Pro Music Apps

This looks like a great tool for composers and arrangers that want an easy straight forward way to try out alternative arrangements when putting songs together.

HyperTunes lets you compose and arrange music based on structure, such as verse-chorus-bridge song form, and it keeps all your musical content at your fingertips as you do so.

It lets you to focus on the big picture as you compose, and makes it much easier to try different arranging options than a traditional sequencer timeline does.

For details, and some videos on how it works, check out out - http://hypertunes.net/

 

You can start from a song form and then plug in instrument parts later, the way an artist might sketch out a piece before filling in the details.

Or, you can work in an exploratory manner, adding one new section at a time.

You can rearrange the entire song in one step, just by selecting a different form from the extensive built-in menu, or by defining your own unique song form.

Plug instrument parts – drum grooves, bass lines, guitar licks, keyboad riffs – into the sections of your song at any time.

Modify the chords/keys of any section at any time. HyperTunes always tranposes the parts of your song to fit the currently associated chords.

But HyperTunes isn’t just about super-flexible arranging operations. It’s also about maximizing the accessibility of your content.

It lets you access all your MIDI content in just a few touches, so that you can easily share and reuse content between different songs and libraries.

Import any number of original music projects and third party pattern libraries in General MIDI format.

Export your arrangement as General MIDI for performance or further development using your desktop sequencer or other music making tools.

HyperTunes
Developer: James Mahoney

Rated: 4+

Price: $5.99 Download Here

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

This one won’t be for everyone, but it’s good to see the development platform coming to iPad.

textsound turns your iPad in a powerful audio develop environment based in puredata.

Write, edit, load, run and test pd patches.
Control your code with the predefined interface.
Save your texts.

textsound:
Use your device for audio development.
Edit and control your desktop pd patches directly on your device.
Create synths, sequencers, music estudios, generative music, etc only with your iPad.
Build in desktop or in device yours own custom iPad instruments.
Run in your desktop your iPad patches.
Make your own midi, osc controllers.
And more…

Note: There’s also a free version of this app available to try out.

textsound
Developer: lopez lozano

Rated: 4+

Price: $0.99 Download Here

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

I’m not sure how useful this app will be in everyday music-making life for most of us, but it did strike me as a novel concept for an app!

Designed to aid composing your own music prior to punching the paper strips for Music Box’s, this allows you to compose, preview, play, save and share (via iTunes file transfer) you creations.

- Add, move, delete notes
- Disable Notes for temporary changes
- Multiple undo
- Ripple edits
- Save and Load (access the save location via iTunes File Sharing to share your creations with others – more sharing options planned)
- Retina display support for the new iPad
- Sounds sampled from physical Music Box for added reality

The physical Music Boxes with the paper punch strips and are great fun – what I found was missing was an easy way to preview either transpositions or original creations. This aims to fill that gap.

In the works is online Upload/Download for easy sharing, and a layout for smaller work areas ie Universal App support (+iPhone). Please send any bug reports our way so we can shake them out!

Tips:
- Notes are added/edited in the *Lower* strip only: the middle one is a zoomed view (use it to pan at any time though), the top is an overall view (which you can use to jump your view around, or play through the entire piece by hand).
- Start with the ‘Add’ button, the tap in the lower strip view to set a note. Touch and slide your finger to add a note and adjust where it ends up – the note is played as you create/change pitch so it’s easy to get what you need.
- Use the zoomed in view to see what you are doing (fingers do get in the way)
- You can use the Add and Move modes together – it will then only add a note if it doesn’t find one near where you tap. With ‘Add’ only it creates regardless, but with both modes active you can add and adjust easily.
- Turn off ‘Snap’ mode to allow you to place notes between the vertical bars.
- The select mode allows you to swipe across an area to select, as well as simply being able to tap to select/deselect.

Be aware that the physical Music Boxes don’t allow the same note twice without a gap of one vertical line: currently Music Box Composer does not show this limitation of the physical Music Boxes, a future version will.

Music Box Composer
Developer: Grant Adam

Rated: 4+

Price: $3.99 Download Here

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

If your piano skills could use some brushing up on, this neat iPad app looks like it could come in handy.

RollingNote is a game that uses scrolling notes to help you learn piano. You follow and play along to songs on your MIDI keyboard or acoustic piano.

RollingNote supports music artists and makes learning to play piano songs fun, meaningful and modern. Truly experience the joy of piano music.

PIANO INSTRUCTION HAS EVOLVED
We believe everyone should be able to play piano. Beginner or expert, RollingNote is for the music lover in you.

