a quick mix from up to 12 user selectable sound sources/loops, and apply FX
- Mixtikl Performer - create a more complex cell based mix with up to 12 tracks and four sections, and easily apply per track FX, pan and volume
- Mixtikl Player - Create and play a track list of mixes, pieces and recordings you have or have made
- Mixtikl Partikl-Synth - Edit Partikl synth sounds and patches directly, and create presets
- Mixtikl Partikl-FX - Edit Partikl FX and networks directly, and create presets
- Mixtikl Packager - Create custom DLS wavetables; bundle Ogg/Wav files, MIDI files, Noatikl files and other content together into a self contained "SKM" file.
I think it is fantastic that Intermorphic are not only getting back into the mobile space, but also extending and building on the work they did with miniMIXA and taking it to the next natural step.
I think it is interesting to see that they are also going for the iPod Touch / iPhone market, which is very sensible, and I think they'll find a very captive audience for their product. I also think it is a very smart move to go for the Antix Labs platform too which will give the application suite real reach into markets that haven't been used to this kind of application before.
All I can say is that I just can't wait to see it in action.
SunVox and TX / T5 problems
Alex confirms he will be fixing these issues in version 1.1:
I'm hoping that the next version will have some of the stuff he's been talking about on his forum.
SunVox 1.0b may work incorrectly on some PalmOS devices with non-square screen. For example - Tungsten TX, Zodiac. In this case just mail me (nightradio@gmail.com), and i'll help you to solve this problem. Of course, this will be fixed in the next release 1.1.
I'm hoping that the next version will have some of the stuff he's been talking about on his forum.
Garnet VM updated (via Palm Infocenter)
Access have released an updated version of their Garnet VM allowing Nokia Internet Tablet users to run Palm OS apps. It seems from this post from PalmInfocenter that there are some good enhancements and some more work on the audio side too.
If anyone is using this and can let me know if Bhajis runs on it I'd appreciate it.
If anyone is using this and can let me know if Bhajis runs on it I'd appreciate it.
Styletap on the iPhone / iPod Touch
Lots of sites have picked up this story, I got it from a variety of places. The news release gives the clearest story.
I think it is a great thing for Palm users who want to move away from palm hardware. If StyleTap can use the same version as the one that runs for WM5 and runs Bhajis Loops quite nicely it could start to be a really viable platform.
I think it is a great thing for Palm users who want to move away from palm hardware. If StyleTap can use the same version as the one that runs for WM5 and runs Bhajis Loops quite nicely it could start to be a really viable platform.
Korg DS-10 set for launch
Well, it looks like they're going ahead. My google translation of this post suggests they have a green light on their development. Excellent news. Here's looking forward to July. I'm definitely going to buy one (if not two) of these.
PhaseArray site back
Was it me? I'm sure that when I posted a few days ago the site was gone. It seems to be back now which is good. I've noticed some forum posts on Bhajis Garden asking about windows DLLs for PhaseArray. I hope that having to add those elements to the development won't put off the developer because at the end of the day you can still render on the device if you want to so in many ways there is no real need for the windows DLLs.
I've had a chance to play with the plug-in just recently. It is interesting, but I'm not sure that I really get how it works or how to get the best out of it. Probably need to find a track that suits it better.
I'd be interested in anyone else's experience with PhaseArray. Post it into the Palm Sounds group if you can.
I've had a chance to play with the plug-in just recently. It is interesting, but I'm not sure that I really get how it works or how to get the best out of it. Probably need to find a track that suits it better.
I'd be interested in anyone else's experience with PhaseArray. Post it into the Palm Sounds group if you can.
Little GP Tracker turns 1.0 (via CDM)
LGPt turns 1.0 according to CDM. It is worth taking a look at if you haven't done so before. Here's some of what it can do:
- Sample library & import support
- Groove support for odd time signature
- Debian build & JACK support
- Allows creation of project from the program itself
- new Feedback parameters at the instrument level
- new Looper Sync looping mode for automatic looping on the current tempo
- Engine optimization
- New rendering system allowing to render directly from the application
- either the mixdown or the 8 separated tracks.
- External joystick control on all platform
On holiday ...
I've been away for a few days hence the lack of posting over this week. I'm just back and catching up on emails and news etc, so everything will be back to normal very soon, and I think there's just loads of news to catch up on from the last week.
DJ Mode coming to SunVox?
More cool stuff coming along to SunVox. I'd love to see some more performance related tools and bluetooth as well ...
pdPOD, whatever happened to that?
I really liked the idea of this, but it never seemed to take off in a big way. Maybe the interface is just too limited, but it was a great idea, and nice sounds too.
