Pro Music Apps

Obviously the entire world is well aware of the new iPad due for launch next week!  Some of the other news Apple parted with during the unveiling this week, included an update of some of its own iPad apps, namely GarageBand.

OK, so it’s not a massive overhaul by any means, though the ‘free’ update does add some welcome features, including MIDI note editing which is one of the single most requested feature from users, which now allows the tinkering with performances once they’ve been recorded.  Other additions include a new Touch Instrument called Smart Strings, which brings the sound of string sections to the one finger players! Another new features is the sync’d jam session option which allows up to 4 people with iPads to play along while the tempo, key and chords of the ‘Smart’ will all stay in beat and tune….Finally, there is now iCloud support and new social network sharing options to let your music be more easily heard by the masses.

Like most app updates, this is free for existing owners of GarageBand.

GarageBand
Developer: Apple Inc.

Rated: 4+

Price: $4.99 Download Here

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Here’s the latest on what looks set to be a refreshing new take on boom box beat-making apps. Check the video for a great demo of it in action.

Stochastik is a full-featured Drum Machine with one outstanding difference. Unlike any other Drum Machine, Stochastik lets you set a *probability* that a note will trigger for each step. So, your basic beat can rock steady while accents and syncopation only happen every so often.

Once you add chance into the mix, you can generate thousands of unique variations *automatically* in the time it takes to sequence (one, two or four) bars. It’s as easy as programming a static loop but it generates a dynamic track — no more repetitive beats! Over a thousand of high-quality samples are included, from classic analog drum machines of the past to pristine acoustic jazz and rock kits. You can mix and match samples to create the perfect kit for each song. Plus, you can import your own samples through iTunes File Sharing, email or the Dropbox iPad App.

Stochastik was made to share, so you can collaborate with your friends by emailing or uploading your song, pattern and kit settings.

Stochastik plays well with other apps. When you bounce your pattern to a wav file, it’s automatically put in the clipboard for pasting into other apps. With WIST, you can wirelessly sync with other devices. With background audio, you can let Stochastik lay down the beat while you use a synth. MIDI is coming soon.

☞ Audio Features:
★ 15 Samples at a time, arranged in 3 banks of 5
★ Over a thousand included drum, cymbal and percussion sounds — acoustic, analog and digital. Learn more at http://stochastik.xitive.com/samples.html
★ 32 Voices so you will have plenty of polyphony
★ Bounce to 44.1Khz/16bit wav audio files
★ Background Audio – the audio will continue to play when you switch apps.
☆ Coming Soon: Export each drum as a separate track for mixing in your digital audio workstation

☞ Sequencing Features:
★ Stochastic programming of dynamic beats
★ As many Patterns, Songs and Kits as you can fit on your device.
★ Patterns can be 16, 32 or 64 steps long, and you can easily copy them to make tweaks.
★ Quick touch pads on sequencer screen for jamming, recording your beats and making quick tweaks
★ Sliders instead of knobs. I wish every music app got rid of knobs
★ Precise Entry (tap a number to bring up the keyboard) for maximum control over volume, pan, bpm and shuffle
☆ Coming Soon: Mute / Solo, Set Volume per step.

☞ Integration Features:
★ Import/Export wav files, songs, patterns and kits through Email, iTunes File Sharing, the Dropbox iPad App and more
★ AudioCopy & Pasteboard support to use your drum patterns in GarageBand, BeatMaker and other compatible apps.
★ Full “Open In…” support for working with other apps
★ WIST so you can wirelessly sync Stochastik with other devices – http://www.korguser.net/wist/
☆ Coming Soon: MIDI

Hit the official site here -  http://stochastik.xitive.com/index.html

One of my favourite digital boom boxes, from one of my favourite developers, received an exciting update this week. Read on for the latest additions -

What’s new in 2.0

Fingerlab is very happy to announce its biggest update for DM1 with version 2.0. DM1 now comes with 2 new super cool tools “The Randomizer” and “The Automation” for instant and fun beat making. Patterns are now also expandable to 32 Steps for extra creativity. We have added 24 new drum kits. As well as AudioCopy, WIST synchronisation between two iPads, MIDI In and more cool features. Yes, it is a big update!

Check the full list below of the new features:

✔ “The Randomizer” – a new exciting tool to unleash the creative potential of the Mixer step by step. Just press ‘Go” and have fun!
✔ “The Automation Panel“ for a precise and intuitive control of any Mixer parameter over time. Powerful and easy.
✔ 16 or 32 Steps per patterns. Even more complex beats.
✔ 24 New Drum Kits for a total of 64 Drum Kits.
✔ WIST synchronisation technology by Korg for syncing 2 iPads together.
✔ Reversed sounds. Long-Tap the Play button on any track of the Mixer to reverse the sound.
✔ AudioCopy on exporting
✔ Colored Song Patterns
✔ New help screens with tips & tricks

Check the video for an overview of the new features:

Grab DM1 – The Drum Machine now –

MoDrum was my fav retro sounding drum machine when it launched in late 2010. FunkBox and DM1 have enjoyed all the attention more recently, though the new update for MoDrum has some exciting new features that could put it back in the limelight here at Promusicapps HQ. The things that have me most excited are the new Audio Looper and file import with auto temop syncing. Nice on Fingers Pro!

