Superbooth 2023: Cong Burn - Strokes

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2023, Sonicstate spoke to John from Cong Burn about their latest product releases. The first is Strokes, an all-in-one sequencing workstation groovebox that features an eight-part, multi-timbral synth and sampler engine with eight voices, each of which can be a sampler or one of the 16 built-in synth engines imported from Mutable Instruments Plus. Strokes encourages exploring rhythm and modulation, and the sequencer sends out rhythmic data and modulation data that can be connected to any sound design parameter. It is available as a VST3 and an audio unit on Windows and Mac, and on iOS it runs as a standalone application or as an AUV3 inside a host like AUM.

The other product from Cong Burn is Dispatch, a modulation matrix for Ableton Live. It solves the problem of having LFOs scattered around a project by bringing all modulation into one place. It can stack modulators on top of each other and map them to any parameter in Live, and it features a Ring configuration, a Pulse on and off generator, a Slope triangle generator, Signal input, Euclidean Rhythm Generator, audio input, CV input, quadrature LFO, MIDI generator, function generators, and a modulation mixer. Dispatch is a Max for Live device that is available on Windows and Mac.

Strokes iOS/AUv3/Standalone Price: 19.99 GBP. VST3/AU Price: 35 GBP

Strokes cross platform bundle price: 45 GBP

Dispatch price: 25 GBP

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes"

Strokes Multi Out Beta with Imaginando VS

video upload by BoBSwanS

"Just a quick test of 5 tracks using the latest beta of Cong Burn 'Strokes' https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes
Multi outs from Strokes into Ableton, Using Strokes Receiver to pump Midi into VS Visual Synth https://www.imaginando.pt/products/vs..."

STROKES

Sequencer, Sampler, Synthesizer & Groovebox

Runs on Windows 10/11, MacOS 10.11 & iOS 11 (or later)

Supports Intel Macs and runs natively on Apple Silicon

Quickstart guides for Ableton Live, Bitwig, VCV Rack, Cubase, FL Studio & Logic

On iOS, runs as an AUv3 inside a host, or as a standalone application

Strokes is an all-in-one, cross-platform workstation for sequencing, sampling and synthesis.

"Strokes is an amazing device for rhythmic inspiration. Its a lot of fun to play with and can lead to some very cool unexpected patterns and combinations" - Tom Rowlands [Chemical Brothers]

strokes v3.10 - oscillator update

video upload by Cong Burn

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes
https://apps.apple.com...
https://discord.gg/ETKn7kBpzn

Plaits code by Emilie Gillet, released under MIT License
https://github.com...

Plaits cheatsheet by Rochefsky
https://www.rochefsky.com...

"Strokes' latest mutation adds 16 synth engines derived from Mutable Instruments Plaits

Taking a fresh look at Strokes - it's now a fully cross platform (mac/win/iOS) sequencer/ sampler/ synthesizer/ groovebox/ 8-part-multitimbral synth/sampler.

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes
https://apps.apple.com...
£19.99 / £35 / £40

Also new:
- Pitch sequencing and quantizers
- Fully customisable modulation matrix, any modulation source can connect to any sound parameter
- Bit crushing & sample rate reduction added to sampler, as well as start/loop point modulation
- Panning & fine tune

Overview:

Welcome to Strokes - an all-in-one, cross-platform workstation for sequencing, sampling and synthesis.

The idea of this device is to encourage free-flow experimentation and exploration of rhythm and modulation. The architecture behind Strokes is complex, but on the surface it’s designed to be intuitive no matter what your experience level is. By setting up some sounds and turning the dials, anyone can create interesting and unique results. The sequencing and modulation are cross-patched, meaning the actions of one part impact on another - in this way, the patterns all form part of the greater whole, moving in symbiosis to create cohesive results.

Rather than relying on methodical programming of patterns or computer-defined ‘randomness’, Strokes offers a way to create surprising music with an emphasis on fun. Nothing happens by accident, but you never quite know where a jam will take you. With the means to store patterns and melodic information within a project, one set up can produce different results every time.

