Ampify shows off its new Groovebox music studio app at Sónar 2017 - Gear Guide

Published on Jun 23, 2017 FACTmagazine

iTunes: Groovebox - Beats & Synths Music Studio - Novation

"A new all-in-one music studio for iOS.

Sónar’s 24th Barcelona festival took place last weekend, and on top of a stellar line-up of artists that included Princess Nokia, Anderson .Paak, The Black Madonna and many more, there was lots of exciting music gear on show in its Sónar+D area.

Novation's app team Ampify was there to show off its new music-making app, Groovebox, which was released earlier this month on iOS. It includes two synths and a drum machine - all you need to start making music from scratch on your iPhone."

Ampify & Novation Release Groovebox - Beats & Synths Music Studio for iOS

Groovebox for iOS // A Beats & Synths Studio from Ampify on Vimeo.

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.

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 in Partnership 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 Enough to 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

• Three powerful instruments - Drumbox, Retrobass and Poly-8
• Discover and build ideas - Quickly explore sounds with hundreds of melody and rhythm patterns
• Play touchable instruments - Create your own melodies and beats
• Build beats - Play drum pads or keys, sequence notes or use patterns
• Sound innovation - Synths developed in partnership with legendary 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

Ampify x Novation

We are Ampify, 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.

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."

And the descriptions and screenshots from iTunes:

iTunes: Groovebox - Beats & Synths Music Studio - Novation

CLICK FOR MORE »

moodscaper for iOS

[iOS] moodscaper (Ver.1.9.7), Zillidrone (Ver.1.1) and Shoom (Ver.1.0) Jam [iOS 9, iPad Air]

Published on Oct 15, 2016 App Folder

Spotted this one on discchord.

iTunes:
moodscaper - Rob Jackson
Zillidrone groovebox - Andrey Savitsky
Shoom Synthesizer - Yuri Turov

"moodscaper is atmospheric sample-based generative music app. The developer constantly update this app and there is a kindly detailed manual on the official site. The manual mentions each 4 moods' musical scales.

"The light mood is based on the Japanese Yo scale using the following notes: E F# A B C#.
The dark mood is based on the Japanese Insen scale using the following notes: E F A B D.
The space mood is based on the Chinese Man Gong scale using the following notes: E G A C D.
The sad mood is based on the minor pentatonic scale using the following notes: E G A B D."

I played the sad mood auto-play with Zillidrone groovebox and Shoom Synthesizer in this video."

Details via the app store: moodscaper - Rob Jackson

"Moodscaper is a generative music app and a great personal companion for studying, providing non-intrusive headphone music at work, relaxing, meditating and even sleeping. Just launch the app, tap automatic play, and moodscaper will produce melodic, atmospheric and evocative ambient music in a “light”, “dark”, “space” or “sad” mood.

Moodscaper is also an easy to use instrument for creating epic-sounding pads and effects as part of a larger iPad-based music-making setup. You can even create your own custom instrument by loading your own samples, and taking advantage of moodscaper's generative engine.

Main features:

· Unique generative atmospheric sample-based instrument
· Simple user interface
· Four scale-based moods
· Variable dynamics - from mellow and sparse to full-on drama!
· Five loopers with optional sync
· Provides tasteful auto-accompaniment to your playing in realtime or in loops
· Hints displayed on keys that should sound good with root notes or chords
· Samples are randomly stacked for a bigger sound with more variation
· Effects section with filter, dual-delay and reverb
· Effects tweaks can be recorded in loopers
· Additional 20 key instrument for each mood
· Add your own samples and create your own mood-based instrument
· Additional instruments available as free downloads at moodscaper.com
· IAA support (as a generator) with no special setup required

The moodscaper development approach is to release small and frequent updates. This creates a tight feedback loop between me (the developer) and you guys, so you get to drive what new features are included in the app. Thanks to the great ideas suggested by current users, moodscaper has already gone in directions I didn’t originally envisage, so please consider being part of that, *especially* if you don’t see your “must have” feature in the list above. You never know, I might be working on that feature already for the next release, or if enough people ask for it, I’ll do my best to implement it ;-)

For more information, a downloadable manual, demos and support, please visit www.moodscaper.com

Thanks and happy moodscaping!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Zillidrone groovebox for iPad

Playlist:
Zillidrone groovebox for iPad (Demo: Polar lights)
Zillidrone groovebox for iPad (Demo: Mirage)
Zillidrone groovebox for iPad (Demo: Locomotive)
Zillidrone groovebox tutorial
Filt3s on Zillidrone (live in-app recording)
Filt3s plays on Zillidrone (in-app recording)

iTunes: Zillidrone groovebox - Andrey Savitsky

"iOS 8 is required.