Here’s what’s new:

• Audio Looper with tempo sync (iOS 5 required). File import via AudioCopy, Intua pasteboard, iTunes file sharing, or from the Mail app
• Audio Snapshot Recorder (iPad only)
• Energy-saving Background Mode: When the app runs in the background, audio processing is automatically suspended after 15 minutes of not receiving any MIDI event
• Pattern Shop
• Solo buttons
• Step sequencer clear button
• Session browser search functionality
• Keep WIST tempo while switching between sessions

 

MoDrum’s integrated Looper provides tempo-synchronous playback of audio loops, allowing you to add a backing track or a sampled phrase to the mix. To match the current tempo the audio loop is pitched up/down in real-time.

 Full details here - http://www.finger-pro.com/modrum.html

Grab Randgrid now –

MPC Fly merges unmatched Akai Professional technology with the power of your iPad 2, embodying legendary capabilities that have made the MPC an industry standard like real MPC pads, MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing. Its multifunctional, double-hinged design gives you the flexibility to produce tracks anywhere, while also acting as a protective case between sessions and giving you total access to your iPad 2 for normal uses.

MPC FLY HARDWARE

• The first MPC designed specifically for iPad 2
• Fitted compartment for iPad 2 provides fully integrated portable MPC solution
• 16 backlit genuine MPC pads with MPC Note Repeat & MPC Swing
• Works seamlessly with the MPC App: sequence & sample editing, effects, EQ and more
• Create beats on the go and transfer to a Mac or PC for further mastering
• Double-hinged case sits upright, lies flat or closes for transport
• Compatible with virtually any Core MIDI app
• Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Charges iPad when plugged into wall power

MPC FLY iPad APP - DEVELOPED BY RETRONYMS

• Sequence four tracks simultaneously: four-track mixer built in
• Built in sound library of samples and drum kits
• Record and overdub sequences and create and edit your own Programs
• 16-Levels mode: play one sample at 16 levels of attack, velocity, length, and tuning
• Note variation slider allows you to manipulate attack, velocity, length, and tuning as you play
• Built-in effects: delay, bit crusher, master compressor/limiter
• Time correct: 1/8 note – 1/32T with variable Swing setting
• Note Repeat: 1/8 note – 1/32T timing
• Sample using internal mic or line-in and trim and categorize samples
• Sample from your iPod library with turntable interface
• Share on SoundCloud, Facebook or twitter
• Supports WIST, Wireless Sync Start protocol from Korg
• Supports AudioPaste

For more details - http://www.akaiprompc.com/mpcfly.php

Drum Canvas mixes art and music and takes IOS drumming to the next level. Drum Canvas was designed to be everything from a fun experience for beginners to a serious tool for professionals playing in a live setting. When you first use Drum Canvas, you can quickly select from one of the pre-designed sets, but that’s where the fun begins! Create and customize your own sets using Drum Canvas’s unique interface design. Drag & Drop pieces, backgrounds, add-ons & music directly onto your set.

Everyone’s playing style is different and customization is what Drum Canvas is all about. Mix your music, metronome, set and each individual piece for a perfect sound. Change the pitch of a snare, tom, or cymbal to create a completely new sounding instrument for you to enjoy. Using the realPlay feature brings your set alive by continually adjusting the panning, sound, pitch & tone for the most realistic sound. Using AutoPan changes the audio location of your piece based on screen location. For example, toms on the left of your screen will play toward your left speaker.

When you experience Drum Canvas’s many features like realPlay & AutoPan, we think this will be the only drum app you will need. Whether playing for a crowd or practicing with the metronome, Drum Canvas turns your iPad into a valuable instrument. Getting lost in your music has never been so much fun!

Playability
★ Fast response time.
★ realPlay adjusts volume, pitch, tone and more for realistic sounding sessions.
★ Multi-Zone Hi-Hats, Snares with rim-shots, Cymbals & more.
★ The harder you tap the louder the piece with adjustable touch-sensitivity.
★ Pieces respond to rolls, strums or flicks.

Adjust for that perfect sound
★ Customize the volume , panning and pitch of each individual piece.
★ Mix your music, set, metronome and each piece for that perfect sound.
★ Auto-pan pans the audio of each piece based on screen location.

