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Tag: iOS music apps

Audiobus 2 Update adds great Features to this Must-Have iPad Music App

In the year or so since its release, Audiobus has essentially revolutionized the iPad music scene; even influencing Apple to add Inter App Audio in iOS 7. This week saw the first major update to Audiobus, and the new features make this the app a must for any musician involved in beatmaking and recording on their iPad. Best of all — the update is free (the app itself is a reasonable $4.99); although some functionality is available with an in-app purchase.

A Closer Look at Audiobus

Audiobus allows audio to be routed between apps on the iPad. In the Audiobus nomenclature, apps can either be Inputs, Effects, or Outputs; with some apps able to serve multiple roles. After starting up, it is a simple process to select your desired app from a list of those compatible with Audiobus; an overlaid transport control helps to switch between apps as well as control recording and playback.

Recording Arturia’s iSEM into Garage Band using JamUp Pro XT as an effect. All possible because of Audiobus. Screenshot by author.

For example, you can run Stroke Machine through Echo Pad as an effect and record everything in BeatMaker 2. Nearly all of the important iPad music apps support Audiobus.

One of the first major features in the new update really ups the usability factor. Audiobus now supports the saving of presets, which means a previously saved app setup can be loaded in one fell swoop. Musicians should definitely appreciate this added convenience.

Presets are related to another major new Audiobus 2 feature — saving the state of an app. So when you load a preset your synth patches and parameter settings are loaded as well — this is so cool! Remember that music app developers need to update their wares to support state saving; expect most of them to do just that over the next few months.

Just these two features by themselves really trumps what Inter App Audio is able to do; never mind that IAA runs like a dog on my iPad 2. I had no problem setting up a few presets and then reloading them in Audiobus. I recorded some Arturia iSEM synth tracks into Garage Band using JamUp Pro XT as an effect — no issues at all. Boom!

Multi-Routing available through an In-App Purchase

Spending $4.99 on an in-app purchase adds Multi-Routing to Audiobus 2. This allows you to build multiple audio pipelines in one Audiobus session. Multiple effects can also be chained in series — the use-case that interests me the most.

I’ve yet to jump on this feature (update: check out our review of Audiobus 2 Multi-Routing), as I wonder about the limitations on my resource-constrained iPad 2, just like Korg Gadget. I also do most of my music creation and overdubbing in ProTools on the desktop, with the iPad serving as one of my instruments. Still, I’ve heard promising things from other iPad 2 owners, so I expect to dive in soon enough; you’ll read about it here at TabMuse.

I can’t forget to mention the new streamlined interface in Audiobus 2, giving it more of an iOS 7 design feel. As mentioned earlier, everything runs like a charm on my iPad 2.

Audiobus really is THE must have app for anyone doing music on the iPad, and the new update really cements that status. It runs much better than IAA for me, and the addition of presets and state saving definitely ups the ante regarding usability. Maybe the developers can work next on a “MIDIBus” app that brings robust sequencing, metadata, presets, and state saving to the apps supporting CoreMIDI and Virtual MIDI on the iPad? Please?

April 4, 2014
Review: microTera — Waveshaping the iPad Synth World
VirSyn’s microTera is an excellent iPad synth app that offers its own take on the world of iPad sound creation. Essentially a smaller version of the miniTera desktop softsynth, which I used on Church of Hed’s Rivers of Asphalt album (“Painted Desert and Mountain Sky“), microTera features an intuitive interface with a unique and powerful synth architecture based on waveshaping. A top notch sequencer/arpeggiator and a robust effects engine round out the package.

microTera for the iPad Features
- Waveshaping Synthesis with a Touchscreen Control
- Three Sine Oscillators
- Four LFOs and Four EGs with Tempo Sync
- 16 Voices either Monophonic or Polyphonic
- Programmable Sequencer and Arpeggiator
- Five Effects (Chorus, Phaser, Distortion, Delay, Reverb)
- 150 Factory Patches
- Support for Audiobus, Inter App Audio, CoreMIDI, Virtual MIDI, and more
- Available at the iTunes App Store for $9.99
microTera’s unique synth engine positions it as a standout in the crowded iPad synth app scene. The powerful sequencer and graphical waveshaping interface make this app a must download for synth fans.

