The sonic masters at XILS-Lab recently crafted another unique software synth, this time combining FM and analog synthesis. Somewhat modeled after the Yamaha GS-1, the predecessor to the DX7, KaoX also leverages virtual analog and chaotic oscillators to greatly expand its sonic depth. Its range of sounds is stunning, taking FM synthesis to an entirely […]
Review: AAS has a Modular Synth Winner With Multiphonics CV-1
August 20, 2021 by
The software realm boasts multiple modular synth apps and plugins for both the iOS and desktop platforms. We previously covered miRack and Audulus on iOS; I experimented with other plugins for the desktop as well. The Moog Modular (Arturia version) and Model 15 definitely stand out on PC and mobile respectively. When I heard Applied […]
Review: MDrummer by MeldaProduction is a Preeminent Drum Plugin
March 9, 2021 by
The Czech company, MeldaProduction, continues to garner praise among musicians and producers for their excellent plugin line. It’s a collection of instruments and effects including both paid plugins as well as many free options. We recently enjoyed the opportunity to review their MDrummer, a drumming environment with excellent sound quality and cool functionality. It was […]
Review: XILS 505 Emulates The Classic Roland RS-505 String Synth
October 5, 2020 by
The Roland RS-505 string synthesizer is a true 70s cult-classic. That time-honored status made the RS-505 a perfect project for those software synth geniuses at XILS Lab. The XILS 505 plugin offers a great emulation of the original; providing musicians a flexible and sonically alluring string synth for their own music projects. XILS 505 Features […]
Review: Get Your Drone On With Mononoke for iOS
June 16, 2020 by
Bram Bos remains one of the leading lights of iOS synth and effect app development. We’ve reviewed much of his work in the past, including Ruismaker Noir, Kosmonaut, and the incredible Rozeta Sequencer Suite, among many others. They all feature great interfaces, support the AUv3 plugin format, and belong in the library of any iOS […]
Review: Shockwave is a Versatile iPad Semi-Modular Synth
April 7, 2020 by
The iOS platform is overrun with so many synth apps, it’s hard to stand out from the pack. This isn’t the case with Shockwave. It’s a monophonic synth using phase distortion synthesis and a workflow straight out of the Eurorack modular world to provide unique sounds suitable for everything from leads to drones. Shockwave For […]
Review: Effectrix Brings Sequenced Effects to the iPad
February 28, 2020 by
The iPad’s maturation as a music creation platform continues due to the AUv3 plugin format. Being able to run AUv3 synths, effects, etc. seamlessly within a container app like AUM is frankly a gamechanger. The iOS platform is finally coming closer to emulating a desktop A sequenced effects app like Effectrix thrives in this creative […]
Review: miRack Brings the Eurorack Modular Synth to the iPad
December 23, 2019 by
VCV Rack garners a lot of praise in the software synth world for essentially being a virtual Eurorack modular synth. It lets users fill their own “racks” with hosts of virtual modules made by the top Eurorack companies. It’s a great way to test drive patches from your own modular hardware rack while also sounding […]
Review: Summon That Vintage Synth Sound With Rob Papen BIT
October 21, 2019 by
Rob Papen boasts one of the top lines of synth plugins in the music production world. We regularly use Predator 2 on our own projects. It provides an excellent, state of the art sound while also being easy to use. Recently, Rob’s team released BIT, a soft synth focused on those classic vintage sounds of […]
Review: The Electro-Harmonix Mini Synthesizer Brings a Classic to the iPad
August 7, 2019 by
Way back in the 80s I owned an Electro-Harmonix Mini Synthesizer. A small battery-powered analog beast with a membrane keyboard and internal speaker, I used it to frighten both neighbors and pets with my shrill hammer-on technique. It featured a unique sound possessing a strong bite. Needless to say, the synth simply disappeared somewhere along […]