What's happened to PhaseArray?
I just went to see if there were any updates at the phaseArray site, and found that there's nothing there at all.
I hope it is just a site rebuild and nothing to worry about ...
I hope it is just a site rebuild and nothing to worry about ...
SunVox and Bhajis
Thanks to Drew for this comment on using SunVox with Bhajis Loops.
Good tip, and an interesting way to use applications together on the move.
i've managed to get Sunvox running on my TX (though it is still very temperamental) and have found it to have a very nice sound engine.
I've been dropping loops made in Bhajis Loops into Sunvox's Sampler Module, to utilise the magnificent Flanger. I didn't realise the Palm was capable of such a rich sound (much broader/richer than the native Bhajis Space Flanger). Then I export it as a WAV back into Bhajis for further tweakage.
It's great to have as an extension of Bhajis Loops, to 'resample' sounds with Sunvox's effects, etc.
So, the prospect of further effects for Sunvox is exciting!
Good tip, and an interesting way to use applications together on the move.
Pocket Toshi ...
I found this by accident on YouTube. It looks like fun. As the blurb on YouTube says it is a prototype, but the ideas remind me of electroplankton quite a bit.
GrooveStep in action at YN2k8 CDM Instrument Contest
Can't see much of how it is being used, but it does sound good.
Save STEIM
DScratch update (via CDM)
A new video of the DScratch DS app. According to the developer this is:
pure freestyle demo (one shot, no cut, no good scratch skills!) using a preview version of my project "ProteinDS" - now 4 modules running at the same time!
Will be available in a few days - Enjoy!
Looks like a real step forward to me.
MusicThing demo of BC-16
Music Thing: Chimera BC16 mini modular synth demo from Tom Whitwell on Vimeo.
Nice demo from MusicThing.
Intermorphic mobile
From the sounds of this it looks like the new app from Intermorphic is going to be truly amazing ...
More at Palm Sounds Group ...
We'll be announcing more in due course, but some things to whet your appetite for our new "wonder-tool" :)
- desktop (win/mac) and mobile (various) versions
- standalone (desktop/mobile) and plug-in (desktop) versions!
- work on your content on the move on your mobile; finesse on desktop using plug-in later; move back to mobile whenever you want...
- loops, midi, generative and modular synthesis
- embedded noatikl generative engine :)
- real-time fx
- too much else to mention; we have an amazing roadmap for this.
What is coming is going to be "the" uber-creativity tool for mobile multimedia. :) We're incredibly excited by what we're doing, and think this could be simply huge...
More at Palm Sounds Group ...
All quiet over at 4pockets?
4Pockets has been a fantastic developer in the past, bringing classics like AudioBox, Pocket StompBox and the awesome multi-track recorder MeTeoR. But so far this year there's been nothing from 4Pockets at all.
So, what's happening? Ideally I'd hope that there is something really big coming out of 4Pockets imminently, but I've had no contact with the developer for some time. My worst fear is that they'll go the way of Tao Group and miniMIXA, which would be awful. I was hoping that they'd go in to iPod Touch direction and do something interesting with that platform.
Who knows...
So, what's happening? Ideally I'd hope that there is something really big coming out of 4Pockets imminently, but I've had no contact with the developer for some time. My worst fear is that they'll go the way of Tao Group and miniMIXA, which would be awful. I was hoping that they'd go in to iPod Touch direction and do something interesting with that platform.
Who knows...
Palm Sounds Live
I've been asked about posting some video from my 1st Palm Sounds show. Sadly the video isn't useable for a variety of reasons, so I thought I'd write some comments about what I used and how.
First off there were actually two of us performing. Most of the time we were using Bhajis Loops as the core for the performance and other devices more as instruments to improvise around the core. Bhajis was running on a T3 and a TX. My Treo 650 was running SunVox 1.0, which is very useful live as the Treo Keyboard works just like a regular keyboard except very small. The only drawback is that whilst you can use a variety of instruments in SunVox you can't switch between them using the hard keys on the device. However, this is a feature I've requested.
We also used PalmBuzzer for a bunch of random samples, and a Kaosillator, which is fast becoming one of my favourite toys. The whole mix went through a mini KP for good measure.
The visuals you can see in the photographs are running from an iPod Classic which delivered video and slide shows and worked very well. In fact, in the first two shots the actual images were made using NinerPaint which is an excellent Palm based art tool.
It is a shame the video didn't work, I guess we'll just have to do some more live shows now! Any suggestions for venues around the London area?