Waveshaping Synthesis for the Masses

microTera’s interface is spread across four main screens, covering waveshaping, envelopes, arpeggiator, and effects. A menu bar at the top navigates between the screens along with providing patch management and other functionality. A functional touchscreen keyboard lies at the bottom of the interface.

microTera’s waveshaper interface offers an intuitive touch-enabled interface. Screenshot by author.

Clicking on the pair of dice in the top menu bar randomizes a patch, offering a great way to dive into the microTera’s unique synthesizer architecture. Just tap and go.

microTera features three sine oscillators that get fed into the waveshaper. Detuning the oscillators against each other creates interesting harmonics and noise in the waveshaper, which also sports a graphical display that can be manipulated in real time. The Chaos level knob introduces noise using a feedback loop, adding to the general sonic mayhem.

Envelopes, LFOs, and a Modulation Matrix

Four envelopes, each with an intuitive graphical touch interface, help to make patches breathe. A simple modulation matrix is built into the waveshaping screen, providing control of the oscillators, waveshaper input, Chaos level, amplitude, and panning. It’s a powerful setup.

In addition to using the envelopes as modulation sources, microTera also provides four LFOs able to join in the fun. Each LFO is syncable, with a standard selection of waveforms. Other modulation sources include pitch, velocity, aftertouch, mod wheel, pitch bend, and more.

Effects added to the Mix

microTera’s architecture has five separate effects each powered by an intuitive interface. The phaser especially provides a nice sheen, and the BPM-synced delay adds another measure of motion to synth patches. The distortion effect includes both tape and tube options.

microTera’s effects engine adds nicely to the sonic mayhem. Screenshot by author.

The chorus and reverb serve well in providing patches with a sense of space as well as creamy sonics. My only real complaint about the effects is that their parameters apparently can’t be modulated.

An Intuitive and Powerful Arpeggiator

microTera’s powerful arpeggiator is one of the best available for an iPad synth. Effectively a sequencer, it is possible to easily create patterns of up to 32 steps with control over notes, accents, and more by using finger swipes (take note Cakewalk Z3TA+). Yes Virginia, odd time signatures are possible.

microTera’s powerful arpeggiator provides the icing on the cake for this excellent synth app. Screenshot by author.

Pairs of dice lurk all over the interface, meaning most everything in the arpeggiator can be randomized. Your patterns are savable which is especially useful when randomizing patches on the fly. This combination arpeggiator and sequencer serves as the final piece of the puzzle, making microTera one of the top synth apps for the iPad.

Don’t let your unfamiliarity with waveshaping synthesis scare you from picking up microTera. The patch randomization feature and easy to follow interface make creating your own patches a breeze. Throw in one of the best arpeggiators on the iOS platform, and it becomes easy to recommend microTera.
April 3, 2014
Korg Gadget — Reviewing the Drum Modules

Korg’s “studio-in-a-tablet” app, Gadget, continues to amaze with its intuitive interface and versatile collection of sound-producing “gadgets.” We previously gave Gadget a positive review, and also took a closer look at one half of its synth collection followed by the other half.

What follows in this article is a more detailed analysis of Gadget’s three drum modules. Well, it’s really more like two-and-a-half, as Amsterdam provides a full range of sound effects, pads, and hits in addition to some drum sounds — ultimately, it fits better in this article. Hopefully, more drum modules get added in a future Gadget update.

London calling out PCM Drum Beats

London is Gadget’s main drum module. It offers a host of PCM sounds — over 400 — geared towards the dance beat creation scene. The gadget includes three main screens used for editing, fine tuning of effects, and mixing.

London is Gadget’s go to drum module featuring PCM sounds. Screenshot by author.

You can edit each of the eight voices’ pitch as well as switch between a gate and a one-shot envelope using a knob to control the release time. There’s one master effect for each drum patch, with each individual voice also providing punch and low boost controls. The mixer offers the standard pan and level functionality by voice.

London is a solid PCM drum module and the lack of many other alternatives means it needs to be used on most non-ambient tracks created in Gadget.

