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Tag: Bram Bos

Review: Get Your Drone On With Mononoke for iOS
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 musician focused on electronic and experimental music.

Mononoke is one of his latest joints; a drone synth perfect for conjuring travels along those lost highways of yore. A great sound and intuitive bespoke interface make it easy to build evolving sonic causeways suitable for many musical applications. We’ve been using it quite a bit lately, so I better finish this review!

Mononoke for iOS Features
- Expressive Drone Synthesizer for the iOS Platform
- Two Independent Synth Engines with Feedback Routing Between Both
- 8 Voice Polyphony – 4 Voices Per Synth
- Interface Features Synth Controls and Unique Performance Pads
- Performance Pads Have Hold Buttons and Support MPE and MIDI I/O
- Universal App With AUv3 Support and Standalone Mode
- Available at the App Store for $8.99
If you are searching for inspiration to power your experimental music projects, look no further than Mononoke. Its high-end features, functionality, and modern sonics are at home in the app collection of the forward-thinking musician. Let’s take a closer look.

Another Great Bram Bos Synth Interface

Mononoke’s user interface and control scheme are deceptively simple but quite powerful. The app features two main screens. One handles the synth controls, while the other features the performance pads and other related functionality. Of course, as a UI design expert, Bram crafted yet another elegant interface; one familiar to users of his other music apps. Additionally, expect a straightforward preset management system like his other apps.

The Mononoke synth screen in action. Screenshot by author.

The twin synth engines sport what looks like a standard array of controls, but this apparent simplicity belies the complexity of the internal routing, wherein Mononoke’s magic lies. Knobs exist for controlling waveform shape, tremolo, and vibrato, with separate rate controls for each parameter. There’s also a LFO switch selecting either a sine wave or pulse. Simple AHR envelopes, low-pass filters, and a unique effects engine focused on warmth and ambience round out this section.

The Performance Pads and Feedback Lie at The Heart of Mononoke

Mononoke’s performance pads reside with the synth’s feedback controls on the second screen. The performance pads are where the app’s sonics truly shine. They are tunable, but also operate in an unquantized free oscillator mode using the switch to the right of the screen. Each pad supports aftertouch on the Y-axis, and pitch bend on the X-axis. Like other iOS virtual keyboards – Animoog for instance – velocity is determined by the location of the first tap. Pressing towards the top allows for a higher velocity. This intuitive approach is somewhat similar to the MPE standard.

The pads help you build expressive drones in Mononoke. Screenshot by author.

Note the app also supports MIDI MPE controllers for extra performance functionality. Still, the embedded pads themselves offer a unique amount of control; just play with them to get a feel for the sonic possibilities. Ultimately, don’t expect to get an optimized sound when triggering Mononoke using a sequencer – the internal pads or an MPE controller is essential.

The pads and the synth’s feedback architecture combine to provide Mononoke’s special sauce. Again, experimentation followed by empirical analysis rewards the user.

Use the six knobs on this screen to control the amount of feedback. The feedback engine leverages phase modulation between voices. Each synth section of Mononoke contains 4 voices, with the three knobs cross-feeding either each individual voice into the adjacent voice, each pair into the other pair, or the entire section into its counterpart. A wide range of sounds are possible, with the switch between Growl and Warp adding to the fun. Remember what we just said about experimentation!

Note you are able to record Mononoke’s MIDI output data – including MPE – when it’s running within an AUv3 host app like AUM. Of course, the app needs to support MPE to receive that data format.

Ghost Traffic Travels Along Route 66

In the wake of Coronavirus pandemic, I am working up a live set of Church of Hed and Quarkspace material along with other surprises. One of the Church of Hed pieces I am going to perform is Hooker Cut from Rivers of Asphalt. As this album is essentially a travelogue along today’s Route 66, I figured Mononoke would be perfect for conjuring up some “ghost traffic” to help me flesh out the sound in what is a more minimalist version of the studio track.

I experimented with a synth patch, creating something that sounded like trucks and other vehicles traveling The Mother Road. The use of the X-axis pitch bends for a Doppler effect also added to the overall sound. Much experimentation between feedback and the pairing of notes also helped add depth.