First off there were actually two of us performing. Most of the time we were using Bhajis Loops as the core for the performance and other devices more as instruments to improvise around the core. Bhajis was running on a T3 and a TX. My Treo 650 was running SunVox 1.0, which is very useful live as the Treo Keyboard works just like a regular keyboard except very small. The only drawback is that whilst you can use a variety of instruments in SunVox you can't switch between them using the hard keys on the device. However, this is a feature I've requested.
We also used PalmBuzzer for a bunch of random samples, and a Kaosillator, which is fast becoming one of my favourite toys. The whole mix went through a mini KP for good measure.
The visuals you can see in the photographs are running from an iPod Classic which delivered video and slide shows and worked very well. In fact, in the first two shots the actual images were made using NinerPaint which is an excellent Palm based art tool.
It is a shame the video didn't work, I guess we'll just have to do some more live shows now! Any suggestions for venues around the London area?
DS Fanboy useful guide to DS homebrew
DS Fanboy has a handy guide to homebrew solutions for the DS, which is useful if you want to get into NitroTracker, or DScratch etc...
Thoughts on son of miniMIXA ...
I was thinking about miniMIXA and Pete's news that intermorphic are moving into the mobile music space.
Obviously, if their new mobile / cross platform tools are anything like as good as the stuff they've developed since they launched intermorphic then they are likely to be well worth the money, and this time I won't wait for the next version to buy the full app. In fact, I still have a demo copy of miniMIXA on my dell axim, and I just can't bring myself to delete it.
Version 3 of miniMIXA was due to have some cool new features:
So what would I want to see in the 'Son of miniMIXA' (for want of a better name for the app / apps). Well, obviously I'd like to see a lot of the stuff that was already in the old miniMIXA, but also some cool live features too. Things that take advantage of the hardware available like ...
Discuss at the Palm Sounds Group:
Obviously, if their new mobile / cross platform tools are anything like as good as the stuff they've developed since they launched intermorphic then they are likely to be well worth the money, and this time I won't wait for the next version to buy the full app. In fact, I still have a demo copy of miniMIXA on my dell axim, and I just can't bring myself to delete it.
Version 3 of miniMIXA was due to have some cool new features:
Well, we are now getting very close to nailing miniMIXA V3. One of the important things we have been asked for, and so we wanted to get in, was synching of microphone recordings. Well, we have done it . What that means is that you now get a count in period before you make a microphone recording - so you can get ready for your take. You can set how many bars you want this to be and how many bars you want to record for, as well as a system latency factor (as all mobile devices have different capabilities) - and the recording then synchs to the bar boundary. It is really useful and great fun!
The miniMIXA++ product will also include an autoloop recording feature. This means you can do take after take and only keep the take when you think you have nailed it.
This feature addition will make it much easier to use miniMIXA for capturing ideas on a mic, maybe as you are riffing or jamming to a background groove. You could then even sing/jam, record and sync harmonies on top.
So what would I want to see in the 'Son of miniMIXA' (for want of a better name for the app / apps). Well, obviously I'd like to see a lot of the stuff that was already in the old miniMIXA, but also some cool live features too. Things that take advantage of the hardware available like ...
- Bluetooth / WiFi clock sync so you could jam with multiple devices simultaneously
- Loops and synthesis all in one (like the advanced features in the old miniMIXA)
- Desktop integration so you can work on stuff and move it from device to desktop and back again rather than just a desktop sync function
- Real time effect control for live work
Discuss at the Palm Sounds Group:
Thinking about GP2X
There's been some talk on the new PalmSounds Group about the GP2X and using it live. I found this page of software for it and wondered how many developers are actively writing new music / audio / video apps for it?
I've kind of liked the idea of it for a while because of the VJ app available for it which I think would be really handy to use live.
But I wonder if the iPhone / iPod Touch will get more developers writing apps for it than GP2X due to the ease of release using the iTunes app store?
I've kind of liked the idea of it for a while because of the VJ app available for it which I think would be really handy to use live.
But I wonder if the iPhone / iPod Touch will get more developers writing apps for it than GP2X due to the ease of release using the iTunes app store?
Trio Da Da Da: Early VL-Tone adopters
I had forgotten Trio and their 80's VL-Tone hit. About half way through the video you see him play the VL-Tone too. Nice.
And now an iPhone Drum Machine (via CDM)
CDM has a post on a new drum machine app for the iPhone from the creator of the iSynth app.
Intermorphic coming back to mobile
Fantastic news, Intermorphic are coming back to mobile apps ...
Discuss at the Palm Sounds Group.
Hi Folks!