Zillidrone is a sample-based groovebox for creating, performing and interacting with 32-step sequences for snares, kicks, hi-hats, sampler and two multioscillator synthesizers. With Zillidrone you can easily create, modify, save sequences and arrange them on the fly during a live performance. Use drum pads for making extra drum shots over the saved drum patterns. Shuffle samples, randomize patterns, use synth preset sequencers, apply DSP effects with automations to produce a wide range of sound transformations for your composition. Upload your own samples and use the magic of randomization without any editing to discover more ideas for your music. Record loops or full tracks in real-time, export recordings to other applications or share them via dropbox or email.

Features:
- Drum machine and drum pads for real-time groove production with 4 types of touches. Tap or swipe drum pads within different areas to produce different shots.
- Change samples manually or shuffle samples randomly during performance.
- Two oscillator synth with 5 presets, preset sequencers and automations for each controller.
- Sampler with piano keyboard (6 octaves).
- 5 real-time DSP effects: distortion, free verb, pitch shifter, wah-wah, ring modulator , one non-realtime "looper" effect and global delay effect.
- Mixer for panning and sending to global delay effect for each instrument and DSP effect.
- Arrangement editor for storing 16 different scenes. Each scene saves all states of controls, sequences, automations. You can change scenes manualy, randomly or create a song arrangement.
- Included library of 397 samples (99 per each drum instrument and 100 for sampler).
- Upload sample packs (wav, aif, aiff formats) via iTunes and assign them to each instrument separately.
- Real time recording for loops or long tracks. There's an option to record instruments and effects into different WAV files.
- Export recordings to Dropbox or open in applications with audio file import support.
- MIDI input and output. MIDI Sync input.
- Demo projects, help and video tutorial are included."

Pepp - Upcoming iPad Synth

Upcoming iPad-synth Pepp playing at random Published on Dec 12, 2014 Patrik Hedmalm

Some Pepp spec under the last video below.

"Can machines make music by themselves? What would happen if you told Pepp to make up something at random? I just did.. Enjoy the Pepp machine! Available soon for iPhone and iPad."

CLICK FOR MORE »

RD4 Groovebox Comes to iOS

Android's RD4 is now available for iOS.

iTunes: RD4 - Groovebox - mikrosonic

"Turn your iPhone or iPad into a musical instrument! RD4 - Groovebox is a music making app with virtual analog synthesizers, drum machines and effects.

Compose and arrange your music in real-time. Choose instruments individually for the 4 channels. Record live or set notes with the dedicated sequencer or piano roll of each instrument.

"This is no desktop app crammed onto a touchscreen. It seems the interface has been designed around your fingertips." Peter Kirn from CDM (createdigitalmusic.com)

This multi-touch enabled app makes it simple to invent unique loops and musical phrases. Manipulate the sound of the synthesizers by tweaking the oscillators, resonant filters and audio envelopes. Add audio effects like reverb, distortion, phaser, filter and delay to your sounds.

Appropriate both for experienced musicians and beginners.

Feature Overview

Mixer
- 4 channel rack mixer
- Instrument selection for each channel
- Volume control with level meter per channel
- Direct audio effect channel assignment
- Tempo control with tap tempo
- Channel mute and solo

Sequencer
- 2 banks with up two 8 bars per instrument
- Adjustable play modes from 1 to 8 bars and random modes
- Song Mode with a length of up to 99 bars

Choose between two virtual analog synthesizers and the drum machine for each channel:

Analog
- Modeled after legendary monophonic synths of the '70s
- For fat sounding bass and powerful lead sounds
- 3 oscillators with 6 different waveforms
- Each oscillator can be tuned precisely and has a warmth control for the typical analog sound
- Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release envelope generator
- Pitch wheel
- Low-pass filter (24dB/oct, 4-pole) with knobs for cutoff, resonance and an Attack/Decay/Sustain envelope generator

- Recording of played notes in real-time
- Piano Roll for editing recorded notes comfortably
- Or compose by drawing notes directly with the piano roll in 1/16 or 1/32 resolution
- Piano roll editing features: Transpose Pattern, Shift Sequence and Quantize Pattern

Bassline
- Reminiscent of the legendary 303 synthesizer
- Create bubbling basslines and screaming lead sounds
- Successor of the famous synthesizer Rubberduck from d-lusion
- High-quality low-pass filter with resonance, cut-off, and envelope controls
- Oscillator with 4 types of waveforms
- Real-time step sequencer with accent and slide

CLICK FOR MORE »

New KORG GROOVEBOX Renders

This one in via Chrome. Likely not real and just a rumor, as KORG has been focused on the new KORG MS20 Mini and KingKORG synths. The design is more a throwback to the Roland TB series which KORG has not done in the past.   Why copy Roland when they have their own vintage designs. There are no teasers on the KORG site. You can find the latest KORG press releases here.

New pics:















Pics are via techhouse.sk - technika pre DJs a producentov za najlepšie ceny on Facebook

And more:




So we have the the Volca Keys, Volca Bass, and Volca Beats. The style is definitely looking more KORG than Roland in these new pics. Electribe and Monotron knobs, black cases and vintage orange KORG logo on the Volca Beats, & gold on black keys.  Could these actually be real?  If so, KORG have been some very busy bees...