Tokyo goes Virtual Analog Percussion

Tokyo offers great-sounding virtual modeled analog drum sounds and an effective modular-like interface. Frankly, I wish it provided more than four voices — maybe a six or eight voice version would be included in a future Gadget update? It especially works well when enhancing the PCM sounds coming out of London.

Tokyo brings virtual analog drum sounds to the Gadget equation. Screenshot by author.

The four modules within Tokyo are geared towards creating kick, snare, tom, and percussion sounds respectively, but strategic knob-twiddling makes it possible to conjure up some interesting effects. Each module sports similar controls, like Tune and Decay; the differences between the four warrant additional experimentation. A master effect at the patch level rounds out Tokyo’s sonic design.

A Boombox in Amsterdam

Korg calls Amsterdam a PCM SFX Boombox, and its funky interface definitely looks the part. A wide array of sounds, effects, and musical pads lurk within. There are four different voices, making it possible to program simple chord progressions or a collage of sound effects.

Amsterdam is a versatile module, giving Gadget a wide range of drum sounds, effects, and even musical pads. Screenshot by author.

Amsterdam’s one screen includes a mixer, tuning and envelope control for each sound, and controls for the master effects. The ability to load one’s own samples would be a really great addition to Amsterdam in a future update. Still, the included sound set offers a good measure of sonic versatility.

Well that’s it. Considering the robust collection of synth modules, the inclusion of so few on the drumming side of the shop is arguably Gadget’s biggest weakness. All three modules have their unique strengths and will serve you well in your own beatmaking exercises.

My biggest hope is that future updates mean more percussion sound options — in addition to more voices for Tokyo. That latter point is made as an iPad 2 owner who can only run a limited number of gadgets at one time!

March 26, 2014
Review: Stroke Machine Attacks the iPad Drum Machine Scene
When I reviewed Waldorf’s excellent Nave iPad synth app, I remarked that the company needs to release an iOS version of its very cool Attack drum machine plug-in. Stroke Machine, created by former Waldorf man, Wolfram Franke, is just that app. A very detailed and powerful beatmaker with a host of interesting features — including the ability to program your own sounds — Stroke Machine ranks with DM1 at the top of the iPad drum machine scene.

Stroke Machine for the iPad Features
- Drum Machine with Synth Programming Features
- Patterns with 12 Drum Voices and 12 Melodic Voices
- Sample Importing
- Each Voice with Two Oscillators, Ring Modulation, FM, and More
- White and Pink Noise Generator, Transient Generator
- LFO, Filter, 4 Bus Multi-effects
- Rich Library of Sounds, Kits, and Patterns
- Support for Inter App Audio, Audiobus, and WIST
- Available at the App Store for $19.99
Stroke Machine is a must for anyone looking to build their own drum machine patterns from the sound programming upwards. The well-written and detailed manual is another great feature — and necessary as this is a detailed app! A robust amount of functionality and fun fits on an iPad screen.

Breaking Down the Stroke Machine Architecture

Featuring an almost garish color scheme (optimized for rave viewing) that can be toned down in the options, Stroke Machine’s interface is very functional. All the necessary synth parameters fit on one screen, with a transport bar located at the bottom of the app. A vertical menu bar on the left of the app gives access to each voice (or part in the app’s nomenclature) in a pattern; they can be easily soloed or muted as necessary.

Stroke Machine features a robust synth engine, optimized for drum beat creation. Note: This is the subdued color scheme. Screenshot by Author.

All saved patterns, kits, and sounds are easily accessible from the app’s menu interface. Stroke Machine treats patterns and kits interchangeably. As the manual states: “a Pattern is a Kit is a Pattern.” Indeed.

An “Ableton Live” style is used for the synth knobs, switches, and sliders. Graphic displays in the app feature convenient handles to allow for easy touchscreen editing. The range of parameters in sound creation rival most iPad synth apps, let alone small iOS drum machine world.