Mononoke performed beautifully. I used it within AUM to include additional effects. Some BLEASS reverb added a ghostly feel to the proceedings. FAC Maxima finalized the sound perfectly. I will update this review with a video recording of the track once the live set happens. Ultimately, if you need a unique drone synth app in your iOS musician arsenal, Mononoke needs to be on your shortlist. Bram Bos continues to make Apple’s mobile platform a perfect option for the modern experimental musician.
June 16, 2020
Review: Ruismaker Noir Breaks New Ground in iOS Beatmaking
Bram Bos has done it again. Known for an ever expanding line of iOS music apps, his latest joint, Ruismaker Noir, takes iOS beatmaking in a new direction. An intuitive and innovative user interface combines with great sonics to reward experimentation, all while giving your beats a modern sheen.

Ruismaker Noir Features
- A Hybrid of a Drum Synth and Bass Synth
- Deep Monophonic Synth Engine Designed for Rhythms
- An Intuitive User Interface and Great Sound
- Flexible Sequencer
- AUv3 Support and Standalone Version
- Universal App Compatible with iOS 10+
- Small CPU Footprint
- Available at the iTunes App Store
Ruismaker Noir belongs in the app collection of every forward-looking iOS musician. Its AUv3 support makes it easy to add effects to mindfreak your rhythmic creations. It’s definitely one of the best iOS music apps of 2018.

22^nd Century Beatmaking on Your iPad or iPhone

Noir is truly a groundbreaking beatmaker. Like the rest of Bram Bos’s app collection, the user interface is striking. Sure, familiar elements, like a sequencer and synthesizer dominate, but the dark color scheme definitely fits the style of the app’s sound.

Ruismaker Noir in action in a bouncy 9/8. Screenshot by author.

A few strategic finger swipes are all that’s necessary to begin a beat. An intuitive interface makes this process rewarding – the vertical axis controls pitch while the horizontal one controls velocity. Embrace trial and error with an empirical mindset, yo.

The way the monophonic synth blends the tonal bass notes with the more percussive ones makes you think there are separate drum and bass synths. This architectural approach gives the rhythms created in Ruismaker Noir a unique flavor. Of course, the sequencer provides enough flexibility for odd time signatures and other interesting polyrhythmic patterns.

Note that its low CPU footprint makes it easy to spawn multiple instances within one container app, like Beatmaker 3. Using one instance for bass and another for percussion is only one obvious use-case.

A Dark and Gritty Synthesizer Engine

Remember, the app is called Ruismaker Noir. Thus, it makes perfect sense for the app’s synth engine to bring a gritty feel to the proceedings. Well, Noir’s VCF does include a grit knob. Tweak it, grasshopper. The same rule applies to the bit driver knob; it’s a combination of a bit crusher and overdrive.

Simple control of the envelope slope for the three oscillators (2 VCOs and noise) facilitates the creation of drum sounds. The Drop knob serves as a pitch envelope in a similar manner. Ring modulation, cross-ring modulation, and FM are all part of this unique synth engine.

The bipolar pitch and velocity modulators are an essential part of Noir’s synth engine. It responds to data from either the internal sequencer or an external one. This effect is obvious when creating beats using the Noir sequencer.

Drop, FM, Noise, Cutoff, VCO balance, and the overall level are all controllable in this fashion. Note that all of Noir’s parameters are controllable using an external source when used as a plugin.

Ruismaker Noir Preset Management

The app includes a host of presets to give you a better idea of what’s possible with Noir. Of course, it’s better simply to dive in and experiment. Exporting and managing both user and factory presets is simple.

What’s left? In addition to its intuitive feel, the Noir sequencer also includes Bram’s typical mangling functionality. Shuffle, Random, and Mutate are all in there. I prefer the subtle randomness of the Mutate function. The sequencer also sends MIDI output data when used as an AUv3 plugin.

Bram’s gone and done it again. Ruismaker Noir ranks at the pinnacle of iOS beatmaking apps. Its ease of use and simplicity mask the depth of the internal synth engine.