Update 4/10/2013:  They are real and only $150 each:

KORG volca series - 3 analogue synthesizers for the ultimate leads, basses, and rhythms

Published on Apr 10, 2013 KORGINC·352 videos

Brand new Korg Volca Series.

Published on Apr 10, 2013 Boris Pipiorke-Arndt·4 videos

Full Details:

"volca Keys - Analogue Loop Synth　

volca Bass - Analogue Bass Machine

volca Beats - Analogue Rhythm Machine

Three true-analog synthesizers with built-in sequencers to generate the ultimate analog leads, basses, and rhythms

Following in the footsteps of the monotron, monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers, Korg announces the volca series. volca is a new lineup of EDM production tools comprised of three distinct models: the volca Keys lead synthesizer, the volca Bass synthesizer, and the volca Beats rhythm machine. These powerful and fun-to-use true-analog devices deliver a diverse array of fat sounds that can be obtained only from an analog synthesizer. Each is also equipped with sequencing/recording capabilities for intuitively generating performances. Multiple volcas can be used in tandem via the vintage-style sync in/out, and with your favorite DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In. Battery operation and built-in speakers mean that you can conveniently play anywhere and anytime. These are the next-generation analog synthesizers, bringing you the ultimate sounds and grooves with ease and depth. Whether used together or by themselves, the volca series is poised to inject true analog power into any performance or studio setup!

SYNC jack and MIDI IN connector allow synchronized performance with multiple units or with your DAW
By using the sync jack you can enjoy synchronized playback with multiple volcas or with a monotribe. You can also use the "SyncKontrol" iPhone app to wirelessly control tap tempo, swing settings, and synchronized playback with iOS music apps via WIST.

The MIDI IN connector lets you synchronize with other devices, as well as play the volca from any MIDI keyboard. You can also send note messages from your DAW and use the volca as an analog sound module.

Self-tuning function (volca Bass and Keys only)
Until now, the problem with analog synthesizers has been that the pitch would drift over time, or because of changes in temperature. Volca solves this by providing a Self-tuning function that constantly tunes the oscillators. You'll never need to tune during a performance, or wait for the pitch to stabilize after turning the power on.

Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere
With its compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker, it's easy to take the volca anywhere and perform any time.

volca Keys Analogue Loop Synth

The ideal introductory synthesizer, with a simple – yet powerful – polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer

The polyphonic synthesizer you've been waiting for
Three note true analogue synthesis
Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities

Simple loop sequencer
Loop sequencer lets you record phases just as you play them
Motion Sequencer records knob edits in real time
Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change to your sequences

Convenient functions for tremendous ease of use
Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere

Volca Keys is a long-awaited synthesizer that adds a new chapter to the long and storied history of Korg's analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth delivers unbelievably powerful sound in a compact body. Starting with a filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), it delivers astonishing sound that takes full advantage of Korg's half-century of know-how in circuit design.

With a simple structure that includes delay effect and a sequencer, it's also an ideal choice for a first analog synth. It offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of analog, providing the enjoyment of simple yet deep sound-creation. The possibilities are endless; you can use the three oscillators to play chords, use them in unison with detune to produce solid lead lines, or apply ring modulation to create far-out metallic sounds.

volca Bass Analogue Bass Machine

Powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines

Powerful analog bass sound
Three analogue oscillators for thick, huge bass line
Newly designed analog filter for crisp, bright response
Simple structure with single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series
Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
Slide function that’s indispensable for acid and other types of electronic music
Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps
Convenient functions for ease of use
Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power
Aggressive sounds that stand up to the drums; fat sounds that support the rhythm; funky sounds that generate a groove - the volca Bass is an analog groove box that has what you need for a wide range of bass lines.

Although simple in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation; it's a great choice for acid house and many other styles of music. The step sequencer distilled from the Electribe is not only visually intuitive; it's also a powerful way to generate "free form" bass loops that will stimulate your inspiration.

volca Beats Analogue Rhythm Machine

Peerless beats generated by solid analog drum sounds and an Electribe-style sequencer

Powerful analog drum sounds
Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
Six editable analogue parts with one knob per function for easy editing
Maximum effect from minimal parameters - a unique advantage of analog
PCM sound engine expands possibilities when used with analog sounds
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series
Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the sequence
Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps.
Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you're pressing
Convenient functions for incredible ease of use
Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
MIDI In for note entry, plus external sync and control from your DAW
Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power
Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog synthesizers, we just can't let go of the sound of analog rhythm machines. Those thick sounds have the power to stand up to guitar and acoustic drums, and are still indispensable for track-making or live performance. The volca Beats gives you those analog drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe; it lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the best high quality sounds.