Smash hit video games prove that you can have tons of fun simulating instruments…but why stop there?! RollingNote uses the same interactive video game experience to make it easy to learn to play songs. In short, expect more than high scores. You can play piano!

> Install the RollingNote Player
> Pick songs from the RollingNote Song Store
> Launch the Player and log in
> Connect your keyboard to play (or hop on an acoustic piano)

SONG STORE
Select from dozens of songs to keep in your RollingNote library. A selection of FREE songs will be available upon your initial app installation. New songs are added every week! So, please send us song requests and we will let you know when they are available.

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
- Learn piano on your own time (and if you take lessons, use as extra support)
- Simple scrolling notes replace sheet music
- Play the songs you love and discover new music you will love to play
- Choose skill complexity from a progressive selection of song levels
- Preview each song and level to hear how it is intended to be played
- Adjust song tempo to play at your own pace
- Practice using left, right or both hands
- Access and manage music in your personal song library

TRACK AND SHARE PROGRESS IN REAL-TIME
RollingNote can grade and score your playing to help you develop your piano skill. Access your scores anytime to monitor improvement + share with friends, family and teachers. Note: You can simply play for fun and disable grading by not connecting your iPad to your keyboard.

WE SUPPORT ARTISTS
Music artists deserve to get paid for their work. RollingNote is focused on developing practical tools that give you a hands-on musical experience, which in turn helps artists keep creating the music you love.

Grab RollingNote now –

While I’m sure many of you have been enjoying a chilled out start to the year (particularly if it’s winter in your neck of the woods), however it has been anything but relaxed here at Promusiapps HQ, due to work, travel, and other comittments.

But as things finally start looking like they are settling down now, we can get back to the main business at hand, and that is bringing you the latest news on all things music and audio in the iOS app world. If you’ve been with us for a while now, you’ll know we aim to provide you with a central online destination for all the latest news and information as we get it directly from music app developers and makers of audio and MIDI hardware devices.

This year we plan to continue to doing that, but we’d also like to get feedback on what other things you’d like to see on the site. So feel free to drop us a line on the contacts page with your thoughts and suggestions.

So again, sorry for the sluggish start to the year, but all hands are back on deck and we’re looking forward to another exciting year of new products and software to keep your creative musical juices flowing freely.

Regards,

Mikers

While dedicated eBook readers still haven’t yet reached the lofty heights in popularity as the multipurpose iPad and its extended family of apps, the iPad is a highly capable eBook reader in itself, with thousands of best sellers, education, and entertainment titles available to download.

Helping serve the needs of electronic musicians, Anthem Publishing, who handle MusicTech magazine, have been busy producing iOS friendly versions of their special Music Tech Focus issues.

With more than a dozen releases already, each issue is a perfectly digitised version of the 132 page magazine. The aim of each issue to is focus on one particular software package such as Reason and Ableton Live, or an area of music recording, such as Mixing and Mastering.

Like the magazine, the iOS app features workshops, tutorials, software and hardware reviews, and expert tricks and tips, ALL specific to the music software or recording technique.

Of course, one of the immediate benefits of these apps, is being able to carry around any number of issue of Music Tech Focus either on your iPad /iPhone/iPod Touch, and fire them up in a flash.

We’ve been using an iPad to check out the Ableton Live 8, Logic Pro 9, and Mixing editions over the last few weeks, and it’s a real convenience having them right there, rather than having to dig around for the magazines.

The apps work in portrait or landscape view. The difference being, in landscape view you see two pages at a time, and with the iPad upright, you see one page in a larger scale.

Like a real magazine, flipping the pages, via the iPad, offers an animation of the page turning, which could probably be a little faster for my liking, but it’s a cool effect anyway.

Double tapping the display zooms into the area of the page you tap, and can then be dragged around, or double tapped to return to full page view. Pinching the page in and out also does the same thing.

Where these digital versions come into their own, is being able to quickly and easily bring up thumb nails of the pages, as well as a main index offering main features, and then to go to a specific page instantly. And naturally it’s possible to ‘add’ and view saved bookmarks of pages you want to visit regularly. This is really the killer feature of any eBook.

I haven’t tried any issues on a smaller screen, but I dare say it’s not nearly the pleasant experience of the iPad screen, which the issues look super crisp and sharp, even when zooming into the pages.

At US$9.99 per issue, these apps are certainly cheaper than the real magazine (and so they should be), although I know some of us find great value in the BONUS DVD of Software/Audio goodies that also come stuck to the front of the magazine. Maybe in the future, they can even look at a way of offering a discount on the app for those that buy the magazine, mainly for the DVD.

