Rhythm Studio is an electronic music production app for your iPad.  It houses a 4-track recorder alongside a collection of vintage synthesizers and drum machines.  All of the app’s virtual instruments and processors aim for that ‘hardware’ feel and simplicity; one knob controls one parameter.

You can create music by using the Pattern Sequencer, the Control Pad, or the (random) Pattern Generator.  Other notable features like WIST support, audio copy/paste, and song sharing via Bluetooth make this more of a complete production app.  It also comes with a decent catalog of effects and is on sale ($1) for a limited time.

The downside to this is app is its limited 4-track recorder.  If your just sketching out some quick musical ideas then four tracks is probably fine, but otherwise that isn’t a lot to work with.  The developers keep bringing steady updates, so it’s likely we’ll see more and more improvements in the future.

If you’re looking to make some electronic tunes then definitely check out Rhythm Studio.  It’s a well-rounded music production app.

iSequence is a beat making app for your iPad. It has an 8-track sequencer, on board effects, and 160 instruments to choose from. Instruments range from a collection of acoustic kits to leads, pads, and more. You can also expand your sound library via the app store with additional sound sets for $1.99. Available effects include Filter, Reverb, Flanger, Delay, Ring Modulator, Equalizer, LO-FI crusher, live looper, Distortion.

iSequence has a seamless workflow and creating beats is a breeze – this is where the app shines the brightest. It’s extremely easy to navigate through. The stock sounds are decent as well. You can export your work as MIDI and WAV files.

There are some features I would like to see in an update like an ‘undo’ function and more efficient ways of bouncing down selections to free up track space, but all in all, this is a quality app worth having.

Did I mention iSequence is on sale? You can purchase the app for $4.99 (for a limited time only).

Propellerhead’s Rebirth has been a popular desktop production tool for many years, so I knew it was just a matter of time before it made its way to the iPad.  Rebirth is a beat making app built around the popular TB-303 and TR 808 and 809 drum machines.  The groove engine behind all three of these modules is a programmable step sequencer with various effects.  You’ll get a Compressor, Tempo-synced Delay, Distortion, a Pattern Controlled filter, and Mixing section for polishing your creations.

The stock sounds are good, and the app affords the user a lot of tweakable flexibility.  Rebirth is compatible with other popular apps like the Korg Electribe and the IMS-20.  Easy file sharing is supported and using WIFI sync you can link your iPad with another iPad to make use of both or rock out with another friend.  The app also allows you to record different fader movements to give your songs that extra attention to detail.

All in all, Rebirth is a solid beat making application for the iPad, but I have received a lot of bad feedback about the app’s instability issues.  My hope is that Propellerhead can correct the problem because Rebirth is a great program and now it only cost $7.  If you’re into producing electronic music this is an app you’ll want to have on deck.

OscilloScoop is a unique beat making app for the iPad.  It comes with 6 beat sets and the ability to save presets from your creations.  The thing that makes OscilloScoop unique is its visual interface and sound engine.  Three spinning crowns allow for the manipulation of tone/pitch, filter, and volume.  As the crowns spin you can morph these effects by sliding your fingers vertically across them.

If you need to fine tune your song then shift your iPad into landscape orientation and the app turns into a traditional step sequencer allowing for more detailed editing.

I wouldn’t regard OscilloScoop as a serious music making app for professionals, there is just not enough to it.  If you plan on getting any longevity out of OscilloScoop you’ll need to purchase additional beat sets from the app store. However, for $.99, this is a cool app even the kids will enjoy.  Its simple to use and visually stimulating.

Electrify is a virtual Groovebox for your iPad.  It makes use of sampling and step sequencing to create music.  The on board sample library contains more than six hundred samples and gives you the ability to import your own as well.  Export your songs in high quality .WAV format.  Electrify also comes with 8 effects processors and 7 editable parameters for each step in your sequence allowing for detailed editing and tweaking.  Audio copy and paste functions make it compatible with other music making apps as well.

If you’re a serious producer looking to make good use of your iPad, then Electrify is an app I highly recommend you check out.  The Korg iElectribe (its competitive counterpart) gets all of the attention because of Korg’s reputation, and rightfully so, the iElectribe is a great app, but I would probably rate Electrify higher, because the sounds and samples are a bit more Hip Hop friendly.

Electriy will set you back $14.99, but it’s easily worth money.  You’ll get a huge sample library and an intuitive step sequencer – enough said.