Specifications

volca Keys : SPECIFICATIONS

Keyboard
Multi-touch Keyboard

Synthesizer

Type :
Analog synthesis

Maximum Polyphony:
3 voices

Structure:
3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, 1EG

VCO:
Octave, Ring Modulation, Detune, Portamento, EG Intensity

VCO Waves:
Sawtooth, Square

VCF:
Cutoff, Peak, EG Intensity

VCF Type:
Low Pass Filter, 12 dB/oct

LFO:
Rate, Pitch Int, Cutoff Int, Wave (Sawtooth, Triangle, Square)

EG:
Attack, Decay/Release, Sustain

Effects
Delay: Time, Feedback, Temp Sync

Sequencer

Number of parts:
1

Number of Steps:
16

Number of Recording Patterns:
8

Connectors

Audio Output:
Headphones (1/8” stereo mini jack)

Sync:
Sync In (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
Sync Out (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)

MIDI:
In

Power

Power supply:
6 AA alkaline or AA nickel-metal hydride batteries
or KA-350 AC adapter (optional)

Battery Life:
Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)

Dimensions (W x D x H)
193 × 115 ×46 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.81 inches

Weight
377 g / 0.83 lbs (Excluding batteries)

Others

Options:
KA-350 AC adapter

Accessories:
AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)

* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

volca Bass : SPECIFICATIONS

Keyboard
Multi touch Keyboard / step key

Synthesizer

Type:
Analog synthesis

Structure:
3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, 1EG

VCO Waves:
Saw, Square

VCF:
Cutoff, Peak, EG Intensity

VCF Type:
Low Pass Filter, 12 dB/oct

VCA:
EG on/of, Sustain on/off

LFO:
Rate, Intensity, Target (Amp, Pitch, Cutoff), Wave (Triangle, Square)

EG:
Attack, Decay/Release, Sustain

Sequencer

Number of parts:
3

Number of Steps:
16

Number of Recording Patterns:
8

Connectors

Audio Output:
Headphones (1/8” stereo mini jack)

Sync:
Sync In (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
Sync Out (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)

MIDI:
In

Power

Power supply:
6 AA alkaline or AA nickel-metal hydride batteries
or KA-350 AC adapter (optional)

Battery Life:
Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)

Dimensions (W x D x H)
193 × 115 × 46 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.82 inches

Weight
370 g / 0.82 lbs (Excluding batteries)

Others

Options:
KA-350 AC adapter

Accessories:
AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)

Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

volca Beats : SPECIFICATIONS

Keyboard
Multi touch trigger pad / step key

Synthesizer

Type:
Analog synthesis (Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat/Open Hi Hat)
PCM synthesis (Clap, Claves, Agogo, Crash)

Kick:
Click, Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Snare:
Snappy, Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Tom:
Hi Pitch, Lo Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Hi Hat:
Closed Decay, Open Decay, Grain, Part Level

PCM:
PCM Speed, Part Level

Sequencer

Number of Parts:
10

Number of Ssteps:
16

Number of Recording Patterns:
8

Connectors

Audio Output:
Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack)

Sync:
Sync In (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
Sync Out (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)

MIDI:
In

Power

Power supply:
6 AA alkaline or AA nickel-metal hydride batteries
or KA-350 AC adapter (optional)

Battery Life:
Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)

Dimensions (W x D x H)
193 × 115 ×45 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.78 inches

Weight
372 g / 0.82lbs (Excluding batteries)

Others

Options:
KA-350 AC adapter

Accessories:
AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)

Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement."

Update2 1/10/2013: The official Press Release:

"Korg Announces the Volca Series of Analog Synthesizers

-True-analog synthesizers with built-in sequencers are designed
to generate the ultimate analog leads, basses, or rhythms-

Musikmesse, Frankfurt, Germany, April 10th, 2013 - Korg USA has announced the Volca series of portable, true-analog synthesizers. Following in the footsteps of the Korg Monotron, Monotribe, and the MS-20 Mini synth, these next-generation true-analog instruments offer on-the-go sounds and grooves along with MIDI functionality. The series is comprised of three models: the Volca Keys lead synthesizer; the Volca Bass synthesizer; and the Volca Beats rhythm machine.

All models provide carefully selected parameters that allow users to create the distinctive, massive sounds that can only come from a true analog synthesizer. Each instrument features a loop sequencer for intuitively generating and recalling phrase-based performances. Multiple Volcas can be used in tandem thanks to vintage-style sync in/out, or with the user's DAW software via MIDI In. Convenient, optional battery operation and built-in speakers provide the ability to play anywhere at any time.

The Volca Keys represents a new chapter in Korg's long history of analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth generates sound that's more powerful than its compact, low-profile body would suggest. Its three oscillators can be tuned against each other in a variety of ways-from one part unison to three-part chords-to provide the versatility needed to create a diversity of sounds. With a filter section that utilizes the circuitry of the classic miniKORG700S (1974) plus an easy-to-use interface that includes delay effects and a 16-step sequencer, Volca Keys offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of an analog synth, and combines the enjoyment of basic sound creation with deep functionality.

The Volca Bass is an analog bass line groove box that's capable of generating a wide range of bass lines. Though basic in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation, making it ideally-suited for acid house and many other styles of electronic music. Its step sequencer-distilled from Korg's Electribe series-offers a convenient, visually intuitive way to generate "free form" bass loops to stimulate inspiration. The three oscillators can be combined in several ways via a voicing function, to generate a variety of thick and modulated bass sounds.

