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iPad/iPhone Music Production app thread

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Just watched a YouTube video about NanoStudio. Holy shits, that's amazing. And it looks very much alike Logic Pro. I will have to get this! My god. Just for those moments you aren't at home and want to put some ideas together quickly, so you don't forget. Amazing.
 
Shaneus said:
Fuuuuck. Gone from maybe buy to instabuy to "will wait for the next sale" buy. Still looks awesome, though.

Tempted to grab the iKaosscillator, though. But wasn't one of the main features of the KaossPad that it had a line-in for effects?
Click to expand...

wait, the ikaossilator doesn't have line-in support to hook up and mangle my sounds?! may have to pass then. :(
 
I think you guys are mixing up the Kaoss Pad with the Kaossilator.

One effects sounds, one makes sounds.

DV016_Jpg_Large_704008_c-All.jpg
 
Yeah, the Kaoss pad (the full size, not the mini in the picture I posted, haven't used that before) is terrific fun, I used to have one when I mixed records but now my production is mostly in-the-box and routing out and back in was a pain so I sold it, but I'd also love an iOS version.
 
I bought the iMS-20 finally and I'm a bit disappointed by it really. Coming from the awesome DS-10 a couple of years back it feels like a step backward in comparison.

I probably should have read the description a little closer, but I am surprised that there's only one synth available, it's very limiting in coming up with compositions. On the DS there were two snyths so you could have a rhythm line and a lead line going on, but with the just one it feels more like it's a single instrument rather than a suite where you can make songs.

And the sequencer is a bit rubbish too. It's more realistic sure, but the knobs are very fiddly compared to the awesome step sequencer that the DS version had.

But still, what is actually there is very good. The control panel is bewildering and exciting, I've spent a few hours just methodically twisting knobs and changing patches and trying to understand what they all do. You can get a nice multilayered sound going with a bit of luck, and it does sound very nice. And the effects available are great too.

I just wish there was a second synth available and an easier to use sequencer. Actually, does anyone know whether the PolyStepArp can connect to this? I never bought it, but if it works with this it might be worth a buy.
 
Any easy to learn chip tune oriented apps? I have found some of the PC programs unintuitive...I just want something super simple, bleep bloop simple
 
Jedeye Sniv said:
I bought the iMS-20 finally and I'm a bit disappointed by it really. Coming from the awesome DS-10 a couple of years back it feels like a step backward in comparison.

I probably should have read the description a little closer, but I am surprised that there's only one synth available, it's very limiting in coming up with compositions. On the DS there were two snyths so you could have a rhythm line and a lead line going on, but with the just one it feels more like it's a single instrument rather than a suite where you can make songs.

And the sequencer is a bit rubbish too. It's more realistic sure, but the knobs are very fiddly compared to the awesome step sequencer that the DS version had.

But still, what is actually there is very good. The control panel is bewildering and exciting, I've spent a few hours just methodically twisting knobs and changing patches and trying to understand what they all do. You can get a nice multilayered sound going with a bit of luck, and it does sound very nice. And the effects available are great too.

I just wish there was a second synth available and an easier to use sequencer. Actually, does anyone know whether the PolyStepArp can connect to this? I never bought it, but if it works with this it might be worth a buy.
Click to expand...

unfortunately korg hasn't adopted coreMIDI or virtual MIDI and instead use their own proprietary methods. so it probably won't work with polystparp. a shame really, i'd love to use other iOS music apps in conjunction with the IMs-20 since it's pretty limited.
 
hyp said:
unfortunately korg hasn't adopted coreMIDI or virtual MIDI and instead use their own proprietary methods. so it probably won't work with polystparp. a shame really, i'd love to use other iOS music apps in conjunction with the IMs-20 since it's pretty limited.
Click to expand...

Iirr they do support CoreMIDI but they don't support the Background Audio feature which is required to control one app with another.

iMS-20 sure is a complex beast but that's what I love about. If I don't want to work so hard for a sound I usually use Animoog or Alchemy or Sunrizer.
 
Fusebox said:
Iirr they do support CoreMIDI but they don't support the Background Audio feature which is required to control one app with another.

iMS-20 sure is a complex beast but that's what I love about. If I don't want to work so hard for a sound I usually use Animoog or Alchemy or Sunrizer.
Click to expand...

cool, hopefully i'm mistaken then. i have yet to try it.

yea, it's an insane synth. the bass sounds so good and i love the built in kaoss pad. now if they could only get that background audio working...
 
The MS-20 USB Legacy controller works with iMS-20 using CoreMIDI and they make an awesome combo btw.

Here's mine, sorry for the crappy photo:

6091293034_747ef8b50e_z.jpg


I've since sold the USB controller though, it was taking up too much space and wasn't getting used enough.
 
How much did you pay/sell the MS-20 USB controller for? Looks like it would be quite pricey, despite being a dumb-controller and not actually a synth.
 
I got $300 for it, I probably could have held out for more coz it's fairly rare now but I wanted the cash to buy more audio gear. :P
 
nice setup fuse! have you considered using the camera connection kit with class compliant USB interface rather than use the headphone output?
 