Your set, Your way
★ Build new sets from scratch. Mix and match from any kit.
★ Arrange, size, rotate & tune your pieces for speed and your style.
★ Amazing interface enables Drag & Drop of pieces, backgrounds & add-ons.
★ Unique sounding kits include Rock, Country, Jam, Electronic, Acoustic & Hip-Hop.
★ Includes add-ons such as shakers, cowbell, tambourine, triangle & more.

Jam with music
★ Build playlists of music/drum-less tracks from your music library.
★ With Touch-Start, your music queue plays only when you’re ready.
★ Metronome with adjustable volume, tempo and measure.

Visually Stunning
★ Select from many different backgrounds.
★ Add effects such as virtual sicks and touch-waves.
★ Gallery lets you display, save and choose your set creations.

We want you to get the most out of Drum Canvas. For a video demonstration, support, or if you have any questions please visit drumcanvas.com

Grab Drum Canvas HD now –

Do you want to know the tempo of a song playing? Use the Beat Detector to find out! It listens to the music around you and detects the tempo in BPM (beats per minute). It can even give you an estimate of the signature (meter) of the music, distinguishing between 3/4 and 4/4.
Forget about tapping, this app doesn’t need your help! It works best with music containing strong rhythmic information like electronic music, Rock’n Roll or HipHop. You can touch the display to switch between short and long time duration.

Grab Beat Detector now –

Making beats has never been so easy. Beat Beat Play brings you a new and powerful way of making drum beats while on the go.
Powerful simplicity is the key with an interface designed specifically for the iPhone touch screen. You will be going from scratch to head bobbing in no time at all.

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Features:
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* 1 2 or 4 bars of 16 drum hits each.
* A further 6 Patterns per drum beat – with seamless switching on the fly.
* Completely editable while playing for instant feedback.
* Swing and Feeling sliders to make your beats sound less like a robot. Though the robot is fine with us…
* Editable Volume, Pitch, and Accent (Alternative Sound) for each and every drum hit.
* Triplet Hits to take your beats off the grid. Everything is better in threes.
* Multiple Time Display modes – Bouncing ball – LineSwipe – Light Emitting Diode.
* Export your beats to MIDI for use in your favorite DAW. Accessible through the iTunes App documents folder.

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Drum Kits:
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Base Pack (Free):
* New York – Classic Hip Hop sound. Fo’ real.
* Nashville – A clean no-frills rock sound.
Available for purchase (In App):
* Detroit – Sounds for the dance floor. I just want to dance.
* 8-bit City – Retro sounds from gaming’s yesteryear.
* London (80s) – Who doesn’t want to play the Electric Drums?
* Seattle – Loud Alternative Rock sounds good.
* Berlin – Techno Techno Dance and Techno.

Grab Beat Beat Play now –

This app is a beatbox allows you to compose and play 64 beat patterns.
You can also record the patterns.

S4-Rhythm composer is a beatbox allows you to compose 64 beat patterns.
To check all beat patterns in a bar immediately, use the large screen of iPad.

Use various Effect Functions while playing a beat; you can enjoy the beatbox as you play the beat actually.

The beat patterns can be exported as WAV files. You can use the files on various DAWs by importing them into PC via iTunes.

Functions
- 10 PCM sound sources (Kick, Snare, Tom1, Tom2, Tom3, HandClap, HHopen, HHclose, Ride, Crash)
- Tempo (40-280 bpm), Tap Tempo, Swing, Groove functions
- Step Sequencer (up to 64 steps)
- Various Part Effect functions (Compressor, Roller)
- Various Master Effect functions (Delay, BPM Delay, Compressor, Distortion, Chorus/Flanger, LPF, Slicer, Roller)
- Audio Export function
- Real-Time Recoding function
- Wireless Sync-Start Technology (WIST) is supported

S4-Rhythm Composer is an app only for iPad; NOT for iPhone/iPod Touch.

Grab S4 Rhythm Composer now –

If you are fond of music and knows all about music apps for iOS, you will be delightful to find out that the second major update of Rhythm Studio for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad has beed just released. The app features such handy novelties as:

- New analog modeled synth with two oscillators modeling analog waveforms, a 24db resonant filter, oscillator sync and ring modulation
-New FX with Phaser, D-Verb, S-Verb, Amp Distortion, 2 band Equalizer and Auto Filter.
- Improved navigation with a zoom button and panning which snaps to each device.
- Full multi-touch allows users to control and move as many knobs and switches as they want.
- New ST-1 sound patches provided by professional music producer and Senior Sound Designer, Red-Eye.

Rhythm Studio takes the classic software to a whole new level making it a must-have for musicians of all levels. The app has been well received in the world music community reaching number 1 for the iPad music category in 12 countries and staying at the top of the iPhone and iPad charts for weeks upon release. The second major update takes music recording experience to the whole new level, introducing new instruments as well as improved controls that provide the smoothest recording experience then ever before.

Grab Rhythm Studio now –