The Volca Beats offers six fat analog drum sounds: Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat, and Open Hi Hat. It contains a wide array of sound variations that could not be produced by any means other than analog, with special emphasis on the sounds that are considered indispensable for dance music. A PCM sound engine is also included for generating clap, crash and others sounds that are better suited for PCM. Simple knob-based parameters can be used to quickly create a variety of drum sounds. For example, simply by using the three knobs (Click, Pitch, and Decay), a variety of kick sounds can be crafted, ranging from rough sounds that dominate the low range to tight sounds that keep a precise beat. In addition, a 16-part sequencer is included to easily add or remove parts.

The Volca series will be available in July 2013 for a U.S. street price of $149.99 each. Additional product information is available at Korg.com"

Update3 4/10/2013: The first set of new Volca videos:

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca analogue grooveboxes

Published on Apr 10, 2013 FutureMusicMagazine·266 videos

"At Musikmesse 2013, Korg show us Volca Beats, Volca Bass and Volca keys - their new range of analogue grooveboxes."

Korg Volca Grooveboxes Video at Musik Messe

Published on Apr 10, 2013 sonicstate·462 videos

"MESSE13: Korg Volca Grooveboxes Vide0 Drums, B-line and analog poly - yes poly"


Musikmesse 2013 - Korg Volca Bass, Keys und Beats

Published on Apr 10, 2013 musotalk·858 videos

Update4:


Published on Apr 10, 2013 Steelberry·33 videos

"The three new groove boxes from KORG - the Volga boxes - featured at MusikMesse
Run through of the capabilities and features

Steelberry Clones at MusikMesse
Copyright Stereoklang Produktion"

Update5:

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca Serie angespielt!

Published on Apr 11, 2013 justmusicvideo·70 videos

"Mehr News von der Musikmesse 2013: http://blog.justmusic.de

Boris Pipiorke-Arndt stellt auf der Musikmesse 2013 drei neue Miniatur Synthesizer vor: Volca Keys, Volca Bass und Volca Beats."

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca Serie


Update6:

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca Keys

Published on Apr 10, 2013 DeBugVideo·6 videos

"Trying out the Korg Volca Keys at Musikmesse 2013"

Udpate7:

Messe13: Korg Volca Keys - Direct sound recording

Published on Apr 12, 2013 FrequencyTestSystem·70 videos

"Sound impression of the Korg Volca Keys. Recorded directly from the Volca Input. Not mastered or FXed."

messe13: Korg Volca Beats - Direct Recording

Published on Apr 12, 2013 FrequencyTestSystem·70 videos

"Korg Volca Beats - Sound impression recorded directly from the output. I don't know if this is only with THIS model at Messe but the volume was really low. In the video the volume was raised by 6.4dB, no other mastering or FX took place."

MESSE13: Korg Volca Bass

Published on Apr 12, 2013 FrequencyTestSystem·71 videos

"Korg Volca Bass - Direct Sound Recording - Sound impression not mastered or FXed."

Update8:

MESSE13: Korg Volca Bass sound impressions (sound corrected version)

Published on Apr 14, 2013 FrequencyTestSystem·73 videos

"Korg Volca Bass (protoype) - recorded directly from the input (for real this time, sorry for the earlier mistake). I took the liberty to raise the recorded volume by +4db, no other mastering or FX took place."

Korg Volca series - Musikmesse 2013

Published on Apr 14, 2013 soundonsoundvideo·586 videos

"Korg have built on the success of their Monotron and Monotribe with a new family of analogue boxes. There are three new units: Volca Beats, a rhythm station with TB808-style drum sounds; Volca Bass, a TR303-style bass synth/sequencer; and Volca Keys, a three voice polyphonic lead synth. All include an in-built Electribe sequencer, effects, MIDI input (including MIDI sync) and analogue sync for synchronising with each other, and with Korg's hugely popular Monotribe units."

Update9:

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca Serie angetestet und erklärt

Published on Apr 16, 2013 DJlabde·72 videos
Jump to 3:15 for the jam demo.

"Mehr News von der Musikmesse 2013: http://www.dj-lab.de/

Boris Pipiorke-Arndt demonstriert auf der Musikmesse 2013 die drei neuen Miniatur Synthesizer Volca Keys, Volca Bass und Volca Beats von Korg."

MINT.io Groovebox for iPad Currently Free

"MINT.io is 'a playground for music creation'.

FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME!

"I highly recommend this product for anyone that loves to create techno, dance, house and dub step music and like apps that are a playground for music creation. It's cheap enough and you get just enough samples and usability to make it worth the price". - Mike / KVR
------------------------------------

MINT.io (Music In No Time) is a scale-based, intelligent Groovebox, aimed at live Techno, House, Dubstep and Breakbeat performances, built under the paradigm of one-screen interface in order to achieve maximum realtime tweak ability.