The first four sequencer channels can be set according to your wishes, while the other four behave in various ways according to those settings. Each channel can be assigned one of 16 oscillators from Mutable Instruments’ celebrated Plaits module. Alternatively, they can each be assigned to samples of your choice with various sound design options. There are probability options to add semi-random changes to the sequencers, and on-board reverb and delay add effects processing to the sounds being generated. Various modulation options allow these sounds and effects to be changed in subtle or significant ways, always in response to the other rhythmic behaviour taking place in the project.

Strokes can run as a VST3 or AU plug-in within all major DAW environments, meaning the MIDI information generated can also be assigned to your own software and hardware instruments. On iOS, Strokes can run as a standalone application or from within a host such as AUM."

strokes v3.9 - sampler update

video upload by Cong Burn



"Strokes has just undergone it's most significant mutation to date - what was once just a MIDI sequencer is now a fully fledged, self contained instrument/groovebox featuring 8 samplers, a reverb, and delay.

The sequencer is deeply integrated with the samplers, with each sampler featuring: - amp attack/decay
- adjustable start/end & loop (drag top/bottom half of waveform) - root note (for tuning the sample)
- multi mode filter lp/bp/hp
- delay & reverb sends
- 4 modulation lanes hooked up to the sequencer

In addition to the new sampler features, there's Ableton Link integration, cross-platform project sharing and a bundled factory sample pack with over 100 sounds captured from a Machinedrum, Monomachine & Nord Drum 2.

Strokes is available now on Win, Mac & iOS as a VST3, AU, AUv3 and standalone application.

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes https://apps.apple.com/.."

Drambo by Beepstreet

Published on Mar 26, 2020 Ben Richards

http://www.beepstreet.com/ios/drambo

"Drambo is an innovative modular groovebox and audio processing environment. Modular components are used to build synthesized and sample based instruments and audio effects using high-quality DSP and audio-rate modulation. Tied to a powerful sequencer, it’s an optimal music creation tool for sound design, composition, performance, and experimentation.

At the heart of Drambo lies an entirely new concept that makes modularity easy, fun and affordable. Modules are connected automatically, with no cables as you add or rearrange them. A dynamic interface creates modulation knobs when you need them. Modules may house other modules, so you can keep your patch well organized. Of course, automatic connections can be overridden. In Drambo you can focus on playing with sound and signal structure without getting lost in wires.

Features
Unique modular concept: cable-less, drag'n'drop, color coding dynamic interface, automatic connections, and customizable compact, rack views.

Directional flow (helps in better overview). There are no instant feedback routings in Drambo. Delayed feedback is possible using certain modules.

Simple and clean interface, that scales to every size and device orientation

CLICK FOR MORE »

takete v2.0 audiovisual groovebox for iPhone and iPad Released

Published on Jan 15, 2020 Refined Stochastic Technology

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/takete/id1016132048

"The new version of takete for iOS is available now. since its initial release, the tools that were once focused on the specific needs of one live audiovisual project have now been broadened.

It still has the ability to act as a complex multichannel looper with modular routing capabilities. but now with extra focus on creating music within the groovebox from scratch - with minimal audio samples.

new features

- universal app runs on iPhone and iPad
- new pricing scheme with a monthly subscription available to access full feature set
- all new presets written specifically for the takete groovebox
- brand new audio and video samples created at 3BS Records
- new audio fx units
- global and local swing added
- improvements and updates to existing version 1 features throughout"

Follow-up to this post.

Synth Jams by Jay Hosking

Published on Jul 26, 2019 Jay Hosking

Spotted the first video in the playlist above on discchord.com. The Playlist contains 21 videos. You can use the player controls to skip around. Descriptions for each are below. All videos feature various gear so you should be able to get an idea of some of the capabilities of each featured. You can check out Jay Hosking's music at https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/.

Note, more will likely get added over time. The following playlist is as of this post:

1. Jam w/ Vermona PERfourMER MkII, Elektron Analog Rytm MkII, OTO Bam, Styrmon Big Sky, Fugue Machine

A live, semi-improvised performance, all on hardware, and inspired by some pretty tough news that has me sentimental.