Sound creation in Stroke Machine is a blast. Throwing in some FM and/or ring modulation is a breeze, and when combined with noise and variety of transients, it opens up a sonic world of percussion creativity — melodic sounds too. Filters, a drive stage, a decimator, EQ, a detailed LFO, two envelopes, and a modulation matrix — with most controls automatable — round out this rich, rich synthesizer engine. Sounds can be saved separately from a Pattern/Kit and used in other Kit/Patterns.

Wait, there are four effects busses. Each bus includes two dynamic effects, a modulation effect (chorus, flanger, etc.), and space effect (reverbs and delays). Each sound is separately assigned to one of the four busses.

Stroke Machine features a robust effects engine. Screenshot by Author.

Pattern writing takes place on a step sequencer screen with both beat and note entry; the latter being used for melodic sounds. A swing percentage and the tempo are modified on the transport menu.

Stroke Machine allows for some time signature tweaking, but not enough for me. You can do variations of 2, 3, or 4 notes per measure (including 9/8), but 5/4, 5/8, 7/8, 11/8 need to be added in a future update. Being able to enter actual time signatures as well would be more intuitive than the current method, which involves entering beats per bar and steps per beat separately with both limited to a range of 1 to 4.

Pattern creation in Stroke Machine is a breeze. Screenshot by Author.

Support for the iPad audio standards — Audiobus, Inter App Audio, WIST, etc. — finishes off this incredibly deep drum machine app.

Stroke Machine thrives on newer iPads

With such a detailed synth engine, Stroke Machine stretches the capabilities of my iPad 2. Setting the audio buffer size to 1024 samples definitely helps. The latest version of the app (1.03) greatly improved its stability, as it would freeze pretty regularly beforehand and still occasionally drops a sound during beat playback — the latter does lead to interesting pattern variations.

Wolfram Franke is very responsive, so expect things to get better with each successive release. Still, Stroke Machine is such a powerful app with great sonics; I may have to consider upgrading to a newer iPad sooner than expected. Feedback for the app from owners of the iPad Air is generally positive.

Anyone interested in beat creation needs to check out Stroke Machine. Sure, it runs better on newer iPads, but expect that to happen more and more in the future as music apps become more complicated and thus more CPU-thirsty. Apple just discontinued sales of the iPad 2 in favor of the iPad 4 anyway!
March 19, 2014
Review: Z3TA+ is a Cakewalk among iPad Synth Apps
First earning fame as a plug-in for Cakewalk’s Sonar DAW software, Z3TA+ recently saw its debut on the iOS platform. This incredibly deep synthesizer immediately becomes one the most powerful music apps on the iPad. Featuring a robust synth architecture and a ton of useful features, Z3TA+ is a must get for the iOS musician.

Z3TA+ for the iPad Features
- Synth Architecture includes 6 Waveshaping Oscillators
- 6 LFOs, Rich Envelope Generators and Filters
- Robust Modulation Matrix and Effect Engine
- Powerful Arpeggiator with over 250 MIDI Patterns and Gates
- Touchscreen Functionality include X-Y Pads and Virtual Keyboard
- Support for Audiobus and Inter App Audio
- Available at the App Store for $19.99
Z3TA+ establishes itself as one of the top iPad synth apps, up there with Waldorf Nave, Propellerhead Thor, and the Animoog. A clear user interface with three main pages helps the understanding of the synth’s operation. Its deep feature set and great sound quality will make it an important part of any musicians’ tablet synth arsenal.

Z3TA+’s Detailed Synthesizer Architecture

The core of Z3TA+’s synth architecture is made up of six independent oscillators each capable of a robust number of waveforms. A graphical waveshaping interface on the iPad’s touchscreen adds to the fun. Each oscillator also sports a multimode spawning eight more oscillators for a total of 48, but make sure you have a newer iPad model as this uses up CPU power.

Z3TA+ for the iPad sports a powerful, detailed synth architecture. Screenshot by author.

Reverse engineering any of the 500 presets is the best way to figure the best oscillator combinations — a standard practice with any synth — but supremely useful given all the options of the Z3TA+. The synth architecture also includes six LFOs and six EGs which really come into play with Z3TA+s convenient modulation matrix.

Two filters are capable of dual or parallel operation with a host of standard filter types and some more esoteric options like comb or formant. A collection of automatable controls for all synth sections (OSC, LFO, EG, and Filter) rounds out Z3TA+’s main synth page.

