Control Synths from Your Phone: Piano Improv on Blade Runner Riff | iOS MIDI (Beta)

video upload by Cristián R. Villagra

"Live piano improvisation over synth riffs driven by my in-development iOS MIDI control app (no name yet). The app sends MIDI to my computer to play arpeggiators and tweak sound parameters in real time (filters, tone, mix, FX) using on-screen faders, knobs, XY pads, mini keyboards, and pitch bend.

Session routing (Kontakt):
• CH1: Noire Piano — played from Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk3
• CH2: Two synths — driven by the app’s Bass Arpeggiator (riff inspired by Vangelis’ Blade Runner theme)
• CH3: Lead synth — performed from the app’s mini keyboard
• CH4: Minimal electronic drums — driven by a second arpeggiator

Why this app? Many keyboards I use on stage have few (or zero) surface controls—sometimes not even pitch bend—so I built a mobile controller to unlock hands-on control: shape filters, automate movements, morph textures, balance layers, and keep playing fluidly. If this helps me, I know it can help other players too.

This video is a 6-minute+ live jam to show the workflow: arpeggiators keeping motion underneath while I improvise on piano and ride parameters on Page 2 of my scene (faders/knobs/XY). The app is still in development and I plan to release it as soon as possible.

If you’re into MIDI control, live keys, or sound design, tell me what you’d like this app to do next—your feedback will shape the release.

Additional Keywords: iOS MIDI app, mobile MIDI controller, live arpeggiator, synth arps, Kontakt Noire, Native Instruments, Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk3, phone MIDI, DAW performance, synth filters, XY pad, faders and knobs, pitch bend on mobile, live improvisation, Blade Runner inspired, Vangelis, sound design workflow"