I loved the Elektron Analog Four MkII so much that I picked up the Analog Rytm MkII. My feelings on the Rytm are mixed. On the one hand, it's missing that spontaneity and spark of units like the Arturia DrumBrute Impact and Teenage Engineering OP-Z, with no readymade performance effects, roller bar, or global randomization, and a slower workflow. On the other hand, I really like its analogue sound engines, any unused tracks can be converted into impressive analogue mono synths, it does beautiful things to samples, and like all Elektron boxes it integrates the effects into the sequencer really nicely.

As for the Vermona PERfourMER MkII, I'd been pining over it for ages, and it was fun to finally tinker with it. The Perfourmer definitely excels in the mid- and high- range, and I love how the independent voices making really interesting voices for chords.

Vermona PERfourMER MkII + OTO Bam — Three synths (left chord note, right chord note, melody)
Vermona PERfourMER MkII + Strymon Big Sky — Bass chord note synth
Elektron Analog Rytm MkII — Drums, samples, sample melody, punchy bass
Fugue Machine (iOS) — Sequencing
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo — MIDI out from iOS

Written and performed within a 24-hour period, and uploaded as is, with only a little sidechain compression on the Perfourmer (to emphasize the sound that the Rytm was already making), and compression/limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com/

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation Circuit Chillout by Flak Cannon

8mm From The Sun! [Novation Circuit Chillout] Published on May 29, 2019 Flak Cannon

"A chillout track completely made on the Novation Circuit groovebox. All video material recorded by me during 2016 - 2018 using the 8mm app for iOS."

Esoteric Beach Simulator II [Novation Circuit Tape Lo-Fi chillout]

Published on May 29, 2019 Flak Cannon

"I recorded this track directly to a cassette from the Novation Circuit when performing it. It's more exciting and fun recording directly into an analogue physical media when you don't have an undo/delete button so easily available!

If I ever finish this track "properly", I'll record it to PC and upload it here."

More Flak Cannon videos posted here.

deltAdata : Something Real (LOFI HIPHOP Samplr jam performance, traveler guitar ultra-light)

Published on Oct 4, 2018 deltAdata

"Lofi hip-hop Samplr performance jam with a guitar solo played with a traveler guitar ultralight at the end !

Used: Samplr (sample based ios groovebox), Flying Haggis (ios guitar amp and fx), line6 sonic port vx (guitar sound card), reaper PC (main video sequence editing), after effects (video tuning, mask, title), filmed with xperia z3c (head/guitar) and sony xperia m4 (side), ipad mini 1.

Thanks for watching ! ✌"

Gestrument Pro Teaser #2 – Grooveboxing

Published on Aug 31, 2018 Gestrument

"Another teaser?! Yes, another teaser!

This time, we've only used the built in effects and instruments in Gestrument Pro to build this warehouse-friendly Techno preset.

This preset is heavily inspired by groovebox-style techno with pattern sequencers running the drums and along with a few other sounds. The bassline is influenced by eurorack sequencing and utilises random sources to generate both rhythm as well as melody quantized to a pre-defined scale.

To the left of the screen you can see our new performance sliders. These can be mapped to almost any parameter available in the app for instant access during live performances or even automated using the loop function. In this Preset we use the sliders for mixing, effects and rhythm/melody generation.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Groovebox for iOS | Uncovering Musical Creativity with Slugabed

Published on Jun 14, 2018 WeAreAmpify

iTunes: Groovebox - Novation

"Artist and label owner Slugabed talks about inspiration and music making with Ampify on iOS.

'Inspiration can just strike you at any moment'

Midi In and Chromatic Mode now supported.

GROOVEBOX for iPhone & iOS
Groovebox is a free, beautifully designed music studio app packed with inspiring synths and drum machines. As from today, Groovebox supports Midi In and Chromatic-Mode, allowing external midi keyboards and other devices to play and record patterns into iPad and iPhone.

AMPIFY x NOVATION
Ampify is a unique innovative team formed from Novation, world-renowned music instrument pioneers. We’re responsible for some of the most popular music creation and remixing apps on Apple’s App Store. Launchpad for iOS has nearly 7 million downloads, and Blocs Wave for iOS won a number of prestigious awards. Our team, originally called Blocs, is now known as Ampify.

MAKE & REMIX MUSIC
Launchpad is the number one app for remixing and performing electronic music, whilst Blocs Wave paves the way for generating new musical ideas instantly. Now with Groovebox supporting these advanced features, Ampify offers a variety of new creative ways to make music on iOS.