A bit of news for you: I can't say much more at this stage, but we
here at intermorphic are working on a range of cross-platform mobile/
desktop audio creativity tools
More info will appear in due course when we're read to release it ...
but I can say that platforms supported will include iPod/iPhone,
Windows Mobile, MacOS X, Windows desktop, and others in due course.
Hoping this information is of interest!
Discuss at the Palm Sounds Group.
Site Stuff: Palm Sounds Group
The Palm Sounds group is now up and running on Google Groups. I thought I'd set this up as a number of people had mentioned the need for some more interaction and discussion, and I'd agree with that.
If you'd like to join, please email me at
palm dot sounds at mac dot com
If you'd like to join, please email me at
palm dot sounds at mac dot com
Tonium competition
Enter a mix at the Pacemaker site for a chance to win a Pacemaker DJ device. The contest is open from now until the 31st of May.
Is it or isn't it?
More rumours and counter rumours about a potential Apple tablet like the old Newton. This time it seems that Intel are back tracking on the current rumour, according to AppleInsider anyway.
Still, only about three weeks to wait now to see what it is they actually do.
Still, only about three weeks to wait now to see what it is they actually do.
Mini Laser Show Projector
I got given this little device by a good friend. As you can see from the pictures it is really tiny. Small enough to fit into any gear bag. It projects beautifully in a dark room, and I think it would be excellent to use live. I guess you'd just set it up and let it run.
Anyway, here's a short video so you can see what the output is like.
Here are a couple of pictures so you can see how small it actually is:
The device is powered by three AAA batteries. I'm not sure how long they'd last, but the output in a dark room is surprisingly bright.
Anyway, here's a short video so you can see what the output is like.
Here are a couple of pictures so you can see how small it actually is:
The device is powered by three AAA batteries. I'm not sure how long they'd last, but the output in a dark room is surprisingly bright.
PalmBuzzer comments
Well, I posted my suggestions for PalmBuzzer, and the developer has come right back with some comment.
Hi,
because of the way PalmBuzzer works now, not all your suggestions are possible to implement:
Set volume independently for each on screen button
This should work, it's just the question, how to do it in a usable way.
Select if samples play over each other or cancel currently playing sample
Sorry, not possible.
A bank select function so that you can access multiple sets of samples
Isn't it just like the themes work now?
Be able to set the pitch for each sample
Sorry, not possible.
Have a filter function for the sample with an on screen ribbon (replacing some of the sample buttons) like the Yamaha SU10 or similar
Sorry, not possible.
Regards
Henk
More details on possible Apple tablet
According to AppleInsider a source at Intel has spilled the beans on this new device. I'm sure that there were stories like this around last year just before WWDC. Let's see what happens.
Casio VL-1 Pictures and video
So here's a little look at my new (old) Casio VL-1. First off the front view:
Then the back casing.
Finally, a little perspective. Here it is alongside an iPod Classic.
And now for a little video of it in action ...
Then the back casing.
Finally, a little perspective. Here it is alongside an iPod Classic.
And now for a little video of it in action ...
PalmBuzzer suggestions ...
I couldn't find an easy way to contact the developer of PalmBuzzer so I thought I'd write down some suggestions for the app.
Let's see if any of these get picked up.
- Set volume independently for each on screen button
- Select if samples play over each other or cancel currently playing sample
- A bank select function so that you can access multiple sets of samples
- Be able to set the pitch for each sample
- Have a filter function for the sample with an on screen ribbon (replacing some of the sample buttons) like the Yamaha SU10 or similar
Let's see if any of these get picked up.
Belkin Podcast Studio in June for £80?
According to Blog Herald The new Belkin Podcast Studio, or GoStudio as they refer to it, should be available as soon as next month in the UK, and for only £80.
I have to say that I am somewhat skeptical about Belkin release dates and pricing given that it took a year to get the TuneStudio out and the pricing varied wildly for ages.
TrakAx 320 x 320
Another TrakAx post today. This time they've got a version for 320 x 320 WM square touchscreen devices.
PhonViso
This is a little freeware visualiser app that has been around for some time. However, it struck me today that maybe you could use it in a live show if you could connect the PocketPC video out to a projector. Then it might be handy?
Mobile Music Workshop 2008 starts tomorrow
I'm looking forward to what they've got in store. I wish I could have gone this year but it was not to be. Some of the stuff on the itinerary looks really interesting. Especially MoGMI: Mobile Gesture Music Instrument. So I guess we'll have to wait for whatever output comes over the next few days.