While the type of content on offer here isn’t nearly as interactive or fully featured as say The Daily, or even Wired magazine iPad apps, they  still serve a purpose for those that warm to the idea of carrying around digital versions of magazines they are likely to use on a regular basis.

Check out the growing collection of Music Tech Focus apps in the App Store.

Amplitube Fender is here, bringing the world renowned Fender sound to your ipad/iphone andipodtouch.

Instead of reading about all the fabulous tone, let’s have a listen. First a vid, then check out the excellent teaser trailer here

Grab Amplitube Fender for iPhone/iPod Touch now –

Grab Amplitube Fender for iPad now –

OMGuitar is the best mobile guitar emulation ever created. It is a synthesizer with unique interface and new-generation sound hybrid engine that allows anyone to produce realistic guitar sounds.

OMGuitar is very playable and truly expressive. It responds to the speed of your strumming, catching the emotion of your melody. The quality of the sound is so high that it can easily be used in studio work as a quick method to produce realistic rhythm and arpeggio guitar tracks.

True guitar simulation on the touch-screen device is now possible thanks to the advanced artificial intelligence algorhythm that analyzes your style of playing and alters the sound accordingly.

OMGuitar features a truly mindblowing ergonomic interface. It is supposed to be played with iPad being held in a special way, placed between the laps. This comfortable position lets both hands operate freely, choosing chords and strumming strings. For newbies and keyboardists, it might be easier to define chords with the right hand and strum with the left hand, but it might be the other way for the guitarists.

There is a dedicated string-picking/arpeggio interface, represented as a column of 6 buttons, which can easily be played together with the string strumming interface. Note bend effect is achieved by swiping the button area.

The strings themselves respond to the speed of strumming and the distance between themselves and the initial screen tap. The player is supposed to strum with one finger and place the second finger on the guitar at any time for muting all the strings. With such approach, many common guitar playing techniques can be easily accomplished.

OMGuitar employs an absolutely new way of choosing chords called CH#RD. More than 300 chords are basically at the fingertips. Only one finger is needed to play all the common chords, such as Minor, 7th, Major 7th, power chords, 6th chords, diminished or suspended. For more special chords, one more finger is needed. In total, there is access to 23 chord variations per every root note, which is more than enough for any song.

OMGuitar can remember some of the chords in the 7 assignable “quick-chord” containers at the very top of the chord screen.

Some of the world’s best and most expensive guitar models have been sampled with great precision and act as the source for the synthesis engine. There are 6 completely different playable guitars, 3 acoustic and 3 electric. The tone can be further shaped with the 3-band equalizer.

OMGuitar has 10 built-in effects with over 50 presets: 2 types of Distortion, Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Wah-wah, Vowel filter, Compressor, Tremolo.

+ The best mobile guitar emulation ever!
+ Expressive playing is now possible
+ Amazing sonic quality, the sound is very impressive
+ Record to .WAV, export to iTunes
+ 6 guitars (3 acoustic, 3 electric)
+ 10 On-board FX with 50 presets
+ Instant access to 300 chords with CH#RD interface
+ 7 assignable containters for “quick chords”

Coming in updates:

+ More FX presets
+ More guitars
+ MIDI record/output

Head to the app’s homepage amidio.com/omguitar

Grab OMGuitar now –

Now this makes sense.. The new Studiodock from Alesis

Connect all of your audio gear to the entire world of apps for iPad.

The StudioDock is the first device that enables anyone with an iPad to create, produce, and perform music with virtually any pro audio gear or instruments. The StudioDock is a universal docking station specifically designed for the iPad, and it gives musicians, recording engineers, and music producers the connectivity they need to create and perform with iPad. Connect all your pro audio gear to virtually any app in the App Store with the StudioDock.

FLEXIBLE FUNCTIONALITY
Songwriters, music producers and performers of all kinds will find that the StudioDock connects the iPad’s powerful processor, touch-screen interface and extensive library of apps to their collection of microphones, instruments, professional speaker and PA systems, MIDI controllers, sound modules, video projectors and much more.

With the StudioDock and an iPad, musicians and producers can record, perform, craft and create music in virtually any situation or location. Built to accommodate all current app-development standards including Core MIDI, the StudioDock is a universal device that bridges your choice of music-creation apps, instruments, and devices.

