iPad Music

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Unlock the sonic power
of your iPad today!

EXCLUSIVE
Step-by-step
guides and
video tutorials

Featuring
Make complete tracks with
GarageBand and Cubasis
The best synth, sampler and
effects apps rounded up
We go hands–on with the
amazing Audiobus 2
Rock any party with Traktor DJ
 computer music special / editor’s letter <

Special 65 2014
Future Publishing Ltd.
30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW
Tel: 01225 442244 Fax: 01225 732275
Email: computermusic.special@futurenet.com
Web: www.musicradar.com/computermusic
welcome
EDITORIAL While the industry standard for music production
Editor: Ronan Macdonald
Art Editor: Stuart Ratcliffe is still a Mac or PC running a professional DAW
Sub-editor: Kieran Macdonald
Disc Editor: David Newman
Contributors: Tim Cant, Jon Musgrave, Ben Rogerson
such as Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools, Live or Sonar, the
Editor, Computer Music: Lee Du-Caine
Cover illustration: Luke ONeill
iPad is now far more than just a novelty adjunct to
Senior Art Editor: Rodney Dive
Creative Director: Robin Abbott
it. Over the last couple of years, the baseline quality
Editorial Director: Jim Douglas
of music-making apps has risen dramatically,
ADVERTISING
Tel: 01225 442244 Fax: 01225 732285
giving Apple’s touchscreen marvel the ability to
Advertising Sales Director: Clare Coleman-Straw
Advertising Manager: Amanda Burns
serve as anything from a performance synth to a
Account Sales Manager: Leon Stephens
flexible MIDI controller to a ‘mini-DAW’ for
CIRCULATION & MARKETING
Marketing Manager: Sarah Jackson sketching out big projects or even fully realising
Trade Marketing Executive: Juliette Winyard
small ones. Indeed, we recently saw the release of
Wolfgang Palm’s incredible PPG WaveGenerator
PRINT & PRODUCTION
Production Coordinator: Frances Twentyman
Production Manager: Mark Constance

LICENSING
for Windows and OS X, marking the first ever 1:1
Licensing and Syndication Director: Regina Erak
Image Library: To purchase images featured in this publication, please visit
transition (minus that all-important touchscreen
www.futuremediastore.com or email mediastore@futurenet.com interface, of course, and plus about 65 quid!) of a
FUTURE PUBLISHING LIMITED
Publisher: Rob Last
pro-quality music app from iPad to desktop
Group Publishing Director: Stuart Anderton
platforms. That’s a very big deal.
DIRECT SALES
Phone our UK hotline on: 0870 837 4722 In this Computer Music Special we’ll show you
Buy online at: www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk
how to make great music using your iPad and a
Printed in the UK by William Gibbons on behalf of Future.
collection of amazing apps, in a series of step-by-
Disc duplicator: Software Logistics.
Distributed in the UK by Seymour Distribution Ltd,
step tutorials complete with accompanying videos
2 East Poultry Avenue, London EC1A 9PT. Tel: 0207 429 4000 and project files. We’ll also round up a
smorgasbord of synths, samplers, effects, DAWs
and peripheral hardware that we feel are
representative of the current market as a whole,
and even advise you on which model of iPad you
should be packing. So, flex those fingers and…

ENJOY THE ISSUE

Ronan Macdonald, Editor

© Future Publishing Limited 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be
used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing
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registered office of Future Publishing Limited is at Beauford Court, 30 Monmouth Street,
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Computer Music special / 3

 Make great music
on your PC or Mac!

Computer Music is the magazine for musicians with a PC or Mac. It’s packed with tutorials,
videos, samples and exclusive software to help you make great music now!

www.computermusic.co.uk
Available digitally on these devices
special Issue 65

07 Which iPad should I buy?

contents
Unlike their countless Android counterparts, there are only four
64 C
 ontrol Logic Pro X with
Logic Remote
iPads to choose from – decide which one is right for you and If you’re a Logic or GarageBand user who’s yet to discover the
your musical needs with our help hands-on magic of Logic Remote, this tutorial is guaranteed to
improve your musical life…

16 Make a track in Garageband

Apple’s own DAW makes music production easy, fun and 68 R
 ecord guitar with
rewarding. We show you how to put a complete track together Amplitube
iPad music production isn’t all about dance and electronic
styles – IK Multimedia’s stunning amplification, processing,
recording and editing app gives the guitarist everything he or
26 Make a track in Cubasis she needs to rock out on the go
Explore the workflow, features and functionality of arguably the
most powerful audio/MIDI DAW on the App Store

72 Mix tracks with Traktor DJ

Not only can you make complete tracks on your iPad, you can
even play them out, too! NI’s slick DJ system is our tutorial
34 M
 ake beats with weapon of choice here
Beatmaker 2
One of the original iOS music apps,
this groovy DAW (and our tutorial)
will have you cooking up amazing
grooves and beats in no time

40 S
 ynth basics with iPolysix
What better instrument on which to learn the ropes of
synthesis than Korg’s reimagined analogue classic?
ESSENTIAL IPAD MUSIC
APPS AND HARDWARE
We round up the best music production
46 Advanced synthesis with Thor software, MIDI controllers and peripherals
Taken straight from Propellerhead’s legendary Reason DAW, this currently on the market
semi-modular monster is the perfect synth for taking your sound
design skills to the next level 80 Digital Audio Workstations
83 Synthesisers
86 Samplers
53 Br
 ing music apps together 88 Effects
with Inter-App audio 90 DJ apps
Built into the very heart of iOS 7, Apple’s own cross-app routing
and control system really does change everything for the 92 Peripheral gear
mobile music producer. Get Inter the groove!
96 MIDI controller keyboards

57 Br
 ing music apps together
with Audiobus
With the brand new version 2, this third-party alternative to Inter-
App Audio is still wholly relevant, as our exclusive guide reveals
98 d
 ownload
You can get your hands on
all the tutorial files, samples
60 MIDI control with Lemur and videos that accompany
Design your own MIDI and OSC control surfaces and take this Special at
command of your DAWs, instruments and effects with this vault.computermusic.co.uk –
mind-blowing app select ‘Computer Music issue 65’

Computer Music special / 5

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 which ipad should i buy? <
Which iPad should I buy?
When the iPad was launched, back in 2010,
many critics dismissed it as “just a big
iPhone” (or “just a big iPod touch”, to be more
precise). They speculated that no one would
be able to come up with a compelling reason
to buy one – a touchscreen device is fine for
your pocket, it was argued, but if you want to
do any serious creative work, you need a
laptop or desktop computer.
Jump forward four years and the doubters
have been silenced. Sure, an iPad is still a luxury
for many people (albeit one that you quickly
wonder how you ever did without), but if you’re
a music maker, it’s fast becoming a temptation
that’s impossible to resist. Unlike pretty much
every other tablet on the market, the iPad is a
tool that you can use to create rather than
simply consume music, and with far greater
ease than you can on Apple’s smaller
touchscreen devices.
This is largely thanks to Apple’s iOS operating
system, which has several unique features built
into it that put it streets ahead of its competitors
when it comes to music production. If you have
an iPad and the right software, recording and
editing multiple tracks of high-quality audio is
easy, while the App Store is also full of synths
and other software instruments that rival their
desktop counterparts in terms of quality and
ease of use. What’s more, while it was previously
only possible to use these apps in isolation, new
technologies are enabling you to bring them
together in the same project.
In this Special, we’re going to delve into
every aspect of iPad music-making, revealing
the best apps in the App Store and showing you
how to use them. Before all that, though, let’s
take a look at the iPads that are currently on the
market, examining the strengths and
weaknesses of each particular model.
Computer Music special / 7
> which ipad should i buy?

8 / Computer Music special


iPad Air
If you want the very latest and greatest tablet
that Apple have to offer, you’ll be wanting the
iPad Air. Slim, light and sexy (well, as sexy as an
inanimate piece of technology can ever be), it’s
the flagship of the range.
Although Apple are always keen to
emphasise how much better every new iPad is
compared to its predecessors, this one really
does feel like a step up. Inside, there’s an A7
processor, and while the tangible benefits of its
64-bit architecture have yet to become fully
apparent, you can be sure that it’ll help to
deliver the best performance of any Apple
tablet, and will be particularly useful if you plan
on using multiple apps in the same project. It’s
also worth noting that in GarageBand, Apple’s
excellent iOS music-making software, you can
use up to 32 tracks if you have a device with an
A7 onboard; those without it are restricted to 16.
You’ll have plenty of time to work on
complex productions, too, with battery life
which ipad should i buy? <
stretching to up to ten hours on a single charge. Specs
And then there’s that Retina display; measuring
9.7 inches diagonally and looking razor-sharp, it
serves as the most comfortable and luxurious CPU: A7 with 64-bit architecture and
canvas on which to make music in iOS. M7 motion coprocessor
Downsides are few; you’ll have to buy (£25) RAM: 1GB
and use an adapter if you own any music- Display: 9.7-inch (diagonal);
making peripherals that connect via the old 2048x1536 resolution at 264 pixels
30-pin dock connector, but that’s hardly a deal- per inch
breaker. Others have said that Apple’s decision Dimensions: 240x169.5x7.5mm
to only include 1GB of RAM rather negates the Weight: Wi-Fi – 469g; Wi-Fi+Cellular –
benefits of having a 64-bit processor, but again, 478g
that’s not something to worry about unduly. Connector: Lightning
Your only other concern might stem from the Battery life: Up to 10 hours
certain knowledge that Apple will launch an
even better model within a few months (the Prices
iPad Pro, perhaps?), but that’s always the way Wi-Fi: 16GB – £399; 32GB – £479;
with technology these days, alas. 64GB – £559; 128GB – £639
Great to hold, fantastic to look at and offering Wi-Fi+Cellular: 16GB – £499; 32GB –
top-of-the-range performance, the iPad Air is a £579; 64GB – £659; 128GB – £739
purchase we’d recommend without hesitation.
Computer Music special / 9
> which ipad should i buy?
iPad mini with Retina display
In every sense that matters, the iPad mini with
Retina display is basically just a smaller version
of the iPad Air. The two look very similar,
sporting the same thin bezel and smooth
rounded back, and both rock the 64-bit A7
processor. The processor in the mini is clocked
very slightly slower than that of the Air, but each
contains 1GB of RAM, and most testers have
discovered that, when using the Air and mini
Retina side by side, they deliver very similar
levels of performance. So how do you decide
which one to go for? It really comes down to
three things: screen, size and price.
Let’s consider the screen first. If you go for
the mini with Retina display you’re going to have
to accept that you have a smaller display to
work with, but it’s worth noting that the
resolution is exactly the same. In fact, because
the display is smaller, the pixel density is actually
higher. Many users and one boffin (Dr. Raymond
10 / Computer Music special
M. Soneira of DisplayMate, to be specific) have
reported that the mini Retina has a rather
narrower colour gamut than the Air, but it’s only
really noticeable if you’re looking at the two
tablets side by side.
Of course, the upside of the smaller iPad is
that it’s significantly more portable and lighter
to hold/carry, which might be a consideration if
you make a lot of your music on the move or
also like to use your tablet as a reading device.
You’ll also be paying a lower price if you buy a
mini Retina, but do bear in mind that, as is the
case with all the iPads, you really will need at
least a 32GB model if you’re planning on
installing a significant number of music-making
apps and their associated audio files on it.
The bottom line is that the iPad mini with
Retina display is one of two current Apple
tablets that will give you first-rate performance.
You can’t really go wrong with either of them.
Specs
CPU: A7 with 64-bit architecture and
M7 motion coprocessor
RAM: 1GB
Display: 7.9-inch (diagonal);
2048x1536 resolution at 326 pixels
per inch
Dimensions: 200x134.7x7.5mm
Weight: Wi-Fi – 331g; Wi-Fi+Cellular –
341g
Connector: Lightning
Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Prices
Wi-Fi: 16GB – £319; 32GB – £399;
64GB – £479; 128GB – £559
Wi-Fi+Cellular: 16GB – £419; 32GB –
£499; 64GB – £579; 128GB – £659
which ipad should i buy? <