ABOUT AMPIFY
The Ampify team was born out of talent from established electronic music brand Novation. The team were responsible for previous innovations such as the original Launchpad hardware. Their latest accolades include Launchpad, Blocs Wave and Groovebox for iPad and iPhone."

Previous posts featuring Groovebox for iOS

Ampify Groovebox for iOS App Gets Seamless Novation Launchkey Connectivity

Groovebox | Play Beats & Melodies with Launchkey Keyboards from Ampify on Vimeo.

iTunes: Groovebox - Novation

"Ampify Groovebox for iOS helps anyone start creating music on an iphone or iPad. Easily build beats and musical ideas while on the go, resting on the beach,or even in bed. However, if you’re a musician you’ll son want to use a real keyboard to play the amazing synths or drum machines in a more meaningful way.

Now you can with our new seamless support for the award winning Launchkey keyboards from Novation. If you didn’t know already, we’re close buddies with Novation as a close partner brand. Now you can simply connect your keyboard and have full control of the Groovebox app using the Knobs, sliders and pads on Launchkey.

We’ve even extended the pads to allow scale modes on the pads while playing synths, and colour matched drumpads while playing beats.

Features

Play Beats - Coloured Drumpads easily separate your kicks from snares

Play Melodies - Scale modes help you play in key

Tweak Synths - The knobs easily control the instrument shortcut controls

Perform - Pads Select tracks and mute channels

Sliders - Adjust channel volumes

Transport - Play/stop and scene up/down controls.

What Hardware is supported?

Launchkey Mini

Launchkey 25,49,61 (RGB only on Mk2 version)

App Links

Groovebox - Novation

New MiniMon Synth Added to Novation's Groovebox for iOS

iTunes: Groovebox - Novation

"Today there’s a new member of the Groovebox synth family. MiniMon is a contemporary, cutting-edge synth for punchy bass riffs and rich detailed leads. MiniMon's powerful wavetable modulations generate a broad spectrum of inspiring sounds. The free MiniMon Essentials 1 soundpack includes 20 presets and over 100 patterns.

This version also includes the 'Pro Features Collection’ — all four Groovebox instruments in one easy-to-get bundle.

We really appreciate your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feature requests, let us know at support@ampifymusic.com or ampifymusic.com/survey. If you like Groovebox and have a minute to spare, please review it in the app store. You can also review the app on iPhone from within the in-app menu."

GR16! iOS Groovebox App Review Part A - First Look Z18

Published on Jan 8, 2018 VJ FRANZ K

"New music app! Do you want this? Have a look, and a listen to the Groove Rider 16 software 'groovebox', which is similar to the Electribes you'll often see me play on this channel. ( Please like, and subscribe? )
[ Sorry, the audio is slightly overloaded. I'm using a new mixer and camera! ]"

iTunes: Groove Rider GR-16 - Dmitrij Pavlov

"Groove Rider GR-16 is a professional step-sequenced groove box, inspired by professional hardware drum machines and rhythm boxes. It has a powerful Poison-202 based two oscillator synthesizer engine, plus a big variety of included PCM drum samples, insert/send/master effects, arpeggiator, automation recording, modulator, ADSR and filter block, and more! Built-in factory pattern library includes patterns in different music styles, which will inspire you (the list will be appended with the regular updates). Check out the patterns demo video: [posted here]

One remarkable feature of GR-16 is that all the controls are arranged on one screen, just like on a real groove box device! It lets you access almost all useful parameters from the one screen. Forget about numerous sub-windows and dialogs, which ruined your inspiration in another musical apps! Groove Rider is the fastest path from your imagination to reality!