A Powerful Modulation Matrix and Arpeggiator

Z3TA+’s modulation matrix reminds me of Thor, offering up to 16 sources and destinations to truly leverage the synth’s detailed architecture, especially the six LFOs and EGs. The matrix’s range parameter is controllable with a finger swipe — a convenient use of the touchscreen interface. Once again, reverse engineering one of the app’s many presets is a great way to get modulation ideas for your own patches.

Checking out Z3TA+’s modulation matrix and arpeggiator. Screenshot by author.

The powerful arpeggiator sports over 250 MIDI patterns and gates in addition to the standard arpeggios. Hopefully, the ability to program your own patterns is added in an update. I found my fingers drawn to the arpeggiator interface hoping to change things up. I don’t know if this capability exists in the desktop version of Z3TA+?

A Robust Effects Engine

Z3TA+’s effects engine finds its home in the app’s third main page. A whole host of effects are included, most notably three independent delays. The Mod effect includes a variety of choruses, flangers, and phasers.

Z3TA+ for the iPad features a robust effects engine. Screenshot by author.

Most effects parameters can be used as destinations on the modulation matrix, and their controls are automatable. Check out the little routing sub-page which allows for changing how the effects connect to each other using drag and drop. This is a nice touch!

Z3TA+ definitely establishes Cakewalk on the iOS platform. This is a stunningly deep and powerful synth capable of a wide array of sounds suitable for electronic music and beyond. It deserves our highest recommendation, belonging in the library of any synth aficionado with an iPad.
March 12, 2014
Korg Gadget: Reviewing the Synths — Part 1

Korg’s recent release of Gadget gives iPad musicians something similar to Propellerhead Reason on a tablet computer. Last week’s Gadget update added support for Audiobus. With 15 different gadgets — each essentially the equivalent of a separate iPad synth app — the amount of sonic possibilities can get overwhelming.

Korg Gadget sports an easy-to-use vertical interface suitable for bringing the freek. Screenshot by Author.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at six of the synths included in Korg Gadget. Future articles will cover the other six synths and Gadget’s three drum machines. Note that all the gadgets are named after cities.

The PCM Synthesis of Marseille

A PCM playback synth, Marseille arguably offers the most robust collection of sounds within Gadget. Its organization of patches is pretty similar to the General MIDI standard. The virtual keyboard allows for one-touch chord play which serves well for real-time loop sequencing when paired with one of the many pad patches.

Two effects — each with knob-twiddled control of two parameters — and an ADSR envelope round out Marseille. Expect this synth module to provide a measure of sonic versatility to many Gadget creations.

Chicago brings that TB-303 Flavor

If you are looking for that classic acid bass sound for your project, Chicago makes a great choice. Even its shiny metallic interface is reminiscent of the Roland TB-303. A host of automatable controls — including the all important filter cutoff and peak — add to the utility of this gadget.

A basic arpeggiator makes creating quick bass lines a bit more convenient. One effect includes everything from reverbs and delays to a ring modulator and decimator. A virtual tube amp controlled by either a gate or an ADSR envelope finishes off the sonic stew.

The Virtual Patch Cords of Dublin

Another gadget offering quality bass sounds among other classic virtual analog tones is Dublin. Its wood-grained interface even adds a patch bay, putting pseudo-modular sonic exploration within touch. The control layout feels Moog-like, with the VCO, VCF, VCA, and Mixer sections located where they should be; a button press switches between the synth and patch bay sections.

Drive and Tone controls are Dublin’s only effects, but the added functionality of the patch bay makes up for the absence of multi-effects. Dublin should please aficionados of classic electronic music, but probably not Irish music fans.

Phoenix provides Polyphonic Analog Sounds

Folks who love those classic polyphonic analog sounds of the 80s need to explore Phoenix. This gadget seems to fit somewhere between the Oberheim line and Korg’s own Polysix. The easy-to-follow interface has separate panels for the synth and modulation controls.

While a delay is the only effect type for this gadget, it is useful in giving some of the patches life. My only complaint is wishing Phoenix provided the one touch chord play feature as with Marseille.