I am currently working on orchestrating the next Church of Hed album, but Noir is inspiring enough to distract me into beatmaking work. This is one reason we give it our highest recommendation.
December 12, 2018
Review: Perforator adds Rhythm to your iOS Synths
Bram Bos continues to worm his way into the workflows of iOS musicians across the world. We previously covered a host of cool iPad music apps from Bram, including Troublemaker, Ripplemaker, Kosmonaut, and the essential Rozeta Sequencer Suite. His latest app, Perforator, serves as a rhythmic gate effect for iOS.

Perforator for iOS Features
- Gate Effect used to create Rhythms out of Sustained Sounds
- Manipulate both Amp and Filter Gates
- Varying Number of Steps for you Prog Weirdos
- Independent Left and Right Channels
- AU Format!
- All AU Parameters Automatable within Host App
- Support for AU MIDI
- Massive amount of Presets
- Available at the iTunes App Store for $3.99
If your iOS music explores the world of rhythm, Perforator provides an easy way to enhance the groove in your tracks. Like the rest of Bram’s apps, it’s intuitive and musically useful. Put Perforator on your app purchase short list. Let’s find out why.

Perforator features a Typical Bram Bos User Interface

Like any other Bram Bos app, Perforator’s interface feels like an old friend. The two step channels dominate the interface. It is a breeze setting each step level with a mere finger swipe. A toggle keeps the two channels in sync or lets you manage each by itself.

Bram Bos Perforator in action. Screen shot by author.

Knobs to the right of the step channels control the filter vs. amp gate level as well as the overall gain and wet/dry setting. Knobs to the left serve as an envelope and for controlling the shuffle. Check out the Utils button to access a variety of pattern mods as well as the AU MIDI out settings.

Speaking of AU, Perforator works as both an audio effect and a MIDI effect within a compatible host. Thankfully, this plugin format is rapidly becoming an iOS standard. It positions Apple’s mobile platform as one for true professional music-making.

Studio Fun with Perforator

To give Perforator a test run, I used it as an audio effect within Beatmaker 3. VirSyn’s venerable microTera – which also supports AU – provided the sound. I quickly conjured up a 12 step gate pattern to give the cool microTera patch a sense of waltz-like motion.

Changing things up to effect the amp, filter, or a mixture of the two is simple. The envelope controls as well as the shuffle knob provided some subtle variants to the rhythm. If you need some inspiration to get started, check out the copious amount of factory presets.

Since the gate pattern syncs to the tempo of the DAW, it’s possible to easily create huge rhythms using percussion as well as synth pads and other sustained notes. Most importantly, I had a blast using it. As is typical with Bram’s apps, the intuitive user interface never gets in the way.

Just like the rest of the Bram Bos app collection, Perforator belongs in the library of any serious iOS musician. While a rhythmic gate is a pretty esoteric function, it helps to get new life out of your current iOS synths. Build the full and funky rhythms of your dreams!
June 12, 2018
Review: Rozeta Sequencer Suite revolutionizes iOS Music Production
Over the past two years Ruismaker and developer, Bram Bos, forged a status as one of the top shops in the iOS music scene. Their new product, Rozeta Sequencer Suite, revolutionizes the use of MIDI on Apple’s mobile platform. Providing nine AU-compatible MIDI plugins, including sequencers and other cool utilities, it belongs in the library of any serious iOS musician.

Rozeta Sequencer Suite Features
- Collection of Nine AU MIDI Plugins
- Works within a Host App, like Beatmaker 3, AUM, etc.
- Different Sequencer Types, LFO Generators, X-Y Pads, and more
- Suitable for controlling any MIDI-compatible iOS Synthesizer
- Nearly Everything is Automatable
- Small Footprints facilitate Multiple Plugin Instances
- Available for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch
- MIDI AU Plugins require iOS 11
- Get it at the App Store for $9.99
We previously reviewed Ruismaker’s Troublemaker and Ripplemaker apps and the Rozeta suite is as essential as both. Once you establish a workflow in your favorite iOS host app, using these plugins is a breeze. It truly is a game-changer.

Rozeta and Beatmaker 3

Beatmaker 3 is my beatmaking tool of choice on the iPad, so once they added support for MIDI AU plugins, I immediately thought of Rozeta. Simply clicking on the app icon installs all the plugins, making them available in any compatible host app. No additional work is necessary.

Following one of Bram’s online tutorials, I created two banks in Beatmaker. One contained the Moog Model 15, thankfully now supporting the AU plugin format. I installed Rozeta Bassline and Rozeta XY in the other bank.

