I spent some quality time this weekend with my Mac and my iPad and lots and lots of music and synthesis software -- my goal, modest though it be, is to drive a software synthesizer from my iPad. I succeeded, but not really in the manner that I expected. I started naively with an Apple Camera Connection Kit, which I figured would give me USB/MIDI out from my iPad that I could plug into my Macbook Pro.
Alas, things aren't that simple.
On the plus side, the iPad / CCK will drive a hardware synthesizer through a cheap USB MIDI converter cable (given that the iPad app is written to output MIDI). And I can drive my Macbook from a hardware MIDI controller device (via the same USB MIDI converter cable).
But it appears that currently the only way to drive a softsynth from an iPad is via wifi MIDI or wifi OSC -- call me weird but I'd kinda rather be able to do it via a cable connection. Also / of course, the app has to be written to output MIDI or OSC, and you'll need some kind of server on your computer to 'catch' the MIDI or OSC messages and route them to your softsynth. In case you're looking to do this, it appears that at this time you basically need two additional pieces of software: DSMI Server (for MIDI) and OSCulator (for OSC). Once you've got those up and running, you can run your favorite VST Host or DAW and go happily on your way. At least that seems to be how it's working for me; I'm still learning a lot of stuff and so I reserve the right to come back here and revise any errors I may have made.
I'm beginning to notice that iPad music apps are tending to fall into natural categories:
- Sound Generators - There are a lot of these: mini-synthesizers with keyboards or other controls, "drum machines" that play sequences of sampled sounds, etc. These tend to be self-contained systems that may (but probably don't) function as MIDI / OSC controllers (and may or may not accept MIDI / OSC commands as input).
- Mini-Studios - Basically a "Sound Generator" on steroids, it may also include a sequencer, sampler, FX, recorder, and other goodies to allow you to actually create songs. Probably attractive to musicians who tend to have long commutes -- also relatively inexpensive compared to a notebook / desktop computer DAW setup.
- Alternative Controllers - New or unusual systems that allow one to make music via non-traditional controls; MorphWiz, Mugician, and iJammer (below) are fine examples of these. Sometimes they'll output MIDI / OSC to an external synthesizer (a trend I would like to encourage). In any event, these are intended as serious interfaces and not simplified "musical toys".
- Musical "Experiments" - Amos (see below) is one of these: it generates music or sounds according to certain principles, probably has on-board sound capabilities but may also offer MIDI / OSC -- there are probably parameters you can adjust and then you let it run and it makes "music".
That said, I've acquired a number of samples from each category -- and I find that I'm drawn to the Alternative Controllers. Yes, you can make an iPad generate some really cool sounds, but compared to the multitude of VST software synthesizers out there, the iPad really can't compete.
Below is a round-up of some of the more interesting items I looked at this weekend. It's by no means comprehensive and my comments are based on what I read on the iTunes and developer's websites (ie, I did not buy all of these). I hope this will prove informative / interesting to anyone who's just starting to get into iPad music.
Hardware
prices may have changed by the time you read this
Alesis IODock: unknown
More info
Comments:
I think this is gonna be big. Really big. Especially as iPad 2.0 comes out, and a lot of musicians will find themselves using the 2.0 for FaceTime and so forth, while the "old" iPad gets pressed into semi-permanent duty as a music device.
USB MIDI Music Cable Converter Keyboard Interface Cable Adaptor Keyboard to PC Support XP/Vista/MAC: $2.71
More info
Comments:
It works as described above. I've seen music stores selling these things for $30+, so if you're looking to buy, go online.
Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit: $29.00
More info
Comments:
You know it and love it (or not).
Line6 MIDI Mobilizer: $69.99
More info
Comments:
A dedicated MIDI output for iPad. People seem to like it, but apparently your app has to be written to talk to Line 6's library for it to work. Currently it seems like something of a gamble as to whether or not it will become a de-facto standard.
GuitarJack: $149.00 (!)
More info
Comments:
A handy (and pricey!) device that definitely fills a niche. I don't see it catching on unless the price falls dramatically.
Article of Interest
iPad Software
prices may have changed by the time you read this
touchOSC: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Allows one to build custom layouts of controls that output OSC signals over wifi.
Midi Touch: $17.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Appears to be much like touchOSC (above) but for MIDI instead of OSC. Ie, you can build custom layouts of control buttons and sliders and whatnot, and use them to transmit MIDI messages.
Expression Pad: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
An alternative controller that outputs wifi MIDI.
Everyday Looper: $5.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Allows one to record several samples, then loop them and mix them.
Funkbox: $2.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A "retro-style" drum machine.
Beatwave: free
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A simple, graphically-oriented sequencer.
Moog's Filtatron: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
This is a weird one. It's awfully nice looking, and, well, basically, it makes odd sounds.
MorphWiz: $9.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
An alternative controller that, like the Mugician (below) aspires to be a real musical instrument. The only downside is that it lacks any kind of MIDI or OSC output, and thus you're limited to the built-in sounds.
Korg's iMS-20: $32.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A faithful recreation of the Korg MS-20 analog synthesizer, on the iPad. Can be controlled via MIDI over the Apple Camera Connection Kit.