Gadget goes to Berlin School

While you can go “Berlin School” by using Dublin, Berlin is another worthy source of bass or lead synth mayhem. Its interface reminds one of the early 70s ARP synths but more closely the Electro-Harmonix Mini Synthesizer (which I sadly lost many years ago). Berlin’s monophonic, sync-modulated sound bites through a dense mix, making it especially useful as a lead synth.

The EH-inspired controls are split into two panels covering the VCO/modulation and the VCF/VCA. A delay is the only effect, but a vibrato adds to Berlin’s sonic footprint. The nasally low pass filter is pretty cool as well.

Kingston: Home for the 8-Bit Chip Tune?

Who knew Kingston, Jamaica was the home for 8-bit chip tune music? Well not really, but Kingston is a gadget offering those classic blips and beeps of the NES music scene. Its interface even looks more like an arcade game than an old-school analog synth.

I don’t imagine using Kingston too much in my projects, but it makes a great gadget for anyone interested in getting their 8-bit mojo on. Well, maybe some of those low-fi outer space sounds would work in a Spacerock tune!

Keep a lookout for the other TabMuse articles covering the rest of Korg Gadget’s robust supply of synth and drum machine modules.

March 6, 2014
Review: Korg Gadget gives Reason to iPad Beatmaking
Korg’s new Gadget app for the iPad is a fully-fledged beatmaking environment featuring up to 15 different synth and drum machine modules usable simultaneously. Essentially this is Reason on a tablet. The app’s sound quality is great, and Gadget also sports a robust feature set that makes it a breeze to create music.

Korg Gadget for the iPad Features
- 15 Separate Instrument Modules (Synths and Drum Machines)
- Easy-to-use Portrait Oriented Interface
- Multiple Time Signatures
- Synth, Drum Machine, and Mixer Effects
- Easily Record Control Automation
- Support for AudioCopy and WIST
- Export Audio to GadgetCloud Service powered by SoundCloud
- Available at the App Store for $28.99 (Regular $38.99)
Korg Gadget is a great “go to” app for tablet-based beat construction. Users with recent iPad models can really crank up the number of the simultaneous tracks — up to 25 on the iPad Air. It is a must have download for iPad owners interested in electronic music creation.

15 Gadgets for You and You and You

Gadget’s collection of 15 synth and drum machine modules features something for nearly all musical tastes. Everything from the TB-303 inspired bass synth, Chicago, to the monophonic “modular” synth, Dublin, inspires creativity. Each gadget is named after a city, for what it’s worth.

Korg Gadget’s Dublin synth features a small virtual patch bay. I dream of virtual wires. Screenshot by Author.

The 12 synth modules are enough to support most musical styles, especially when considering the huge array of sounds in the PCM-based gadget, Marseille. I would have preferred another drum machine or two, since there are only three in the app. Korg is planning on releasing new gadgets in the future, probably through an in-app purchase.

Each gadget features an attractive on-screen interface with all the relevant automatable controls, including virtual patch cables for Dublin. On some gadgets, an on-screen keyboard provides the typical touchscreen playing functionality, like one-finger chords and built-in scales. Each gadget comes with either one or two effects to further tailor the sound.

Expect future TabMuse articles to profile Gadget’s robust collection of synths (Part 1 and Part 2) and drum machines more deeply.

A Sequencer that’s a Breeze to Use

Gadget’s sequencer easily allows for either real-time or step-based beat creation. The app uses a portrait oriented interface, with the top half focusing on the sequencer and the bottom half controlling either a mixer or an individual gadget. The intuitive interface is a breeze to use.

Korg Gadget sports an easy-to-use vertical interface suitable for bringing the freek. Screenshot by Author.

Each song is made up of any number of scenes which can vary in length and time signature individually — a great feature! Scene and track management is an easy process; so is sequencing the parts of an individual track. Control automation is accomplished through either real-time knob twiddling, or after the fact envelope drawing.

The mixer is also automatable with a standard set of volume and pan controls. Two song-level effects (Limiter and Reverb) are useful for mastering a final mix.