Yeah, I used the CCK to connect the controller to the iPad (you can kind of see it in the pic) but I had to use the headphone out for the audio.

Ideally I'd use the Alesis iO dock so I get MIDI out plus a balanced line-out for audio.
 
Not really a question about music creation, but notation....is there a simple to use ipad app that can produce a standard staff sheet with notes/tabs from either manual input or whats played onscreen?
 
this is looking solid.

teaser-01.jpg

teaser-02.jpg

teaser-03.jpg


• Four-track Soundscaping.
• Vintage hardware design with groundbreaking 3D tilt-camera, lighting and next-gen graphics.
• Realtime melody or rhythm over-dub.
• Physics-triggered sample engine with user-adjustable parameters.
• A wide range of beautiful sounding instruments.
• Realtime mixing with pan and volume control.
• Realtime Reverb and Chorus digital special effects.
• Melody-Mode to allow use as a traditional musical keyboard.
Click to expand...


looking forward to this app.

http://physynth.com
 
beatmaker 2 just got a fat update!

BEATMAKER 2.2 IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Thursday, 08 December 2011 17:07

We're thrilled to announce the immediate availability of BeatMaker 2.2 on the App Store! This update brings many new major features and improvements, such as full MIDI support (MIDI Out, Sync, Thru, virtual software ports and MIDI songs/patterns import), complete access to your DropBox accounts and a redesigned Sample/Chop Lab - making it easier to edit and slice your samples into presets and patterns.
This major update is totally free for current BeatMaker 2 owners!

Here's the complete list of changes for this version:
• MIDI Out, Sync, Thru and MIDI-over-WiFi support
• Virtual MIDI inputs/outputs
• MIDI Hotplug
• MIDI Import: import MIDI files into the song sequencer and pattern editor
• Export individual patterns to MIDI files
• New Swing feature for recording and pattern editing
• DropBox file sharing support
• Revamped Sample Lab/Chop Lab. Now everything can be tailored within the same interface.
• Non-destructive chopping options
• Customize sample bounds per pad
• Automatically create track patterns from chopped samples
• Export song to individual audio tracks
• Added amount multiplier and invert ADSR options
• Support for Apple Loops slice points (reading & writing).
• Korg's WIST support (synchronizes supported music apps playback).
• Other general improvements and iOS 5 related fixes
Click to expand...
 
PhySynth was released the other day and it's quite cheap too (I think it's 3 bucks in the US store). Looks amazing as well, though I still haven't dabbled too much in it (it feels a bit obtuse).
 
hyp said:
man I was about to purchase the io dock last week, but I read it's incompatible with ios5. waiting on the firmware update before I pull the trigger. right now I'm running a beringher UCA interface into the cam connection kit and it rocks. $22 on amazon.
Click to expand...

I finally got around to ordering the io dock. Getting it from Guitar Center, $20 off atm with coupon code CLEAR11 so it's about $190 with tax.

My USB MIDI cables into the CC kit are fine for sending/receiving MIDI but I think I can get much better sound quality if I dodge the headphone out and use the balanced outs on the io.
 
Animoog is one of the coolest, most wicked software synthesizers I've ever heard. One dollar is an absolute steal to be able to make massive sounds! Finally purchasing a Camera Connection Kit tomorrow just so I can USB-MIDI the d'mn thing!

Going to check out grain science. Totally into granular synthesis right now and was looking into some cool ones on the App Store but felt like I just couldn't find a really good one. Wicked!
 
Mastgrr said:
Animoog is one of the coolest, most wicked software synthesizers I've ever heard. One dollar is an absolute steal to be able to make massive sounds! Finally purchasing a Camera Connection Kit tomorrow just so I can USB-MIDI the d'mn thing!

Going to check out grain science. Totally into granular synthesis right now and was looking into some cool ones on the App Store but felt like I just couldn't find a really good one. Wicked!
Click to expand...

if you like granular synthesis thereʻs also samplewiz, another favorite of mine. made by jordan rudess and his coder. itʻs pretty bad ass.
 
hyp said:
if you like granular synthesis thereʻs also samplewiz, another favorite of mine. made by jordan rudess and his coder. itʻs pretty bad ass.
Click to expand...

I looked up SampleWiz after your recommendation, and despite how horrid the app actually looks, I decided to give it a go. HOLY SHIT SampleWiz is enormous fun. I'm addicted to just recording some samples and modifying the shit out of them (such as fart sounds or whatnot). Incredible app, many thanks for the suggestion!
 
BeeDog said:
I looked up SampleWiz after your recommendation, and despite how horrid the app actually looks, I decided to give it a go. HOLY SHIT SampleWiz is enormous fun. I'm addicted to just recording some samples and modifying the shit out of them (such as fart sounds or whatnot). Incredible app, many thanks for the suggestion!
Click to expand...

hahahha I felt the same way when I saw it! looks are totally deceiving for that app, one of my favorites on iPad for sure.
 
So it turns out the USB <-> 1/4" guitar jack cable that came with my copy of Rocksmith is compatible with the Camera Connection Kit as a line audio input.