You don't have to spend ANY time preparing for your jam session. MINT.io is designed to produce original electronic tunes literally in SECONDS after you start the app.

Features pristine audio quality (CrystalClear 5.0 Ultra-Precision Audio Engine) and the amazing ability to randomly generate great-sounding drum and synth patterns. MINT.io is packed with modern sounds and offers many endless hours of instant music-generation fun, even for those who are new to making music.

5 SOUND GENERATORS

+ Oktane: 8-Track Drum machine
+ Menthol: Ultra Bass Synth with B.E.A.S.T. Analog-Modelled LP Filter, Wobble Control, + Slide and Octave
+ Raindrop Vibe Twins: Unique "Pond" Synth with "Freeze" feature
+ Chiller: Automatic Chord Synth with 7 Trancegate patterns and Sidechain Simulation
+ Noise Machine: Comes as an extra Master FX

EVEN MORE SONIC GOODNESS

+ Extra-quality, fast access LP/HP filters on each channel
+ Randomize Drum & Synth tracks by tapping twice on the ABCD buttons
+ Randomize ALL feature
+ Automatic Drum & Synth Pattern Sequencer with Polyrhythm ability

STYLES AND FX

+ 5 Master FX: Glitch, Synced Repeater, VibeGlitch, Noise Machine, BitCrusher
+ Channel FX: Synced Delay & Mega Reverb
+ Realtime adjustable Tempo & Swing
+ 3 Drum Styles for random generation: House, Breakbeat, Dubstep

PACKED WITH SOUNDS

+ 20 Modern Drumkits (House, Breakbeat, Dubstep)
+ 20 Menthol Ultra Bass sounds
+ 32 Fresh Raindrop Vibes sounds
+ 16 Lush Chiller Chord string & pad sounds

TWEAK EVERYTHING

+ 20+ Built-in Scales, Edit/Transpose/Shift Scale
+ Save Menthol Synth presets
+ 4 Drum & Synth slots to save patterns
+ Solo Mode for all channels

========================

Thank you all for the fantastic reviews.

COMINS SOON IN v.1.2: COMBINED CHORD/ARPEGGIATOR"

iTunes:
MINT.io Groovebox - Music In No Time - Amidio Inc.
iOS Devices on eBay - Daily Tech Deals

SuperMetronome Groovebox Pro

Published on Jan 30, 2013
http://apps4idevices.com/read/supermetronome-groovebox-pro

"SuperMetronome Groovebox Pro works like a small Drum Machine with tracks (here, 3) and patterns. You will be able to set the instruments for these tracks (Tick, Click, HH, Kick, Snare, Ride, Tom, Lock, Conga, Stick, Tambourine, Clap, Cowbell, Maracas). You can create your own patterns and save them. 2 accent levels are available. I really love this Metronome for its originality and its sound. A Killer Metronome!"

Note finding this one on iTunes yet.
iOS Devices on eBay - Daily Tech Deals

MINT.io Groovebox - Music In No Time

Published on Jan 25, 2013 Apps4idevicesMusic·341 videos

http://apps4idevices.com/read/mint-io-groovebox-music-in-no-time
"MINT.io (Music In No Time) is a scale-based, intelligent Groovebox, aimed at live Techno, House, Dubstep and Breakbeat performances, built under the paradigm of one-screen interface in order to achieve maximum realtime tweak-ability. It is designed get quality results very quickly, and comes with decent range of drum kits, vibe and chord presets, and a bass synth that includes both a single & sub oscillator, filter & amp envelopes, and an LFO. There is also the ability to randomly generate great sounding drum and synth settings, and chord accompaniment that plays the best chord to match each created synth pattern. I really like the effects that come with this app, with one XY pad for global control, and 2 dedicated XY pads to control the filter & wobble parameters. You can control external MIDI hardware with the app, and apparently virtual MIDI will be added soon, to enable the control of other apps. It also records both audio and MIDI, with the ability to paste wav files to the general pasteboard. I've actually been quite surprised at how well this app works, there is a lot of scope for a wide range of sounds from the bass synth, and enough range in the other instruments to make this a very useful groove machine to use live and for recording projects. It's really quite amazing to have such a large amount of features in such an affordable app, and I'm very impressed with the results I've achieved using it, so I definitely rate it ...A Killer App!
Review by Nick Trass"

iTunes:
MINT.io Groovebox - Music In No Time - Amidio Inc.
iOS Devices on eBay - Daily Tech Deals

MINT.io for iPad

Amazing iPad Dubstep Performance

Published on Dec 16, 2012 by AmidioInc

"Some really cool dubstep generated in realtime with new MINT.io Groovebox app"

iTunes:
MINT.io Groovebox - Music In No Time - Amidio Inc.

iOS Devices on eBay - Don't miss the Daily Tech Deals

"Are you ready for an INSTANT hypnotizing, delightful, immersive sonic experience?

MINT.io (Music In No Time) defines a new era in mobile electronic music creation. It is a revolutionary scale-based, intelligent Groovebox, aimed at live House, Dubstep and Breakbeat performances, built under the paradigm of one-screen interface in order to achieve maximum realtime tweak ability.