While my iPad 2 is only limited to 5 tracks in Gadget, that isn’t a real bother for me as I’ll dump a beat into ProTools for additional overdubs and melodic development. Those of you with newer iPads can really go to town, with over 20 tracks possible on Apple’s newer tablets.

Korg Gadget offers a ton of synth choices and host of features making its high price well worth it for iPad musicians. This app ranks with the Korg iPolysix, and easily earns my highest recommendation. Check out these profiles of six of the gadgets and the three drum modules within Korg’s innovative iOS app.
February 25, 2014
Review: The Arturia iMini brings the Classic Bob Moog Sound to the iPad
iMini was Arturia’s first foray on the burgeoning iOS music app platform. It features a dead-on audio simulation of the classic Minimoog, arguably the most popular analog synthesizer in history. In true Arturia fashion, iMini also adds a host of useful features not included in Bob Moog’s classic piece of musical art.

iMini for the iPad Features
- Classic Minimoog Sound
- 3 Oscillators
- Classic “Moog Filter”
- Filter and Amp Envelopes
- Polyphony
- Arpeggiator
- White and Pink Noise and an “External Input”
- Chorus and Delay with X-Y Control Pads
- Support for Audiobus, WIST, and Inter App Audio
- Available at the App Store for $9.99
Fans of the Minimoog or even fans of Arturia’s Mini V desktop synth need to check out iMini. It truly is one of the best synth apps on the iOS platform.

Classic Moog Sound with a Modern Interface

The iMini features a similar, easy-to-use interface as Arturia’s iSEM synth app. A menu bar at the top provides patch management, navigates between the different screens, and also allows access to MIDI and Inter App Audio functionality. It feels like a strange, modern version of a Minimoog.

Arturia’s iMini is a dead-on simulation of the Minimoog for the iPad. Screenshot by Author.

The first screen essentially provides a scrunched view of the original Minimoog. Control of the three oscillators, mixer, and filter all happens here. A bit of the wood-panel view offers a welcome piece of skeuomorphism — take that iOS 7.

A noise generator — with white and pink options — as well as an external input can be mixed into the overall sound. A simulation of the classic Moog filter is present with its own envelope in addition to one for the amplifier.

An arpeggiator and two X-Y pads for parameter control offer functionality not in Bob Moog’s original design. Screenshot by Author.

The “Perform” and “FX” screens change up the design of the Minimoog by adding some use functionality, including an arpeggiator and two X-Y pads to control synth and effects parameters. Virtual analog delay and chorus effects round out the sonic architecture of the iMini.

A Modern Take on a Classic Synth

Support for Audiobus, Inter App Audio, and WIST remind us that we are using an iOS music app. In fact, iMini also supports the Tabletop iOS virtual music studio; something not included with Arturia’s iSEM app. MIDI mapping of controls is easy — typical of Arturia synths no matter the platform.

Fans of Bob Moog, classic analog synths, or anyone involved in contemporary spacerock or electronica are the audience for the iMini. This is one synth app that stands at the pinnacle of iOS music apps. Highly recommended.
February 13, 2014
Review: The Arturia iSEM puts Oberheim on the iPad
Originally known for their excellent software plug-ins spanning a variety of analog synthesizers from the 70s, Arturia has recently branched out into hardware synths, controllers, and drum machines in addition to the first iOS versions of their software products. Their iSEM app for the iPad is great rendition of Oberheim’s first commercial synthesizer, the SEM. The app features a great sound, a modulation matrix, and a timed voice programmer adding a measure of motion to synth patches.

Arturia iSEM for the iPad Features
- Two Oscillators (Saw, PWM) with Sub OSC
- Polyphonic Support
- VCF, VCA with Two Envelopes
- Arpeggiator, and 8 Voice Programmer
- Overdrive, Chorus, and Delay
- 8 x Modulation Matrix
- Support for Audiobus, Inter App Audio, Core MIDI and WIST
- Available at the App Store for $9.99
The iSEM is excellent enhancement of the original Oberheim model. It’s an easy to use app with that great virtual analog sound typical of Arturia’s desktop synths.