You can use GR-16 as a ready-to-go realtime musical instrument (groove box) in your jam sessions together with Ableton Link feature to synchronize it with your other music gear. Groove Rider is also very handy for quickly sketching your musical ideas, allowing you to instantly record them directly by using the Record function. Making music becomes easy and fun, in contrast with boring note drawing process and dealing with tons of files and expensive plugins in the DAW's! Don't loose your inspiration, boost it up with Groove Rider!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Launchpad for iOS // All New Design x Novation Launchpad Controller

Published on Dec 6, 2017 WeAreAmpify

iTunes: Novation Launchpad - Novation

Playlist:
Ampify // Launchpad for iOS - All New Design.
Launchpad for iOS // All New Design x Novation Launchpad Controller
Launchpad for IOS - Getting Started TutorialLaunchpad for iOS - Pro FX Overview Tutorial


"About Ampify
The Ampify team was born out of talent from established electronic music brand Novation. The team were responsible for previous innovations such as the original Launchpad hardware. Their latest accolades include Launchpad, Blocs Wave and Groovebox for iPad and iPhone."

"What's New in Version 7.0
The original Launchpad — All-new design, available now. Free update.

We’re proud to announce a huge update to Launchpad. We’ve been working hard to redesign the app and make it even more beautiful, easy to use and powerful on new iPhones and iPads.

Highlight Features
• All-new design — Slick new interface. Crisp and responsive on all new iPhones and iPads.
• 3 new free soundpacks — Midnight House, Future Trap and Funk
• Go pro — All the pro features in the Pro Features Collection (iPad only)
• New iPhone layout — Swipe sound groups vertically, even while using FX
• Redesigned FX — All-new graphical design

Other Updates
• Pad groups — Easily see which pads are grouped on iPhone or iPad
• Track meters on iPhone — See which tracks are playing, even while using FX
• Various minor bugfixes and improvements

We appreciate your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feature requests, let us know at support@ampifymusic.com or ampifymusic.com/survey. If you like Launchpad and have a minute to spare, please review it in the app store."

AMPIFY | Creating Patterns with Groovebox

Published on Sep 28, 2017

iTunes: Groovebox - Novation

"GROOVEBOX for iPhone & iOS

Groovebox is a free, beautifully designed music studio app packed with inspiring synths and drum machines. Groovebox supports Midi In and Chromatic Mode, allowing external midi keyboards and other devices to play and record patterns into iPad and iPhone.

AMPIFY x NOVATION
Ampify is a unique innovative team formed from Novation, world-renowned music instrument pioneers. We’re responsible for some of the most popular music creation and remixing apps on Apple’s App Store. Launchpad for iOS has nearly 7 million downloads, and Blocs Wave for iOS won a number of prestigious awards. Our team, originally called Blocs, is now known as Ampify.

MAKE & REMIX MUSIC
Launchpad is the number one app for remixing and performing electronic music, whilst Blocs Wave paves the way for generating new musical ideas instantly. Now with Groovebox supporting these advanced features, Ampify offers a variety of new creative ways to make music on iOS.

ABOUT AMPIFY
The Ampify team was born out of talent from established electronic music brand Novation. The team were responsible for previous innovations such as the original Launchpad hardware. Their latest accolades include Launchpad, Blocs Wave and Groovebox for iPad and iPhone."

AMPIFY | Launchpad for iOS

AMPIFY | Launchpad for iOS - Getting Started Overview from Ampify on Vimeo.

New app coming from Ampify.

"The Ampify team was born out of talent from established electronic music brand Novation. The team were responsible for previous innovations such as the original Launchpad hardware. Their latest accolades include Launchpad, Blocs Wave and Groovebox for iPad and iPhone."


AMPIFY // Launchpad FX Overview from Ampify on Vimeo.

BeatHawk groovebox for iPad/iPhone: Choir & Vocoder

Published on Aug 28, 2017 Marcus Padrini

"Track made with BeatHawk for iPad/iPhone, a great groovebox for iOS, easy to use and with many high quality samples."

iTunes: BeatHawk - UVItouch

Its Called A Synthesizer - Live Electronica Performance with Novation Gear

Published on Aug 11, 2017

"https://www.electronisounds.com/

ELECTRONISOUNDS -- SOUNDS | LOOPS | SAMPLE PACKS

WAV | Ableton Live | iOS Packs | MIDI | Serum | Dune 2 | Sylenth

IT'S CALLED A SYNTHESIZER -- Live electronica performance

PRODUCTION TOOLS USED:
---------------------------------
iOS iPad TOOLS ► Novation Groovebox app (composition), Novation Blocs Wave app (composition), Novation Launchpad app (arrangement and live performance)

LIVE-PLAYED SYNTHS ► Novation Ultranova (factory patch B056 'Electric Fluid'), Novation Launchkey MINI is controlling a laptop running Ableton Live with a custom Sylenth patch (038 LD Shiny Glossy Heart) from my 'Dayglow' soundbank for Sylenth which is coming soon.