Computer Music special / 11

> which ipad should i buy?

iPad 2
Given that it was launched way back in 2011 – a
lifetime ago in technology terms – it may
surprise you to learn that the iPad 2 is still
available, but this is in fact your only other
option if you want a full-sized tablet and can’t
afford the iPad Air.
On the plus side, it runs the latest iOS 7
operating system and all the music-making apps
on the market, but performance is way down in
comparison to the latest models, and it’s got a
lower-res display. What’s more, it’s only available
in a 16GB configuration, and even that’s more
expensive than the cheapest iPad mini with
Retina display. In short, the iPad 2 is now, sadly,
best avoided.

Specs

CPU: Dual-core A5
RAM: 512MB
Display: 9.7-inch (diagonal);
1024x768 resolution at 132 pixels per
inch
Dimensions: 241.2x185.7x8.8mm
Weight: Wi-Fi – 601g; Wi-Fi+Cellular –
613g
iPad mini Specs

Connector: 30-pin Not to be confused with the iPad mini with CPU: Dual-core A5
Battery life: Up to 10 hours Retina display, the original iPad mini has similar RAM: 512MB
specs to the iPad 2 (its processor and screen Display: 7.9-inch (diagonal);
Prices resolution are the same) but comes in a smaller 1024x768 resolution at 163 pixels per
Wi-Fi: 16GB – £329 size and is considerably lighter. inch
Wi-Fi+Cellular: 16GB – £429 The case for buying it rests on its compact Dimensions: 200x134.7x7.2mm
design and low price – this is the cheapest iPad Weight: Wi-Fi – 308g; Wi-Fi+Cellular –
you can buy – but if you can afford to spend a 312g
little more, we’d absolutely recommend going Connector: 30-pin
for the Retina model instead. This will get you a Battery life: Up to 10 hours
better screen, a far more powerful processor
and the option of more than 16GB storage. Prices
Wi-Fi: 16GB – £249
Wi-Fi+Cellular: 16GB – £349

12 / Computer Music special

Mag/DVD

Future Music is the mag for the latest gear and how today’s cutting-edge music makers use it.
We’ve been making the future since 1992. Make sure that you’re part of it.
iPad music
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Tutorials
In this, the main section of iPad Music: The Essential Guide, we’ll show you
how to make great music using nothing more than your iPad and a range
of digital audio workstation, virtual instrument and MIDI controller apps.
From building beats and programming synths to recording guitar and
performing DJ sets, we’ll be leaving no stone unturned in our quest to
make you a well-rounded iPad music producer!

16 Make a track in GarageBand

26 Make a track in Cubasis

34 Make beats with BeatMaker 2

40 Synth basics with iPolysix

46 Advanced synthesis with Thor

53 Bring music apps together with Inter-App Audio

57 Bring music apps together with Audiobus

60 MIDI control with Lemur

64 Control Logic Pro X with Logic Remote

68 Record guitar with AmpliTube

72 Mix tracks with Traktor DJ

Computer Music special / 15

 a ag
Apple’s own iOS music-making app is a joy to use.
g
Here, we’ll show you how to produce a complete
song in it, exploring its many Instruments and
features along the way
There are those who are keen to dismiss
GarageBand as a beginners application,
possibly because it s so accessible and easy
to use. But, while it s true that pretty much
anyone with a working set of ingers could
pick it up and make some nice noises with it,
this is an app that, in its latest incarnation, can
be used to create some pretty weighty
productions. What s more, if you have a Mac,
these productions can be expanded and
polished in Apple s desktop music software,
ensuring that projects started in GarageBand
on the iPad can have a life beyond your
mobile device.
It s probably fair to say that there s no more
elegant iPad DAW than GarageBand, either.
While it is limited in some respects particularly
16 / Computer Music special
a h
with regard to its e fects provision and mixing
features what it does do, it does very well
indeed. The Smart Instruments can make even
non-players feel like musicians (as opposed to
copy-and-paste loop merchants), and if you do
happen to be able to play the keyboard, there
are plenty of decent sounds to get your hands
on. Singer-songwriters, too, can get a lot out of
GarageBand in fact, you could conceivably
record a pretty polished demo with just your
iPad, a guitar and a few hardware peripherals.
Speaking of hardware, we ll be using a MIDI
controller keyboard and an audio interface as
we build our track, but neither is essential. What
you do need to ensure before you start our
tutorial, though, is that your iPad is running iOS
7 and the latest version of GarageBand. If it s not,
our project ile (in the Tutorial Files folder) may
not load, and some of the features we ll be
exploring might not be available.
We d also strongly advise that, if you haven t
already done so, you make the single in-app
purchase that GarageBand o fers. As of iOS 7,
the app itself is free, but said purchase gives you
its complete collection of instruments and
sounds. At £2.99, we d say it s a no-brainer.
If you want to import our project ile, you can
do so via iTunes on your Mac or PC. Add it to
GarageBand s File Sharing area and, with your
iPad connected to your computer via USB, tap
the Add Song button in GarageBand s My Songs
area and choose Copy from iTunes File Sharing.
 record guitar with amplitube ipad <

> Step by step 3. Mixing in AmpliTube iPad

1 2
To get started on our mix, we can set up cycled playback and carry
out basic level adjustment in the Mixer page. To apply EQ, switch
over to the Studio window. Tap a track to reveal its EQ settings. We can
also revisit our Rig settings. Here, we’re easing back the Drive on our
main guitar.
AmpliTube Studio includes two multi-effects units fed by sends on
each track, and two master buss processors – 3-band parametric
EQ and Compressor. Sends can be assigned in the Mixer or Studio
page. Here, we’ve made Send 1 a reverb and Send 2 a delay, and we’re
adding reverb to the drum kit, shaker and piano, and a bit of delay to
the lead guitar.

3 4
Finally, we can use the Master effects to sweeten and compress the
mix. Here, we’re just boosting a few dB at 150Hz and 8.5kHz with a
broad Q (0.1). For compression, we go for a Ratio of 2:1, medium fast
Release (50ms) and a Threshold low enough to achieve around 4dB
of gain reduction.
When you’re happy with your mix, the Projects List page gives you
five export options: upload via FTP, upload to Soundcloud, email,
iTunes File Sharing and render Song file. We’ve selected the last option,
and the rendered WAV file will be added to the Song list so we can play
it within AmpliTube. Handily, File Sharing in iTunes also syncs the file to
your Mac or PC.

Splash the cash

AmpliTube iPad’s many in-app purchases are
both exciting and frustrating. The exciting
part is that there are lots of extras to buy,
including the excellent Studio enhancement
that this tutorial has concentrated on. What’s
frustrating, though, is that all of the options
are visible on screen, and if you don’t own a
particular asset, trying to access it spins you
straight into the incorporated Store panel in
the Menu. This is a sales tactic that we most
certainly don’t approve of. The Store itself is
slightly confusing, too, as there’s so much
choice in there. Upgrades are split into five
categories: Stomp Effects, Amps, Loop
Drummer, Bundles and Other.
Stomp Effects comprises 28 pedals,
including those from the AmpliTube Slash,
Hendrix and Fender series. These are very
similar to the pedals found in IK’s AmpliTube
desktop software (although there’s slightly
less choice here). Pedals cost £1.99 or £2.99
each, so you could rack up a serious bill if you
were to buy them all individually.
The Amplifier options are more focused,
with 11 to choose from, again sourced from
the Fender, Slash and Hendrix bundles. Prices
range from £2.99 to £4.99 per amp.
Thankfully, Stomp and Amp add-ons can
be bought in four bundles (Slash, Jimi
Hendrix, Fender and VocaLive) – nabbing all
four would set you back £38.46.
As you’ll have noticed, Loop Drummer
includes a number of styles, the vast majority
of which require in-app purchasing. If you
want to buy all 11 of them together, the
bundle costs £10.49. Individual packs are
£2.49 apiece.
Rounding things off in the Store are the
UltraTuner (£2.99) and MIDI input upgrades
(£2.99). UltraTuner is accurate to well below a
hundredth of a cent, boasts super-quick
response and features two display modes –
Stage and Studio. The first of these has a large
centre indicator with a stationary waveform
indicating when you’re perfectly in tune and
movement to the left and right indicating
sharpness or flatness. The Studio display
comprises a waveform display and pitch-
tracking visualisation, plotting pitch against
time so you can see how consistent your
pitching is through the note duration.
Finally, the MIDI upgrade adds MIDI
controller compatibility – if you have an iRig,
you’ll have been granted this automatically.
MIDI controllers are assigned using the MIDI
Learn function, and all MIDI assignments can
be viewed in the MIDI Assign page.
Adding this all up, if you were to buy the
whole lot, you’d be looking at a best price of
£54.93 on top of the £18.99 Studio upgrade.

Computer Music special / 71

 Get Traktor DJ on the App Store
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/traktor-dj/id592052832?mt=8

DJing with
Traktor DJ

Get the party started with Native Instruments’ feature-packed DJ app!

Over the past decade, DJing has
undergone nothing short of a digital
revolution. It started with the first Pioneer
CDJ decks beginning to appear alongside
Technics turntables in clubs – to much huffing
and puffing from traditionalists – and these
days it’s much more common to see a DJ turn
up with a laptop than a box full of vinyl. While
spinning records still has a romantic allure for
some, the convenience and other advantages
of digital have won out for the majority.
As a result, there’s now a huge range of
hardware and software aimed at meeting the
needs of the digital DJ. Alongside Pioneer’s CDJ
range, digital vinyl systems (or DVS) are now the
industry standard, enabling the DJ to use time-
coded vinyl or CDs to play and manipulate
digital audio files on their laptop.
The two biggest players in DVS today are
Serato’s Live and Native Instruments’ Traktor,
and the latter has made its way to iOS in the
form of the incredible Traktor DJ, an app that
gives you everything you need to mix the
contents of your iPad’s iTunes library, DJ-style. It
doesn’t require any external hardware to use, so
you really can play an entire set with it using just
your iPad (although it is also compatible with
various other bits of hardware and software in
the Traktor range – see Plug and Play on p77 for
details). Along with its easy-to-use interface and
powerful feature set, this compatibility helps
make Traktor DJ the most practical and
professional DJing app around.
In this step-by-step guide to Traktor DJ, we’ll
show you how easy it is to get mixing in minutes
with it, from the basics of putting music onto
your iPad to more advanced techniques such as
looping, slicing and applying effects. And don’t
worry if you don’t already have an arsenal of
club bangers on your device already – we’ve put
a selection of tracks in the Tutorial Files folder
to get you started.