You don't have to spend ANY time preparing for your jam session. MINT.io is designed to produce original electronic tunes literally in SECONDS after you start the app.

Features pristine audio quality (CrystalClear 5.0 Ultra-Precision Audio Engine) and the amazing ability to randomly generate great-sounding drum and synth patterns. MINT.io is packed with modern sounds and offers many endless hours of instant music-generation fun, even for those who are new to making music.

5 SOUND GENERATORS

+ Oktane: 8-Track Drum machine
+ Menthol: Ultra Bass Synth with B.E.A.S.T. Analog-Modelled LP Filter, Wobble Control, + Slide and Octave
+ Raindrop Vibe Twins: Unique "Pond" Synth with "Freeze" feature
+ Chiller: Automatic Chord Synth with 7 Trancegate patterns and Sidechain Simulation
+ Noise Machine: Comes as an extra Master FX

EVEN MORE SONIC GOODNESS

+ Extra-quality, fast access LP/HP filters on each channel
+ Randomize Drum & Synth tracks by tapping twice on the ABCD buttons
+ Randomize ALL feature
+ Automatic Drum & Synth Pattern Sequencer with Polyrhythm ability

STYLES AND FX

+ 5 Master FX: Glitch, Synced Repeater, VibeGlitch, Noise Machine, BitCrusher
+ Channel FX: Synced Delay & Mega Reverb
+ Realtime adjustable Tempo & Swing
+ 3 Drum Styles for random generation: House, Breakbeat, Dubstep

PACKED WITH SOUNDS

+ 20 Modern Drumkits (House, Breakbeat, Dubstep)
+ 20 Menthol Ultra Bass sounds
+ 32 Fresh Raindrop Vibes sounds
+ 16 Lush Chiller Chord string & pad sounds

TWEAK EVERYTHING

+ 20+ Built-in Scales, Edit/Transpose/Shift Scale
+ Save Menthol Synth presets
+ 4 Drum & Synth slots to save patterns
+ Solo Mode for all channels

In fact, MINT.io has so many cool features that it is just too tedious to list them all. Since it is free, just go ahead, download it and see everything for yourself!

COMING SOON IN UPDATE 1.1: RECORD TO .MIDI"


MINT.io Groovebox - Music In No Time - Amidio Inc.

iOS Devices on eBay - Don't miss the Daily Tech Deals

BeatSpiral for iOS

BeatSpiral Jam
Published on Nov 16, 2012 by XylioTV

(Watch in 720p!!!) 0.99$ on the App Store.

Version 1.1 coming soon with new samples and Audio Copy Paste!
https://www.facebook.com/XylioInfo
https://www.facebook.com/BeatSpiral?ref=ts&fref=ts"

iTunes:
BeatSpiral - Xylio Info Srl
iPads on eBay, on Amazon
iPod Touch on eBay, on Amazon

"BeatSpiral is an innovative sample performance instrument for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
Chop samples, make beats and perform them live. Choose from the included library or import your own.
Take it for a spin. Give it a whirl. It's a Groovebox with a twist.

Check out the demo videos at xylio.com/beatspiral

FEATURES:

● Create new sequences by rearranging and looping sample slices
● Hold the wave stripes at different locations to play slices, slide out to record
● The two waves on the left get recorded to one track, the others to the second
● Select different loop regions on each track, change their length, copy and erase content
● Mute pads for temporary silencing, erasing track content and deactivating waves
● Eject buttons for selecting sample files and setting volume and panning
● User sample import via iTunes File Sharing (mp3, wav, aiff, m4a)
● Animated metronome shows tempo controls (20-200 BPM) with Tap Tempo
● Zoom, Undo and Rotate tracks

● Audio engine featuring high quality interpolation and low latency
● Sample library and handy user guide to get you started
● Crossfader
● Autosave"

iTunes:
BeatSpiral - Xylio Info Srl
iPads on eBay, on Amazon
iPod Touch on eBay, on Amazon

Introducing BeatSpiral for iOS

YouTube Published on Sep 19, 2012 by XylioTV

"BeatSpiral is an innovative sample performance instrument for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Available now on the App Store:

http://www.facebook.com/BeatSpiral
http://www.facebook.com/XylioInfo
http://www.xylio.com"

iTunes:
BeatSpiral - Xylio Info Srl
iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay


"BeatSpiral is an innovative sample performance instrument for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
Chop samples, make beats and perform them live. Choose from the included library or import your own.
Take it for a spin. Give it a whirl. It's a Groovebox with a twist.