VOCALS ► Are being triggered with the Behringer CMD DC-1 MIDI Controller - live in real-time from a 2nd laptop running Ableton . I am also using this laptop to playback the ride loop which is turned on and off via this controller as well.

THE SPEECH I SAMPLED ► [embed below]

NOTE: The iPad and BOTH LAPTOPS are all using ALBETON LINK to keep everything in time and perfectly in sync, such as the delay on the vocal samples and the delay on the Shiny Glossy Heart Sylenth patch."

Ampify Groovebox // A Beats & Synths Studio for iPhone & iPad

Published on Jun 23, 2017 Ampify - Music Apps for iOS

iTunes: Groovebox - Beats & Synths Music Studio - Novation

"If you love making electronic music, you’ll love Groovebox. Enter an inspiring world of music production on your iPhone & iPad.

http://ampifymusic.com

Groovebox is a free, beautifully designed music studio app packed with inspiring synths and drum machines. In minutes you’ll be making beats, melodies, and playing with world-class instruments. Expand your own collection with more sounds and instruments available in the store. From the creators of Launchpad, Groovebox helps you produce music on iPhone & iPad.
• A BEATS & SYNTH MUSIC STUDIO
Play with touchable instruments to quickly create your own beats and melodies, or draw in notes. Need inspiration? Groovebox has hundreds of patterns and sounds to get you started. Two powerful synthesisers, designed in partnership with Novation, deliver deep retro basslines and analogue harmonic melodies. The modern drum machine, with expanding drumkit library, will turn Groovebox into your go-to beat production studio.
• SYNTHS DESIGNED WITH NOVATION
Designed in partnership with Novation, legendary synth pioneers, Groovebox packs a world-class sound. Each instrument uses a new powerful synth engine capable of recreating classic warm analogue sounds and rich modern harmonics.
• EASY TO START, DEEP TO ENOUGH MASTER
Groovebox is designed to kick-start ideas, but it has serious features for artists and producers too. The advanced synth parameters* let you sculpt your own sounds. Included iPad mixer, note sequencer, key and scale modes let you control your sound. Export your sounds easily to a laptop to produce further. Sync to other apps or a laptop with Ableton Link. Connect using Audiobus, Inter-App Audio and even Export to Ableton Live seamlessly.
FEATURES
• Discover and build ideas - Quickly explore sounds with hundreds of melody and rhythm patterns
• Play touchable instruments - Create your own melodies and beats
• Three powerful instruments - Drumbox, Retrobass and Poly-8
• Build beats - Play drum pads or keys, sequence notes or use patterns
• Sound innovation - Synths developed in partnership with synth pioneers Novation
• Expand your sounds - Regular, fresh-content drumpacks, presets and patterns*
• Production-ready sounds - Crafted by world-class sound designers and artists
• Extendable Instruments - Expose more tweakable synth controls
• Sequence your music - Draw notes and build patterns instead of playing them
• Stay in time and key - Choose from any tempo, key or musical scale
• Mix your music - 8-track mixer on iPad. Instrument focus mixer on iPhone.
• Share your music - Easily create a mix of your music to share with others
*Requires In-App Purchase

ADVANCED FEATURES
• Jam with others - Audiobus, Inter-App Audio, Ableton Link and Ableton Export
• Ableton Export - Easily send your project to Ableton Live
• Full scale support - All keys and major, minor and modes supported
• Project management - Rename, duplicate and delete
• iPad Pro support - Optimised to use the entire iPad Pro screen
• Send your ideas to a laptop - Batch export your pads as a .zip file, or use Ableton Export
• Bluetooth speaker supported

SUPPORTED DEVICES
Groovebox is compatible with iPad 4th Generation, iPad Air 1/2, iPad Pro 9.7/12.9, iPad Mini 2/3/4, iPod Touch 6th Generation, iPhone 5/5C/5S, iPhone 6/6S, iPhone 6S/6S Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus. Requires iOS 10."