Rozeta XY in action (well, you can’t see my fingers). Screenshot by author.

If Bassline looks familiar to owners of Bram’s other apps, it’s the same sequencer as Troublemaker. He’s a user interface guru, so all Rozeta’s plugins are quite intuitive. After modifying a few MIDI channel and CC settings, I cranked out a bass line, tweaking the Model 15’s 904A filter in the old school way. It worked seamlessly.

I then swapped out the XY Pad plugin with Rozeta LFO; setting up three waveforms to control parameters on the Model 15. No problem. Light bulbs kept going off in my head. This truly revolutionizes the iOS music creation process.

Rozeta LFO in action. Screenshot by author.

Another pair of banks were used to run Zeeon with Rozeta Particles controlling it. Particles is a cool sequencer generating “clouds” of MIDI notes in a 2D space that trigger when bouncing off of a wall. You are able to tweak the MIDI note range and other parameters to control the types of melodies heard. In tandem with the Model 15 bass line, something out of a fantastical, futuristic version of the Krautrock legends Can played on my iPad.

Other Rozeta Plugins

The rest of Rozeta’s plugin collection includes both the useful and the unique. Rozeta X0X features the classic drum sequencer design of the venerable Roland TR-808. It includes drum maps compatible with many popular iOS drum apps.

Rozeta Rhythm is another drum sequencer, this time leveraging the cool Euclidean version from Ruismaker. Rozeta Cells offers polyphonic step recording functionality while also leveraging MIDI keyboard input. Different playback options and other cool features abound.

Rozeta Collider offers generative sequencing functionality with a wide array of features useful for experimental melody and rhythmic phrase generation. Finally, Rozeta Arpeggio gives any of the MIDI compatible synths in your iOS collection an arpeggiator. Nine essential MIDI plugins for around a buck each. Boom!

I can’t wait to finish tracking the new Church of Hed album so I can make Rozeta Sequencer Suite an essential part of my workflow when constructing beats on the iPad. Chances are very good you need Rozeta in your music app collection as well. We give it our highest recommendation.

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January 29, 2018
The TabMuse Top iOS Music Apps of 2017
With the end of the year rapidly approaching, our thoughts turn towards some of our favorite iOS music apps of 2017. Maybe some are on sale for Black Friday? Purchasing a new iPad played a key role in reinvigorating my interest in a market that flagged in the wake of incompatibility issues due to updated iOS versions.

SynthScaper’s Spatial Mixer in action. Screenshot by author.

Also, I really got into synth-related hardware at the expense of all else over the last few years. Church of Hed’s 2016 release, Brandenburg Heights, with nary a soft synth (desktop or tablet) on the album, nicely illustrates that fact. On the other hand, my two projects currently in the oven welcomed a variety of iOS and desktop synths back into the fold.

Without any further blathering, these iOS synths especially inspired my work in 2017.

SynthScaper inspires Droning Ambience

Musicians searching for a top notch drone synth app for iOS need look no further than SynthScaper. Igor Vasiliev also makes regular updates to the app, adding to its versatility and functionality. I love this app, and it makes an appearance on at least one of the tracks on the next Church of Hed album.

Simply click on this link to read the full TabMuse review.

Zeeon raises the Bar for iOS Synth Apps

Zeeon continues to garner buzz as one of the top 2017 iOS synths. It leverages high-end mathematical models to accurately simulate the unique behavior of an analog synth. Capable of biting lead sounds as well as deep pads, Zeeon belongs in your iOS synth app collection.

You know you want to read our full review of this top notch synth!

Hit the No Coast with Ripplemaker

The differences between West Coast and East Coast synthesis continue to cause discussions and arguments throughout the synthesizer community. Make Noise’s semi-modular 0-Coast nicely bridges both schools of thought. I use it extensively on my current musical projects.

Ruismaker’s Bram Bos created a great iOS synth app inspired by the 0-Coast, known as Ripplemaker. All of Bram’s apps are known for their great sound and state of the art user interfaces. Like any good modular synthesizer – virtual or hardware – Ripplemaker definitely rewards experimentation.

I hope to review his new Odessa suite in the future. In the meantime, check out our review of Ripplemaker.