72 / Computer Music special


> Step by step 1. Basic mixing and effects in Traktor DJ
Tutorial
Files
1 2
Before we start, we need some suitable choons. The easiest type of
music to mix is sequenced dance music, and you’ll find a couple of
tracks in this style in the Tutorial Files folder. Before you load Traktor,
launch iTunes on your computer and connect your iPad. Drag Push It
Higher.mp3 and Vortex.mp3 onto the iPad in iTunes.
3 4
Tap Push It Higher, then slide the Load switch up to A to load the
track into Deck A. The browser will close and Push It Higher will be
displayed on the top deck’s Waveform Window, complete with vertical
bars that show where Traktor has detected the beats in the track.
5 6
Traktor will automatically set the tempo of Vortex so that it plays
back in sync with Push It Higher. Let’s make a really simple mix.
When Push It Higher reaches the 3:14 mark, press Play on Deck B to
start Vortex playing at the beginning of the next bar.
djing with traktor dj <
Once the tracks have copied over, eject and disconnect the iPad.
Now load up Traktor DJ, and you’ll be presented with two empty
virtual ‘decks’. Tap the + icon on the topmost of these to bring up
Traktor’s browser. Push It Higher and Vortex should be visible in the list
of available songs.
Press the Play button to take a listen and you’ll notice that the beat
detection grid lines up perfectly with the kick drum. While Push It
Higher is playing, tap the + button on Deck B, then tap Vortex and this
time drag the Load switch down to B.
Because the tracks are playing at the same tempo, Vortex’s intro
beats will be perfectly in time with Push It Higher’s synth outro.
Congratulations – you’ve just made your first mix in Traktor DJ! Of
course, we’ve only scratched the surface of this powerful app…
Computer Music special / 73
> djing with traktor dj

> Step by step 1. Basic mixing and effects in Traktor DJ (continued)

7 8
Let Vortex carry on playing and tap the FX button on Deck B.
Traktor’s FX section slides into the left-hand side of the Waveform
Window. Tap the Gater button, then slide your finger over the grid
below to hear how it sounds.
This effect modulates the volume of the deck, resulting in the kind
of cutting effect that a ‘traditional’ DJ would create using rapid
crossfader movements. While we’ve got the FX section up, try the
Delay and Flanger effects too. These are controlled in the same way,
by sliding your finger over the grid.

9 10
The Filter is another cool effect. To access this, tap Deck B’s EQ
button, then tap the Filter button when the EQ section appears.
Slide your finger around the grid to use it – the left-hand side works as
a low-pass filter, the right-hand side applies a high-pass filter, and the
vertical position of your fingers controls the resonance level.
Select the Gater effect in the FX section, and try using that and the
Filter at the same time. Using multiple effects simultaneously
sounds great and can be a lot of fun, but be careful not to overdo it or
you’ll tire your audience’s ears out! You can access more effects,
including Reverb, Flanger and Beatmasher, by dragging down on any
of the effect names in the FX section.

Pick and mix

When DJs mix with vinyl or CDs, they have to
get the tracks they’re mixing at the same
tempo manually by listening to ascertain
whether the track they’re currently cueing is
faster or slower than the one already playing
and adjusting the deck’s pitch control
accordingly. This process – called
beatmatching – is a fundamental technique
when working with these more traditional
formats. For the most part, Traktor DJ does
the beatmatching for you, automatically
syncing tracks. It’s only necessary to step in
and adjust the BeatGrid when the software
misreads a track’s timing.
So, mixing with Traktor DJ should be
pretty easy, right? To a large extent, yes, but
it’s still possible to get things wrong. Tracks
syncing themselves automatically mean that
you don’t have to worry about beatmatching,
but certain combinations of music will still
sound awful played together! To compound
the problem, it’s not possible to cue tracks
and audition them alongside the music
currently playing in Traktor DJ without extra
hardware (see Plug and Play on p47).
Bad timing
So, the first thing to bear in mind is that
Traktor DJ is only really designed for mixing
sequenced music, and will have trouble if you
try and mix in a track played by a live band
that wasn’t recorded to a click track, as its
timing won’t be totally consistent. With
contemporary dance music you won’t
encounter any such problems, although older
dance tracks from the 80s and early 90s may
have less-than-perfect timing for various
technological reasons. It’s also essential that
the tracks you’re mixing between are in the
same ballpark tempo-wise, or you’ll have to
speed them up or slow them down so much
that the results will sound unusual.
Problems can still occur even when mixing
tracks of a similar tempo. If your two tracks
aren’t in a compatible key, they’ll sound bad
when played together. Traktor DJ actually
includes key detection algorithms and will
recommend suitable tracks for mixing with
the current one in terms of both tempo and
key. Also, it’s common for many dance music
tracks to have a slightly swung groove, where
every other eighth- or 16th-note is played
slightly late, giving the music a shuffled feel.
This isn’t always obvious when listening to
the track on its own, but it can become very
apparent when mixing it into a tune that
doesn’t have a sympathetic groove.

74 / Computer Music special


> Step by step 2. Advanced mixing techniques
1 2
So far we’ve used Traktor DJ like a pair of traditional turntables or
CD decks, but it’s capable of so much more! Ensure that both decks
are stopped by deactivating both Play buttons. When a deck is
stopped you can quickly navigate around the track by dragging the
Waveform Stripe. Return both tracks to the start.
3 4
Tap the Loop button above the Play button on Deck A, then press
Play. This will play the first bar of Push It Higher on a loop. Do the
same on Deck B, then drag the crossfader on the right-hand side of the
interface to smoothly fade or rapidly cut between the two tracks.
5 6
Hold two fingers on Deck A’s main waveform and it will stop
scrolling. You can now control the length of the loop by dragging
your fingers left and right. Dragging both fingers downwards
deactivates the loop.
djing with traktor dj <
Drag left and right on one of the decks’ Waveform Windows. This
‘scrubs’ the track, much like a DJ manually moving a record
forwards and backwards on a turntable – useful for locating a specific
part of a track to add a HotCue point to, which we’ll come to shortly.
Drag the crossfader all the way up using your left index finger, then
use your right index finger to tap the bottom of the crossfader. This
rapidly moves it to the other deck, then returns it equally rapidly when
you remove your right index finger from the screen, enabling you to
make fast cuts more accurately and with less effort.
Stop Deck A and tap the Freeze icon on Deck B. Now you can
trigger a particular part of the waveform by tapping it – this
enables you to create new rhythms and melodies in real time for a
more creative performance. Tap the Freeze button again to disable
Freeze mode.
Computer Music special / 75
> djing with traktor dj
> Step by step 2. Advanced mixing techniques (continued)
7 8
Let’s set up those HotCue points we mentioned earlier! These
allow you to quickly skip to particular parts of the track, and are
useful for creating extended versions of tracks on the fly. Stop Deck B
and disable the Loop button. Tap the HotCue button and eight +
buttons will appear at the bottom of the Waveform Window.
9 10
To reassign a HotCue, tap the X button, then tap an assigned
HotCue to initialise it. Tap the flag icon again to close the HotCue
panel. You may find that Traktor doesn’t detect the tempo of some
tracks correctly, which causes them to drift out of time when mixing.
To remedy this, tap the Grid button to enter BeatGrid mode.
11
There will be times when you want to adjust the tempo of your mix
mid-flow – for example, you might want to play some nu disco
tracks at 115bpm, then move to deep house, which sounds best at
120bpm. To do this, tap the tempo setting at the top centre of the
interface and drag the tempo control clockwise to speed the mix up or
anticlockwise to slow it down.
76 / Computer Music special
To add a HotCue to the waveform, move the red playhead to the
part of the track you want Traktor to remember, then tap a +
button. A flag icon will appear and the + button will change to a
number. You can now jump to that part of the track at any time by
simply tapping the number.
Drag the waveform into the correct position, then tap Done. While
it’s possible to make these adjustments in real time, it’s good
practice to check your tracks and make any adjustments before you
play out so that you’re not caught off guard!
12
Traktor DJ has a hidden mode called Flux that needs to be
unlocked by tapping the Information icon, then reading the Flux
Mode for Traktor DJ! story. Hit the Unlock It Here! button at the
bottom of the text and the Flux button will appear between the
Freeze and HotCue buttons. With this active, you can scrub the track
and the playhead will return to its correct position afterwards – ideal
for scratching and spinbacks.
 djing with traktor dj <

> Step by step 3. Making a smooth mix

video

1 2
Now that we’ve got to grips with Traktor’s features, let’s try a more
sophisticated mix. Set the tempo to 130bpm and start Push It
Higher playing on Deck A. Move the crossfader all the way up so that
Deck B can’t be heard at all – this allows us to bring Deck B in smoothly.
Use the Waveform Stripe to make sure Vortex is at the beginning of
the track, and check that Freeze and Loop modes are both
deactivated. When Push It Higher is about to drop at 1:14, press Play on
Deck B. Vortex will start playing, but you won’t be able to hear it yet.

3 4
Smoothly drag the crossfader down to the centre and tap the EQ
button on Deck A. Drag the Mid fader down to take out Push It
Higher’s midrange – this helps the mix sound smoother, giving Vortex’s
musical elements more room to breathe.
Finally, slowly drag the crossfader down to the bottom so that
Push It Higher is completely out of the mix before Vortex’s
breakdown begins at 0:29. Recording your mixes and listening back to
them can help you identify where you need to improve – to do this,
simply tap the Speaker button and engage Record mode before you
start playing.