Check out the demo videos at xylio.com/beatspiral

FEATURES:

● Create new sequences by rearranging and looping sample slices
● Hold the wave stripes at different locations to play slices, slide out to record
● The two waves on the left get recorded to one track, the others to the second
● Select different loop regions on each track, change their length, copy and erase content
● Mute pads for temporary silencing, erasing track content and deactivating waves
● Eject buttons for selecting sample files and setting volume and panning
● User sample import via iTunes File Sharing (mp3, wav, aiff, m4a)
● Animated metronome shows tempo controls (20-200 BPM) with Tap Tempo
● Zoom, Undo and Rotate tracks
● Audio engine featuring high quality interpolation and low latency
● Sample library and handy user guide to get you started
● Crossfader
● Autosave"

Lemur for iOS Now Available

YouTube Uploaded by LiineTV on Dec 6, 2011

Update: Tutorial vids added:

Lemur for iOS Setup Tutorial Vids


Playlist:
How to use Lemur with USB MIDI.
Using OSC in Lemur.
Using WiFi MIDI in Lemur.
Connecting Lemur to a Mac.
Connecting Lemur to a PC.
Loading a template with the Lemur Editor.
Loading a template through iTunes.

Teaser video previously posted here.


Available for iPad and iPhone

Note the developer is Liine. Lemur the hardware was by the former JazzMutant. Liine has a number of other products available. This one in via @freesoulvw

CLICK FOR MORE »

Midisyncer - Boston Music Hack Day project

YouTube Uploaded by syntheticbits on Nov 8, 2011

"Demonstration of my hack from Boston Music Hack Day, held Nov 5-6 2011 at Microsoft NERD in Cambridge, MA. The project was an iOS app that lets you sync a drum machine or groovebox to a song on your iPhone/iPod. It uses Echo Nest song analysis data to get the beat patterns of the song you pick, then uses iOS CoreMIDI to send out a MIDI clock based on that pattern that can be synced to."

Synth Trivia: syntheticbits is the man behind Funk Box and Little MIDI Machine for iOS.

BI created a Synth Trivia label starting with this point. Not sure if it will go anywhere, but there it is. If you catch any posts, old or new, that you think should get the label feel free to comment in that post or shoot me an email.

Native Instruments Announces MASCHINE MIKRO

Introducing Maschine Mikro

Uploaded by NativeInstruments on Sep 5, 2011

"Maschine Mikro is an all-in-one music production studio, combining the
flexibility of software with the feel and flow of a hardware groovebox. The same responsive pads, the same powerful software and the same 6 GB+ sample library as Maschine, but with a smaller footprint and an unbeatable price."


Jeremy Ellis performs on Maschine Mikro

YouTube Uploaded by NativeInstruments on Sep 5, 2011

"Check out finger drumming phenomenon Jeremy Ellis as he performs an amazing live routine on MASCHINE MIKRO, the upcoming compact version of the acclaimed computer-based groove production system."

"Berlin, September 5th, 2011 – Native Instruments today announced MASCHINE MIKRO, a highly affordable new entry into the world of its popular groove production system. By combining the full-featured MASCHINE software with a streamlined and compact controller, MASCHINE MIKRO makes the acclaimed tactile and intuitive music creation approach of MASCHINE available at a significantly reduced physical footprint and price. At the same time, the new 1.7 software version provides advanced integration with the instruments and effects in the KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE bundle both for MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO users.

MASCHINE MIKRO is based on a highly portable controller that provides hands-on control of the central MASCHINE features at two-thirds of the size and weight of the full-sized hardware. Utilizing a single display and a dynamically assigned high-resolution master encoder to enable its compact footprint, the bus-powered MIKRO controller retains the distinctive full-sized 4x4 matrix of pressure-sensitive, dynamically backlit MASCHINE drum pads with their acclaimed response and feel.

MASCHINE MIKRO includes the full-featured MASCHINE software with its versatile pattern-based live and step sequencing, VST and AU plug-in hosting, real-time audio recording, sample editing and advanced multi-effects. The MIKRO version also contains the full 6 GB MASCHINE sound library, expandable with the series of MASCHINE EXPANSIONS, as well as the free KOMPLETE ELEMENTS sound collection. With the new 1.7 software version, both MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO now also benefit from advanced integration with KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE, providing advanced sound browsing and parameter mapping for all instruments and effects contained in the bundle.

To further complement the growing MASCHINE product range, Native Instruments is also about to release iMASCHINE, an iOS software that brings intuitive groove creation to the iPhone and iPod touch platform. With four tracks, audio sampling, high-quality effects and an expandable arsenal of professional instruments and drum sounds from the regular MASCHINE library, iMASCHINE allows users to sketch grooves on the go, and later transfer them into the full MASCHINE software for detailed editing and arrangement. iMASCHINE is planned for release through the Apple App Store in October.

A video of finger drumming phenomenon Jeremy Ellis performing on MASCHINE MIKRO is available on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K2aynMMBpo

MASCHINE MIKRO will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $399 / 349 EUR.

Additional information on MASCHINE MIKRO is available at
www.native-instruments.com/maschinemikro

A digital press kit including picture material is available at
www.native-instruments.com/press.info


About Native Instruments:

Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based music production and DJing. The company's mission is to develop innovative, fully integrated solutions for all professions, styles and genres. The resulting products regularly push technological boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and amateurs alike."