A Shout Out to the Moog Model 15

When the Moog Model 15 iOS app hit the iTunes App Store last year, it made me sad, knowing this powerful synth wouldn’t run on my ancient iPad 2. My first purchase after buying a new iPad, I never ended up reviewing it, preferring to focus on fresh releases for TabMuse’s iOS content. Nonetheless, the app simply stuns, providing a near perfect simulation of Moog’s class modular synth. It deserves special mention on this “Best of 2017” list.

Stay tuned for an upcoming TabMuse Best of 2017 list covering desktop plugins – synths and effects.

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November 20, 2017
Review: Ripplemaker brings West Coast Modular Synthesis to iOS
Ripplemaker is the latest iOS music app from Ruismaker and developer, Bram Bos. Essentially a semi-modular synthesizer focused on West Coast techniques, consider Ripplemaker to be the tablet-based cousin of Make Noise’s excellent 0-Coast desktop synth. Suitable for the creation of drones and other sonic atmospheres of doom, this is another excellent product worthy of attention from any iOS musician.

Ripplemaker Features
- Easy to Use Semi-Modular Synth App
- Complex Oscillator, FM, Lowpass Gate, Slope Generator, Maths!
- Virtual Patch Cables Abound
- The Excellent Bram Bos Sequencer
- AU Plugin with a Small Footprint
- Support for Audiobus, Core MIDI, Virtual MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI
- Exports MIDI and Audio Files
- Universal App for both iPad and iPhone
- Available at the App Store for $8.99
If you have any level of interest in modular synthesis, Ripplemaker belongs in your iOS app collection. Its “single screen” interface is easier to grasp than other iOS modular synths. Check it out!

An iOS Modular Synth on One Screen

The fact Ripplemaker easily fits on one screen makes it easier to use than most other iOS modular synth apps, like Audulus and the Moog Model 15 – both of which I love. Empirical experimentation gets rewarded as virtual cables are easily dragged and dropped between patch points. While drones are one of the biggest selling points for Ripplemaker, the excellent Bram Bos sequencer – as seen in Troublemaker and other Ruismaker apps – is also part of the app when used in standalone mode.

Ripplemaker in action on the iPad. Screenshot by author.

Ripplemaker’s screen layout is somewhat reminiscent of the 0-Coast. From left to right are sections labeled Control Signal, Oscillator, Slope, Lowpass Gate, and Envelope, with an LFO and amplifier that also includes a delay. Color-coded jacks make wiring up patches an easier process. You are also able to break the normalized input jacks to build your own interesting sounds, while the normalized outputs are shareable with different inputs. Stack those virtual patch cables!

West Coast Synthesis on iOS

A West Coast synthesizer architecture lies at the heart of Ripplemaker. The basic oscillator is a triangle wave, while a voltage-controlled knob allows morphing into a square wave. Additional waveform complexities are generated using the wavefolder and push controls – the latter adding a DC offset. FM modulation – with multiple options for a modulator – rounds out the synth’s oscillator design.

The versatile slope generator is usable as an AD envelope, LFO, or another oscillator. The envelope is the default setting. Simply tap the “cycle” checkbox to switch it into LFO mode – this is somewhat similar to the 0-Coast. Tapping “keytrack” allows the same CV signal used for the main oscillator to control the slope frequency, with fine tuning allowed by the voltage controlled curve knob. Sonic possibilities abound.

A low pass gate circuit serves as Ripplemaker’s West Coast version of a filter combined with a VCA in the Buchla School way. The “gate:filter” knob emphasizes either the filter or the amplifier, and of course, it’s voltage controlled. The combined noise/sample and hold module only adds to the fun.

A standard ADSR envelope, with two discrete output jacks, adds to Ripplemaker’s architectural flexibility. This module also provides an output jack that sends a pulse when the decay starts. The amplifier and LFO dual module rounds out Ripplemaker’s architecture; a built-in delay helps push your sonic designs over the cliff as necessary.

Can-Utility and the Control Signals

Ripplemaker’s Control Signal module takes incoming MIDI information and converts it into the CV and gate signals used throughout the synth. A separate clock I/O helps keep the synth in sync. The utility section essentially serves as a maths module. It provides inputs, attenuators, and outputs with an add/multiply circuit used to blend both inputs – either a CV or an audio signal. It’s definitely useful.