Plug and play

Traktor DJ is one of the most professional
DJing apps around by far, and not just
because of the way that it makes the most of
the iPad’s multitouch screen and the sheer
number of useful features it crams into such
an elegant interface. No, Traktor DJ’s real
secret weapon is its seamless integration
with Native Instruments’ range of other
Traktor software and hardware.
It’s certainly possible to play a set without
using a cue channel, but without the
opportunity to audition tracks before they’re
heard in the mix, the DJ either has to
meticulously plan their set or take the risky
route of experimenting live – with potentially
disastrous results. You can cue tracks using
Native Instruments’ Traktor DJ Cable, but this
compromise solution simply splits the two
channels of the iPad’s stereo headphones
output into mono main and cueing channels. Traktor Kontrol S2 (£429) and S4 (£679)
Better than nothing – and relatively cheap at controllers, which provide even more
£9 – but hardly ideal. comprehensive controls and make it possible
to load tracks, mix and apply effects entirely
Kontrol freak within the hardware itself. You can see a
A much better – albeit more expensive – video demonstrating how these devices
solution comes in the shape of the awesome integrate with Traktor DJ at www.youtube.
Traktor Kontrol Z1. This £169 hardware com/watch?v=3U7LqCkYeWc.
controller not only gives you a crossfader,
channel faders and EQ knobs to play with,
amongst other physical controls, but it also
powers the iPad and gives you a stereo cue
channel alongside the main stereo output.
With the Z1 (which also works with Traktor on
Mac and PC, incidentally) connected, DJing
with your iPad becomes even more hands-on
and enjoyable.
Traktor DJ is also compatible with the
latest generation of Native Instruments’
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 Essential 80 Digital audio workstations
If you want to record, edit, process and mix
multitrack audio and MIDI on your iPad, you’re

ipad music
going to need a DAW. Lucky for you, then, that
there are plenty of superb examples for you to
choose from!

apps and
83 Synthesisers
From virtual recreations of venerable
analogue classics to totally original electronic

hardware
instruments that take full advantage of the
iPad’s multitouch capabilities – make some
noise with these incredible synths

Our pick of the best music production
software, MIDI controllers and
peripherals on the market
86 Samplers
Wild and wonderful virtual instruments with
which to manipulate and play back audio
recordings and prefab samples (including
those accompanying this Special)

88 Effects
Six powerful signal-processing apps for
transforming your mundane sounds into epic
musical material

90 DJ apps
Forget vinyl turntables, CD decks and even
your laptop – the iPad is the new king of the
DJ booth! OK, we’re overstating it a bit, but
thanks to these awesome apps, it’s only a
matter of time…

92 Peripheral gear
Audio interfaces, microphones, DJ controllers…
an assortment of ‘other stuff’ that can only
improve your music-making experience

96 MIDI controller keyboards

To get the most out of your iPad synthesisers
and samplers, you’re going to want to play
them with a real keyboard rather than an
onscreen one. Here are some of the
strongest contenders…

Computer Music special / 79

Essential iPad music apps
Digital audio workstations
Apple
GarageBand Free (£2.99 for full functionality)
Rather than simply emulating the desktop
version of GarageBand on a tablet, the iPad
version is designed with touch control very
much in mind, which makes composing and
recording in it a joy.
The main Timeline view actually looks pretty
familiar – track controls are displayed to the left
and recorded parts to the right – but it’s
GarageBand’s instruments that make it
particularly special. Not only are there virtual
keyboards, drum kits, strings and other devices
to play (including a rudimentary but fun
sampler), but many of them also have ‘Smart’
variants, which enable non-players to create
impressive-sounding chord progressions, riffs
and melodies in seconds. You can easily record
Steinberg
Cubasis £34.99
Releasing a version of Cubase on the iPad – for
that, effectively, is what Cubasis is – was a risk for
Steinberg. Apple had set the bar high with the
touch version of GarageBand, and the desktop
version of Cubase has been the choice of many
professionals for decades.
Fortunately, Cubasis hits the mark, offering a
powerful and user-friendly environment for
recording and editing both audio and MIDI
tracks. In fact, you can theoretically record up to
24 of them simultaneously, and the number of
tracks you can have in a project is limited only
by the power of your iPad.
On the downside, the 70 built-in sounds aren’t
exactly inspirational (and neither are the 300
supplied audio and MIDI loops) – though you do
Retronyms
Tabletop Free (devices available as in-app purchases)
Tabletop is a little different to the other apps
we’re looking at here, both in design and
concept. It enables you to create complete
pattern-based projects using both MIDI and
audio – thus justifying its DAW status – but
rather than presenting you with a traditional
sequencing view, the idea is that you drag
devices onto a virtual ‘table’ (hence the app’s
name), connect them up and make music.
What’s more, not all of these devices come as
standard: you get a basic selection when you
download the app, which is free, but others have
to be added as in-app purchases of varying cost.
It’s this latter point that has put some people
off Tabletop, but if you can get your head around
its sometimes quirky workflow, it can be a lot of
80 / Computer Music special
audio tracks, too, and there’s a good selection of
virtual guitar amps.
On the workflow side, GarageBand now has
MIDI editing, though automation is still absent.
You can record sounds from other apps via both
Audiobus and Inter-App Audio. Although it’s
now free for iOS 7 users, it’s worth making the
£2.99 in-app purchase to get all of the available
instruments and sounds. In sum, the question
isn’t so much whether you need GarageBand –
it’s whether you need anything else.
Web www.apple.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/garageband/id408709785?mt=8
get a virtual keyboard and drum pads to play
them on – and there’s no automation. However,
Cubasis really comes into its own when you
want to work with other instrument and effect
apps: its Audiobus implementation is great, and
it now supports Inter-App Audio, too. The
arrange page and mixer are similarly elegant – if
you’re used to working with a desktop DAW,
you’ll feel right at home in Cubasis. What’s more,
projects made here can be loaded into the most
recent Mac and PC versions of Cubase.
Web www.steinberg.net
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/cubasis-music-production-system/ id583976519?mt=8
fun. Many of the instruments and effects lend
themselves perfectly to experimental electronic
music-making, and Tabletop-ready apps
(including Arturia’s iMini synth) can be dragged
in just like any other device (providing you own
them, that is). There’s Inter-App Audio support,
too; you can control other apps for free, but
you’ll have to pay for the recorder.
You’ve got nothing to lose by giving Tabletop
a try, and if you invest a little time and money in
it, it can be a powerful creative tool.
Web http://retronyms.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/tabletop/id436080882?mt=8

WaveMachine Labs
Auria £34.99
When Auria was announced a couple of years
ago, a lot of people got very excited. Here was a
24-bit/96kHz digital audio recording solution
that promised to let us run up to 48 tracks, with
up to 24 of them recorded simultaneously (if
you had a suitable audio interface, that is).
What’s more, the app was set to feature genuine
VST plugin effects.
Too good to be true? Not really, for Auria
delivered in pretty much every respect. Fire it up
and you feel like you’re using a professional
recording and production application. It boasts
a well-spec’d mixer, with each channel having its
own channel strip plugin from PSP Audioware;
and you can add more effects via in-app
purchases. The familiar-looking track view
Image-Line
FL Studio Mobile HD £13.99
If you have any experience at all of music
software, you’re probably familiar with the FL
Studio name, but we should say from the outset
that the mobile version isn’t a port of the
desktop one. In fact, it’s actually a reworked
version of another app: Xewton Music Studio,
which is also still available.
Featuring a tabbed interface, FL Studio
Mobile HD comes with 133 reasonable but not
very editable instruments, drum kits and loops
(you can add more), plus a dedicated synth. You
can play any of these on screen via a resizable
keyboard or set of drum pads. Notes can be
edited in the piano roll, and you can program
parts via the step sequencer. Arrangements are
made and mixing is carried out in the track
Intua
BeatMaker 2 £13.99
The original BeatMaker was one of the first apps
to demonstrate that it really was possible to
create a complete piece of music on an iOS
device, but its successor, launched in 2011, takes
things to another level altogether.
At first glance it may look pretty limited,
giving you just a drum machine, a keyboard
sampler and the option to record audio tracks,
but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover that
BeatMaker 2 is actually pretty capable. The
16-pad drum machine gives you plenty of per-
pad controls (plus the ability to automatically
slice up a loop across the pads so that it can be
played on them); the keyboard sampler comes
with 110 presets and the ability to create your
own; and the audio tracks enable you to record
digital audio workstations <
provides access to arranging, editing and
automation options. There’s no MIDI support –
though this should be coming as an in-app
purchase – but you can at least record other
instruments via Audiobus or Inter-App Audio.
That Auria is a good app isn’t really in doubt,
but you need to decide whether or not you
really need it. Those who want to do serious
project mixing on an iPad will love it; if you’re
happy to finish off your productions elsewhere,
though, it might be superfluous.
Web www.auriaapp.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/auria/id524122834?mt=8
editor view, and there are several onboard
effects. You can record/edit audio and import
audio files in various ways, and FL Studio Mobile
can talk to other apps via Audiobus.
Although making music in it is an enjoyable
experience, FL Studio Mobile HD doesn’t feel
quite as polished as the likes of GarageBand or
Cubasis. Users of the Windows version may be
drawn in on the basis that project files from the
iPad version can be loaded into it, but others
may feel there are better options available.
Web www.image-line.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/fl-studio-mobile-hd/id432850619?mt=8
not just external sounds (obviously) but also
Audiobus-compatible instruments.
Throw in a decent sequencer, automatable
effects, a mixer, sample editing and loads of
sharing/export options, and you have an app
that, despite having been around for quite a
while, still feels contemporary. It would be great
to see a dedicated synthesiser added to the
package, but if you’re looking for a self-
contained music-making app with real depth,
BeatMaker 2 has plenty to offer.
Web http://intua.net
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/beatmaker-2/id417020234?mt=8
Computer Music special / 81
 Meet the ultimate synth icon

ONLY
£1.99

GARY NUMAN
iPAD SPECIAL OUT NOW
Featuring an exclusive video interview with the man himself
plus analysis, video tutorials, free samples and more