A Unique Synthesizer Architecture

The iSEM interface beautifully represents an expanded version of the original SEM. Anyone familiar with Arturia’s desktop plug-ins or their iMini iOS app will feel right at home. A menu bar at the top of the screen handles patch management, screen navigation, in addition to MIDI and system connections.

The Arturia iSEM features a great interface reminiscent of Oberheim’s classic SEM synth. Screenshot by Author.

The main screen features the VCO, VCF, SUB OSC and envelope sections. The arpeggiator and effects can also be controlled from this screen in addition to others throughout the interface.

Dual oscillators are syncable, with two knobs to control their frequency. There are separate knobs for the pulse width percentage as well as for changing between frequency and pulse width. The latter can also be modulated using the envelopes or LFOs, allowing for an interesting array of “living” sounds.

An easy-to-use 8 channel modulation matrix takes up the next screen. The sources include the obvious: LFO, Envelopes, Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Velocity, and a recent app update added Aftertouch. They control a rich variety of synth parameters.

I had the most fun with 8 Voice Programmer section. When synched to the arpeggiator, it is possible to modulate a host of synth parameters in time, adding greatly to the sense of motion in a synth patch. It is also possible to switch off certain voices, giving the feel of an arpeggiated run in an odd time signature.

Other screens provide more precise control of the effects and arpeggiator. The “Perf” screen also features four programmable sliders that can be assigned to a wide range of synth and effects parameters.

Support for IAA, Audiobus, and More

Support for most iOS music app standards includes Audiobus, Inter App Audio, WIST, and Core MIDI. My Griffin StudioConnect easily controlled the app using a MIDI keyboard. Control mapping was a breeze using the app’s MIDI LEARN function.

The iSEM cut through nicely through an entire band mix and inspired us into some interesting electronic spacerock improvisation that will see the light of day some year.

Arturia’s success in software synthesis translates nicely to the iOS platform and the iPad’s screen. Here’s hoping an iCS-80 or an iARP2600 is in their development pipeline. The iSEM is recommended for fans of Oberheim’s bass heavy analog synth design and for anyone interested in classic virtual analog synthesis on a tablet.
February 11, 2014
The Korg Monotron Delay and its iOS Clone — Monotone Delay
About two years ago, Korg released a family of handheld, battery-powered analog synthesizers — the Monotron series. I recently picked up the Monotron Delay and found it to be an absolute blast. A great, albeit a bit noisy, sound which is powerful enough to stand out in a thick mix and also scare my cats.

The Korg Monotron Delay is a useful analog ribbon synth and a great introduction for kids. Copyright Korg.

The Monotron series also features a “Classic” version without delay and a dual oscillator model. The Delay won me over with its input jack that allows the processing of an external audio signal.

Korg Monotron Delay Features
- Analog VCO (Sawtooth and Square Waves) with Ribbon Keyboard Pitch Control
- Analog MS-20 VCF with Cutoff Control
- LFO with Rate and Intensity Control
- Delay with Time and Feedback Control
- 1/8″-inch External Input and Output
- Built-in Speaker
- Powered by 2 AAA Batteries
- Retails for $49.99
The Monotron Delay serves as a great introduction to analog synthesis for kids. Parents needn’t freak out as it comes with a headphone jack. It is blast to play with and actually musically useful for analog sound effects. Its cheap, under $50 price makes it a no-brainer. Get one today!

Monotone Delay is a Monotron Delay Clone for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch

I also was recently directed to Monotone Delay, an iOS app that is effectively a clone of the Monotron Delay. It echoes (no pun intended) the interface of Korg’s piece of analog hardware and the sound is pretty decent as well — conjuring up LFO-driven delay bleatings to frighten the feline species.

The Monotone Delay is a great Monotron clone for the iOS platform. Screenshot by Author.

The developer needs to release an update that adds either Audiobus or Inter App Audio support — preferably both. The ability to use Monotone to modify an external signal from another iOS app or the mic input would really make it a lot more useful. Still, its nominal price make Monotone a worthy download — even more so if Audiobus and IAA are supported in a future update.

Both the Korg Monotron Delay and Monotone are fun sound generators with uses in Spacerock or other electronic music.
February 7, 2014