DAY 1 – MAY 13th
PAPERS_01
13:30 • Caressing the skin: Mobile devices and bodily engagement
Franziska Schroeder
Sonic Arts Research Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
14:00 • MoGMI: Mobile Gesture Music Instrument
Amnon Dekel and Gilly Dekel
The Hebrew University Jerusalem,
The selim and Rachel Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, Israel
14:30-15:00 • Coffee break
PERFORMANCES_01
15:00 • Transit
Spat_lab
Department of digital Arts, University of applied arts vienna, Austria
15:30 • Craving
Bernhard Garnicnig and Gottfried Haider
Department of digital Arts, University of applied arts vienna, Austria
INSTALLATIONS
16:00 -17:00 • Digital Claiming
Spat_Lab
Department of digital Arts, University of applied arts vienna, Austria
DAY 2 – MAY 14th
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
10:00 – 12:00
• Mobile Tangible Interfaces as Gestural Instruments
Fares Kayali, Martin Pichlmair and Peter Kotik
Institut of Design & Assessment of Technology, Vienna University of Technology, Austria
• An Augmented Reality Framework for Wireless Mobile Performance
Mike Wozniewski, Nicolas Bouillot and Jeremy R. Cooperstock
Centre for Intelligent Machines, McGill University Montreal Quebec, Canada
Zack Settel
Universite de Montreal Montreal Quebec, Canada
• undersound and the Above Ground
Arianna Bassoli
ISIG, London School of Economics, London, UK
Johanna Brewer
Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine, UK
Karen Martin
The Barlett School of Graduate Studies, London, UK
Iacopo Carreras, David Tacconi
CREATE-NET, Italy
• Soundfishing
Claudio Midolo
Communication Design and Technology - Parson the new school, New York City, USA
12:00-13:30 • Lunch
PAPERS_02
13:30 • Some Challenges Related to Music and Movement in Mobile Music Technology
Alexander Refsum Jensenius
Department of Musciology, University of Oslo, Norway
14:00 • Real time synaesthetic Sonification of Travelling Landscape
Tim Pohle and Peter Knees
Department of Computational Perception, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria
14:30-15:00 • Coffee break
PERFORMANCES_02
15:00 • Tango Intervention Vienna
Lawrence Robert
16:00 • IMPROVe: mobile Phone sound improvisation
Richard Widerberg
16:30 • Collaborative Musical Games with PhonePlay
Knowles Joshua
17:00 • Framework
Arnold Haberl, Klaus Filip, Silvia Faessler, Nicolaj Kirisits
19:00 • Community - dinner at EXPEDIT http://www.expedit.net/
DAY 3 – MAY 15th
HANDS-ON SESSIONS
10:00 - 12:00
• Richard Widerberg IMPROVe
• Yollande Harris Sun Run Sun
• Steve Symony muio Interface
12:00 – 13:30 • Lunch
PAPERS_03
13:30 • Developments and Challenges turning Mobile Phones into Generic music Performance Platforms
Georg Essl and Michael Rohs
Deutsche Telekom Laboratories, TU Berlin, Germany
Ge Wag
Center for Computer Research in Music And Acoustic, Standford University Standford CA, USA
14:00 • A typology for Listening in Place
Pedro Rebelo, Matt Green and Florian Hollerweger
Sonic Arts Research Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
14:30-15:00 • Coffee break
CLOSING SESSION - PANEL DEBATE
15:00 – 17:00
CLOSING PARTY
19:00 – … • CONCERTS
20:00 • SPRINGFIELD RVL-003
Jan Perschy, Robert Mathy and Merlin Wyschka
20:30 • taus
Tim Blechman and Klaus Filip
21:00 • Institute for transacoustic research [Iftaf]
Nikolaus Gansterer, Matthias Meinharter, Jörg Piringer and Ernst Reitermayer
Casio VL-10
I just got a Casio VL-10 from eBay! It arrived today. I can't believe how small it is! I shall post some pictures and a video soon.
Korg DS-10 blog update
Another Japanese update from the DS-10 blog. As far as I can gather it is a bit more about debugging (I think they're making progress), and some stuff about the DS-10 being on terrestrial TV in Japan (I assume).
Another Apple mini tablet rumour
Macrumors has another Apple PDA / mini tablet type rumour. This time for WWDC next month. It would be good, but I can't see it happening myself.
The reason for a pre-WWDC announcement? Reportedly, Apple would instead announce a brand new portable device at WWDC. No other details of what this device might be, but there have been rumors that Apple was developing a mini-tablet multitouch device for launch in 2008. This PDA-like device would reportedly have a higher screen resolution (720x480) and be about 1.5x the size of the existing iPhone.
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CDM iPhone Music app round up
CDM has a good round up of iPhone music making apps which made me realise how many there are. Having said that I think that even collectively they aren't enough to make me want to switch as yet.
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