Available now from the iPad apps of

Essential iPad music apps
Synthesisers
Korg
iPolysix £20.99
Korg’s classic Polysix analogue synth, first
released in 1981, delivered a simple interface and
relatively limited feature set at an affordable
price – but it sounded great, which explains both
its continued reverence and Korg’s decision to
release various software emulations of it.
Based on the same CMT (Component
Modelling Technology) found in their other
software versions, iPolysix also includes the
same single VCO-plus-sub-oscillator design, with
a single ADSR envelope, a low-pass filter, a high-
pass filter, an LFO, unison mode, modulation, 28
effects and an arpeggiator. And rather than just
being a single instrument, it’s actually a compact
(and sonically limited, obviously) production
environment, comprising two Polysix synths
Yonac
Magellan £10.49
Magellan is another virtual analogue design,
housing two three-oscillator polyphonic synths.
The pair can be run independently or stacked in
‘coupled’ mode, and over 300 categorised
presets are included to get you started.
Synthesis options include unison, PWM for
oscillators 1 and 2, frequency and ring
modulation, a noise generator, an ADSR amp
envelope, polyphonic and monophonic
playback modes, glide, dual envelope filters per
synth (11 filter types) and dual LFOs per synth
(with up to four destinations assignable to each).
Each synth engine is complemented by a
dedicated arpeggiator, and there’s also a global
16/32-step sequencer onboard. Sounds can be
finessed with the FX rack, whose modules
Waldorf
Nave £13.99
Nave is a hybrid synth packing two wavetable
oscillators and one analogue oscillator. It
includes wavetables from Waldorf’s Microwave,
Wave and Blofeld synths, plus some new ones,
and you can also load regular WAVs or type in
text to convert it to a wavetable. The 3D display
doubles as a wavetable edit window and is best
switched to full-screen mode, in which the
keyboard at the bottom is replaced by a manual
scroll bar for scanning through the wavetable.
Beyond that, Nave includes all your standard
synth fare, including three envelopes, one filter,
two LFOs, a four-slot modulation matrix, delay,
reverb, EQ, compressor and arpeggiator. There’s
also a 4-track recorder and support for Inter-App
Audio. However, the extensive patch library
and six drum machine channels. To keep things
authentic, the latter are fuelled by samples
sourced from the Polysix itself.
Bringing these three sound sources together,
iPolysix expands on previous software versions
to include the Polyseq 8-part/64-step sequencer
with parameter automation, twin KAOSS Pad-
style X/Y controllers and a virtual analogue
mixer. Rounding things off is the SoundCloud-
based Polyshare system for publishing and
exchanging online with other iPolysix users.
Web www.korg.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/korg-ipolysix/id579232173?mt=8
include EQ, Compressor, Reverb, Chorus,
Flanger and Bitcrusher. Non-synthesis features
include a tape deck for capturing Magellan’s
output, a metronome, external MIDI controller
assignment and both Audiobus and Inter-App
Audio support.
Magellan’s Moog-like styling and sensible
layout make it an easy synth to get your head
round. You can even superimpose a second
keyboard and play each engine separately and
concurrently. Nice!
Web www.yonac.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/magellan/id544119998?mt=8
makes it clear that this is anything but a
standard synth, boasting a vast array of edgy,
bold and often crazy sounds; and by blending in
some of the analogue oscillator and turning up
the unison, it’s easy to create more immediately
applicable and supremely fat sounds too.
Nave’s interface is stunning and sensibly
spread over five pages. We particularly like the
floating parameter indicators that pop up when
you grab a graphic to adjust it. All in all, an
excellent synth.
Web www.waldorf-music.info
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/nave/id596036905?mt=8
Computer Music special / 83
Essential iPad music apps
Propellerhead
Thor £10.49
A well-established semi-modular polysynth
from Propellerhead’s Reason Mac/PC DAW, Thor
has been ported in its entirety to iPad. Each of its
three oscillator slots hosts one of six types of
oscillator – Analogue, Wavetable, Phase
Modulation, FM Pair, Multi Oscillator and Noise –
while three filter slots each have access to four
filter types – Low Pass Ladder, State Variable,
Comb and Formant. That core architecture is
supported by three envelopes, four LFOs, delay
and chorus effects, extensive modulation
routing and a step sequencer.
The interface is both precise and visually
impressive, and the clever use of foldaway
panels keeps everything down to three main
pages. The zoomable keyboard is well designed,
Beep Street
Sunrizer Synth £6.99
If you’re after a straight-up virtual analogue
synth for your iPad, Sunrizer is one of the best.
Each of its two main oscillators has its own sub-
oscillator, while a noise generator, unison (called
Multi mode), two flexible filters with 15 filter
types, two LFOs, and ADSR envelopes for
amplitude and filter are also in place. There’s a
four-module effects rack (modulation, delay, EQ
and reverb), which appears as a pop-up window
or can be docked over the keyboard. Further
options include a cool A/B morphing system
that routes the mod wheel to up to 30 onscreen
parameters, and a powerful arpeggiator that
also sits in its own pop-up window.
Sunrizer’s real party piece, though, is its
SuperSaw oscillator mode. Based on the classic
Arturia
iMini £6.99
iMini is Arturia’s recreation of the classic
Minimoog synth but with the transformative
addition of polyphony, bringing their lauded TAE
(True Analog Emulation) technology to iPad. It’s
built on the same classic three-osc design as the
original, with filter, pink/white noise generator,
and three-stage filter and amplitude envelopes
supporting those rich oscillators. Further
options – including a decay-based release stage,
glide, legato and pitchbend range – are accessed
from a hidden panel above the keyboard. Here
you can also adjust the keyboard itself, snapping
it to a fixed scale, transposing it and zooming in
for ease of play.
Additional pages handle effects (chorus and
analogue delay) and performance parameters,
84 / Computer Music special
with optional key signature shading, latching
and strumming options.
So, how does it sound? Absolutely incredible,
delivering everything from rich analogue to
solid FM, and with those three flexible oscillators
the sky’s the limit. The only downside is that
Thor is a complex synth, and although
Propellerhead have done a great job of
cramming it all into the iPad’s screen, it’s still a
pretty intense interface to work on, so newbies
should expect a reasonable learning curve.
Web www.propellerheads.se
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/thor-polysonic-synthesizer/id660195946?mt=
Roland JP-8000 (to which it does sound
surprisingly similar), this ditches the sub-
oscillators in favour of a seven-voice stacked
saw wave. So, set both oscillators to SuperSaw
and huge riff-tastic leads, lush pads and tasty
progressive tones are the order of the day.
Over 380 categorised patches make up the
preset library, accompanied by a handful of
arpeggiator presets, and there’s a built-in
recorder with AudioCopy, Dropbox and iTunes
support for exporting out into the wider world.
Web http://beepstreet.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sunrizer-synth/id443663267?mt=8
the latter including an arpeggiator and a couple
of X/Y touchpads, to which you can assign synth
(but not effects) parameters. Using both X/Y
pads with one hand is great for drumming up
sounds in real time, and although iMini doesn’t
support Audiobus, the iOS 7 version does
feature Inter-App Audio.
iMini enhances its hardware forebear while
retaining the latter’s fundamental limitations, so
you’d buy this synth for its filter, sound and
preset library rather than its feature set.
Web www.arturia.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/imini/id603340125?mt=8

Moog
Animoog £20.99
A polyphonic synth designed specifically for
iPad, Animoog centres on the wavetable-
inspired Anisotropic Synth Engine (ASE),
drawing on an array of Moog oscillator
waveforms, modular synth sounds and effects
(57 timbres in total). It’s all handled via an X/Y
interface, with eight timbres loaded into the
horizontal rows of the underlying grid. By
dragging the big green dot around, these can be
blended manually. However, two other modules
– Path and Orbit – enable you to animate the dot
so that the sound changes dynamically as each
note plays. This nifty setup is complemented by
a traditional multimode envelope filter, an
amplitude envelope, a mod envelope, an LFO, a
four-slot modulation matrix, a unison mode, plus
Virsyn
Cube Synth £6.99
Cube Synth is an additive instrument based on
VirSyn’s desktop instrument of the same name.
It features four sound sources with access to up
to 512 partials for each and a Spectral Morphing
engine for morphing between them. For each
sound source the detail editor enables editing of
level, pan position, attack, decay and noise level
for each partial or group of partials.
The great thing about Cube Synth is that you
don’t have to dig that deep to get surprisingly
creative. The first stop is the brilliant X/Y display,
which in Envelope Morphing mode lets you
define how the blend shifts between the four
sources. This can be further finessed using the
three multipoint envelopes (volume, X-axis and
Y-axis) found in the Envelope page. The
Wolfgang Palm
WaveGenerator
Designed by Wolfgang Palm, designer of the
original PPG Wave hardware synths of the 80s,
this synth bases its sound on a database of
waveforms, many sourced from the original PPG
Wave models. These waves are strung together
into wavetables, which you can move through
using modulation sources such as envelopes and
LFOs, creating complex, evolving sounds.
WaveGenerator also enables you to create your
own waveforms, and you can even convert
photos or your iPad’s camera feed into waves.
Each of the three oscillators has independent
access to the wave grid, which houses 256 waves.
The sound generation and manipulation
functionality is further enhanced by three noise
generators, a dual amplitude envelope, a low-pass
synthesisers <
drive, bitcrush and delay effects. Registering
the app also unlocks a 4-track audio recorder.
Animoog effortlessly handles edgy, direct
sounds and round, fat tones, but evolving pads
and textures are never far away, particularly
once you start messing with Path and Orbit.
Further modulation can be introduced by tilting
the iPad – the Accelerometer is available as a
source in the modulation matrix – and finger
position on the keyboard can be assigned as
polypressure, adding further creative options.
Web http://moogmusic.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/animoog/id471638724?mt=8
Brightness control acts like a global low-pass
filter, and if you don’t want envelope morphing,
simply switch to Manual Morph to create a
static source mix.
These core components are complemented
by an excellent arpeggiator/step sequencer and
seven effects (EQ, Phaser, Delay, Overdrive,
Ensemble, Chorus and Reverb). A library of over
400 presets ably demonstrates the flexibility of
the synth, while the randomise functions bring
a bit of patch-generating chaos to the party.
Web www.virsyn.net
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/cube-synth/id704213054?mt=8
filter, four LFOs, 13 envelopes and delay/reverb
effects. Then there’s a combo arpeggiator/step
sequencer called Arptor, and user-definable
keyboard scales. A good selection of
categorised presets is available, and individual
elements of presets (just the oscillators or filter,
say) can be loaded. WaveGenerator isn’t the
most visually appealing app we’ve ever seen,
and its depth can be daunting, but it sounds
fantastic, and its wavetable synthesis still feels
like an exciting journey into the unknown.
Web http://wolfgangpalm.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/wavegenerator/id554998576?mt=8
Computer Music special / 85
Essential iPad music apps
Samplers
Akai
iMPC £4.99
If you like the ‘rhythm programmer’ feel of Akai’s
MPC groovebox line, you should check out the
iMPC. It includes over 1200 samples, 80 editable
sequences and 50 editable programs for easy
out-of-the-box beat creation. This is
complemented by sample recording from the
iPad mic, line-in or your music library using a
rather nifty virtual turntable with pitch control.
Samples can also be flown in from other
compatible apps using AudioPaste.
iMPC works in Retronym’s Tabletop modular
environment, and tracks can also be exported to
MPC Software for use with compatible Akai
hardware such as the MPC Renaissance. For live
integration with other apps, it also supports
Inter-App Audio.
Cakewalk
ScratchPad HD £4.99
Cakewalk’s ScratchPad HD is a performance
loop player with its own categorised library,
further loops available via in-app purchase, and
audio import via Dropbox. It includes nine
playback modules, each offering various trigger
modes (Loop, One-Shot and so on). Further
playback options are accessed via the circular
panel and include the vinyl-style Stop, tempo-
based Stutter and waveform scrubbing
(Scratch). You can also control the Stop effect for
vertical stacks of modules collectively using the
controls at the top of the interface.
Selecting a module brings up its details in the
Inspector over on the left, where you can adjust
Level, Pan, Trigger type (Normal, Momentary
and Retrigger) and play mode (Loop or One-
Fotoh
Sample Lab £4.99
A typical rhythm programmer/sampler, Sample
Lab combines sample recording and import
(WAV, MP3 and iTunes library) with editing,
looping and pitchshifting/timestretching.
Rhythm programming is handled by an 8-track
step sequencer with per-track volume, pan and
pitch, and you get four global effects: Compress,
Distort, Cutoff and Reverb. The effects page is
also home to eight trigger pads.
Sample Lab includes a bank of 100 samples
to get you started, but it’s very easy to record
samples, then edit them and drag them onto
new sequencer tracks on the fly. Sequencer
track parts can be programmed manually or
recorded, and swiping each step marker gives
access to per-step parameters including pitch,
86 / Computer Music special
iMPC can handle four Programs at once (16
samples each) and includes various well-known
MPC performance features, including Note
Repeat, Time Correct and 16 Levels mode. The
last of these maps one sample across all 16 pads
for triggering with graduated attack, velocity,
length and tuning. Despite all this, with many
deeper features missing, including detailed
sequence pattern editing, full song creation and
sample slicing, hardened MPC users could feel a
little short-changed.
Web www.akaiprompc.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/impc/id584548447?mt=8
Shot). There’s also a resonant high-/low-pass
filter with X/Y trackpad.
ScratchPad is Audiobus-compatible, which is
good as it doesn’t include many effects. It also
includes an onboard recorder if you’d rather just
capture your performance and export it. It’s
quite good fun, although it’s decidedly lacking in
longevity thanks to its seriously limited feature
set. Dragging and dropping loops on the fly is
very slick, though, and overall, this a well-
designed but basic app.
Web http://scratchpad.cakewalk.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/scratchpad-hd/id631344273?mt=8
attack, level and pan, enabling beat-level
modification to each sequencer track.
Sample Lab makes good use of gestures for
drag, drop and zoom, making it easy to use.
However, although it includes MIDI in and out
and supports AudioCopy and AudioPaste,
there’s no real-time cross-app audio
connectivity, so for audio transfer you have to
run an audio mixdown and export that. If the
developer can sort out this omission, Sample
Lab could become a must-have app.
Web http://samplelabapp.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sample-lab/id400128932?mt=8