360_rocksmith_cable.jpg


I tested it by going from the 1/4" mono out of the Monotribe to the CCK and into Garageband. I don't usually use Garageband but iMaschine doesn't support audio in from the dock connector and I'm a bit sick of MultiTrack.

6704686579_a6e307d5fa.jpg


I discovered two things.

One, the cable works awesome as a line-in. Really clean signal, really solid connection.

Two, GarageBand is surprisingly damn good as a portable DAW!

I added a few drum parts, sampled a fat bass note from the Monotribe and played in a bassline as a MIDI track, then did a pass of a Monotribe riff as an audio track, sliced the good bit and looped it. Sent it to my speakers via Airplay and had a listen (unfortunately Airplay out and the audio in connection don't work at the same time though so I can't monitor the Monotribe live over Airplay, only works for playback)

If there was some way I could add my own one-shot drum samples into Garageband and if it had more effects available with more effects tracks it'd be near perfect for my portable needs.

I noticed the latest iKaossikator adds cut/paste support for Garageband so next step is to try and integrate that into my workflow.
 
That reminds me. About the only accessory I think I still want for iOS is something to provide a discreet secondary stereo output. Otherwise all those DJ apps are basically completely useless.
 
Fusebox said:
Depends what style of music really. You could crack out a hip-hop beat no probs, but your epic prog trance opus will take a lot of patience to put together.
Click to expand...

I guess what I meant to ask is, how technique can you get with one before you start including other pieces of equipment.
 
CaptainMintMan said:
I guess what I meant to ask is, how technique can you get with one before you start including other pieces of equipment.
Click to expand...

Well the problem isn't with making sounds or beats, the iPad has some awesome synths and beatmachines, the problem is bringing all those sounds together and arranging them.
 
Fusebox said:
Well the problem isn't with making sounds or beats, the iPad has some awesome synths and beatmachines, the problem is bringing all those sounds together and arranging them.
Click to expand...

Hm. Makes sense. I'm quite the novice at this and I was looking to see what I should start first.
 
Personally, I would recommend starting with Ableton on your Mac/PC, learning the basic production techniques there and using your iPad to experiment with integrating external synths and drum sequencers into your Ableton setup.

On the other hand, an iPad synth like the iMS-20 will teach you advanced synth techniques, iElectribe will teach you how to use 'groovebox' style hardware and a drum machine like DM1 will teach you drum pattern sequencing so there's still plenty of benefits to using the iPad outside your typical production routine.
 
Fusebox said:
Personally, I would recommend starting with Ableton on your Mac/PC, learning the basic production techniques there and using your iPad to experiment with integrating external synths and drum sequencers into your Ableton setup.

On the other hand, an iPad synth like the iMS-20 will teach you advanced synth techniques, iElectribe will teach you how to use 'groovebox' style hardware and a drum machine like DM1 will teach you drum pattern sequencing so there's still plenty of benefits to using the iPad outside your typical production routine.
Click to expand...

Ableton is looking all kinds of expensive. Any other alternatives?
 
reaper is probably the most cost effective. i make trip hop/hip hop beats so i'm actually using external hardware to arrange everything. i just perform/record directly to my akai mpc and all works great. the DAW i'm using is Logic Pro on the mac, it's a beast but has a pretty steep learning curve.

if you wanna save money, definitely take a look at reaper or adobe audition.
 
How does REAPER differ from FL Studio? I've started messing around with my iPad apps big-time lately, but I feel the next step is to bring together all the sounds I've created into a full track, as Fusebox mentioned in one of his post a bit further up.

Any noob tutorial available on how I should hook up my iPad to the PC and start making actual tracks?
 
BeeDog said:
How does REAPER differ from FL Studio? I've started messing around with my iPad apps big-time lately, but I feel the next step is to bring together all the sounds I've created into a full track, as Fusebox mentioned in one of his post a bit further up.

Any noob tutorial available on how I should hook up my iPad to the PC and start making actual tracks?
Click to expand...

I can't be of any assistance when it comes to Reaper or FL Studio but for Ableton I connect the Alesis iO dock outputs to my soundcard inputs and a set of MIDI cables from the iO dock to my soundcard.

Then I either record live audio into a track on Ableton by playing the touchscreen keyboard on the iPad, or I send MIDI notes from Ableton to an iPad instrument or I use the iPad as a controller for a VST instrument.

For example:

Play live part on Animoog, record the audio to track 1.

Send a loop of MIDI notes from the PC to the Sunrizer synth on iPad, record the audio to track 2.

Send a series of chords using SoundPrism from the iPad to the Absynth VSTi instrument on the PC, recording the chords as MIDI notes on track 3.

Send a loop of MIDI notes from the PC to my Monotribe hardware synth and then send the audio from the Monotribe through Filtatron on the iPad and record the audio to track 4.

Lots of different ways of getting the job done, the main thing is getting a DAW software that you're comfortable with and either an Alesis iO Dock or a set of USB <-> MIDI cables and the camera connection kit.

6794059705_452206d5c6_z.jpg
 
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