Unlike Troublemaker, Ripplemaker allows for the saving of patches, albeit without Save As/Overwrite functionality. Granted, since it is an AU plugin many users take advantage of their iOS container app’s state saving functionality when designing patches. I primarily use iOS synths in standalone mode through a bunch of outboard effects before the audio ends up in ProTools, so in-app patch saving is helpful.

If you are interested in exploring West Coast modular synthesis without investing hundreds of dollars in hardware, Ripplemaker serves as a perfect introduction. With a simple and intuitive interface that rewards experimentation, it is a powerful and flexible synth without the complexity of other iOS modular synthesizers.

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July 26, 2017
Review: Troublemaker is an Essential TB-303 Clone for iOS
With Rebirth now sadly gone from the iTunes App Store, iOS musicians searching for a new TB-303 clone need to check out Troublemaker. Featuring an authentic, yet flexible sound and a well-designed user interface, this app might be the best 303 option in the iOS universe. It also plays well with Audiobus, Core MIDI, AU, Ableton Link, and more.

Troublemaker Features
- Great TB-303 Sound – and beyond
- Intuitive User Interface
- Built-in Sequencer with up to 64 Steps
- Compatible with Audiobus 3, Core/Virtual/Bluetooth MIDI
- Works as an Audio Unit Plugin
- Exports MIDI and Audio WAV Files
- Universal App looks great on the iPhone and iPad
- Available from the App Store for $8.99
Developed by Ruismaker, the iOS app shop of the Dutch UX expert, Bram Bos, Troublemaker belongs in the app collection of anyone needing a classic electro bass sound. Let’s take a closer look.

An Intuitive Interface makes Bass Lines a Breeze

After first starting Troublemaker, the sheer quality of the user interface is striking. Developer Bram Bos is a UI guru, which is obvious looking at the quality of this and the other apps in the Ruismaker library. Expect a standard array of 303 controls (laid out at the top of the screen, while the sequencer resides at the bottom.

Troublemaker iOS in action. Screenshot by author.

The right side of the sequencer section includes buttons for transposing the pattern an octave or step in either direction, or even shift it forwards or backwards. On the left side are utilities: MIDI data is loaded and saved; MIDI and WAV files are exported, and the Ableton Link and MIDI settings are managed. At the top are controls for the BPM, the number of steps in a pattern (up to 64), and the sequencer playback, including those welcome random mutations and variations.

You probably won’t need to refer to the well-written user manual before creating your first bass line. Bram also leverages the same sequencer design in many of his other apps, making it easier for fans to quickly come up to speed on the rest of the Ruismaker catalog.

Going beyond the Traditional TB-303 Sound

As noted before, Troublemaker’s synth section features many of the same controls found on the original. You’ll find a resonant filter with an LFO (“a carefully crafted diode filter emulation”), a delay, and more. A variety of waveform options exist beyond the standard 303 sawtooth and square, including a cool FM bass, variations on the sawtooth, and even a wave modeled on an actual bass guitar.

A wavefolder and fuzz control combine to add some bite to the bass tone. The envelope modulation is tied to a punch control for another sonic refinement option. The well-designed interface facilitates empirical experimentation – a fancy way of saying this thing’s damn fun to play around with. Maybe the ability to save synth patches – with overwrite/save as functionality – will be included in a future update?

I also used other iOS sequencer apps, most notably Xynthesizr, to control Troublemaker with MIDI to great effect. The fact it easily integrates with the variety of iOS MIDI options as well as Audiobus and Ableton Link adds to its overall value. A small footprint lets you easily run multiple AU instances in your iOS DAW of choice, without Troublemaker’s sequencer. MIDI CC mapping is also supported.

While Troublemaker isn’t a true Rebirth replacement (the ability to combine patterns into songs would be a nice sequencer upgrade), the quality of its bass sound along with the great user interface make it arguably the top 303 clone in the iOS scene. If you enjoy composing electro bass lines, put this app in your collection.

Expect a review of Bram’s excellent semi-modular app, Ripplemaker, to arrive shortly here at TabMuse.

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July 14, 2017