Marcos Alonso
Samplr – Touch the Music £6.99
Samplr takes an innovative approach to
sampling, using the multitouch capabilities of
the iPad to combine sampling and performance
in one app. It supports WAV and AIFF, audio
input recording and resampling, Dropbox
import, Audioshare and AudioCopy/Paste.
Samplr can handle up to six samples
simultaneously, each with eight-note polyphony
and its own tabbed page. The currently selected
sample appears in the larger waveform playing
area above, where playback is triggered by
multitouch, with volume levels determined by
the vertical finger position.
For each sample you have a choice of seven
playback modes: Slicer, Looper, Bow, Tape/
Scratch, Arpeggiator, Keyboard and Loop. All but
Peter Vogel
CMI Pro £34.99
A recreation of the groundbreaking Fairlight
Computer Music Instrument, CMI comes in two
versions, and you’ll need to splash our on the
Pro version (via IAP upgrade or full purchase),
which we’re looking at here, if you want the
full sampling spec.
The app uses the same system as the original
hardware, with up to eight voices (samples)
grouped in an instrument. This instrument then
forms the basis of the Page R 8-track song
sequencer. Everything is stored on virtual floppy
disks, including any audio you add, which can
include sampling directly via the iPad mic or
importing WAVs or AIFFs via iTunes file sharing.
One of CMI Pro’s best features, though, is the
inclusion of the original Fairlight sounds. These
Pierre Guilluy
Protein Der Klang £2.99
A performance-focused sampling app with an
icon-heavy interface, Protein Der Klang includes
a library of over 140 beats, basslines, synth lines
and effects that can be mapped across its nine
pad banks. These pad banks can be resized to
contain anywhere from two to 24 pads, and clips
are triggered by touching them. Sample
playback modes comprise Looped, One-Shot,
Toggle and Hold, and samples can be recorded
via the iPad mic or line-in, resampled from the
app’s own output or imported via iTunes file
sharing (although the last of these is limited to
16-bit WAVs).
Sounds are assigned from each pad to one of
three track streams, each of which is capable of
playing up to four simultaneous samples. Each
samplers <
the last of these make use of your finger
position to influence playback. Looper, for
example, loops sections between two finger
points, and you can build up a pile of loops by
adding further pairs of fingers. Some play
modes use markers, which Samplr
automatically assigns, but you can modify these
manually. Each sample also has access to five
effects – Distortion, Filter, Amplitude Modulator,
Feedback Delay and Reverb – as well as a simple
attack/release amplitude envelope.
Web www.samplr.net
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/samplr-touch-the-music/id560756420?mt=8
include the 8-bit series II and 16-bit series III
collections and total over 600 samples. Further
options include import/export of MIDI files,
compatibility with original Fairlight voice files
and AudioBus.
CMI Pro is designed to be a little quirky, much
like the rather ancient original, and thankfully
you can turn down the clunky disk sound effects
in the settings page. But don’t underestimate
this app, as it offers great insight into the origins
of sampling along with a truly classic sound set.
Web www.fairlightinstruments.com.au
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/peter-vogel-cmi-pro/id427747876?mt=8
stream features a set of playback manipulation
tools and effects, including onscreen scrubbing
of waveforms, slice, pause and a choice of five
effects (Crusher, Repeater, Delay, Phaser and
Low-Pass Filter).
Protein DK is very much a tempo-based app
and includes its own tempo and clock division
settings, plus the option to apply Varispeed-
style timestretching/pitchshifting to samples.
This, combined with the stream manipulation,
makes it an impressively creative application.
Web http://proteinderklang.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/protein-der-klang/id602066494?mt=8
Computer Music special / 87
Essential iPad music apps
Effects
Moog
Filtatron £5.49
A filter and effects processing app built around
the famous Moog ladder filter design, Filtatron
can run in low- or high-pass mode and offers
Cutoff, Resonance, Separation (stereo offset of
cutoff frequency) and wet/dry Mix parameters. It
supports Audiobus and JACK (but not Inter-App
Audio), and can take a signal from the line/mic
input, its own sampler or the built-in oscillator.
You can even blend all three of those signals
with the source level controls.
Onboard syncable modulators include an
LFO with five waveforms and an envelope
follower. Rounding things off are two effects,
Amp and Delay; the first delivers overdrive-style
distortion, while the latter provides a tempo-
syncable analogue-style delay with modulation.
IK Multimedia
AmpliTube £13.99
On Mac and PC, AmpliTube is a hugely
successful guitar amp, cabinet, pedal and effects
simulator. Its iPad incarnation is simplified in
terms of functionality, featuring a single
processing path of amp, cabinet (with mic
option) and four pedal slots.
It comes in various versions, including a free
one, and all of them can be upgraded in-app, not
only with additional amps, pedals and effects
but also with extra functionality. The biggest
add-on is AmpliTube Studio, an 8-track audio
recording, editing and mixing environment.
The basic paid version includes single-track
recording, the Loop Drummer player with its
very basic rock library, a tuner and a core
selection of gear (five amps, five cabs, two mics
4PocketsAudio
StompBox £13.99
StompBox is a guitar-focused multi-effects app
comprising 16 modules, a 4-track recorder and a
media player. The effects are accessed via a
scrolling rack with a pedal board at the top that
handles preamp settings, individual effects
bypass, the built-in tuner and patch storage. The
last of these is key to the app’s operation as a
guitar effects processor, as you switch between
banks and patches using the six pedals (six
patches per bank, hence the six pedals).
There are four banks of factory patches and a
further eight banks for user patches. If your
patch includes pitchshifting or wah-wah effects,
there’s also a swell pedal control on the left, and
all patches include volume control, also via the
swell pedal. 4Pockets offer a few extra rack
88 / Computer Music special
To aid live performance, Filtatron also includes a
pair of X/Y controller touchpads.
Unsurprisingly, given its heritage, Filtatron
sounds great and shows just how far you can
get with just a filter, a delay and a bit of bite.
Once you’re ready to capture some of that
magic, the sampler doubles as a recorder, and
Filtatron supports AudioCopy and AudioPaste
for sending audio files elsewhere. Nonetheless,
we’d love to see it become Inter-App Audio-
compatible as soon as possible.
Web www.moogmusic.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/filtatron/id396776418?mt=8
and 11 pedal effects). It’s also both Inter-App
Audio and Audiobus compatible.
In use, it’s all very slick and sounds truly
excellent. However, IK’s relentless expansion
pack sales pitching does overshadow things a
little, making them tantalisingly available
throughout the interface – accidentally clicking
one will have you in the App Store before you
know it. Nevertheless, for those willing to stump
up the cash, AmpliTube and its add-ons make for
an awesomely powerful tone-shaping setup.
Web www.amplitube.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/amplitube-for-ipad/id373750924?mt=8
modules via in-app purchase (Digital Reverb 2,
Metal Hammer, etc), and you can also download
the free version and upgrade that via IAP if you
want to try before you buy.
StompBox supports both Audiobus and
Inter-App Audio, so it also doubles as a great
guitar multi-effects rack for your iPad DAW.
There’s a lot to like here, and although we think
the process of removing and reordering
modules could be slicker, that doesn’t detract at
all from StompBox’s overall appeal.
Web www.4pocketsaudio.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/stompbox-free/id743843507?mt=8

