Magellan for iPad
Published September 8, 2012 | 
Need a quality virtual synth for the iPad? Look no further. Yonac has you covered. Introducing Magellan, which boasts six oscillators, dual filters, a step sequencer, arpeggiators, and more.
This comprehensive synth is capable of producing some great sounds. Effects include: Reverb, Stereo Delay, Phaser, Flanger, Distortion, Chorus, Bitcrusher, and an Expander. Extensive MIDI and exporting capabilities make Magellan extremely accessible.
Playing complex chord progressions on the iPad is not always the easiest task. In many cases it’s nearly impossible. However, the on-board Chord Maker allows you to create chord progressions that can then be triggered with one finger. You can your save progression presets so they can be accessed at a later date as well.
If you’re looking for a new synth to add to your arsenal, then Magellan is definitely worth looking into.
Posted in iPad Virtual Instruments | 
iOS, ipad, ipad 2, magellan, music apps, music production apps, virtual instruments, yonaciRig Keys for iPad
Published September 7, 2012 | iRig Keys is a portable MIDI controller for the iPad. It’s also compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and standard Mac/PC operating systems. The keyboard spans 3 octaves and has your standard pitch bending and modulation wheels. It has an input option for sustain and expression pedals as well.
You can create up to four of your own customizable sets, adjust key sensitivity, and more. Ultra-low power consumption is a big plus for iOS users.
If you’ve ever used an iPad or iPhone to make music, you know that trying to play a small touch screen keyboard can be difficult. Having a MIDI keyboard takes care of that problem. The fact that iRig Keys is also compliant with Mac and PC, means you’ll get one MIDI controller that you can use any situation.
Posted in iPad Hardware Controller | hardware controller, ik multimedia, iOS, ipad, ipad 2, irig, irig keysChordion for iPad
Published September 3, 2012 |
Chordion is a virtual synthesizer for the iPad. What makes it unique is its layout – you can easily play chords with one hand and lead with the other. Being able to trigger chords with one finger makes playing a breeze.
The sounds are decent and there’s also some effects like Delay and Wah. There are some Polyphony and Envelope parameters as well.
Chordion is a cool music-making app, but it’s missing some key features like audio copy/paste. Furthermore, the layout of this app would make it a great MIDI controller – we’d love to see the developers add MIDI-Out capabilities.
For $1.99, it’s hard to say anything bad about this app, but hopefully future updates will bring some welcomed additions.
Auria for iPad
Published August 6, 2012 | Auria is a 48 track recording system for the iPad. Currently, it’s the most feature-laden iOS DAW we’ve reviewed. It houses an extensive catalog of effects and processors (ranging from Reverb to pitch correction) and also allows you to record up to 24 tracks simultaneously. AAF import and export lets you transfer complete sessions between popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic and more.
Another cool feature is the incorporation of 3rd party plugins from plugin gurus like PSPaudioware, Overloud, Fab Filter and Drumagog. These extra processors are available via app store purchase and range from $5 to $30.
The kicker for Auria is the hefty price tag. At $50, it’s easily considered a very expensive iOS DAW. If that doesn’t scare you away, then this app is definitely worth taking a look at. What we really like about Auria is that it’s clearly geared toward serious music makers looking to get professional use out of their iPad.
Voxkit for iPad
Published August 1, 2012 |
Voxkit is a MIDI drum controller for the iPad. The thing that makes Voxkit different is the ability to trigger notes by sound. You can assign a certain drum sound to trigger when you clap your hands, bang on a table, etc.
Let’s say for example, you are a drummer and you want to lay down a snare roll for your groove. Assign your snare to be triggered when you tap your drum stick on a desk surface. Then, record enable Voxkit and start tapping out your snare roll. Voxkit will recognize it, translate it to MIDI data and add it to your existing groove.
Voxkit also has standard drum pads you can use, but its uniqueness lies in its ability to let you trigger notes in more abstract ways. This is a cool app worth taking a look at – especially for the price ($1). Be sure to check it out.
Posted in iPad Beatmaker Apps | app reviews, drum kit, iOS, ipad, ipad 2, midi drum kit, music apps, music production, vox kit, voxkitAmplitube Fender 1.2 (update) for iPad
Published July 30, 2012 |
Amplitube Fender is at the forefront of guitar amp software for iOS. Its ultra clean tone has made it an immensely popular program despite its moderately hefty price tag ($14.99 not including add-ons). We’ve covered Amplitube Fender and it’s features in a previous article, but the recent update brings about some welcomed additions worth mentioning.
For starters, it now comes with complete MIDI support; giving you another way to manage and navigate through the app. This is particularly useful for live performance situations when your hands might not always be available. The new recording and mixing section has been redesigned; offering more flexibility and options than its somewhat clunky predecessor. It’s a lot easier to compose and arrange complete productions. Audio Copy/Paste is another vital addition. Its exporting options now include Soundcloud and FTP.
The one thing about Amplitube Fender 1.2 is that it still only comes with a single track recorder. In order to get the most out of this app, you’ll have to upgrade to the 8-track recorder, which will cost you another $14.99. With that being said, if you’re looking to get professional use out of your iPad, this guitar amp software is as good as they come for iOS standards.
Posted in iPad Guitar Amp Sims | amplitube fender, guitar amp software, ik multimedia, iOS, ipad, ipad 2, music apps