BeatMaker 2: $19.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Very popular mini-studio / sample tweaker / groove sequencer.
Crystal XT: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A dedicated synthesizer that can be controlled via MIDI over the Apple Camera Connector Kit. This is probably pretty cool (there's a free Crystal VST synth that makes some amazing sounds) but using the iPad as a sound generator just doesn't really work for me.
OMGuitar: $14.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Appears to be a reasonably serious attempt to emulate a guitar (with strumming) on the iPad. Kinda expensive.
The demo video is cute.
Jasuto: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
An idiosyncratic synthesizer that can be controlled by OSC.
nanostudio: $8.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Extremely popular mini-studio with many, many features. I'll probably buy this in a weak moment.
StepPolyArp: $11.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A sequencer / arpeggiator that talks MIDI either wirelessly or through the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer.
MIDI Monitor: free
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Requires an Apple Camera Connection Kit -- basically a "MIDI Sniffer" tool that lets you capture and inspect MIDI messages on the wire.
MIDIVision: $3.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Requires a Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer -- basically a "MIDI Sniffer" tool that lets you capture and inspect MIDI messages on the wire.
S1 MIDI Trigger: $2.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A user-customizable MIDI controller that supports wired / wireless MIDI.
AC-7 Core: $7.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
for DAWs
Comments:
A DAW controller that appears to work with most major PC / Mac-based DAW software. Looks really cool.
Molten: $9.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A drum sequencer that appears to support wired / wireless MIDI.
Soundprism: $2.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
"Simplified" alternative controller that's designed so it's hard to play a "wrong" note. No apparent MIDI / OSC.
Musix: $.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A "hexagonal isomorphic keyboard". Inexpensive and claims to output MID / OSC.
Amos: $2.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Think of it as "MIDI wind-chimes". Neat toy that looks ultra-snazzy.
Pianist Pro: $9.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A bit pricey but also one of the few iPad keyboard controllers that outputs OSC and MIDI, wired or wireless. Has an arpeggiator and a drum machine. I may end up forking over the $$$ for this one.
OSCemote: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Appears to be a general-purpose OSC controller. They advise reading the documentation before buying, and I believe them.
Retronyms Synth: $.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Polyphonic sampling synth (no MIDI *sigh*)
iSequence: $14.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
16 step pattern sequencer / studio.
iSample: $9.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Appears to be a six-channel sampler / recorder / looper.
MegaSynth: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
5-note polyphonic synthesizer with sequencer and recorder.
Argon: $1.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
monophonic virtual analog synth
Comments:
Monophonic analog synthesizer plus sequencer, very pretty.
Euno: $2.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Some kind of synthesizer with controls laid out by a graphic designer.
Dopplerpad: $9.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A synthesizer with some kind of loop-based scheme for building songs. It might be lots of fun, but I can't make heads nor tails out of it.
Aurora Sound Studio HD: $39.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Not sure what to think of this (except yeesh that's an expensive app. It appears to be based on the
Yamaha Tenori-On system, which I know nothing about.
iJammer: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A WiFi-based MIDI controller (that supports two independent MIDI channels (!)). "The layout is based on the 'Hayden-Wicki' system, with independent mirror image keyboards for the left and right hands. Supports up to 10-note polyphony." Sounds neat, but it also sounds like it would take some effort to learn to play it.
AirPipes: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A WiFi-based MIDI Irish Bagpipes / Flute / Whistle control surface for the iPad. It also supports two independent MIDI channels. Might be somewhat easier to play than the iJammer (above).
Peavey AmpKit: $19.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A neat concept, but somewhat spoiled when I read that the app functions as a storefront that allows you to purchase additional effects boxes and pedals.
Xewton Music Studio: $14.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
"Music Studio is the only complete music production environment for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
It combines a piano keyboard, 73 studio-quality instruments, a 128-track sequencer, a piano roll editor, real-time effects and much more on a user-friendly interface." Appears to be a pretty serious attempt at an all-in-one studio.
iHolophone: $.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Very pretty, but it appears to be mostly a toy.
MendelSynth: $2.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Uses some kind of genetic algorithm to generate sounds. I generally love this kind of thing but $2.99 is a bit steep.
Slice Free: free
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
More "toy" than "instrument", it offers a novel way to slice up samples to build "grooves".
Bebot: $1.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
This appears to be kind've a "toy" version of MorphWiz (above).
Mugician for iPad: free
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A very serious attempt at an Alternative Controller; alas, it doesn't do MIDI or OSC. But it's fun (not easy) to play, and you can't beat the price. Check out one of the videos to see / hear it in action.
Curtis for iPad: $9.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Supposed to be some kind of granular synthesizer; personally I can't make heads or tails of it. I think granular is a really neat concept, but the results just don't sound very musical to me.
Synthpond: $1.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
A "Musical Experiment" app; I like that it outputs OSC.
Konkreet Performer: $24.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
The demo video looks impressive, but they're fooling themselves if they think they can sell this for $24.99 a pop. I predict a price drop soon.
SunVox 1.6: $4.99
iTunes page :
Developer's page
Comments:
Looks to be a very sophisticated mini-studio (for a very nice low price).
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