Sugar Bytes
Turnado £13.99
Turnado for iPad is Sugar Bytes’ 1:1 port of their
Mac/PC VST plugin, but with the added benefit
of four X/Y controller pads that are used to
control up to eight effects (two per pad). It
comprises a whopping 24 effects modules,
ranging from Phaser and Filter to Stutter and
Vocodizer, and deep parameter editing is
available via their individual interfaces.
Connectivity includes Audiobus and JACK,
but not Inter-App Audio, and there’s built-in
compatibility with WaveMachine Labs’ Auria
DAW. You also get an integrated audio player
with a factory loop library, and a recorder for
capturing your performances. Cross-app
integration is rounded off with AudioCopy and
AudioPaste support.
Elephant Candy
LiveFX £5.99
LiveFX offers multi-touch control of up to four
simultaneous effects. The effects themselves
are grouped into four colour-coded banks along
the top and include all the usual suspects, such
as Low Pass, Pitch Shifter, Delay, Reverb, Phaser,
Flanger and Distortion, plus some more
wantonly creative DJ-style options – Looper,
Duck Compressor and Vinyl Break for the record
stop effect.
To achieve four simultaneous effects you can
only pick one from each bank, which is a bit of a
limitation, and there’s no deep editing of
parameters. However, LiveFX is all about the X/Y
pad, and using two or three fingers you can set
modulation between the pre-assigned
parameters to create dynamic effects. Hitting
iMusicAlbum
Master FX £7.99
Developers iMusicAlbum have designed Master
FX primarily for adding real-time, low-latency
effects to live input from guitar, vocals and
synths. However, since they’ve incorporated
both Audiobus and Inter-App Audio support, it
also makes for a nifty multi-effects device for
use with other apps.
The effects comprise 3-band parametric EQ,
Chorus, Flanger, Pitch Modulation, Delay, Reverb
and Compression, with a Limiter on the master
output. Modules are loaded into the six vertical
slots and there are various signal flow options to
choose from, including processing the left and
right stereo channels separately. Each effect
type shares a very similar parameter layout, so
it’s easy to get to grips with; but for quick results
effects <
Central to each effect is an assignable knob,
which can be mapped to simultaneously control
any number of that module’s parameters. Each
knob is also mapped to one axis of one of the
four X/Y pads. The final twist is Dictator mode,
which maps all eight effects to one fader for
manipulation of the whole lot at once. Turnado
is a surprisingly deep app with a wonderfully
simple front end, and it’s so much fun to use that
you can easily get lost just messing about with
the onboard loops.
Web http://sugar-bytes.de
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/turnado/id614418823?mt=8
the Lock button then retains these positions,
leaving you free to adjust other effects.
LiveFX is clearly inspired by Korg’s Kaoss Pad,
and if you just fancy jamming out some effects
using the onboard file player, you’ll certainly
have a lot of fun. However, with direct access to
your iTunes library, the iPad’s own audio input
or any Audiobus source, it’s also a viable
proposition for serious mobile production work.
The only real downside is the lack of Inter-App
Audio support.
Web http://elephantcandy.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/livefx-dj-effects-kit/id633477587?mt=8
there are module presets, too. Further global
presets store full signal flow and module setups.
Master FX includes an audio player and an
audio recorder. The various routing options
available enable you to capture the dry input,
mixed output or just the effected output, and
the player can be added to the mix before or
after the effects chain.
This app prioritises function over fancy
graphics, but it packs a tidy punch on the spec
front and definitely deserves your attention.
Web http://audio-mastering-ipad.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/master-fx/id688753840?mt=8
Computer Music special / 89
Essential iPad music apps
DJ apps
Native Instruments
Traktor DJ £6.99
The iOS version of Native Instruments Traktor is
undoubtedly the closest thing we’ve seen so far
to a true pro-level DJing app for the iPad. The
feature set makes it effectively a stripped-back
version of its desktop counterpart, offering a
basic yet deceptively powerful mixing setup
built around the same sync engine and effects
as Traktor Pro. Traktor DJ is more than just a
straight iOS port, however; its two scrolling
waveform decks, on-the-fly looping and X/Y
pad-controlled filters and effects make fantastic
use of the device’s touchscreen interface.
Unfortunately, while Traktor DJ’s beat sync
works brilliantly with electronic genres based on
quantised drum patterns, its scrolling
waveforms and beat grids struggle to cope with
Algoriddim
djay 2 £2.99
The first-generation iOS version of Algoriddim’s
djay ruled as the undisputed DJ king of the app
store for several years prior to the arrival of
Traktor DJ. In response to stiff competition from
NI’s stellar offering, not to mention a whole host
of other potential usurpers, Algoriddim rebuilt
the app from the ground up, resulting in djay 2 –
the finest version of djay we’ve seen on any
platform to date.
Whether djay 2 outdoes Traktor ultimately
comes down to personal taste; we reckon NI’s
app is slightly better implemented, but djay
certainly does some things better than its
closest rival. For one thing, djay 2 enables the
user to flip between vinyl- and waveform-style
views, making it instantly more appealing to any
MixVibes
Cross DJ £2.49
Cross DJ is an iOS reworking of French
developer MixVibes’ desktop application of the
same name. It’s certainly a quality app; MixVibes
have a long history of developing DJing
software, including Pioneer’s track management
system rekordbox, and that expertise is fully in
evidence here. These days, however, it would be
fair to say that Cross DJ for iPad is somewhat
overshadowed by djay 2. The two apps pack
near-identical feature sets and feel stylistically
similar, but Algoriddim’s offering is just that
slight bit slicker and better equipped.
What Cross DJ does have going for it,
however, is its sleek and easy-to-use interface,
which feels less cluttered and more intuitive
than those of many of its rivals. Its beat
90 / Computer Music special
fluctuating tempos such as those found in funk,
soul, rock, or pretty much anything featuring a
live drummer.
Traktor DJ’s best feature is that it syncs
bi-directionally with its desktop counterpart.
Track info, beat grids and cue points can be
shared from Traktor DJ to Traktor Pro (and vice
versa) via Dropbox, making the app both a
fantastic tool for existing Traktor users to plan
sets on the go with, and a great entry point into
the world of DJing with Traktor for novices.
Web www.native-instruments.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/traktor-dj/id592052832?mt=8
DJ who prefers not to drift too far from the
classic ‘two turntables and a mixer’ approach.
Additionally, it packs a 12-slot sampler and can
even sample from its own decks live.
The interface can feel slightly fiddly at times,
however, and navigating through your track
library can occasionally get a little confusing,
but djay 2 is compatible with an impressive –
and ever-growing – array of hardware MIDI
controllers, many of which can be used to
circumvent these minor gripes.
Web www.algoriddim.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/djay-2/id669196929?mt=8
detection and repitching engines are
impressive too, and its beat grid system makes
it easy to apply even detailed timing
adjustments when the app’s algorithms don’t
quite get it right.
Additionally, Cross DJ allows the user to
share mixes directly via Soundcloud, Facebook
and Twitter, so you’ll have no trouble getting
your efforts out there. It’s also compatible with a
wide range of controllers, although MIDI
compatibility requires an extra In-App Purchase.
Web www.mixvibes.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/cross-dj/id509520532?mt=8

IK Multimedia
DJ Rig for iPad £13.99
Over the past few years, IK Multimedia have
embraced the concept of iOS music-making
with more enthusiasm than any other developer.
Between their rapidly growing range of iOS-
ready controllers, interfaces and accessories,
and their impressive range of apps, IK seem to
be determined to develop an iOS product to suit
the needs of every musician. But while they’ve
no shortage of experience creating iPad music
apps, their entry into the iOS DJing market is
something of a mixed bag.
DJ Rig is a decent enough app, packed with
all the features required to mix tracks on your
iPad, all of which are fairly well implemented.
The problem, however, is that it doesn’t really
have any kind of unique selling point to set it
AppBC
d(--)b £0.69
This awkwardly named DJing app comes from
the developer behind the deeply impressive
Ableton controller app touchAble. At the time of
writing this review, d(--)b still feels like
something of a work in progress, albeit one that
shows a lot of potential.
Several important features – including MIDI
support and Audiobus compatibility – are yet to
be added, and the app’s beat detection engine is
still fairly hit and miss. The app is modular and
completely customisable, however, meaning
that users can effectively create their own
bespoke DJ or performance app with just the
elements and controls they need. It’s not too
hard to imagine how, given a few tweaks and
upgrades, this system could result in d(--)b
iMect
DJ Player Free
Possibly the most impressive thing about DJ
Player is the frequency with which developer
iMect releases updates for it. In the space of just
four years, the app has been updated no less
than 26 times, which is reassuring for those
looking for an application that’s constantly
evolving and developing (although it may be an
issue for those who don’t cope well with
change!). It’s also free to download, which is a
bonus, making it possible to road-test DJ
Player’s basic features before deciding whether
or not to splash out on the removal of ads and
the ability to upgrade features via the various
In-App Purchase options.
In terms of the app itself, following a recent
redesign DJ Player now boasts an attractive and
dj apps <
apart from its rivals. The full version is currently
priced higher than both Traktor DJ and djay 2,
making it a less attractive purchase than those
two contenders (although a restricted free
version is available too).
DJ Rig is at its best when used in conjunction
with IK’s pocket-sized iRig Mix, a simple
hardware mixer that can be combined with an
iPad to create a fun portable DJing setup. Still,
the app itself is in need of an update if it wants
to compete with the big boys.
Web www.ikmultimedia.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/dj-rig-for-ipad/id556542378?mt=8
becoming a truly fantastic app a little further
down the line.
The upside to its current unfinished state is
that for the time being you can get your hands
on d(--)b for the discounted price of just 69p.
The app can be tricky to get your head around,
and it feels a little frustrating in use, but that’s
perhaps to be expected at this stage. The fact
remains that there’s a lot of promise here, and –
particularly given how much we like touchAble –
we certainly hope AppBC keep working on it.
Web http://d--b.zerodebug.com/
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/d-b/id604112150?mt=8
easy-to-use interface. The beat analysis engine
is impressive, and the 11 built-in effects sound
pretty good too. DJ Player also offers four-deck
mixing and digital vinyl support, along with
plug-and-play compatibility with a variety of
MIDI controllers.
As an extra benefit to the hidebound and the
spendthrift, DJ Player will even run on first-
generation iPads, a feature that sets it apart
from the vast majority of quality mixing tools
available on the App Store.
Web http://djplayerapp.com
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/dj-player/id339810085?mt=8
Computer Music special / 91
Essential iPad music hardware

Peripheral
gear

92 / Computer Music special

 peripheral gear <

IK Multimedia
iRig Pro £120
IK Multimedia have released various audio and MIDI
interfaces, but what if you want a product that covers both of
these bases? Step forward the iRig Pro, a handy little box that
enables you to plug in a mic or guitar and a MIDI device.
Audio input is via a dual XLR/quarter-inch jack connector
that’ll accept line- and Hi-Z-level signals, while switchable 48v
phantom power means you can use a condenser microphone
if you so desire (a 9v battery is required to provide the juice
for this feature). A gain control for the preamp and a level
indicator LED are also onboard.
MIDI is taken care of by a minijack-to-5-pin DIN breakout
cable, so you’ll need a controller with a MIDI out port of this
type that can be mains- or battery-powered. It would be nice
to have an audio output (you’ll have to make do with your
iPad’s headphone socket), but the fact that you get 30-pin,
Lightning and USB cables in the box means you can plug this
device into any generation of Apple tablet or your Mac.
Offering 24-bit/44.1/48kHz performance, the iRig Pro is a
very useful if slightly pricey tool to have in your box.
Web www.ikmultimedia.com

Apogee
One £358
Apogee made their name creating high-end audio gear for professionals,
but in recent years they’ve brought their expertise to the home studio
and mobile music-making markets.
The One interface is a case in point: originally released for Mac, the
latest version can plug straight into an iPad, too (30-pin and
Lightning cables come in the box), and offers 24-bit/96kHz
performance. You can record up to two inputs simultaneously,
with XLR and quarter-inch instrument breakout cables
coming in the box.
Better still, the One actually has a condenser mic built
in. This isn’t going to replace your dedicated studio mic, but
if you’re a singer-songwriter who wants to record vocals and
acoustic guitar on the go, for example, it’s a great addition.
Other features include a multi-function controller knob, input/output
level meters, various indicator LEDs and a stereo output on a minijack
connector. One can be powered by two AA batteries or from the mains:
choose the latter option and your iPad will be charged, too.
The One is missing MIDI I/O – a shame given how flexible it is in other
areas – but in every other respect it’s superb. You’ll note the high price,
but this is a proper audio interface packed into a small case, not a cheap
and cheerful mobile peripheral.
Web www.apogeedigital.com

