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Tag: iOS synth apps

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