There's lots to explore in this sonic playground so I got in touch with the app's creator Erik Sigth of Humbetune. In the conversation that follows, Erik shares how the idea came about, talks about unique features, and wraps it up with a bit of philosophy on the conversational element of the app.
An interview with the creators of the RYK M185 and Intellijel Metropolis and Metropolix Eurorack sequencers
Ocenaudio is the fast, easy to use, cross-platform audio editor developed at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil. The interface is straightforward to use yet the app is packed with features that are there when you need them. I got in touch with the team currently working on Ocenaudio in Brazil to learn about the story behind this app.
Xynthesizr is an iOS MIDI sequencer that lends itself to live performance by altering playback in real-time via the touch interface or MIDI. Generative features like probability-based pattern morphing and Life-like cellular automata build fascinating variations that are also interactive. Fans of Xynthesizr, including myself, tend to truly enjoy the way it works. I talked with Yuri Turov to learn more about the making of Xynthesizr and his newer XY pad synthesizer called Shoom.
I caught up with Stephen Hensley from 2hp to learn a bit more about the background of this innovative Eurorack company. What follows is my conversation with Stephen talking about his designs, moments of inspiration, Euclidean sequencers, synthesis methods and more.
TAL Software recently released an iOS version of their highly regarded Juno 60 emulation. I spoke with TAL Software founder and developer Patrick Kunz, based in Switzerland, to find out a little more about how he has perfected this emulation over the years.
Koala is a sampler for iOS and Android with a well thought out workflow, designed by Marek Bereza. The workflow keeps you from stumbling down a rabbit-hole of micro-editing, tweaking parameters, undoing, redoing, etc. I spoke with Marek who now lives in London to find out more about his design process and background.
After seeing the NiftyBUNDLE modular case and modules at the NAMM show this year, I was impressed with the build quality of the whole unit and the functionality for the price. I got in touch with Al Joelson of Cre8audio to find out more about the company and its products.
Erik Sigth, who goes by the name Humbletune, is an independent developer of very unique synthesizers, samplers, and effects on multiple platforms. Erik is the creator of Tardigrain granular synthesizer, Strng string synthesizer, Shapesynth polyphonic synth, Frekvens frequency shifter delay and Elsa, a retro sampling keyboard among others. The minimalism of the user interface and color palette of his designs are striking. What follows in an interview with Erik to learn more about his approach to creating these instruments and find out about recent app updates.
Samplr was released in 2012, so it has been in the App Store for 8 years, yet a loyal following of musicians is performing with it today and new videos are showing up on YouTube. That’s a long run for a software app. I spoke with the designer of Samplr, Marcos Alonso, to learn about the story behind the design of this instrument.
Mark Watt is the creator of Spacecraft Granular Synth, for iOS and desktop. I contacted Mark to find out how this very musical and creative vision of granular synthesis came to be. What follows is a conversation with Mark that covers his background, the design of the app and in-depth details about how the app works.
Alexander Ewering is the creator of Xequence, an advanced linear MIDI sequencer, editor, arranger and controller for iPhone and iPad. I had a chance to chat with Alexander and find out more about the thinking behind this beautifully designed app.
A variety of MIDI sequencer styles and approaches are available with lots of creative options including Fugue Machine which was inspired by composition techniques used in Baroque music and Serialism. You can step sequence, loop record in an AudioUnit, create Euclidean polyrhythms, make semi-repeating generative phrases and use probability-based pattern morphing with the apps below. This is a short list of sequencers currently in vogue
The unique sound of string machines puts them in a class of their own. I’ve just recently discovered these sounds and the part they played in songs from New Order, Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, The Cure, Pink Floyd, Massive Attack, the band Air and more. Here’s a brief overview from my research.