Computer Music special / 93

Native Instruments
Traktor Kontrol Z1 £169
As you’ll know if you’ve read our round-up of suitable apps
on p92 and tutorial on p72, playing your DJ sets using
nothing but an iPad is now a very real possibility, and one of
the very best tools for the job is Native Instruments’ Traktor
DJ. Great though it is, however, there’s no getting around the
fact that, if control is limited to your iPad’s screen and you’ve
only got a single headphones output to work with, you’re not
quite getting the full DJing experience.
But here comes the Traktor Kontrol Z1 – not just a
controller for NI’s app, but a 24-bit/96kHz audio interface,
too. Mapping automatically to the controls in Traktor DJ, the
Z1 effectively recreates a two-channel DJ mixer (complete
with crossfader), with each channel sporting gain and level
controls, 3-band EQ and a knob that can be switched
between controlling a filter and one of the app’s effects.
Furthermore, not only does the Z1 have stereo phono jacks
that you can use to hook up a pair of speakers, but there’s
also a dedicated headphone output for track cueing.
The only downsides are that you only get a 30-pin iPad
cable – so you’ll need an adapter if you have a Lightning
device – and that the Z1 has to be mains-powered. Other than
that, it’s a great piece of kit.
Web www.native-instruments.com
IK Multimedia
iKlip 2 £29.99
If your iPad spends most of its time sitting on a desk, a mic stand
mounting system might seem like a ridiculous idea, but for a lot
of musicians, having one makes plenty of sense.
The iKlip 2 does the job nicely, cradling your tablet securely in
its quick-snap clips (don’t worry – they don’t bite or scratch) and
being easily mountable onto any mic stand (either on the
vertical pole or the boom) up to half an inch in diameter.
If you use your iPad on stage – as an effects processor, sound
source or notation viewer, for example – or simply want to have
it right there in front of you when you’re recording vocals, guitar
or any other instrument, the iKlip 2 is an absolute winner. What’s
more, thanks to the ball joint positioning system, you can rotate
the iPad through 360 degrees, meaning that it can be viewed in
any orientation. You can adjust the angle, too.
One slight annoyance is that, if you have an iPad Air, you’ll
have to use the €12 adapters to make it fit (these should be
available by the time you read this), but there’s a dedicated
version for the iPad mini.
Web www.ikmultimedia.com

94 / Computer Music special

 peripheral gear <

Alesis
IO Dock II £149
Alesis released the original IO Dock in 2011, offering compatibility with the
original iPad, iPad 2 and (using an adapter) Apple’s third-generation tablet.
Times change, though, and the company recently announced the IO Dock
II – a similar product but one that, thanks to its interchangeable 30-pin and
Lightning connectors, works with all full-size iPads other than the iPad Air.
The device is a kind of ‘recording hub’, offering a slot to keep your iPad
in place and plenty of connectivity options. There are two combo XLR/
quarter-inch inputs (both with input gain controls), switchable phantom
power, a pair of quarter-inch main outputs and a dedicated headphones
output (again, both outputs have their own level controls). MIDI I/O is
supplied on 5-pin jacks and over USB.
The IO Dock is certainly a very neat solution. It does have to be mains-
powered, but the upside is that it also charges your iPad while you’re using
it. If you like the concept, the only thing that might deter you is the fact
that Focusrite have a similar product, the iTrack Dock, coming later this
year. This is compatible with all Lightning-equipped models (including the
Air), so you might consider waiting to see how it fares in comparison.
Web www.alesis.com

Blue
Spark Digital £170
The iPad’s built-in microphone is fine if all you need to do is make video
calls or record speech, but if you want to capture vocals or acoustic
instruments, forget it. Of course, you may already have a microphone in
your collection, in which case all you need is an iPad-compatible audio
interface that will enable you to plug it in – but if you haven’t, you might
want to consider the Spark Digital.
Now available in both 30-pin and Lightning versions (make sure you
get the right one for your iPad!), this is a condenser mic that you can plug
straight into your Apple tablet. It has an elegant and professional look and
feel, and comes with its own desktop stand/shockmount.
The Spark Digital also boasts its own headphone output, so you can
listen to what you’re recording directly and with zero latency. A multi-
function knob enables you to adjust the volume for this; it can be switched
to control the mic gain, too. There’s also the Focus control, which changes
the mic’s response and character, particularly in the low end.
Whichever setting you choose, the Spark Digital sounds rather good
and is an excellent choice if you want to make high-quality and varied mic
recordings but don’t need any audio inputs.
Web http://bluemic.com

Computer Music special / 95

Essential iPad hardware

MIDI keyboards
IK Multimedia
iRig Keys £74.99
IK Multimedia’s iRig brand is the most widely
recognised in the iOS music-making hardware
market, covering everything from audio and
MIDI interfaces to a Bluetooth pedalboard and
even a mini DJ mixer. iRig Keys is, unsurprisingly,
the keyboard member of the family, and it ticks a
lot of boxes for the iPad musician.
For a start, it’s small and lightweight, but
while many keyboards with the same
characteristics only give you 25 mini keys, iRig a sustain or expression pedal. 30-pin and niggle notwithstanding, iRig Keys offers a great
Keys offers 37. If you’re a keyboard player you’ll Lightning cables come in the box, which means balance between features, portability and
know that extra octave is invaluable, enabling you can connect the iRig Keys to any iPad playability. If you don’t get on with mini-keys,
two-handed playing. directly. It’ll hook up to your Mac or PC as well, check out iRig Keys Pro, which offers similar
You also get smooth and sturdy pitch and via a USB port. specifications but boasts three octaves’ worth of
modulation wheels, an assignable knob, octave The velocity-sensitive keys might feel ever so full-size keys.
and program up/down buttons, and an input for slightly spongy to the touch, but that minor Web www.ikmultimedia.com

Korg
microKEY 25 £59.99
With the nanoKEY, Korg were one of the first
companies to release a super-portable MIDI
controller keyboard. Unless you’re happy to play
flat, laptop-style keys with very little travel,
however, we’d suggest that the microKEY 25 is a
better bet.
As its name suggests, this is a 25-note
keyboard, so it’s best suited to those who want
to record beats, basslines, melodies and chord
progressions one hand at a time. That said, the
velocity-sensitive mini-keys feel a lot better than
some we’ve played, and you can skip between The microKEY 25 represents decent value for directly with your PC or Mac). There are similar
octaves with up/down buttons. Other controls money, but bear in mind that in order to plug it 37- and 61-note versions of the microKEY that
include a nicely weighted pitch/modulation into your iPad you’ll also need Apple’s Camera will hook up in this way, too, but have to be
joystick, a sustain button and an arpeggiator Connection Kit, which effectively adds a USB plugged in via a powered USB hub.
trigger button. port to your tablet (the keyboard will also work Web www.korg.co.uk

Line 6
Mobile Keys 49 £129.99
Line 6 made their name in the guitar market, but
they also had the distinction of being the first
company to come up with an iOS MIDI interface.
Releasing a pair of iPhone/iPad-friendly MIDI
controllers was a natural next step, and thus the
Mobile Keys was born.
The cheapest is the 25-note model, but we’re
focusing on the 49-note offering here as it’s a
great option for anyone who wants a good inputs. There are decent-sized pitch and mod
number of velocity-sensitive, full-size keys. This wheels, too, plus volume and pan knobs and
compromises the device’s portability somewhat, octave up/down buttons (some of these own a newer iPad, you’re going to have to shell
obviously, but this is a keyboard you can actually controls are assignable). out for a Lightning-to-30-pin adapter as well –
play properly, making it suitable for songwriting, The only slight issue is that, although the not the end of the world, of course, but it’s an
recording and – at a push – performing. Mobile Keys can connect directly to older iPads additional cost that you may conclude you’re
The good news continues round the back, and to any Mac or PC, it doesn’t currently ship not willing to pay.
where you’ll find sustain and expression pedal with a Lightning cable. This means that if you Web www.line6.com

96 / Computer Music special

 midi <

Akai
MPK mini £69
Akai make all kinds of MIDI controllers, but the
MPK mini is one of their smallest. It gives you
not just a 25-note, velocity-sensitive mini-
keyboard, but also pads, knobs and a few other
control options.
The pads are perhaps the most notable
inclusion: you get eight of them, though the fact
that you can switch between two banks means
you can make up to 16 assignments at a time
(assuming your app of choice supports MIDI
learn, that is). The pads are inspired by Akai’s studio levels of comfort on a device this small.
legendary MPC series, and have a nice feel to The keys themselves are reasonable to play, and
them when you’re playing or recording beats. you get dedicated octave up/down and sustain rounder. Be aware, though, that there’s no direct
Also assignable are the eight knobs. buttons. On the downside, there are no iPad connectivity – you’ll need the Camera
Depending on the girth of your fingers, these pitchbend or modulation controls, but if you can Connection Kit to hook this puppy up.
might feel a little fiddly, but you can’t expect do without these, the MPK mini is a nice little all- Web www.akaipro.com

CME
Xkey £89
The Xkey looks like it could be made by Apple,
sharing design similarities with the company’s
QWERTY keyboards. You’ll also notice how slim
it is: the 25 velocity-sensitive keys might be full-
size, but they have a very low profile.
This might make you think that the Xkey isn’t
much fun to play, but as long as you’re not
attempting super-fast passages – unlikely on a adjusting the amount of pressure you apply on
keyboard this size anyway – they’re actually the keys after you’ve triggered it, and all on a
pretty good. Crucially, the black keys are at least per-note basis. The pressure-sensitive
a little more raised than the white ones. pitchbend and modulation buttons are less to factor in the cost of a Camera Connection Kit
Perhaps the Xkey’s best feature is one that user-friendly, but the sustain and octave up/ if you want to connect it to an iPad), but it’s
can’t be seen: it supports polyphonic aftertouch. down buttons are self-explanatory and work certainly the most stylish. There’s real substance
This means that, providing your synth app well enough. behind the good looks, too, making it well worth
supports it (which some, such as Moog’s The Xkey might not be the cheapest two- your consideration if you’ve got the cash.
Animoog, do), you can change a sound by octave keyboard on the market (and you’ll have Web www.cme-xkey.com

Novation
Launchkey Mini £80
Novation are another company who have spent
years creating MIDI controllers that span sizes,
designs and price ranges, and the Launchkey
Mini is one of their most recent releases. Like
many products of its type, it connects directly to
your Mac or PC or to an iPad via Apple’s Camera
Connection Kit. samples, load your own and tweak effects, while
Like Akai’s MPK mini, the Launchkey Mini the Launchkey app is a synth. These can be
gives you a bit of everything: 25 velocity- used together, too.
sensitive keys, 16 illuminated velocity-sensitive Clearly, a great deal of thought has gone into
pads, eight knobs and a selection of buttons. making the Launchkey Mini a ‘complete’
There are no dedicated pitchbend/modulation solution – it certainly gives you a lot for your
or sustain buttons, but you do get octave up/ some fun straight out of the box, Novation give money. The build quality might not feel like the
down controls. you apps that are designed specifically for use toughest out there, but if you handle it with
Controls can be assigned in your favourite with the Launchkey Mini and other controllers in care, it can do plenty.
music-making apps, but if you want to have the range. The Launchpad app lets you trigger Web uk.novationmusic.com

Computer Music special / 97

> cm downloads
Downloads
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98 / Computer Music special
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Accompanying this Special is a collection of
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Computer Music presents

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