COMPLETE CONNECTIVITY
The StudioDock provides microphone and instrument users with two combination XLR and 1/4-inch inputs, each with its own gain control and switchable phantom power for condenser microphones. Guitarists and bassists will appreciate the StudioDock’s guitar-direct switch, enabling them to play, perform and record right into amplifier- and effects-modeling apps. Bands can connect outputs from their mixer and easily record their performances and rehearsals or use the StudioDock as a metronome or loop-playback device. Producers can use the StudioDock’s MIDI jacks to sequence external keyboards, samplers, drum machines and synthesizers, or perform using the StudioDock as the sound module and their favorite MIDI-compliant keyboard, drum pad or other controller. An assignable 1/4-inch footswitch input enables remote control of any app-defined function such as stop/start or record. Users can also connect the StudioDock to their Mac or PC using the USB port to send MIDI back and forth for creative, new applications of the iPad and computer used in tandem.

Users can connect the StudioDock’s stereo pair of 1/4-inch main outputs to studio monitors for critical listening, or to PA systems for use in performance settings. They can monitor on headphones, and independently control the levels of the two outputs, each on its own knob. Recording musicians will appreciate the StudioDock’s direct-monitor switch, which enables them to toggle between the incoming and playback signal on their headphones. Rounding out the StudioDock’s output section is a composite video connector, enabling users to employ the StudioDock as a source for video projection behind bands on stage, or for connection to most televisions and computer monitors.

RUGGED RELIABILITY
The StudioDock was built for the real world. Whether you’re keeping it in the safety of the studio or taking it out for recording or performance use in the club or on tour, the StudioDock will not only deliver the connectivity you need for audio applications, but it also serves as a rugged, protective case for the iPad. The StudioDock completely houses the iPad on the bottom and three side surfaces. It also encases the iPad’s screen in a protective bezel on three of its four edges, further shielding the mobile computing device from the potential for damage in punishing environments.

The applications of the iPad for music creation, production, and performance are limited only by your creativity. As an imaginative, cutting-edge music maker, the StudioDock empowers you to seamlessly connect the world of pro audio gear and instruments to the iPad and the massive collection of apps.

This video from Harmony Central

NAMM 2011, the bi-annual music industry trade show has kicked off in Anaheim, California. Amongst the plethora of new music toys, there’s a whole bunch of apps and idevice hardware being released.

Akai have dropped this monster in the ring, the Akai Synthstation 49. Check out the video below which also has a rundown of the Synthstation for ipad app.

Here’s what they have to say.

SynthStation49 is the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with the iPad and the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional’s heralded SynthStation software, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads and array of transport controls. In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already in the App Store and hundreds more on the way.

Dock, power and position the iPad perfectly using the adjustable-angled cradle, or establish commanding control over your favorite computer software using SynthStation49‘s USB/MIDI port. Professional ¼” outputs and extreme portability ensure you’ll be able to take your sequences straight to the stage at a moments notice.

SynthStation49 is the only full-featured, professional keyboard controller allowing direct MIDI performance recording onto an iPad. Bridging Akai Professional’s popular MPK controllers with the previously released SynthStation25, SynthStation49 provides immense software control with forty-nine, full-size velocity-sensitive keys, nine backlit MPC-style drum pads and full transport buttons. An adjustable-angled dock for iPad allows the user to easily slide their tablet into the SynthStation49’s cradle and position the screen to their preference.

SynthStation49’s keyboard, pitch/modulation wheels and sustain pedal input provide great feel and the essential controls for musicians and producers to compose, record and perform. The nine drum pads of SynthStation49 give users immediate, intuitive beat-creation capabilities over the 50 classic and modern kits available within the SynthStation software. Program, Sequence, Song select and Transport buttons also provide quick navigation to the SynthStation App’s most used components for a seamless, efficient workflow.

SynthStation49 also contains a stereo pair of professional ¼” TRS outputs with volume knob for easy connecting to other pro audio equipment on stage or in the studio. A headphone output also lets users practice and compose in private. The SynthStation49’s USB port can be connected directly to a Mac or PC computer to receive power in addition to transmitting MIDI to and from music software – a great way to turn the SynthStation App or other CoreMIDI compatible App into a sound module. You can even use SynthStation49 as a traditional USB MIDI controller with your computer – no iPad required!

AkaiConnect SDK allows third-party developers to take advantage of all the professional controls and capabilities of Akai Pro’s SynthStation49 keyboard controller and incorporate support for those controls within their iPad applications. Software developers interested in creating programs compatible with SynthStation49 can submit an application now at SynthStationApp.com.